You know those slightly annoying ads on food blogs that you have to scroll past just to get to the actual recipe? You might wonder why any food blogger would put those there — well, here’s the reason: they’re making money.
Ads on food blogs are often one of the first ways food bloggers start earning from their content. It does not happen overnight, but with time and traffic, it can turn into a solid income stream.
Let’s break down how it all works — from ad networks and traffic goals to how often you need to post (and why consistency is everything).
What Does It Mean to Run Ads on Food Blogs?
When we talk about ads on food blogs, we usually mean display ads. These are the banner or in-content ads you see on recipe blogs — the ones that show up in sidebars, between paragraphs, or as sticky ads while you scroll.
You sign up with an ad network (like Mediavine or Raptive), and they take care of placing the ads. The more people visit your blog, the more opportunities for ad views or clicks, and that means more income for the blogger.
It’s one of the easiest ways to earn passively from your blog. But there’s a catch.
You’ll Need Consistent Traffic First
Here’s the thing: ad networks have requirements. For example, Mediavine currently requires 50,000 sessions per month before you can apply.
And getting that traffic? It comes down to consistently publishing great content. Google loves fresh blogs that are regularly updated with recipes people are actively searching for.
So while ad income is passive, getting to that point isn’t. You’ll need to post often enough to build trust with search engines and readers.
If you’re still working on getting traffic, check out my post on how to promote your food blog effectively — it’s packed with practical tips to help you grow.
How Often Should You Post?
To keep your blog growing and feed the Google algorithm, aim for at least one new recipe a week. More is better, but even once a week can add up over time.
Every new blog post is another opportunity to rank on Google, get pinned on Pinterest, and drive more traffic.
The Pros and Cons of Ads on Food Blogs
Once you qualify, it’s passive income
Doesn’t require you to sell or pitch anything
Can scale with your traffic
Cons:
You need a decent amount of traffic to earn a good income
Ads can slightly slow down your site if not optimized
Might not always match your site’s aesthetic
How Much Can You Earn from Ads?
Ad income is often measured in RPM (Revenue Per Mille), or how much you earn per 1,000 sessions.
For food blogs, RPMs typically range between €10 and €25, depending on your niche, season, and audience. According to Raptive, food blogs perform well, especially in Q4 (hello, holiday season!).
Here’s what that might look like:
50,000 sessions/month = €500–€1,250/month
100,000 sessions/month = €1,000–€2,500/month
This won’t happen overnight — but with consistency, it’s completely doable.
If you’ve ever wondered how much food bloggers make, it varies wildly — but ad income is one of the more predictable, scalable ways to get there.
So… Is Running Ads on Food Blogs Worth It?
If you’re in this for the long game, absolutely. Ad income can become a solid part of your overall blog revenue, especially when you combine it with affiliate income, sponsored work, and digital products.
But the key? Consistency. The more helpful, SEO-friendly recipes you publish, the faster you’ll get there.
