Every Diwali, families across India order sweets and namkeen from their favourite shops back home. A sweet shop or home kitchen with its own website can serve them all year. Here is a simple guide to selling sweets and namkeen online in India.
1. Get your FSSAI registration
Selling food online — on your website, Instagram or WhatsApp — counts as a food business, so you need FSSAI registration or a licence. Small businesses start with Basic Registration; larger ones need a State or Central licence depending on turnover. The turnover limits were revised in 2026, so check the current limits on the FSSAI FoSCoS portal before you apply.
Show your FSSAI number on your website and on every pack.
This is general information, not legal advice.
2. Label every pack properly
- Product name and ingredients
- Net weight
- Packing date and best-before date
- Veg mark, and allergens like nuts or milk
- Your name, address and FSSAI number
3. Decide what travels
- Ship anywhere: namkeen, sev, dry sweets, ladoos, chikki, gajak, dry fruit barfi.
- Local delivery only: milk sweets, rasgulla, fresh mithai with a short shelf life.
Be honest about shelf life on every product page. A sweet that arrives stale costs you the buyer.
4. Pack for freshness
Use food-grade, sealed pouches or tins inside a firm box. Add a butter-paper layer for oily sweets. For long journeys, choose faster courier options.
5. Price with every cost in mind
Count ingredients, packing, the box, shipping, payment fees and a little for damage. Many shops set a free-delivery limit — above a certain order value — so buyers add one more box.
6. Festive gift boxes
Make three ready boxes at three price levels, with a clear photo of what is inside. Offer bulk prices for offices and weddings as separate products. Announce a last order date for Diwali delivery — around 1–2 November for most of India in 2026.
7. Build repeat orders
Print your website and WhatsApp QR on every box. Ask for a review a few days after delivery. Send one message before each festival to buyers who opted in.
Setting up your store
Our online stores let you list each sweet and pack size as its own product, set packed weights for shipping, run coupons for festive offers and accept UPI, cards and cash on delivery. See ecommerce websites for sweet shops, online store plans from a one-time ₹4,990, or read Diwali coupon ideas.
Sources: FSSAI guidance on food business registration and 2026 seller guides. Confirm current rules on the FoSCoS portal.
FAQs
Do I need FSSAI registration to sell sweets online?
Yes. Selling food online is a food business and needs FSSAI registration or a licence depending on turnover. Check current limits on the FoSCoS portal.
Which sweets can be shipped across India?
Namkeen, sev, dry sweets, ladoos, chikki, gajak and dry fruit barfi travel well. Milk sweets are best for local delivery.
What should a sweet box label include?
Product name, ingredients, net weight, packing and best-before dates, veg mark, allergens, your address and FSSAI number.
When is the last order date for Diwali 2026 delivery?
Diwali is on 8 November 2026. For most of India, a last order date around 1–2 November is sensible; check with your courier.
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