American consumers spend far more on food than they do other basic necessities like health care and insurance.
Food startups are an attractive market for technology investors, who are spending millions of dollars to fund food entrepreneurs’ dining business ideas that will feed hungry customers.
Opportunity is big in the food startup biz, which is why we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 food startups of the century.
Food Startups That Warm the Heart
1. Revolution Foods
Revolution Foods was founded in 2006 and has since blossomed into a very successful business.
Now serving 2,500 community schools and organizations since its inception, Revolution Foods has really taken off by providing healthy and delicious meals to kids.
The chefs at this food startup create menu ideas based on kid-approved recipes with culture and location in mind. Meaning, they enjoy creating dishes that are native to the region.
While they cater to students, meals don’t stop at lunch. Revolution Foods creates specialized menus for breakfast, lunch, snack time, and dinner. Huaraches food, for example, can count under revolution food. They’re all about using the highest quality ingredients and empowering a healthy lifestyle.
Food Startups That Fill the Tummy
2. Elements
If you’re moving (like, legitimately moving and working out), then Elements is for you. The food comes in a bag, and all you need is to add hot water and bring a fork!
The food startups’ recipes are made to fuel your body, so you can continue to be active and finish out the day strong. There’s absolutely zero prep time and the meals provide precise macronutrients your body commands.
Eat whenever, wherever – all thanks to its portable bag. Meals are compliant with all types of dietary plans and restrictions. Elements has dishes that are paleo, whole 30, and keto compliant – not to mention gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, etc.
3. Postmates
First, there was Grubhub and now there’s Postmates, a food delivery service that brings take-out, groceries, and alcohol to your door.
The best part? It’s all delivered within the hour of ordering.
Postmates operates in more than 2,900 cities. With Postmates Unlimited, users benefit from free delivery on all of their food- and drink-related needs for a small monthly fee.
4. Everyplate
You’ve heard of a little thing called meal kits, right? Well, they run on average $12 a person per meal. Yikes!
Everyplate is making these meal subscription kits much more affordable at $4.99 per person, per meal.
How can they keep the cost so low for consumers, you ask? They use less packaging in their boxes, plus simple ingredients to create diverse menu items.
There’s no commitment when it comes to Everyplate. The food startup is cheap for consumers, and they can still undercut others in the industry even by charging for shipping.
Food Startups for the Busy Body
5. Instacart
Those with incredibly busy lives will appreciate Instacart because of its home grocery delivery system.
Your delivery driver is also your personal shopper, and they’ve been trained to pick out the freshest produce and properly transport those delicate foods like bread and eggs.
Instacart shares exclusive coupons with their members, and they offer same-day delivery. Have a pet? You can get pet supplies delivered from Petco through Instacart.
The startup is practical because you don’t ever have to walk up and down the aisles or wait in long checkout lines again. Instacart currently delivers alcohol in 14 states and Washington D.C.
For a household menu maker (whoever does the shopping, food prep, and cooking), having the groceries delivered frees up precious time which is extremely valuable.
Wrapping Up
As you can see, there are so many diverse food startups that have hit the ground running and built a very prosperous company.
If you’re brainstorming or working toward a startup of your very own, be sure you’re actively promoting your business – but not before submitting your startup idea to us!
