Freeze Dried Candy Pricing: Cost Per Bag and What to Charge
How to price freeze dried candy: candy cost per tray, freeze dryer and power cost per batch, bags and labels, with bag size examples.
In this guide
Freeze dried candy is a popular treat at markets and online. The candy is cheap, but the freeze dryer is a big purchase, batches take hours, and bags and labels add up. This guide shows how to price freeze dried candy by the bag.
- Candy price per bag = candy + freeze dryer cost per batch share + power + bag and label + labor, then overhead, profit and fees.
- A small bag costs about $2.70 to make and sells for about $4.
- Spread the freeze dryer cost across the batches you expect to run.
- Check your state's cottage food rules before selling.
Why freeze dried candy needs machine cost
A home freeze dryer can cost thousands of dollars. If you price only the candy and bag, the machine never gets paid off.
Each batch also uses power and needs maintenance like oil changes for some pumps.
The steps
1. Cost candy per tray
Candy price times amount per tray.
2. Add machine cost per batch
Freeze dryer price divided by batches over its life.
3. Add power
Power per batch.
4. Add bag and label
Mylar or stand-up bags and labels.
5. Add labor
Loading, unloading and bagging.
6. Add overhead, profit and fees
Use 10% overhead, 30% profit and fees.
Worked example: three bag sizes
$20 an hour, 10% overhead, 30% profit and 3% card fees for market sales.
| Small bag (1 oz) | Medium bag (2 oz) | Large bag (4 oz) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Candy | $0.60 | $1.10 | $2.10 |
| Freeze dryer share | $0.40 | $0.70 | $1.30 |
| Power | $0.10 | $0.20 | $0.35 |
| Bag and label | $0.35 | $0.45 | $0.60 |
| Labor at $20.00/hr | 0.05 hr = $1.00 | 0.06 hr = $1.20 | 0.08 hr = $1.60 |
| Overhead (10%) | $0.25 | $0.37 | $0.59 |
| Cost to make | $2.70 | $4.02 | $6.54 |
| Plus 30% profit | $3.50 | $5.22 | $8.51 |
| Cover 3% selling fees (divide by 0.97) | $3.61 | $5.38 | $8.77 |
| Suggested price | $4 | $6 | $9 |
Freeze dried candy expands, so bag by volume and weight. Label the net weight.
Pricing mistakes to avoid
- Leaving out the machine. Spread the freeze dryer cost across batches.
- Ignoring power. Long batches use real power.
- No labels. Many states require labels for cottage foods.
- Skipping cottage food rules. Check your state rules first.
Freeze dried candy checklist
- Candy cost per tray.
- Machine cost per batch.
- Power per batch.
- Bags and labels.
- Labor.
- Overhead, profit and fees.
- Cottage food rules checked.
Price treat boxes and bags
Type your treats, packaging and time into the peach cells. The calculator shows cost and a suggested price.
Get the Dessert Treat Box CalculatorCalculators that help
- Machine cost per hour: Spread a machine cost. Use the Machine Depreciation & Hourly Cost Calculator – Cost per Hour, per Item & Payback.
- Equipment payback: See how long a machine takes to pay off. Use the Laser Equipment Payback Calculator – Diode, CO2, Fiber & Upgrades.
- Market planner: Plan a market booth. Use the Craft Show & Event Profit Planner Pro – Booth & Travel Costs, Workers, Inventory, Break-Even & Profit per Hour.
- Bundles: Price candy bundles. Use the Bundle & Set Pricing Calculator – Bundle Price, Buyer Savings, Bundle Profit & Gift Set Pricing.
Common questions
How much should I charge for freeze dried candy?
Many sellers charge about $4 to $15 per bag depending on size. In this guide a small bag prices at about $4.
How long does a freeze dried candy batch take?
Candy batches can be a few hours, depending on the machine and candy.
Can I sell freeze dried candy from home?
Many states allow it under cottage food rules. Check your state.
How do I include the freeze dryer cost?
Divide the machine cost by the batches you expect to run.
What candy sells best freeze dried?
Taffy, sour candy and fruit chews are popular.
How should I package freeze dried candy?
Sealed bags keep moisture out.
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