Cottage Food Basics
Understanding cottage food laws and how to legally sell homemade foods from your home kitchen
What is Cottage Food?
Cottage food laws allow home-based food entrepreneurs to prepare and sell certain low-risk foods from their home kitchens without a commercial license or commercial kitchen. These laws exist in nearly every U.S. state, though specific regulations vary by location.
The term "cottage food" refers to shelf-stable, non-hazardous foods that don't require refrigeration and present minimal food safety risks when prepared in a home environment.
Typically Allowed
- Breads and rolls
- Cakes, cupcakes, and pastries
- Cookies and brownies
- Candies and confections
- Jams, jellies, and preserves
- Fruit pies
- Dry baking mixes
- Granola and trail mixes
- Roasted nuts
- Popcorn and kettle corn
- Honey
Generally Not Allowed
- Foods requiring refrigeration
- Meat and fish products
- Dairy products (except as ingredients)
- Fresh produce
- Canned vegetables
- Cream or custard-filled items
- Cheesecakes
- Foods with alcohol
Common Requirements
Registration & Permits
Many states require you to register your cottage food operation or obtain a basic permit. Some states don't require any permits at all. Check your state's requirements – it's often as simple as filling out a form.
Labeling Requirements
Most states require labels on cottage food products that include:
- • Product name
- • Ingredient list (in order of weight)
- • Net weight or quantity
- • Producer's name and address
- • Required disclaimer (e.g., "Made in a home kitchen...")
- • Allergen declarations
Sales Limits
Some states cap annual gross sales for cottage food operations. Limits range from $25,000 to $75,000+ per year, though many states have removed limits entirely. If you exceed the limit, you may need to transition to a licensed commercial operation.
Where You Can Sell
Cottage food laws typically allow direct sales to consumers – exactly what Bakery Passport facilitates. This includes in-person sales at farmers markets, from your home, at community events, and through online orders for local pickup. Wholesale and interstate shipping are usually not allowed.
Find Your State's Laws
Every state has different cottage food regulations. Research your specific state's requirements before you start selling.