North Carolina cottage food laws
A plain-language summary of what North Carolina'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
- Labeling
- Required
What can I sell under North Carolina's cottage food law?
Cottage food programs cover foods that are safe at room temperature. In North Carolina, that generally includes:
- Non-hazardous baked goods (breads, cakes, cookies)
- Candy and confections
- Jams, jellies, and preserves
- Dried mixes, granola, and roasted coffee
- Acidified foods with an approved process
What can't I sell?
Foods that need refrigeration to stay safe are almost always off limits. Common examples that fall outside North Carolina's program:
- Refrigerated or cream-filled baked goods
- Meat, poultry, and fish products
Do I need a license in North Carolina?
North Carolina requires a home processing inspection and approval from the NCDA&CS Food and Drug Protection Division before you can sell.
Sales cap: North Carolina does not set a dollar sales cap, but home processors are inspected and approved before selling.
Where can I sell in North Carolina?
- Direct to consumers
- Farmers markets and events
- Retail and wholesale, within the terms of the approval
How do I label cottage foods in North Carolina?
Label must include product name, the producer's name and address, ingredients in descending order by weight, allergens, and net weight.
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 Cottage food rules change, and the details here may be out of date.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 North Carolina's NCDA&CS: Home Food Processing before you make or sell anything.
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