Free guide

Cottage food laws, state by state

Selling baked goods from home starts with one question: what does your state actually allow? This guide breaks down cottage food laws state by state: sales caps, which foods are allowed, whether you need a license, and where you can sell. Find your state to get the essentials in plain language.

What is cottage food?

“Cottage food” laws let you make and sell certain low-risk foods out of your home kitchen without a commercial license. Every state runs its own program, so the rules differ: some cap your annual sales, some require a permit or an inspection, and all of them limit which foods you can make to items that are safe at room temperature: breads, cookies, cakes, candies, jams, and the like.

The details matter before you take your first order. Selling the wrong food, skipping a required label, or blowing past a sales cap can put your business at risk. Use the guide for your state as a starting point, then confirm the specifics with the official agency linked on each page.

Not legal advice. This guide is a summary for convenience, not legal advice. Cottage food rules change, and the details here may be out of date. Always confirm the current requirements with your state's department of agriculture or health before you make or sell anything.

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