Cooking affiliate programs are a great way to make money from your audience – but you need to promote the right programs to maximize your earnings.
Take it from us – we have 10+ years of experience earning big commissions in many niches.
To help you make more money, we’ve analyzed hundreds of cooking affiliate programs and found 15 of the most lucrative companies to promote.
Cooking Affiliate Programs
| Program | Commission | Cookie |
|---|---|---|
| YesChef | 25% | 30 days |
| Blue Apron | $15 – $75 / 20% | 30 days |
| Green Chef | $3 – $15 | 7 days |
| Dinnerly | $10 | 30 days |
| HelloFresh | $10 | 14 days |
| EveryPlate | $5 | 30 days |
| Home Chef | $10 | 30 days |
| KitchenAid | $5 | 30 days |
| Zwilling | 2% – 6% | 14 days |
| Sur La Table | 4% | 30 days |
| Stonewall Kitchen | 5% – 8% | 15 days |
| ButcherBox | $20 | 30 days |
| Snake River Farms | 10% | 30 days |
| Piquant Post | 10% | 30 days |
| Laconiko | 10% | 30 days |
1 YesChef
Niche: Online cooking classes
Commission rate: 10%
Cookie duration: 30 days
Affiliate network: Awin
Markets: US, AU, NZ
Payment methods: Check, Direct Deposit, Wire, Payoneer
Payout threshold: $50
Additional benefits: Monthly sales bonuses, opportunity for increased commission rate
Signup link: YesChef affiliate program
YesChef is a streaming platform with cooking classes from well-known chefs like Jamie Oliver, Francis Mallmann, and Nancy Silverton.
Depending on the membership type, the 10% one-time commission can bring in sizable earnings. They offer monthly, annual, and lifetime options – you’ll only get a few bucks from a monthly signup, but the earnings can add up if your audience goes for the more expensive plans.
The monthly sales bonuses and the chance for an increased commission rate can also boost earnings.
So, why should you promote YesChef over other online cooking classes?
Two things set YesChef apart in the crowded online cooking school market: the celebrity chef lineup and cinematic, documentary-style content.
If you promote YesChef, these elements should be at the forefront of your content. It’s not just a cooking class but an experience that takes you into the minds and history of some of the world’s greatest chefs. If your audience wants that, YesChef can earn some solid revenue.
Note that reviews from subscribers said the cooking was hard to replicate in a typical kitchen, and the subscription wasn’t easy to cancel. There are also only 40 hours of video content, and it’s unclear how often they add new classes.
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2 Blue Apron
Niche: Meal kit delivery
Commission rate: $15 for new registration | 20% on gift card purchases | $75 for new subscriber | $15 for new subscriber on iOS
Cookie duration: 30-45 days
Affiliate network: CJ
Markets: US
Payment methods: Check, Direct Deposit, Payoneer
Payout threshold: $50
Additional benefits: Dedicated affiliate team
Signup link: Blue Apron affiliate program
Blue Apron is one of the best opportunities for cooking affiliates.
This meal kit delivery service caters to a broad range of food preferences, which means most of your audience may be interested. And their affiliate program offers $15 for new registrations, a 20% commission on gift card purchases, and a standout $75 commission for each new paying subscriber.
These high-paying commissions are the best we’ve seen in the meal kit delivery niche, and given Blue Apron’s quality and broad appeal of the product, this could quickly become your top-earning affiliate program.
Pricing is reasonable at $7.99+ per serving, which is mid-range for meal kits. They also entice people with a substantial discount for your first few boxes, which results in higher conversion rates and order values.
The main downside is that Blue Apron only operates in the US. Choosing a global competitor like HelloFresh might be smarter if you have a significant non-US following.
👉 See also: The high commissions make Blue Apron an excellent newbie program. If you’re new to affiliate marketing, check out our list of the best affiliate programs for beginners.
3 Green Chef
Niche: Organic meal kit delivery
Commission rate: $15 commission on the eligible first sale (subscription), $3 per sale for sites dedicated to coupons/discounts
Cookie duration: 7 days
Affiliate network: CJ
Markets: US
Payment methods: Check, Direct Deposit, Payoneer
Payout threshold: $50
Additional benefits: Affiliate discounts to drive conversion volume, banner ads, logos, and other marketing creatives available
Signup link: Green Chef affiliate program
If you have a health-conscious audience, Green Chef is an excellent opportunity. They sell USDA-certified organic meal kits for keto, paleo, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and Mediterranean diets.
We analyzed their website, and they put a lot of effort into conversion optimization. The first boxes have a steep discount, including a 60% discount for the first week. They also give free nutrition coaching sessions that double as a one-on-one sales opportunity.
The conversion rate should be decent, and the flat $15 commission means you’ll earn a lot even if people cancel after the discount runs out.
The main downside is their 7-day cookie duration. Though the relatively low cost means many people should convert quickly, you may lose some commissions for people who convert after the cookie expires.
👉 See also: If you’re looking for more affiliate programs for health-conscious eaters, check out our list of the best nutrition affiliate programs.
4 Dinnerly
Niche: Meal kit delivery
Commission rate: $10 per signup
Cookie duration: 30 days
Affiliate network: Awin
Markets: US
Payment methods: BACS, Wire transfer, Direct deposit
Payout threshold: $20
Additional benefits: Bonus payments
Signup link: Dinnerly affiliate program
Dinnerly’s combination of low-cost meal kits and a $10 commission per subscriber make this program a win for cooking affiliates.
Their introductory price gets as low as $2.99 per serving. If you can convince your audience to try them out – which shouldn’t be too hard at a price that low – you’ll earn a lot even if most referrals don’t stay subscribed.
They offer 100+ recipes weekly, with meal options including family-friendly, vegetarian, vegan, fast, healthy, and reduced-carb. They also provide ready-to-heat meals, desserts, and breakfasts. With that much variety, most of your audience should find enough appealing meals to try them out.
The bonus payments are also a benefit for affiliates, though it’s unclear how much of a bonus you’ll get.
5 HelloFresh
Niche: Meal kit delivery
Commission rate: Starting at $10
Cookie duration: 14 days
Affiliate network: In-house affiliate management
Markets: US, AU, NZ
Additional benefits: Personalized discount codes, Top publishers get attractive bonuses, Opportunity to increase commission rate
Signup link: HelloFresh affiliate program
HelloFresh is the world’s most popular meal kit service, with 50% of the global market share. Their commissions start at $10 per subscriber and can increase depending on performance.
The brand recognition alone is a great reason to promote HelloFresh. Most of your audience will have heard of them, which means they’re more likely to convert when you refer them.
They’re a global brand that operates in 15+ countries, which means you can earn commissions from a non-US audience. This is a significant advantage vs. Blue Apron, which is US-only.
You’ll also get personalized discount codes and performance bonuses, and their enticing signup offer of “free dessert for life” should boost conversions.
If US residents dominate your audience, you’re probably better off with Blue Apron’s higher commissions. But if you have a more diverse following, HelloFresh may earn more overall.
👉 See also: We don’t just cover cooking affiliate programs. We also have a list of food affiliate programs your audience might be interested in.
6 EveryPlate
Niche: Meal kit delivery
Commission rate: $5 USD on first sale (US), $15 AUD on first sale (AU)
Cookie duration: 30 days
Affiliate network: CJ (US), Impact (AU)
Markets: US, AU
Payment methods: Check, Direct Deposit, Payoneer
Payout threshold: $50
Additional benefits: Deep linking, dynamic banners, and increased commissions
Signup link: United States, Australia
EveryPlate is another budget meal kit service with options for meat eaters, vegetarians, and everyone in between.
The big win here for US affiliates is the combination of their intro offer and the flat $5 commission.
In the US, EveryPlate offers an introductory price of $1.49 per meal for the first week. This is the lowest intro cost we’ve seen in meal kit delivery, and many newcomers will try it because the price is cheaper than any food they’ll get at the grocery store.
Their Australian affiliate program has similar benefits. Intro prices are as low as $2.19 AUD per meal, and you’ll get $15 AUD per new subscriber and $3.75 AUD for each former customer who reactivates their plan.
A high number of referrals could generate a lot of income – potentially more than Dinnerly if you qualify for increased commissions.
They also do a lot to help affiliates. You can use deep linking to send people directly to recipe pages via affiliate links, and banner ads let you passively promote them on your website.
7 Home Chef
Niche: Meal kit delivery
Commission rate: $10 on first sale
Cookie duration: 30 days
Affiliate network: CJ
Markets: US
Payment methods: Check, Direct Deposit, Payoneer
Payout threshold: $50
Additional benefits: Performance bonuses, available creatives include extra logos, marketing artwork, and banner ads
Signup link: Home Chef affiliate program
Home Chef is a solid program if you can’t get accepted by Blue Apron or HelloFresh. It’s another meal kit service with broad appeal, and the $10 commission – while worse than Blue Apron – is still decent.
The standout feature is their Customize tool, which lets you increase or change the protein in your meals. Home Chef is a good option if your audience wants more control over their meals.
Other upsides include performance bonuses and marketing creatives for affiliates. They also offer a slight discount for new subscribers, a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and a “What Kind of Chef Are You?” quiz on the homepage, which can boost conversions and give you more commissions.
CJ Affiliate is also a great affiliate network. They share detailed earnings per click (EPC) information and have over 20,000 programs. Read our CJ Affiliate review for more on them.
8 KitchenAid
Niche: Kitchen appliances
Commission rate: 5%
Cookie duration: 30 days
Affiliate network: CJ
Markets: US
Payment methods: Check, Direct Deposit, Payoneer
Payout threshold: $50
Additional benefits: Exclusive payouts, monthly consumer offers, new release announcements and offers
Signup link: KitchenAid affiliate program
KitchenAid is an excellent option if you have a community of heavy kitchen users. With an average order value (AOV) of $103 and a 5% commission rate, you’ll earn an average of over $5 per referral.
They sell countertop appliances – such as stand mixers, blenders, and food processors – and larger appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, and dishwashers.
Their brand recognition is a big selling point. Many people know KitchenAid, so you won’t have to sell your audience on a brand they’ve never heard of.
This program can be particularly lucrative if you promote stand mixers or large appliances. The stand mixer is seen by many as the industry standard, and you can earn commissions between $12.50 – $40+ for a mixer sale.
The commission rate is also great for large appliances. There are few reputable kitchen appliance dealers, and many offer poor commission rates. Best Buy only offers 0.5%, and Home Depot offers 1%. KitchenAid’s 5% rate can earn $200+ from a single sale.
The 30-day no-hassle return policy and manufacturer’s warranties remove buying friction on large purchases, boosting your conversion rate.
9 Zwilling
Niche: Kitchen products
Commission rate: 2% – 6%
Cookie duration: 14 days
Affiliate network: CJ
Markets: US, CA
Payment methods: Check, Direct Deposit, Payoneer
Payout threshold: $50
Additional benefits: Dedicated affiliate team
Signup link: United States, Canada
You should promote Zwilling if you have an audience interested in higher-end cooking accessories.
They’re a German company that has been selling kitchen essentials since 1731. Knives are their flagship product, but they also own several respected brands specializing in different cookware tools.
With an AOV of $150, their products aren’t cheap, but the 6% commission means you’ll earn an average of $9 per referral. If you sign up for the Canadian affiliate program, you’ll only get a 2% commission.
The 14-day cookie duration isn’t the longest, but you should get a conversion boost from their discount pop ups, loyalty program, free shipping on orders over a certain amount, and hassle-free return policy.
10 Sur La Table
Niche: Kitchen products
Commission rate: 4%
Cookie duration: 30 days
Affiliate network: Ascend by Partnerize
Markets: US
Payment methods: Paypal, direct deposit, check for USD
Payout threshold: $30
Additional benefits: Banner ads, coupon codes
Signup link: Sur La Table affiliate program
Sur La Table is a large kitchen retailer with 50+ stores across the United States.
This is another great program if your audience wants high-end stuff for their kitchen. They sell 5,000+ products from quality brands like Le Creuset, Cuisinart, Vitamix, and Breville.
The 4% commission rate is on par with major competitors like the Amazon affiliate program, which offers 4.5% on kitchen products. Sur La Table doesn’t share AOV, but with some products costing thousands, you can earn quite a lot from a single referral. The 30-day cookie duration also gives you plenty of time for people to think about their purchases before buying.
The in-store aspect has upsides and downsides for affiliates. Customers can choose to pick up online purchases at their nearest store, which can boost conversions. However, they may also decide to check out the product in-store, meaning you don’t get a commission.
To increase conversion rate and AOV, they offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount, a discount with email signup, a rewards program, frequent sales, a 30-day return policy, and a limited lifetime warranty on all products.
11 Stonewall Kitchen
Niche: Gourmet food
Commission rate: 5% – 8%
Cookie duration: 15 days
Affiliate network: Rakuten
Markets: US
Payment methods: Check, Direct deposit, PayPal
Additional benefits: Deep linking
Signup link: Stonewall Kitchen affiliate program
Stonewall Kitchen has sold award-winning gourmet foods since 1991, including baking mixes, beverages, oils, condiments, sauces, jams, and more. They also sell cooking tools, home goods, and personal care items.
This unique program won’t work for all cooking affiliates, but it’s a good option if your audience is interested in off-the-wall foods. There are a lot of products you won’t find on Amazon or at your local grocery store.
Prices are relatively low compared to other retailers on this list – many of their most popular items cost less than $10, though some home and kitchen items cost $50+.
The 5% commission and low item prices mean AOV may be lower. However, their offer of free shipping over $99 should boost order values, and someone buying many food products at once can bring in a hefty commission.
The program’s use of the Rakuten affiliate network is a nice benefit. It’s a well-respected network running for nearly 30 years, so you won’t have to worry about receiving payment.
12 ButcherBox
Niche: Premium meats
Commission rate: $20
Cookie duration: 30 days
Affiliate network: Impact
Markets: US
Payment methods: Direct deposit, PayPal, Wire transfer
Payout threshold: $10
Additional benefits: Deep links, unique promo codes
Signup link: ButcherBox affiliate program
ButcherBox is a subscription service that ships sustainably sourced meats to customers’ homes.
This affiliate program is a good option if your audience is wealthy, strapped for time, and loves meat. You’ll get $20 per signup, and your referrals get beef, chicken, pork, or seafood delivered monthly.
Unlike meal kit services, ButcherBox only delivers meat – the customer must decide what to do with it. The one-time commission seems like a good deal in this situation, as some people may subscribe for a month and then stop due to the need to figure out what to cook.
You also get a generous 30-day cookie window, deep linking, and unique promo codes.
There are some downsides, though. If you read their reviews, many people say they’re over-priced compared to local meat providers, and the boxes sometimes arrive underweight.
13 Snake River Farms
Niche: Meats
Commission rate: $20
Cookie duration: 30 days
Affiliate network: Impact
Markets: US
Payment methods: Direct Deposit, PayPal, Wire Transfer
Payout threshold: $10
Additional benefits: Monthly sales incentives, Dedicated affiliate manager
Signup link: Snake River Farms affiliate program
If your audience likes meat, Snake River Farms (SRF) is a great company to promote.
They sell American Wagyu beef and Kurobuta pork products from cows and pigs raised on small family farms. These meats sell at a higher price than regular meats because they’re juicier, healthier, and more tender.
The 10% commission rate is attractive – most of their meats cost $50 or more, so referrals generally earn between $5 and $45. The AOV is boosted by promotions, free shipping on orders over a certain amount, and a loyalty program where customers earn points based on their spending.
So, what sets this company apart from other online meat sellers?
SRF is one of the only grocery delivery companies that sells premium meats exclusively. Most competitors offer many other foods, and SRF’s focus on high-end beef and pork strengthens their brand as the go-to source for gourmet meats, which can boost conversion rate and help you earn more money.
Add monthly sales incentives and a dedicated affiliate manager, and you have a great program.
14 Piquant Post
Niche: Spices
Commission rate: 10% on first sale
Cookie duration: 30 days
Affiliate network: Awin
Markets: US
Payment methods: BACS, Wire transfer, Direct deposit
Payout threshold: $10
Payout frequency: Monthly
Additional benefits: Creative banners, responsive affiliate management team accessible via email
Signup link: Piquant Post affiliate program
Piquant Post is a spice delivery subscription on the Awin affiliate network that cooking affiliates can promote alongside more robust meal delivery services.
This is an excellent opportunity if your audience tends to be adventurous with their cooking. Subscribers receive four exotic spice blends and recipes monthly, letting them cook new meals they otherwise wouldn’t have attempted.
It probably won’t be your highest-earning affiliate program – you’ll get a 10% commission on the first payment, which is less than $2 for the monthly subscription – but it addresses a unique cooking niche that you’re likely missing out on.
To increase conversions, Piquant Post offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee and the ability to cancel a subscription anytime. The 30-day cookie duration also provides plenty of time for referrals to decide whether to buy.
15 Laconiko
Niche: Olive oil
Commission rate: 10% on first sale
Cookie duration: 30 days
Affiliate network: ShareASale
Markets: US
Payment methods: Check, Direct Deposit, Wire, Payoneer
Payout threshold: $50
Additional benefits: Bonus payouts, vanity links for custom placements
Signup link: Laconiko affiliate program
Laconiko sells award-winning extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Their oil is high in polyphenols, which many people value for health benefits.
This is a great product to promote if you have a health-conscious audience. You get 10% on all referred sales – this could be around $3 for a standard oil bottle or $60+ if someone buys one of the more expensive bundles.
Aside from the health angle, promoting Laconiko has quite a few upsides for affiliates:
- They’ve earned over 400 awards, including a #1 global olive oil ranking in 2022. The website promotes this heavily, which can make referrals more likely to buy.
- Prices are in the mid-range compared to competing oils. Buyers who do their research will find that attractive, and the 30-day cookie period gives them time to decide.
- They offer a 30-day return policy for unopened products, which can reduce buying friction and increase sales.
All of this adds up to a great brand with a quality product that can easily win over the customers you send to them.
How We Chose the Best Cooking Affiliate Programs
There are hundreds of cooking affiliate programs out there. How do you know which is the best to promote?
Here are some of the things we considered when making our selections:
High-Earning Programs
While commissions aren’t everything in affiliate marketing, they’re a significant factor in our decision process.
We focus on programs with high commission rates, as these directly impact how much you earn per sale. For example, YesChef offers a solid 25% commission rate, while Blue Apron gives up to $75 for each new subscriber. Affiliate programs with recurring commissions are also great, though we didn’t find solid options in the cooking niche.
We also look for programs with great affiliate perks, like performance bonuses, higher commission rates for top earners, and exclusive discount codes. These extras can boost your overall earnings.
Another critical factor is the average order value. Programs with higher AOVs, like KitchenAid ($103) and Sur La Table (which sells high-end products), can lead to big commissions, even with lower commission rates.
Cooking Niche Relevance
To get the most conversions and long-term success, promoting products that match your audience’s interests is crucial. We’ve included programs that appeal to many cooking niches and dietary preferences so everyone can find relevant programs.
For instance, Green Chef caters to health-conscious audiences with its organic meal kits, while ButcherBox is perfect for meat lovers who want high-quality, sustainably sourced products.
We also looked for programs with a wide range of products within the cooking niche. Affiliates promoting KitchenAid or Zwilling can recommend a wide range of kitchen tools and appliances.
Company Reputation and Longevity
Partnering with well-known companies is vital to maintaining your audience’s trust and ensuring steady income. You don’t want to throw all of your promotional energy into a new company only to have it disappear in a year or two.
That’s why we prioritize programs from reputable brands with a strong track record in the cooking industry.
For example, companies like HelloFresh, Blue Apron, and KitchenAid have built solid reputations over time, giving both affiliates and consumers confidence. Promoting products from trusted brands can lead to higher conversion rates and fewer commission-canceling refunds.
In our selection process, we even look at reviews on Trustpilot, Google, and other platforms to see if people take issue with each company’s products or service.
We also consider how long each affiliate program has been around. Programs running for several years show the company’s commitment to its affiliates and the partnership’s sustainability.
Why Promote Cooking Affiliate Programs
If you’re looking for a profitable affiliate niche, cooking affiliate programs are a great option. Here’s why:
The cooking niche is evergreen. People need to eat, and someone has to cook the food. There will always be a market for cooking products, which means you’ll have a steady stream of potential customers.
Meal kits are taking off. Meal kit delivery services are becoming more and more popular. The U.S. meal kit market is expected to grow by over 6% annually, reaching $7.23 billion by 2028. If you promote meal kit affiliate programs, you can tap into this growing trend.
There’s something for every diet. With so many different dietary preferences, even niche cooking companies can have a broad appeal. Whether you focus on organic ingredients, unique spices, or specific types of meat, you can build a thriving affiliate business by targeting these niche markets.
Complementary to other niches. You don’t have to limit yourself to just the cooking niche. Cooking affiliate programs can easily fit into related niches like fitness, health, food blogging, or lifestyle content.
High commissions are common. Cooking equipment and appliances often come with a high price tag, which means higher commissions for you. Plus, many cooking affiliate programs offer generous commission rates, so you can earn a significant amount per sale.
Affiliate marketing can earn big. Our affiliate marketing statistics show that marketers in the food niche earn an average of $3,000+ per month.
The bottom line? Cooking affiliate programs offer a versatile and lucrative opportunity for affiliate marketers in many niches.
Summing Up
Monetizing your audience with affiliate marketing – whether through a food blog, YouTube, social media, or another avenue – is challenging. There’s a lot to take in, and knowing which channel is best for you is tough.
We feel the best way to make money with affiliate marketing is through a website.
Unlike other channels, you own your audience, which means you’re building an asset you can sell for 6 figures or more.
To help you start a website, we’ve created a free training that condenses the most valuable lessons we’ve learned in 10+ years of affiliate marketing.
Specifically, you’ll learn 7 secrets to make your new site 83% more successful.
Get the free training now.
