Georgia cottage food laws
A plain-language summary of what Georgia's cottage food law lets home bakers make, where you can sell it, and what the state asks of you. Always confirm the specifics with the official sources linked below.
- License / registration
- Required
- Where you can sell
- Direct, markets, online
- Labeling
- Required
What can I sell under Georgia's cottage food law?
Cottage food programs cover foods that are safe at room temperature. In Georgia, that generally includes:
- Baked goods that don't require refrigeration
- Candy and confections
- Jams, jellies, and preserves
- Dried fruits, nuts, and granola
- Dry herbs, spice blends, and baking mixes
What can't I sell?
Foods that need refrigeration to stay safe are almost always off limits. Common examples that fall outside Georgia's program:
- Cream- or custard-filled and refrigerated baked goods
- Low-acid canned goods and pickled items outside the rules
Do I need a license in Georgia?
Georgia requires a Cottage Food License from the Department of Agriculture, including submitting labels for approval.
Sales cap: Georgia does not set a dollar sales cap for licensed cottage food operations.
Where can I sell in Georgia?
- Direct to consumers
- Farmers markets and events
- Online sales with shipping, per current Department of Agriculture rules
How do I label cottage foods in Georgia?
Labels must be approved by the Department of Agriculture and include product name, ingredients, allergens, net weight, the producer's name and address, and a cottage food statement.
Official sources
Last reviewed July 2026.
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 Cottage food rules change, and the details here may be out of date.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 Georgia's Georgia Dept. of Agriculture: Cottage Foods before you make or sell anything.
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