Can I Start a Meal Prep Business From Home? A Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s say home cooking is having its moment. The meal prep business is hot, estimated at $28 billion by 2028. As more and more people are seeking quick, healthy meal options, there has never been a greater need for meal prep services. So, can I start a meal prep business from home? The short answer? Yes, but there are a couple of things to note first.

If you are a passionate home cook or an entrepreneur who wants to get into the industry, this guide will explain everything you need to know for a successful launch of your home-based meal prep business.

How to Start Your Own Meal Prep Business From Home

Starting a meal prep business is to ensure proper planning and compliance with local food regulations. Here’s a rundown of the main steps:

1. Get Your Business Permits and Licenses

Meal prep businesses require handling food, so you need to register your business and get most permits. The specific requirements differ from one state and city to another, but generally include:

You must decide if you want a sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation to operate your business.
Develop a business plan. You need to know your goals your pricing and your target audience.
Get small business funding, if necessary.
Obtain licenses and permits. Home-based food business regulation information can be found on your local health department website. Other states mandate that home kitchens be inspected and certified.

If you’re selling directly to consumers, you may also need food handler certifications or certain labeling on your products. As always, check the regulations in your area before you get started.

2. Preparing Meals From Home

While a home-based meal prep business means you’ll be using your own kitchen (unlike renting a commercial kitchen), legal and safety considerations must be made.

A handful of States have what are known as cottage food laws that permit small-scale food production from within the home. Others limit what can be sold or require certain labeling, such as

“Made in a Home Kitchen” disclosures on packaging.
Limitations on certain ingredients (e.g., dairy, meat, or perishable foods).
Family members help with production instead of outside employees.

If your state doesn’t allow full meal production from home, you might need to prepare non-perishable items (like dry meal kits) or rent occasional commercial kitchen space. Check with your state’s health department to ensure compliance.

3. Choose a Niche

Because there are so many meal prep businesses, finding your niche separates you. Consider:

Dietary-specific meals (keto, vegan, high-protein, diabetic-friendly).
Meal subscription plans for busy professionals, parents, or fitness enthusiasts.
Low-cost meals are consumed every day by customers wishing to eat home-cooked food without the fuss.

Specialization builds brand recognition and ensures that your marketing efforts are reaching the right audience.

4. Find Reliable Ingredient Suppliers

Since your ingredients define your product quality, you’ll need to partner with reliable suppliers. Options include:

Local farmers’ markets for fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Wholesale distributors of dry grocery staples.
Specialty suppliers for organic or niche ingredients.

Compare pricing, minimum order quantities, and food safety standards before committing to a supplier.

5. Select a Business Model

Your meal prep format will determine your workflow and pricing. The most common types of meal options include:

Meal Kits: Pre-proportioned ingredients along with instructions for recipes Perfect for those who love to cook but prefer the convenience of pre-measured ingredients
Fully Prepared Meals: Meals that require only reheating for customers. Especially well-liked by busy professionals and health-conscious consumers.

Additionally, decide whether you’ll offer:

One-time orders (flexible, but less predictable revenue).
Subscriptions (steady income, but requires a loyal customer base).

6. Streamline Your Packaging

Proper packaging ensures food stays fresh and arrives intact. If delivering meals, invest in:

Sturdy, leak-proof containers to prevent spills.
Insulated cooler bags and ice packs for temperature control.
Clear labeling with ingredients, storage instructions, and any allergens.

If selling meal kits, include detailed cooking instructions to enhance the customer experience.

7. Find a Reliable Delivery Solution

If you’re handling meal delivery, consider:

Local delivery drivers (similar to Postmates or DoorDash).
Third-party courier services (UPS, FedEx for regional shipping).
Self-delivery (for local orders within a manageable radius).

To expand delivery without the hassle of managing drivers, Prepped’s software integrates with delivery services, optimizing routes and ensuring on-time drop-offs.

8. Invest in High-Quality Food Photography

Your meals need to look as good as they taste to attract customers. Professional food photography can significantly boost sales. Consider:

Natural lighting to enhance colors.
Simple backgrounds to keep the focus on the food.
Multiple angles to highlight texture and portion sizes.

If photography isn’t your forte, hiring a professional might be a worthwhile investment.

9. Use a Meal Prep Software Like Prepped

Instead of juggling spreadsheets and manual order tracking, Prepped offers an all-in-one software solution designed for meal prep businesses.

With Prepped, you can:

Automate orders & subscriptions – No more manually tracking customer orders.
Manage rotating menus – Easily update available meals each week.
Streamline delivery logistics – Integrated delivery tracking for hassle-free fulfillment.
Custom branding – Maintain a branded mobile or web ordering system.

Prepped simplifies the entire process so you can focus on creating great meals, not administrative work.

10. Develop a Marketing Strategy

Promote to at least one customer online & offline:

Social Media Marketing: Post pictures of your meal, behind-the-scenes videos, and customer testimonials.
Email & SMS Campaigns: Make customers aware of new menu items, discounts, or special promotions.
Content Marketing: Blog about meal planning, nutrition tips, or home cooking hacks.
Local Advertising: Advertise in gyms, community centers , and farmers’ markets.

Remain consistent, keep your messaging on point, engaging, and in tune with your brand

11. Evolve With Customer Feedback

Want to keep your customers coming back? Listen to their feedback.

Monitor social media & reviews – See what people are saying about your meals.
Send customer surveys – Ask what they love and what could be improved.
Engage directly – Respond to feedback and show customers you value their input.

Adjust your menu, pricing, or packaging based on customer preferences to stay competitive.

FAQs: Starting a Meal Prep Business From Home

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Meal Prep Business?

Startup costs vary from $2,000 to $50,000, depending on scale, packaging and delivery logistics. Running from home can be a great way to cut costs by getting rid of commercial kitchen rentals.