Top 21 Food Magazines That Pay Freelance Writers

Do you love writing about food? Whether you’re a food blogger, home cook, or simply obsessed with flavor, you can get paid to write about food. Many well-known magazines pay freelance writers for stories about recipes, culture, chefs, and more.

In this article, we’ll show you how to pitch, what food editors are looking for, and give you a list of top-paying food magazines that accept freelance submissions.

Why Write for Food Magazines as a Freelancer?

Food writing is a rewarding and growing niche. It’s more than just recipes—it’s about storytelling, culture, and memories.

Here’s why freelance food writing is worth exploring:

• Get paid for your passion: Rates can range from $150 to $1,000+ per article.
• Build your writing portfolio: Writing for food magazines helps you get published in respected outlets.
• Work from anywhere: You can pitch and write from your kitchen, cafe, or even while traveling.
• Make an impact: Share forgotten recipes, raise awareness about food systems, or highlight local food heroes.

What Do Food Magazines Look For?

Editors want fresh stories that inform or inspire their readers. To get published, keep these things in mind:

• A unique idea (not just another banana bread recipe)
• A strong story or angle (what makes this food/topic special?)
• A clear voice and writing style
• Understanding of the magazine’s audience and tone
• Good grammar, structure, and fact-checking

How to Pitch to Food Magazines

Pitching means sending an idea to a magazine editor. Here’s how to do it:

1. Research First

Read recent articles on the site or magazine. Know what types of stories they publish.

2. Write a Short, Focused Email

Include:

• Who you are
• Your story idea in 2–3 sentences
• Why it’s a good fit for their readers
• Links to your writing or blog

3. Use a Clear Subject Line

Example: Pitch: The Lost Lentil Recipes of South India

4. Follow Submission Guidelines

Many magazines have a “Submissions” or “Write for Us” page—read it carefully.

5. Be Patient and Polite

If you don’t hear back in 1–2 weeks, a friendly follow-up is okay.

List of 21 Food Magazines That Pay Freelance Writers

1. Catalyst

Pay: 10 cents per word

This food magazine has been serving as Salt Lake City’s resource for living creatively since 1982. They focus on articles about healthy and organic food, gardening, food security, and a wide array of other topics.

In addition to this, the length of the publications ranges from 2,000 to 4,500 words, though it also uses smaller 600-1,500 word pieces.

Furthermore, we would suggest you go through the submission guidelines and also familiarize yourself with the content of the website.

Suggested Read: How To Get A Freelance Writing Job Without Any Work Experience

2. Edible Cleveland 

Pay: Unspecified

This is a quarterly food magazine that targets to change the way the communities shop, cook, and eat the food that is grown in their area. They invite original, informative, and interesting submissions from freelance writers. They expect articles to be within 250-2,000 words.

In addition to this, they have detailed submission guidelines. We would suggest you go through that carefully.

3. Saveur

Pay: $300–$750 per article

Saveur loves immersive storytelling and deep dives into global food traditions. Personal essays, profiles, and cultural pieces work well. Topics include global cuisine, recipes, food stories, and culture.

4. Food & Nutrition Magazine

Pay: Unspecified

This bi-monthly magazine provides valuable information about food and diet trends, and the nutritional side of it. They prefer pitches before complete submissions.

In addition to this, they have detailed submission guidelines. We would suggest you go through that carefully. Also, you would receive the payment upon acceptance.

5. Edible New Orleans

Pay: Unspecified

This is a quarterly publication featuring content about local food and drinks in and around New Orleans. They invite pitches before complete submissions. They expect articles to be within 500-3,000 words.

Furthermore, they have detailed submission guidelines. We would suggest you go through that carefully.

Read: Top Websites Offering Freelance Writing Jobs

6. Edible Communities

Pay: 15 cents per word

This food magazine concentrates on food-related articles in towns and regions all over the country and beyond, from Edible Brooklyn to Edible Northeast Florida to Edible Vancouver.

Additionally, each publication has different submission requirements and pay rates, so we would encourage you to click on the individual publication you’re interested in for more details.

7. Salt

Pay: 40 cents per word (Canadian)

This Canadian food magazine is a sophisticated magazine “emphasizes the focus on our region’s very best offerings and establishes a standard for the editorial content.” They have a targeted readership that consists of highly educated and affluent people who appreciate the finer things in life.

In addition to this, they expect queries before they complete manuscripts. They invite features of 1,200-3,000 words in length. Also, they have some detailed submission guidelines. Hence, we would suggest reading through that.

8. YAM

Pay: 40 cents per word (Canadian)

This Canadian food magazine celebrates the unique tastes and trends that make Great Victoria a desirable place. This magazine focuses on topics such as food and wine, health and fitness, culture, lifestyle, etc.

In addition to this, they expect queries before they complete manuscripts. They invite features of 1,200-3,000 words in length. Also, they have some detailed submission guidelines. Hence, we would suggest reading through that.

9. Real Food and Health

Pay: unspecified

This magazine focuses on health and harmony. They invite scientific articles on Fermentation, Health Benefits, Cooking Choices, Meal Plans, etc.

Additionally, they accept both queries and submissions. Photographs are also welcome.

10. Rodale’s Organic Life

Pay: unspecified

This magazine features information about how to live naturally in these modern times. They prefer pitches and queries instead of complete submissions.

In addition to this, they have detailed submission guidelines. We would encourage you to read that carefully.

11. Twisted South Magazine

Pay: unspecified

This magazine promotes the Southern food lifestyle. They accept queries and complete manuscripts.

Additionally, we would encourage you to go to the website for further information.

12. Today’s Dietitian Magazine

Pay: unspecified

This magazine publishes content for those who are engaged in the nutrition profession. They expect feature stories to be 2,100-2,500 words in length.

Furthermore, they expect pitches and queries instead of complete submissions.

13. Down East Magazine

Pay: 70 cents per word

Down East Magazine focuses on Maine, including its food, culture, history, and destinations. Before sending complete submissions, they expect writers to pitch their ideas via email.

The payment is made upon publication. Furthermore, this food magazine has detailed guidelines for submission. Hence, we would suggest reading through that.

Read: How to Start a Food Blog & Make Money

14. Eating Well

Pay: $1 per word

This food magazine solely concentrates on content that deals with cooking and nutrition science, the origin of food, and social issues related to food networks.

This bi-monthly food magazine expects freelance content to be 150-350 words in length. In addition to this, we encourage you to go through their submission guidelines carefully.

15. Plate

Pay: $1 per word

This food magazine is dedicated to everything that goes on your plate. They have a secondary focus on creative culinary styles.

Furthermore, they expect feature articles to be within 3,000 words.

16. The Cook’s Cook

Pay: unspecified

This magazine features content about food and recipes. They expect pitches and queries instead of complete submissions.

Additionally, we would encourage you to familiarize yourself with the content of the website before pitching.

17. Wine Enthusiast

Pay: unspecified

This magazine features content solely about wine and fine dining. They invite pitches and queries instead of complete submissions.

Furthermore, they expect shorter articles to be within 200-800 words.

18. Epicure & Culture

Pay: $ 15

The tagline of this food magazine is “Food, Wine & Culture for the Ethical Traveler”. They are always on the lookout for freelance writers to contribute articles.

The payment is made upon publication. Furthermore, this magazine has detailed guidelines for submission. Hence, we would suggest reading through that.

19. Radish Magazine

Pay: $150

This is a monthly food magazine that concentrates on improving its readers’ health through informative articles about natural foods and products.

There are various headings under which you can send submissions, such as ‘Eating Right’, ‘Food’, ‘Great Places’, ‘Health and Fitness’, etc.  Submissions are to be made via email

In addition to this, we would suggest you go through the submission guidelines and also familiarize yourself with the content of the website.

20. Brew Your Own

Pay: $200

This food magazine features articles to provide practical information on the challenges of brewing while helping homebrewers brew their own beer. They invite articles that are to the point and factual.

Additionally, they publish articles between 1,500 and 3,000 words in length. The payment is made upon publication. Furthermore, this magazine has detailed guidelines for submission. Hence, we would suggest reading through that.

21. Taproot

Pay: Unspecified

This magazine caters to content about food, farming, family, and craft. They invite articles within 500-4,000 words. They encourage the writers to familiarize themselves with the content before sending their submissions.

Furthermore, they have detailed submission guidelines. We would suggest you go through that carefully.

Types of Food Articles You Can Pitch

Not sure what to write about? Here are common formats:

• Personal essays (e.g. “The Dish That Saved My Marriage”)
• Chef or food artisan profiles
• Regional food history pieces
• Ingredient spotlights (e.g. tamarind, sorghum, heirloom tomatoes)
• Cultural stories around celebrations, rituals, or traditions
• Home cooking guides with a unique perspective

Tips for Getting Published

• Be specific – editors love focused ideas, not broad themes
• Avoid clichés – bring your own voice and story
• Use sensory details – what does it smell, taste, and sound like?
• Tie your idea to a season or trend – timely pitches get more attention
• Always check the contributor guidelines – every magazine is different

Red Flags to Avoid

Some places may not be worth your time. Be cautious if:

• They say they offer “exposure” but no payment
• They ask for unpaid “trial” articles
• Their website has no bylines, contact info, or guidelines
• They delay payments or communicate poorly

Resources for Food Freelance Writers

• WritersWeekly.com – Market listings and writing jobs
• WhoPaysWriters.com – Rates shared by freelancers
• Study Hall Newsletter – Weekly pitch calls and editor contacts
• Submittable – Find open calls for food-related submissions
• Food Blogger Facebook Groups – Share ideas and gigs

Read: How To Get Paid Freelance Writing Jobs With No Experience

Conclusion

Food writing is a fulfilling way to share your passion with the world—and get paid for it. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced writer, these magazines are great places to pitch your food stories.

Start small, pitch smart, and write from the heart. Your next story could land in a top food magazine and inspire readers around the globe.

FAQs

Do I need to be a chef or expert cook?

No, but having food knowledge or experience helps.

Can I write for multiple magazines?

Yes. Don’t pitch the same idea to two places at once unless you say it’s a “simultaneous submission.”

How do I find editor emails?

Look for the “Masthead” or “Contact Us” section on the magazine’s website.

How long should my article be?

Depends on the magazine—usually 800 to 1,500 words.

What if my pitch gets rejected?

Don’t take it personally. Improve it and pitch another editor.