Best Selling Food Items (and non-food) at Texas Farmers’ Markets For 2022
Discover > Farm to Table Eating in Texas > Best Selling Food Items (and non-food) at Texas Farmers’ Markets For 2022
The State of Texas is simply buzzing with farmers' markets, which sell local produce such as vegetables, fruits, and meat products from nearby farms and ranches. You can also usually pick up homemade artisanal delicacies, making your farmers' market a curious foodie destination.
So, what exactly is a farmers' market? Basically, it's a designated location used by farmers, growers, and producers to sell foods and food products directly to consumers. Many of these markets in Texas are certified by the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Some products sold at farmers' markets include whole, uncut produce (such as fruits and veggies), meat products, canned items (e.g. salsas, pickles); and eggs. However, you can often pick up non-food items such as bath and beauty products, handicrafts, and other gifts. Unique things to sell at farmers markets that no one else is selling can give you a competitive advantage, but you need to verify a healthy demand first.
Unsurprisingly, selling at a farmer's market is much easier than setting up a regular store. Some vendors test the viability of selling their products or craft ideas to sell at farmer’s markets, while others consider these markets to be a reliable source of additional income.
If you plan on selling your products at a local farmers' market, there are a few things to consider. But most importantly, you must decide on what exactly you will sell, so you must put together farmer market ideas to establish what sells best at farmer’s markets.
To help you plan for your entrepreneurial venture, we've created a list of popular items at farmer’s markets and non-food items at Texas markets. So, what is the best seller at a farmers market?
What Can You Sell at a Farmers Market
Fruits and Veggies
But what is the best seller at a farmer’s market? Fresh vegetables and fruits are often quoted as the answer. If you've had a particularly successful growing season, then selling your extra produce at a farmers' market is a very sensible idea.
You can sell anything from apples, tomatoes, and carrots to more unusual fruits and veggies, which are less likely to be found in a supermarket. Fresh herbs and leafy greens are also common at these markets. In fact, all fruits and vegetables are farmers’ market best sellers.
Eggs, Milk, Cheese, and Meat
Meat products and eggs, especially locally sourced ones, can be very profitable items at farmers' markets. Dairy products are also in demand, with specialty cheese varieties being super popular items.
As more and more people turn to plant-based lifestyles, dairy-free cheese, and milk products also sell very well. And if you have raw milk, even better!
Bread and Baked Goods
Popular baked goods at farmer's markets include homemade bread, cookies, pastries, cakes, and pies. Often, when browsing a market, visitors will want to pick up a snack to munch on as they shop. So, make sure to have some irresistible treats on display for them to pick from.
So if you are looking for great pie makers across Texas. Check Out These Great Pie Makers Across Texas
If you have a portable oven, the smell of freshly baked goods can be the difference between potential customers walking by and a sale at your local farmer's market.
P.S. If you know someone who makes olive oil, think of a collaboration. Nothing tasted better than freshly baked goods dipped in some really good local Texas olive oil.
Beverages
Summertime is when farmers' markets are in their prime. On a sunny Texas day, many market-goers will be hunting for a refreshing beverage to quench their thirst and help them beat the toasty heat. Why not try selling some fruit coolers or freshly squeezed juices? Watermelon sodas are also a hydrating choice.
However, even in Texas, it can sometimes be more on the chilly side. A freshly brewed cup of coffee or a creamy hot chocolate is always welcome on a crisp winter morning. And let's not forget the booze! Some markets that open later may permit the selling and consumption of alcoholic beverages – craft beers, spirits, and wines – on their site.
Homemade Canned Goods
A major reason why people shop at farmers' markets is that they're looking for products (or quality) that they can't find at a conventional supermarket.
Visitors are oftimes searching for artisanal products made from scratch and prepared with love. This goes for canned goods as well. We're talking homemade jellies, jams, soups, preserves, pickles, olives, sauces, and more! Make sure that they're better than the ones found at your local grocery store.
Specialty Foods and Healthy Treats
Prepared food, specialty foods, and Healthy Treats are also a hit at farmers' markets. Prepared foods often include products inspired by international cuisines – French cheeses, Middle Eastern spices, Italian dressings, etc. At Woodlands Farmer's Market (a particular favorite of mine), you can find Filipino delicacies such as lumpia, which is a national spring roll dish. Many farmers' markets sell meals that are ready to eat from food trucks (more about that later), allowing you to tuck into some lunch during your market trip. Think Indian, Thai, Chinese, Korean, Mediterranean… you name it!
Missed your opportunity to try lumpia at the Farmer’s Market? Try checking out our list of Filipino food (What wine goes well with Filipino food?) joints in Texas to find some!
The presence of international dishes at farmers' markets also reflects the diverse range of communities residing in each Texas locality.
Honey
There are many beekeepers across the state, meaning locally produced honey is a common sight at many farmers' market. I mean, who doesn't love local honey?
Honey (how long does honey last?) comes in many different forms and flavors – lavender, chocolate, chili, and coffee are all possibilities! Raw honey is a delicious natural sweetener that comes with numerous health benefits. It helps soothe sore throat and coughs, is rich in antioxidants, and promotes burn and wound healing. So if you're a budding beekeeper or know someone who raises bees, selling honey is always a good way to earn some extra money at your local market.
You can even make some skincare products out of honey! Just make sure to place them in cute packaging to catch the eyes of passers bys which means more customers for your farmers market booth!
It's easy, sell honey, make money.
Local raw honey
If you can provide raw honey, then even better! Raw honey is in high demand due to the health benefits that are associated with it.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts (how long do nuts last?) and seeds (how long do seeds last?) are also well-loved market items. Sold in either pre-sealed packs or per ounce or pound, nuts are popular all year round, but especially at Christmas. Pistachio nuts and pumpkin seeds (how long do pumpkin seeds last?) are particularly good for snacking, and don't forget to hand out free samples to all of your potential customers! More free samples will equal more sales!
I mean, people are more likely to buy from food vendors and farmers market businesses when they have had a free sample.
Made-To-Order Dishes
Hamburgers, hotdogs, burritos, pizza slices, and barbecue meats – familiar comfort food needs no introduction. If you serve made-to-order meals at a farmers' market, then it's safe to say you will always have plenty of hungry customers.
Your Food Doesn't have to be complicated!
You can do kettle corn, popcorn, candied apples, baked corn, and other specialty items made from freshly grown produce and it will be a hit. So if you're thinking of things to sell to make extra money, you can start with the simplest things! You can even make smoothies out of fresh fruits and seasonal fruits to help fight the Texas heat.
Chocolates and Candies
Artisanal candies and chocolates are popular for all age groups. They can be purchased as a casual treat or a celebratory gift for special occasions, such as birthdays, Christmas, Valentine's Day, and Halloween.
And of course, packaging is also important! Having cute packaging and eye-catching packaging can make your products (although I don’t think how people wouldn’t be attracted to chocolate) stand out from the rest of the vendors.
Handmade Crafts and other Specialty Items not Found at a Local Grocery Store
Now if you think that having a farmers market business means selling food, then you're mistaken. Selling items like homemade soaps, outdoor plants, dog treats, crocheted items, beauty products, and your own wares can help you get that extra income.
Don't just get items from the dollar store though, make sure to sell real homemade products that you can do in your free time. handmade crafts, handmade items like hand-painted t-shirts, wood crafts, and other homemade items are a big attraction. Dog treats made from butcher by-products or from other agricultural items are big hits at a local farmer's market.
Now It's Your Turn to Sell at your Local Farmers Market
So, you've learned a little bit about what products are popular at farmers' markets. Now it's your turn to familiarize yourself with the local regulations and cottage food laws for selling agricultural and food products and preparing to sell at your very own local market with a farmers market stand.
People are more than willing to spend a bit more versus grocery stores because even though there are high prices, they will still be supporting small businesses.
For example, if you're planning to sell unprocessed, uncut produce such as fruits and vegetables, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) doesn't require any permits. However, if you want to sell cut tomatoes, leafy greens, and fruits such as melons, then a permit is a must-have.
Meats can be sold at farmers' markets if the animals were slaughtered at a licensed facility and the seller has the required permits. Similarly, fish can be sold if the seller has the correct permits, and the fisherman has a license from the Texas Park and Wildlife Department.
Once you've got all the paperwork sorted and you've familiarized yourself with the health department and all of the local laws, it's time to start selling! Make your local farmers' market a place to get some bucks for your fresh produce during market season.
For more information on how to become a farmers market vendor, click here!
However, even in Texas, it can sometimes be more on the chilly side. On a crisp winter morning, a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a creamy hot chocolate is always welcome. And let’s not forget the booze! Some markets that open later may permit the selling and consumption of alcoholic beverages – craft beers, spirits, and wines – on their site.
What else can you find at the Farmer's Market? Ingredients for making your own Korean BBQ! Check out our guide on what to prepare and how.
Do you enjoy eating freshly caught seafood like fish, shrimp, and crabs (What wine goes well with crab?)? Check out these 8 Markets To Buy Fresh Seafood From in Texas!
In need of hormone-free milk? Here are 5 Raw Milk Dairy Farms that are worth checking out in Texas.
