Selling food at events can be extremely profitable, but only when your menu is built around the right products. The most successful event traders do not just pick what “sounds popular”. They choose items that are fast to serve, easy to portion, simple to train staff on, and strong on margins even during busy peak periods.

In the UK, event trading is growing year after year. Markets, festivals, funfairs, school events, corporate bookings and pop-up venues all need reliable vendors who can serve quickly and keep queues moving. That demand creates a real opportunity for concession businesses, especially those focused on high-performing products like popcorn, slush, waffles, candy floss and ice cream.

This guide breaks down the top 10 most profitable event foods in the UK for 2025/2026, why they work so well, and what equipment and supplies you need to run them efficiently. You will also learn how to choose the right foods for your setup, how to protect margins, and how to avoid the operational mistakes that reduce profits at busy events.

What makes an event food profitable?

Profitability at events is not only about ingredient cost. The most profitable foods usually share the same advantages:

They are quick to produce and quick to serve, even when you are busy. They use low-cost ingredients with predictable portion sizes. They rely on equipment that can run for long periods without constant attention. Most importantly, customers understand them instantly, so ordering stays fast.

The best event foods also support upselling. That could mean larger sizes, premium toppings, combo deals or simple add-ons that increase average spend without slowing service.

1) Popcorn

Popcorn is one of the most reliable profit makers in the event food industry. It sells well across family events, outdoor screenings, fairs, markets and indoor venues.

The reason popcorn performs so well is simple. The ingredient cost is low, portion sizes are easy to control, and customers are happy to buy it quickly without much decision-making. Once your machine is running, you can serve at speed with minimal labour.

To run popcorn efficiently, you need a commercial popcorn machine, scoops, serving tubs or bags, and a simple seasoning setup. Popcorn also benefits from being visually appealing, especially when customers can see it popping.

For menu options, keep it familiar. Salted and sweet are the foundation. Caramel is an excellent premium upgrade if you can produce it without slowing queues.

2) Candy Floss

Candy floss is a classic event product that continues to sell strongly because it is visual, fun and impulse-driven. It attracts attention from a distance, which is valuable at busy venues where customers are choosing between multiple stalls.

It is also extremely low cost to produce. Sugar usage per serving is small, and the product itself feels like a treat customers are happy to buy, especially for children.

To sell candy floss smoothly, you need a commercial candy floss machine, floss sugar, sticks, or cones, and bags or tubs for packaging. A bowl guard or cover also helps reduce waste, particularly outdoors.

The best approach is to keep flavours simple. Classic pink and blue sell consistently. You can offer a small upgrade option such as multi-colour or flavoured sugar, but only if it does not slow down production.

3) Waffles

Waffles are one of the best event foods for raising average order value. Unlike many snacks, waffles naturally encourage customers to spend more because toppings feel like part of the experience.

Waffle batter is inexpensive and easy to portion, and customers expect a higher price point compared to basic snacks. The aroma also sells for you. A waffle stall often attracts customers before they even see the menu board.

To run waffles efficiently, you need a commercial waffle maker, batter mix, portion ladles, serving trays or boxes, and a topping station designed for speed. The key is to avoid too many options. Too much choice slows service and creates mess.

Your best sellers will usually be familiar combinations. Chocolate sauce, strawberry, caramel and biscuit crumb perform well across almost every event type. Ice cream add-ons can also turn a standard waffle into a premium item quickly.

4) Slush drinks

Slush drinks are a high-margin, high-volume product when the weather is warm or the venue is busy. They perform especially well at festivals, seaside locations, theme parks, funfairs and sports events.

Once your slush machine is frozen and running properly, service becomes fast and consistent. Customers also understand the product instantly, which keeps ordering quick.

To operate slush successfully, you need a commercial slush machine, syrups, cups, lids and straws. The best setups use clear cups to show off the colours, which increases impulse purchases.

Flavour choice should stay focused. Blue raspberry and strawberry remain two of the strongest sellers year after year. Cola and cherry also perform well. If you offer too many flavours, customers take longer to decide, and queues slow down.

5) Ice cream

Ice cream remains one of the most reliable sellers at events because it appeals to almost everyone. It performs strongly during spring and summer, but it can also sell indoors throughout the year.

Ice cream is profitable because portioning is easy, and add-ons are simple. Cones, sauces and toppings increase revenue without adding major labour.

To serve ice cream efficiently, you need a freezer, cones, tubs, spoons, napkins and a small topping station. You can keep your flavour range tight while still giving customers enough choice.

Vanilla, chocolate and strawberry are the core event trio. Adding one premium flavour like salted caramel or honeycomb helps increase spend. A dairy-free sorbet can also broaden your audience without adding complexity.

6) Hot dogs

Hot dogs are a strong option for traders who want simple, high-speed service. Customers know what they are getting, which keeps ordering fast. They also suit a wide range of events, from sports venues and fireworks nights to markets and community fairs.

Hot dogs are profitable because waste is low and preparation is straightforward. You can also upsell through size upgrades and simple toppings.

To run hot dogs efficiently, you need a Roller grills or steamer, buns, tongs and sauce dispensers. The key is to keep service flowing without overcomplicating the menu.

7) Loaded fries

Loaded fries have become a major seller in UK street food because they feel like a full meal. Customers are willing to pay more, especially at festivals and evening events.

They are profitable because potatoes are inexpensive, and toppings can be controlled. When portioning is consistent, loaded fries deliver strong margins while still feeling generous to customers.

To serve loaded fries properly, you need commercial fryers, seasoning, trays and a system for fast topping application. The biggest risk with loaded fries is speed. If your fryer capacity is too low, queues slow down and profits drop.

8) Crepes

Crepes are a flexible event product that works across breakfast trade, snack service and dessert menus. They perform well at markets, winter events, shopping centres and food festivals.

Crepes are profitable because batter is low cost and toppings create easy upsells. They also attract customers through the visual cooking process, especially when served fresh.

To operate crepes efficiently, you need a Crepe makers, spreaders, scrapers, batter mix and a topping station. Like waffles, crepes work best when the menu is simple and recognisable.

9) Burgers

Burgers remain one of the biggest sellers at high-footfall events. They are especially strong at music festivals, night markets and larger public gatherings where customers are looking for a filling meal.

They are profitable because customers expect a higher price point, and you can control costs through portion size and menu structure. The main challenge is workflow. Burgers require prep space, cooking time and temperature control, so organisation matters.

To run burgers successfully, you need a griddle or chargrill, prep tables, trays and safe storage for chilled ingredients. Keeping your menu focused improves speed and reduces mistakes.

10) Nachos

Nachos are often underestimated, but they are one of the easiest high-margin foods to run. They suit cinema-style events, sports venues, indoor attractions and family environments.

They are profitable because the base ingredients are inexpensive, the equipment requirements are simple, and portion sizes are easy to adjust. Nachos also hold well, which helps during peak times.

To sell nachos efficiently, you need a Nacho warmer, cheese warmer, a cheese sauce system, portion cups and basic topping options. A simple upgrade path, such as adding jalapeños or salsa, increases spend without slowing service.

How to choose the best foods for your event business

The best menu depends on your equipment, staffing, transport setup and event type. Many traders make the mistake of choosing foods based only on margin. In reality, the most profitable menu is the one you can serve quickly and consistently.

Family events often favour popcorn, candy floss, slush and ice cream. Festivals and evening events perform well with burgers, loaded fries and premium waffles. Markets can suit a mix, depending on the crowd and the time of year.

It also helps to choose products that work together. Waffles and ice cream share toppings and storage. Slush and popcorn are fast and high margin. Candy floss pairs well with other sweet snacks and adds visual attraction.

The real secret to profit is service speed

At events, your biggest limitation is not demand. It is throughput. You can only serve so many customers per hour, so your menu must be designed for speed.

That means portion control tools, organised work zones, clear signage and staff training that keeps ordering fast. When queues move smoothly, you sell more in the same trading window without adding stress or labour.

Final thoughts

The most profitable event foods in the UK for 2025/2026 are not complicated. They are products customers recognise instantly, that you can serve quickly, and that allow simple upgrades without slowing down service.

Popcorn, candy floss, waffles, slush drinks, ice cream, hot dogs, loaded fries, crepes, burgers and nachos all have strong profit potential. The right choice depends on your setup, your event calendar and how fast you can serve during peak demand.

If you focus on speed, portion consistency and a simple upsell structure, you can build a reliable event food business that grows season after season.

FAQ: Most Profitable Event Foods in the UK

What is the most profitable food to sell at events in the UK?

Popcorn and candy floss are often among the most profitable because ingredient costs are extremely low and service speed is very fast. Slush and ice cream also perform strongly due to easy upselling.

What event food has the highest profit margin?

Popcorn typically delivers one of the highest margins, followed closely by candy floss. Both have low cost per serving and high demand at family events.

What foods sell best at festivals?

Burgers, loaded fries, waffles and slush drinks perform well at festivals. Festival customers often want filling meals or premium treats, and they are more willing to spend.

What is the best event food for beginners?

Popcorn, candy floss and slush drinks are excellent beginner options because they are straightforward to operate, require simple ingredients, and allow fast service.

What event foods are best for summer trading?

Slush drinks, ice cream and snow cones are strong summer sellers because they are refreshing and highly visible. Warm weather increases demand significantly.

What event foods are best for winter markets?

Waffles, popcorn and hot dogs tend to perform well in winter. Warm, comforting foods sell strongly in colder weather, especially at Christmas markets.

How do I choose the right food to sell at events?

Choose based on your equipment budget, power access, staffing, storage capacity and the type of events you plan to attend. The most profitable food is the one you can serve quickly and consistently.

How can I increase profit at events without increasing footfall?

Increase average order value by offering larger sizes, premium toppings, combo deals and clear upgrade options. This improves profit without needing more customers.