Cottage Food FAQ

A cottage food business makes and sells certain low-risk foods from a home kitchen under a state's cottage food law. Rules vary by state, but typically only non–potentially hazardous, shelf-stable foods are allowed. Sales are usually direct to the consumer (e.g., pickup, farmers market, or local delivery).

Yes. Each state sets its own rules. Some allow a wide range of products and have high or no sales caps; others restrict product types or require training and registration. We organize our guides by state and link to official state resources so you can verify what applies to you.

Most states require some form of registration, notification, or permit for cottage food operations. The name and process vary (e.g., cottage food registration, home processor permit). Our state guides summarize this; your state's official cottage food program has the exact steps and forms.Compliance Center: state guides

Rules on shipping vary by state. Some states allow shipping of certain cottage foods; others limit sales to direct (in-person) sales or local delivery. Check your state guide and official resources before offering shipped orders.State guides

Potentially hazardous foods are generally not allowed under cottage food laws. These include cream-filled pastries, custards, cheesecakes that require refrigeration, canned low-acid foods, and products that must be refrigerated for safety. Meat, poultry, and certain dairy-based items are typically excluded. Your state's official list is the authority.Glossary: potentially hazardous

Typical requirements include your name and address, product name, ingredients (often in descending order), net weight or volume, and a statement that the product was made in a home kitchen not subject to state inspection. Allergen information is often required or recommended. Check your state guide and official resources for the exact list.State guides: labeling

Some product types are not clearly on a state's approved list or fall in a gray area. 'Needs manual review' means you should confirm with your state's official list or agency before selling. We never guarantee compliance. You must verify with your state.Compliance checker

The Compliance Center is an educational resource for home-based food sellers. It provides state-by-state summaries of cottage food rules, including labeling, sales limits, allowed foods, and registration, plus a guided compliance checker. It is not legal advice. Always verify with your state or local regulatory authority before selling.Compliance Center

The checker uses state-based rules to suggest if a product type is typically allowed under that state's cottage food law. 'Likely allowed' means the category generally fits; 'needs manual review' means you should confirm with your state's official list or agency. We never guarantee compliance. You must verify with your state.Compliance checker

We review our state guides periodically and show a 'Last reviewed' date on each page. Laws and agency guidance can change. Always confirm current requirements with your state or local regulatory authority before selling.