Are you a food blogger in the United States looking to earn money from your blog? Affiliate marketing can be one of the most effective ways to generate income — especially if you already write about recipes, cooking tools, nutrition tips, and food trends.
In this post, we’ll explore the top 6 affiliate programs that food bloggers in the United States should consider joining to start earning commissions.
Turn your delicious content into profit with these high-paying affiliate programs.
1. ShareASale
Best for: Bloggers wanting variety
Commission rate: Varies by merchant
ShareASale is an affiliate network that connects bloggers with hundreds of brands — including many food and kitchen-related companies. You can find partners offering specialty foods, cookware, meal kits, and more.
Popular food brands on ShareASale
- Vitacost
- Olive oil and spice companies
- Kitchenware brands
Pros
- Lots of niche programs
- Transparent performance stats
- Flexible payout options
Cons
- You need to apply separately to each program
Tips
- Look for brands that closely match your blog’s niche (e.g., vegan foods, baking supplies)
2. Amazon Associates
Best for: Beginner bloggers, broad range of products
Commission rate: Typically 1%–10% depending on product category
Why it’s great:
Amazon is one of the largest online marketplaces, offering everything from kitchen gadgets to gourmet ingredients. As a food blogger, you can link to products in your recipes, gift guides, or gear reviews — and earn commissions when readers make a purchase.
Pros
- Huge product selection
- Easy to join
- Trusted brand
Cons
- Lower commission rates on some food categories
Tips for success
- Use product comparison lists (e.g., Best Blender for Smoothies)
- Embed Amazon native shopping ads for higher engagement
3. CJ Affiliate (Commission Junction)
Best for: Professional bloggers looking for premium brands
Commission rate: Varies by merchant
CJ Affiliate is a well-established network with a wide range of advertisers. Many food and beverage brands use CJ to manage their affiliate programs, which means you can earn higher commissions on premium products.
Examples of brands you might find
- Specialty food producers
- Meal delivery services
- Kitchen appliance companies
Pros
- Reliable tracking and payments
- High-quality brands
Cons
- Approval requirements can be strict
Tips
- Focus on seasonal campaigns (holiday baking, summer grilling, etc.)
4. Thrive Market Affiliate Program
Best for: Healthy eating and wellness bloggers
Commission rate: Up to $15 per membership signup
Thrive Market is a membership-based online grocery store focused on organic, non-GMO, and specialty foods. If your audience cares about healthy eating or sustainability, this is an excellent affiliate program to recommend.
Why bloggers love it
- High average order value
- Valuable membership incentive
- Trusted brand with loyal customers
Tips
- Create content around “healthy pantry essentials” or “Thrive Market haul”
5. Blue Apron Affiliate Program
Best for: Bloggers focusing on meal planning and home cooking
Commission rate: Varies (often generous for new customer signups)
Blue Apron is one of the most popular meal kit delivery services in the U.S. If your audience loves cooking but needs convenience, recommending a service like Blue Apron can convert well.
Pros
- High commission on new customer referrals
- Marketable to a wide food audience
Cons
- Competition from other meal kit affiliates
Tips
- Include in “meal planning” blog posts or recipe roundups
6. CJ Affiliate – KitchenAid
Best for: Food bloggers with a focus on baking and kitchen gear
Commission rate: Competitive rates on small appliances and accessories
KitchenAid is a trusted brand among home bakers and chefs. Their affiliate program through CJ lets you earn commissions on mixers, attachments, and other high-value kitchen gear.
Pros
- High average order value
- Strong brand recognition
Cons
- Niche audience (mostly useful for baking/cooking gear content)
Tips
- Include affiliate links in product reviews and “best of” lists
How to Succeed with Affiliate Marketing as a Food Blogger
- Choose products your audience will trust. Your recommendations should feel natural and valuable — not salesy.
- Use clear calls-to-action. For example: “Click here to check today’s price on Amazon” or “Sign up for Thrive Market to save 30% on your first order.”
- Track your performance. See which links perform best and optimize accordingly.
- Offer genuine reviews. Honesty builds trust — and trust leads to more clicks and sales.
Conclusion
Affiliate programs are one of the most reliable ways food bloggers in the United States can earn money, whether you’re just starting or building a full-time income.
From massive marketplaces like Amazon Associates to specialty partners like Thrive Market or Blue Apron, there’s something for every niche.
Ready to boost your blog’s earning potential? Start by choosing one or two programs above and integrating links into your most popular content.
