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Getting Started with Cottage Food
Everything you need to know to start your cottage food business from home.
What is Cottage Food?
Cottage food laws allow individuals to prepare and sell certain types of food products from their home kitchens without the need for a commercial kitchen or food processing license.
Why Start a Cottage Food Business?
- Low startup costs — use your existing kitchen
- Flexible schedule — work when it suits you
- Test your products before investing in a commercial operation
- Build a customer base organically
Key Steps
- Research your state laws — every state has different rules
- Choose your products — focus on what you make best
- Get required permits — some states require registration
- Create compliant labels — most states have labeling requirements
- Start selling — farmers markets, online, word of mouth
Common Restrictions
Most states restrict cottage food to non-potentially-hazardous foods — items that don't require refrigeration. This typically includes:
- Baked goods (bread, cookies, cakes)
- Candy and confections
- Jams and jellies
- Dry mixes and spice blends
- Honey and maple syrup
Revenue Caps
Many states cap how much you can earn annually. Caps range from $5,000 (Minnesota) to unlimited (Wyoming, several others). Know your cap before planning.