The Ultimate Kakanin List: Profitable Filipino Rice Cakes to Sell

Kakanin are traditional Filipino rice-based delicacies made from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and sugar. These treats are commonly steamed, boiled, or baked, resulting in a wide variety of textures and flavors. Known as kakanin in English as “rice cakes,” they hold a special place in local culture and cuisine. From biko kakanin to sapin sapin kakanin, each type reflects regional identity and Filipino ingenuity.

Why kakanin is famous in the Philippines goes beyond taste. These Filipino kakanin are deeply rooted in Filipino traditions—from fiestas and birthdays to religious holidays. Their affordability, accessibility of ingredients, and nostalgic value make them staples across all regions. The demand for kakanin in the Philippines remains strong, with people frequently searching for kakanin near me for special occasions or everyday snacks.

Entrepreneurs can tap into this consistent demand by selling pinoy kakanin as part of a home-based business, via online selling, or as pasalubong items. Offering kakanin sa bilao, curated filipino kakanin list, or seasonal bundles can attract both locals and balikbayans. With the right packaging, branding (like a catchy kakanin logo), and presence on social platforms, these kakanin delicacies can turn into a steady and profitable income stream.

What is Kakanin?

Kakanin is a collective term for traditional Filipino delicacies made primarily from rice, especially malagkit (glutinous rice). These native treats are commonly served as snacks or desserts and are deeply rooted in Filipino heritage. When asked, “What is kakanin in English?”, the simplest answer is “rice cakes” or “sticky rice desserts,” though the variety and preparation methods make Filipino kakanin uniquely distinct from rice cakes in other cultures.

The origins of kakanin in the Philippines date back to pre-colonial times, when rice was not just a staple food but a symbol of prosperity and celebration. Over generations, families and regions developed their own types of kakanin, giving rise to beloved recipes like biko kakanin, kalamay kakanin, cassava kakanin, and moron kakanin. These kakanin delicacies are often enjoyed during festivals, holidays, and family gatherings, making them a core part of Filipino food traditions.

The most common ingredients found in kakanin foods include malagkit rice, coconut milk, brown or white sugar, and sometimes ingredients like ube, pandan, or latik (caramelized coconut curds). These staples form the base for countless mga kakanin recipes, from colorful sapin sapin kakanin to chewy dila dila kakanin. Whether steamed in banana leaves, baked in clay ovens, or served in a kakanin bilao, these treats continue to showcase the richness of Filipino culinary creativity.

Why Sell Kakanin? Market Potential

Selling kakanin offers excellent business potential due to strong demand in both local and online markets. Many Filipinos frequently search for kakanin near me, especially when preparing for gatherings or looking for a quick merienda. Whether it’s a small-town market stall or a digital storefront on social media, Filipino kakanin consistently attracts buyers.

Kakanin in the Philippines plays a big role in Filipino culture. These treats are present at fiestas, religious celebrations, birthdays, office parties, and even everyday snacks. Because of this, offering mga kakanin sa pilipinas during peak seasons or weekend events can lead to steady income and returning customers. Products like kakanin sa bilao are especially in demand during holidays and family reunions due to their ready-to-serve format.

The business model is accessible to beginners. Most kakanin recipe ingredients—like malagkit rice, coconut milk, and sugar—are affordable and widely available. Since many types of kakanin can be made in batches, sellers enjoy low overhead and good profit margins. From classic pinoy kakanin to trendy violet kakanin with ube, the flexibility of these kakanin foods makes them ideal for small-scale entrepreneurs and home-based sellers.

The Ultimate Kakanin List: 50 Must-Sell Filipino Rice Cakes

Whether you’re starting a food business or expanding your menu, this kakanin list features classic, regional, and modern varieties that are in high demand. Each entry includes essential keywords to help your content rank better in search results.

Classic & Best-Selling Kakanin

1. Bibingka – A soft Filipino kakanin baked with rice flour and coconut milk, usually topped with salted egg and cheese. A staple kakanin food during Christmas.
2. Puto Bumbong – This violet kakanin is steamed in bamboo tubes and served with butter, sugar, and coconut. A popular sight in Simbang Gabi.
3. Biko – A sweet kakanin malagkit made from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar, topped with latik.
4. Sapin-Sapin – This tri-colored layered kakanin features ube, pandan, and coconut flavors—perfect for kakanin pictures and festive events.
5. Kutsinta – A sticky brown Pinoy kakanin with a jelly-like texture, often topped with grated coconut.
6. Puto – Fluffy steamed rice cake that pairs well with savory dishes like dinuguan. Common in kakanin bilao packages.
7. Palitaw – Flat kakanin malagkit sprinkled with sugar, sesame seeds, and grated coconut.
8. Maja Blanca – Coconut milk pudding-style kakanin topped with latik or corn bits.
9. Kalamay – Sticky sweet Filipino delicacies kakanin made from glutinous rice flour and coconut milk.
10. Espasol – A cylindrical kakanin delicacy dusted with toasted rice flour, originally from Laguna.

Regional & Unique Kakanin Varieties

11. Moron – A Visayan kakanin combining chocolate and coconut flavors in a sticky, swirled roll.
12. Ibos – A suman-like kakanin wrapped in buri leaves, often enjoyed with sugar or ripe mango.
13. Tamales (Tamalis Kakanin) – A savory-sweet steamed rice kakanin with peanuts and meat, wrapped in banana leaves.
14. Pilipit – A twisted fried kakanin food that’s crispy outside, chewy inside, and coated in sugar.
15. Dila-Dila – Soft, tongue-shaped kakanin malagkit that melts in your mouth.
16. Cassava Cake – Made from grated cassava and coconut milk, this cassava kakanin is baked to golden perfection.
17. Binagol – A Waray kakanin delicacy made from taro, coconut milk, and sugar, cooked in coconut shells.
18. Suman sa Lihiya – Alkali-treated malagkit wrapped in banana leaves and served with sweet syrup or sugar.
19. Budbod Kabog – Unique kakanin made from millet seeds, a delicacy in Cebu.
20. Inutak – A grilled, creamy-topped sticky rice cake from Taguig, known for its rich coconut flavor.

Modern & Trendy Kakanin for Business

21. Ube Kakanin – This violet Filipino kakanin made with purple yam is perfect for Instagram-worthy kakanin pictures.
22. Buko Pandan Kakanin – A cool, green kakanin recipe that combines coconut strips and pandan flavor.
23. Leche Flan Kakanin – A modern fusion with leche flan on top of sweet sticky rice.
24. Champorado Kutsinta – A creative twist combining the flavors of champorado and kutsinta.
25. Cheese Puto – A commercial favorite in many kakanin bilao orders, topped with cheddar cheese.
26. Mango Sticky Rice Kakanin – Thai-inspired but locally adapted, perfect for kakanin in the Philippines.
27. Latik-Topped Puto – Classic puto with a layer of rich latik for extra flavor.
28. Chocolate Biko – A decadent biko kakanin infused with cocoa or tablea chocolate.
29. Coffee Maja Blanca – A modern take on maja blanca with a hint of brewed coffee.
30. Pandan Sapin-Sapin – A two-tone sapin sapin kakanin variant using pandan and coconut layers.
31. Ube Kalamay – Purple yam meets sticky sweet kalamay kakanin for an eye-catching dessert.
32. Cream Cheese Espasol – A twist on espasol, stuffed with cream cheese or chocolate.
33. Nutella Suman – Suman filled with hazelnut spread, ideal for upscale kakanin delicacies.
34. Langka Cassava Cake – Cassava kakanin topped with jackfruit bits for a tropical twist.
35. Peanut Butter Moron – A new take on moron kakanin, using sweet peanut butter layers.
36. Matcha Puto – Green tea-flavored puto, popular with health-conscious eaters.
37. Strawberry Sapin-Sapin – Bright and fruity take on the traditional sapin sapin kakanin.
38. Oreo Bibingka – Classic bibingka topped with crushed Oreos and cheese.
39. Tropical Palitaw – Palitaw served with mango bits, mint, and coconut cream.
40. Pandan Dila-Dila – Green-colored dila dila kakanin with a pandan aroma.

Packaging and Business Ideas

41. Kakanin sa Bilao – Mix and match mga kakanin for party trays, a hit for birthdays and holidays.
42. Mini Kakanin Sampler – Great for pasalubong or online selling, offering a bit of each type of kakanin.
43. Dessert Box with Filipino Kakanin – Branded boxes featuring curated Filipino kakanin list with pictures.
44. Logo-Branded Kakanin Packaging – Custom kakanin logo for your business to build brand recall.
45. Online Kakanin Store – Sell through social media or marketplaces targeting searches like kakanin near me.
46. Kakanin Subscription Boxes – Offer weekly or monthly rotating kakanin recipes delivered nationwide.
47. Custom Orders for Events – Provide bulk orders for events, complete with kakanin food labels.
48. DIY Kakanin Kits – Sell ingredients and instructions for popular kakanin delicacies.
49. Frozen Kakanin for Resale – Great for long-distance shipping or grocery partnerships.
50. Filipino Delicacies Kakanin Stall – Set up a kiosk or food cart offering top sellers like bibingka, biko, and puto.

How to Start a Kakanin Business

Starting your own kakanin business can be profitable with the right planning and resources. Here’s a guide to help you set up your small food venture:

📌 Sourcing Ingredients

Start with high-quality ingredients to make your kakanin recipe stand out. You can buy malagkit rice and fresh gata (coconut milk) from local wet markets or directly from suppliers in provinces like Laguna or Quezon for cheaper bulk prices. If you’re offering variants like cassava kakanin or ube kakanin, look for trusted farmers or wholesalers that supply freshly harvested ingredients.

Pro tip: Buy in bulk to save more, but ensure proper storage to maintain freshness and quality.

📦 Packaging Ideas

Your packaging affects first impressions and can help boost sales. Invest in reusable containers or eco-friendly wraps. For larger orders or festive giveaways, traditional kakanin bilao (round bamboo trays) with banana leaves are both visually appealing and biodegradable.

You can also try:

• Sealed trays with clear lids for easy delivery
• Kraft boxes for a rustic, artisanal feel
• Personalized stickers or labels with your business name and contact details

💰 Pricing Strategies

Research the average prices of kakanin near me listings to ensure competitive rates. Consider your total production cost (ingredients, labor, packaging, electricity) and apply a reasonable markup (usually 30–50%).

Offer bilao packages at various price points:

• ₱150 small bilao (4–5 pieces of assorted kakanin)
• ₱350 medium bilao (ideal for 5–7 people)
• ₱600–₱800 large bilao for family gatherings or potlucks

Tip: Give bundle discounts or add-ons like free latik or extra slices for repeat customers.

🛒 Selling Online

Tap into online platforms to reach a wider audience. Create a business page on Facebook Marketplace and post mouth-watering pictures of your Filipino kakanin delicacies. Include keywords like “kakanin for sale near me” or “order kakanin bilao online“.

Use:

• Instagram for daily stories and product features
• TikTok for behind-the-scenes and cooking videos
• Food delivery apps like GrabFood or Foodpanda if you’re ready to scale

Offer same-day delivery within your area and accept payments via GCash or bank transfer for convenience.

Top 10 Most Profitable Kakanin to Sell

If you’re planning to start a home-based kakanin business, focus on rice cakes that are in high demand, easy to prepare, and offer good profit margins. Below are the top 10 best-selling Filipino kakanin that can help you maximize earnings:

1. Bibingka Kakanin

A classic Filipino kakanin, bibingka is especially popular during Christmas. Made with rice flour, coconut milk, and eggs, it can be baked in a turbo broiler or oven. Toppings like salted egg and cheese increase its value. It’s a favorite on holiday menus and often searched as “bibingka kakanin near me.”

2. Sapin Sapin Kakanin

This eye-catching layered kakanin is always a hit. The vibrant colors and flavors—ube, coconut, and jackfruit—make it a best-seller in kakanin bilao trays. Despite its visual appeal, it’s cost-effective and easy to prepare with a reliable kakanin recipe.

3. Cassava Kakanin (Cassava Cake)

Cassava cake is one of the most profitable types of kakanin due to the low cost of grated cassava. Topped with creamy custard, it’s a top pick for fiestas and merienda. It’s also a staple in every filipino kakanin list online.

4. Biko Kakanin

Made from malagkit rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar, biko is a sticky-sweet dessert topped with latik. It’s often requested for potlucks and celebrations. Search trends for kakanin malagkit show consistent interest throughout the year.

5. Kutsinta

This brown, jelly-like pinoy kakanin is easy to make in bulk. With ingredients like rice flour, annatto, and lye water, it has minimal production costs and high local demand. Serve with grated coconut for added texture.

6. Puto

Puto is a versatile steamed rice cake that pairs well with savory dishes like dinuguan. Variants like cheese puto and ube puto boost its popularity. It’s also easy to brand and sell in sets or assorted packs.

7. Maja Blanca

This coconut pudding made with cornstarch and gata is affordable yet delicious. The creamy texture and sweet corn topping make it a merienda favorite. It fits perfectly in kakanin bilao or dessert boxes.

8. Puto Bumbong

While more seasonal, puto bumbong sees high profits during the -ber months. The unique preparation and vibrant violet color attract customers, especially when marketed as part of a Christmas kakanin delicacies bundle.

9. Palitaw

Simple to make and quick to cook, palitaw is a chewy, bite-sized rice cake coated in sesame seeds, coconut, and sugar. It’s a popular choice for kakanin food trays or bento boxes.

10. Ube Kakanin

Anything ube-flavored sells fast. Whether it’s ube biko, ube puto, or ube sapin sapin, the rich purple color (like violet kakanin) and earthy sweetness make it highly marketable. It’s a must-have in any kakanin list with pictures you’ll post online.

Kakanin Recipes for Beginners

Starting a kakanin business doesn’t require expert culinary skills. Here are three simple kakanin recipes that are beginner-friendly and budget-conscious—perfect for testing your small business idea at home.

🔸 Simple Biko Recipe (Sweet Rice Cake)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups glutinous rice (malagkit)
• 2 cups water
• 1 ½ cups coconut milk
• 1 cup brown sugar
• Latik for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the glutinous rice in 2 cups water until fully soft.
2. In a pan, mix coconut milk and brown sugar. Simmer until thick.
3. Add cooked rice to the mixture. Stir and cook over low heat until sticky.
4. Transfer to a tray, flatten, and top with latik. Let cool before serving.

✅ Tip: Stir constantly to avoid burning the bottom. The richer the coconut milk, the creamier your biko kakanin will be.

🔸 Easy Puto Recipe (Steamed Rice Cake)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ¾ cup water
• 1 egg
• ½ cup evaporated milk
• Cheese slices (optional topping)

Instructions:

1. Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl.
2. In another bowl, combine wet ingredients.
3. Combine both mixtures until smooth.
4. Pour into molders and top with cheese.
5. Steam for 10–15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

✅ Tip: Use medium heat while steaming and avoid opening the lid too early for fluffy results.

🔸 Kutsinta Recipe (Brown Jelly-Like Rice Cake)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp lye water
• 1 ½ cups water
• Annatto powder for color (optional)
• Grated coconut for topping

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
2. Pour into individual molders.
3. Steam for 30–40 minutes.
4. Let cool and top with grated coconut before serving.

✅ Tip: For deeper color and flavor, soak the batter for 15 minutes before steaming.

These easy kakanin recipes are perfect for beginners and can be cooked using basic kitchen tools. Once mastered, you can expand your menu and sell in bundles like kakanin bilao or assorted packs for parties and merienda orders.

Where to Buy Kakanin Supplies

Finding the right ingredients is key to making quality Filipino kakanin. Whether you’re starting small or scaling up, here are the best sources for affordable and reliable kakanin supplies.

🛒 Where to Buy Kakanin Malagkit (Glutinous Rice)

Malagkit rice, also called glutinous rice in English, is a staple in most kakanin recipes like biko, kalamay, and suman. You can find high-quality kakanin malagkit at:

• Local Public Markets (Palengke) – Usually the cheapest option; sold by the kilo.
• Supermarkets – Available under “glutinous rice” or “malagkit” packaging.
• Rice Dealers or Wholesale Grain Stores – Great for bulk buying.

✅ Tip: Choose white, whole-grain glutinous rice with no cracks for the best texture.

🌐 Online Suppliers for Bulk Kakanin Ingredients

If you’re planning to sell Filipino delicacies kakanin online or in bulk (kakanin sa bilao or party trays), buying wholesale ingredients saves time and money.

Recommended Online Suppliers:

• Lazada & Shopee (Philippines) – Search for “kakanin ingredients” or “glutinous rice bulk.”
• Facebook Marketplace – Many sellers offer direct-from-farm malagkit, niyog, and even ready-made latik.
• Agri-based Online Stores – Sites like Agribusiness PH or eKadiwa often sell coconut products and cassava in bulk.
• Metro Manila-based Baking Supply Stores (e.g., All About Baking, Baking Depot) – They carry not only ingredients but also molds and kakanin food packaging.

📦 Other Supplies You May Need

• Kakanin bilao trays
• Banana leaves (for kakanin na may latik or sumans)
• Plastic containers or eco-friendly wrappers
• Labels and stickers (kakanin logo or brand identity)

With the right suppliers, you can maintain consistency and profit more from each batch. Always compare prices and delivery fees before buying online.

Conclusion

This kakanin list shows just how diverse and profitable selling Filipino kakanin can be. From classic favorites like bibingka and biko kakanin to regional delicacies like moron kakanin and tamalis kakanin, there’s something for every customer craving traditional kakanin in the Philippines.

With low-cost ingredients, strong cultural demand, and options to sell kakanin sa bilao or through online platforms, even small-scale sellers can turn this into a steady income stream. Whether you start with a few bestsellers or offer a full filipino kakanin list with pictures, there’s always a market looking for delicious, authentic pinoy kakanin.

Start with one or two recipes, test your local market, and grow from there. Every big business starts small—your kakanin food business could be next.