What is it?
Jam & chutney making is a fantastic fundraising idea for teenagers who enjoy getting creative in the kitchen. By producing homemade preserves, you can sell delicious, personalised products to friends, family, and your local community, raising funds for your adventure trips. This project not only raises money but also develops valuable cooking and entrepreneurial skills.
Why does it work?
People love homemade food gifts because they feel personal and unique, which makes them more willing to pay a premium price. Additionally, jam and chutney are popular, versatile products that sell well at markets, fairs, and community events. The tangible, attractive jars create a sense of quality and care, encouraging repeat customers and word-of-mouth recommendations.
Step-by-step plan
1
Choose your recipes carefully—start with simple jam and chutney recipes that use seasonal fruit and vegetables. Test your recipes at home to ensure good flavour and consistency.
2
Source your ingredients fresh and affordably, such as from local markets or farm shops, to keep costs down and support local producers.
3
Sterilise your jars by washing them thoroughly, then boiling or baking them as per food safety guidelines to prevent spoilage.
4
Cook your jam or chutney in batches according to your recipe, stirring regularly to avoid burning and checking the setting point for jams.
5
Pour the hot jam or chutney into sterilised jars while still warm, seal immediately, and allow to cool completely.
6
Create attractive labels including the product name, ingredients, date made, and any allergy information. You could design these on a computer or handwrite them neatly.
7
Package your jars in gift bags or boxes to make them look appealing and ready for sale.
8
Plan your selling points—consider local markets, school fairs, Scout meetings, or family events where your target audience is present.
9
Keep track of your expenses and sales so you know your profit and can adjust prices or quantities if needed.
10
Engage with your customers by offering tasting samples if possible, and ask for feedback to improve your products.
Realistic earnings
Typical earnings for a teenager making and selling jam and chutney range from £40 to £100, depending on the scale of your project and the venues where you sell. With dedication and good marketing, you can reach the higher end of this range.
Top tips
✅ Start with a small batch to test which flavours sell best before making larger quantities.
✅ Invest time in attractive labelling and packaging to make your products stand out.
✅ Always follow food hygiene guidelines to keep your preserves safe and legal to sell.
✅ Engage customers with stories about your trip and why you’re fundraising to create a personal connection.
Common mistakes to avoid
⚠️ Not sterilising jars properly, which can cause jams or chutneys to spoil.
⚠️ Underpricing your products and not covering your costs or time invested.
⚠️ Neglecting to check for allergies or provide ingredient lists, which can be a safety hazard.
💡 TOP TIP — easyfundraising
When buying ingredients, jars, or packaging materials online or in-store, use easyfundraising to earn cashback that can add extra funds to your project.
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