Minnesota Cottage Food Laws

At a glance

Below is a general checklist; your state’s rules apply. Verify with official resources before selling.

• Allowed foods: non–potentially hazardous, shelf-stable products (state list applies)
• Registration or permit typically required before selling
• Labeling typically includes producer info, ingredients, and a home kitchen statement
• Sales limits may apply; track gross sales if your state has a cap
• Direct sales to the consumer are the norm; shipping rules vary by state

Allowed foods

Minnesota allows non-potentially-hazardous foods and home-processed or home-canned pickles, vegetables, or fruits that meet the state's acidity or water-activity thresholds (pH ≤ 4.6 or water activity ≤ 0.85). Common examples include baked goods (breads, cookies, cakes), many jams and jellies, candies, and other shelf-stable products. This is not an exhaustive list — some categories require extra review. Contact the MDA before producing any food you are unsure about, and check the University of Minnesota Extension and MDA for the current approved product list.

Restricted or prohibited foods

Potentially hazardous foods are not allowed under cottage food registration. Minnesota specifically calls out: meat and dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, butter, and ghee; pickled eggs and pickled meats; dehydrated meat or fish jerky; charcuterie boards (which often contain meat and cheese); tamales and egg rolls; and chocolate-covered fruit. Foods containing cannabinoids, THC, or CBD are not permitted. If you want to sell foods that are not allowed under cottage food registration, you will likely need a separate food license — see the MDA law guidance for details.

Registration and training

Registration with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is required before you begin selling — do not sell before registering. Registration expires March 31 and must be renewed by April 1 each year (starting in 2026, the registration period is April 1–March 31; a brief 2026 transition aligned existing registrations to this schedule). Tier 1 registrants (annual gross sales ≤ $7,665) pay no registration fee and must complete food safety training and pass an exam annually — free training options are available. Tier 2 registrants (annual gross sales $7,666–$78,000) pay $50 per year and must complete food safety training every three years and whenever first moving into Tier 2. Register through the MDA cottage food producer registration portal.

Sales limits

Minnesota caps annual gross receipts from cottage food sales at $78,000. This cap is based on gross sales price (total receipts), not profit. Sellers who exceed this cap must move into licensed food operations. There are two registration tiers: Tier 1 (annual gross sales ≤ $7,665) carries no registration fee; Tier 2 (annual gross sales $7,666–$78,000) carries a $50 per year registration fee. Track your sales throughout the year to stay within the limit and within the correct tier.

Labeling

Each cottage food product sold in Minnesota must display a label with: (1) your full registered name or your registered cottage food business name; (2) your registration number or home address; (3) the date the product was made; (4) your full ingredients list, including major allergens; and (5) the exact statement: "These products are homemade and not subject to state inspection." QR codes cannot substitute for any required label element. The same disclosure statement must also appear as a clearly legible point-of-sale sign or placard and prominently on any website where you offer these foods for purchase. Check the MDA for current labeling requirements before printing.

Shipping, delivery, and direct sales

Cottage food sales must be direct to the consumer; re-selling or wholesaling to businesses (grocery stores, restaurants, etc.) is not permitted under cottage food registration. You may advertise and accept orders online, but you must complete the exchange in person within Minnesota — you cannot ship human cottage foods via mail or a third-party carrier under current law. The producer must deliver personally or meet the buyer in person. Selling at your home, a farmers' market, a community event, or similar venue is allowed. Note: Pet treat producers have different delivery rules and may ship — if you sell pet treats, check MDA requirements separately. Important future change (effective August 1, 2027): shipping within Minnesota will be permitted for registered cottage food producers. This is not yet in effect.

Related compliance resources