🍪 Food Business

Cottage Food: Can You Sell Food From Home?

Most states let you sell certain homemade foods without a commercial kitchen. But there are rules. Here's what you need to know.

✅ In most states — yes, with limits
✅ What cottage food laws allow
Selling certain "non-hazardous" foods made in your home kitchen — without a commercial kitchen license.
Think: baked goods, jams, honey, candy, dried herbs. Foods that don't need refrigeration to stay safe.
❌ What they usually don't allow
Foods that need refrigeration — like meat, dairy, cream-filled pastries, or anything that can make someone sick if stored wrong.
⚠️ Every state is different
Some states let you sell online and ship. Some say farmers markets only. Some have a $25,000/year sales cap. Some have no cap. Check your specific state.

What you'll typically need

1

Check your state's cottage food law

Google "[your state] cottage food law" and go to the official state agriculture or health department website. This tells you exactly what you can sell and how.

2

Get a local business license

Even if your state doesn't require a cottage food permit, your city or county might still require a general business license to operate any business — including from home.

3

Label your products correctly

Most states require your products to have a label that says something like: "Made in a home kitchen that is not inspected by the state or local health department." The exact wording varies by state.

4

Know your sales limits

Many states cap cottage food sales at $25,000–$75,000/year. Once you hit that limit, you need to move to a licensed commercial kitchen.

5

Check where you can sell

Some states say farmers markets only. Some allow online sales and delivery. Some allow selling from your home. Know your state's rules before you start selling.

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Pro tip

Even if your state allows it, check with your city too. Some cities have additional restrictions on home food businesses — things like client visits, signage, and how much traffic your home can generate.

⚠️ General information only — not legal advice. Rules change frequently. Always verify with your state's agriculture or health department. Affiliate disclosure.