Texas Cottage Food Laws
Last reviewed: January 15, 2025
Texas allows cottage food production from a home kitchen under the Cottage Food Law. Producers can sell many non-potentially-hazardous foods directly to consumers without a commercial kitchen, subject to registration, labeling, and sales limits.
Rules can change. Verify with official state guidance.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current state guidance. Cottage food laws vary by state and can change. Always verify requirements with your state or local regulatory authority before selling.
What you can sell under state rules
What typically appears on your labels
Annual caps and reporting
Requirements to operate
Pickup, delivery, shipping
Verify with your state
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
Non-potentially-hazardous baked goods, candies, jams and jellies, dried herbs and mixes, and similar items that do not require refrigeration for safety. The state maintains a list of approved foods; items not on the list may require a different permit or are not allowed under the cottage exemption.
Full allowed foods guideRestricted or prohibited foods
Potentially hazardous foods (e.g. cream-filled pastries, fresh cheesecake, certain dairy-based items, canned low-acid foods) are generally not allowed under the cottage food law. Meat products, canned vegetables, and foods that require refrigeration for safety are excluded.
Registration and training
Cottage food producers must register with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). A food handler certificate may be required depending on the county or product. Check current DSHS and local requirements before selling.
Sales limits
Texas does not set a dollar cap on cottage food sales. Producers must still comply with registration and labeling requirements. Some local ordinances may impose additional rules.
Full sales limits guideLabeling
Labels must include the producer’s name and address, product name, ingredients in descending order, net weight or volume, and the statement that the product was made in a home kitchen not subject to state inspection. Allergen information should be included where applicable.
Full labeling requirementsShipping, delivery, and direct sales
Direct sales to the consumer are allowed. Shipping may be permitted for certain cottage foods; verify current DSHS rules. Many sellers use pickup or local delivery. Ensure your chosen method is allowed under current guidance.
Official resources
Verify current requirements with your state or local authority.
Related compliance resources
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This information is provided for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current state guidance. Cottage food laws vary by state and can change. Always verify requirements with your state or local regulatory authority before selling.