The 7 Best Platforms to Sell Food Online in 2025: Shopify, Goldbelly & More
Selling food online has never been easier, but choosing the right platform can make or break your success. Whether you’re a local farmer, a home-based baker, or a growing food brand, there’s a platform designed for your specific needs. The Food and Grocery sector offers massive reach for independent CPG brands (packaged, shelf-stable foods) through generalist platforms and specialized channels that curate artisan and gourmet goods. Success depends on selecting platforms that fit your product’s shelf-stability and target audience. Here’s a breakdown of the top options for selling food online in 2025.
| Platform | Buyer Scale (Monthly/Active Users) | Core Focus & Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | 310M+ active users globally | Highest traffic and volume potential for shelf-stable CPG. |
| Walmart Marketplace | ~480–500M monthly site visits | Value-driven CPG with lower referral fees than Amazon. |
| Etsy | ~95M active buyers | Handmade, artisan, and specialty food gifts. |
| TikTok Shop | ~47M social media shoppers | Viral, niche, and impulse-buy food items. |
| eBay | ~134M active buyers | Bulk, imported, and hard-to-find grocery items. |
| Kaufland (Germany) | ~32M monthly visits | #1 marketplace for Food and Drink in Germany. |
The US Landscape: Generalists and Specialty Food Platforms
The US market is dominated by the generalists that allow 3P sellers for CPG, alongside niche platforms for curated, artisanal products.
1. Amazon (Grocery & Gourmet Food)
Prime members are core to grocery shoppers. Key Features: Unmatched selection for shelf-stable CPG; offers both Seller Central (3P) and FBA logistics for non-perishables. Seller Pros: Highest traffic and volume potential; FBA can handle logistics for ambient goods; lowest entry barrier for most CPG sellers. Seller Cons: Intense competition and pricing pressure; high commission rates.
2. Walmart Marketplace
Key Features: 3P marketplace for non-perishable food and beverage; growing digital reach; WFS (Walmart Fulfillment Services) available for CPG. Seller Pros: Lower seller competition compared to Amazon; generally lower referral fees than Amazon for Food & Beverage. Seller Cons: Stringent pricing rules; focus is on value and mass-market appeal.
3. Etsy
Key Features: Specialized in handmade, artisan, and specialty food (e.g., small-batch sauces, chocolates, personalized food gifts, loose-leaf tea, coffee). Seller Pros: Access to a high-intent audience seeking unique, quality, and small-batch products; strong brand storytelling is encouraged.
4. TikTok Shop (US)
Key Features: Live and social commerce; focuses on viral, niche, and impulse-buy food items (e.g., trending snacks, unique coffee/drink mixes). Seller Pros: Excellent for new product launches and virality; low introductory referral fee (currently ~6%).
5. eBay
Key Features: 3P seller model for mass-market and specialty food; strong in bulk, imported, and hard-to-find grocery items. Seller Pros: Flexible listing formats (auction/fixed-price); a good option for bulk non-perishables.
The European Landscape: Independent Marketplaces
Europe offers a mix of dedicated food platforms and large general retailers who have opened their doors to independent CPG sellers.
1. Amazon (EU Stores)
Region: Pan-EU (UK, DE, FR, etc.). Dominant for ambient, shelf-stable CPG; FBA supports cross-border fulfillment for non-perishables. Seller Pros: Massive scale and pan-EU reach; existing infrastructure for compliance and logistics.
2. Kaufland (Marketplace)
Region: Germany (DE) + expanding across Central Europe. Seller Pros: #1 marketplace for Food and Drink in Germany; expanding quickly across CEE (Central & Eastern Europe).
3. Yumbles
Region: UK-based. Key Features: A highly specialized 3P marketplace for independent food and drink producers; focus on artisan and gourmet goods.
Ecommerce Solutions for Direct Sales
Shopify: A Great Option for Scaling
Shopify stands out as an excellent option for food businesses due to its user-friendly interface, robust features, and dedicated customer support. Even if you have limited technical knowledge, you can set up and manage your online store with ease. The platform offers a wide range of customizable templates and themes, allowing you to create a visually appealing and unique online store that aligns with your brand. Shopify integrates with various third-party delivery apps, making it easier to streamline your order fulfillment.
Ecwid: Efficient Ecommerce Solution
Ecwid’s super-friendly ecommerce platform gives you everything you need to help you grow your talent or skill into a profitable and efficient business. We don’t take transaction fees, so your profits stay where they belong—in your pocket. With Ecwid, you don’t need any experience with coding or web design. Run an Ecwid store on your own website, on popular social media platforms, or through marketplaces like Amazon or eBay.
How to Start an Online Food Business
As the Internet has set its foot firmly in our lives, people sometimes wonder if food could be sold online. Yes, food can be ordered or sold online. After stepping into the online food industry, you need to decide certain things. At first, you must decide whether you want to be an aggregator by selling food provided by different vendors or want to sell self-produced food.
Legal and Licensing Procedures
Before starting any business, you should go through legal aspects carefully. The rules and regulations for selling food online vary from one place to another. In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has specific guidelines that must be followed to ensure the safety and quality of food products sold online. All food products sold online must be accurately labeled with ingredients, nutritional information, and allergen warnings.
In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the governing body responsible for regulating and monitoring food safety standards. The FSSAI registration or license is mandatory for all food businesses, including those operating from home kitchens. It is essential to adhere to guidelines such as maintaining hygienic practices, proper labelling of products, and following food safety protocols.
Strategies for Success
- Identify Your Target Market: Understanding your potential customers and their preferences will help you tailor your offerings. Consider factors such as demographics, dietary preferences (vegan, gluten-free, etc.), and popular food trends.
- Create a Strong Brand Identity: A well-defined brand helps you stand out in a crowded marketplace and builds trust with customers. Share the inspiration behind your homemade food and your passion for cooking.
- Ensure Proper Logistics: Proper packaging is essential to maintain the freshness and quality of the food during transit. It is crucial to maintain proper food safety practices by storing, handling, and transporting food at appropriate temperatures.
