Cottage Food Law

Cottage foods are becoming increasingly more popular, especially in areas where Farmer's Markets are common. In order to sell cottage foods in most states, you need to have some type of license or permit to sell food from home. Understanding what is included in cottage food laws and how they are applied is most beneficial and will allow you to sell your items legally. It's also important to know which laws apply in your state. If you plan on selling online or in multiple states, you will need to fill out a cottage food license application for your state and others you may want to sell in.

Variations in Cottage Food Laws

There are only a few states that do not have any type of cottage laws in place. Many states are in the process of enacting cottage food laws. Several states already have laws in place, but each one has different variations that make its laws unique. There are variations in the type of foods that can be sold, how they can be sold, and the amount of product that can be sold. Some states have no limitations on the amount of sales or the manner in which products are offered.

Which States Have the Strictest Cottage Food Laws?

Each state varies when it comes to the strictness of their cottage food laws. Some states have laws that are stricter when it comes to selling directly to customers. Other states do not allow cooks to offer cottage foods online or in online stores. There are a few states that restrict the sale of meats or foods that contain meat. Each state is strict in its own way, depending on various factors.

Which States Have the Most Relaxed Cottage Food Laws?

When it comes to states having relaxed cottage food laws, states like Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan are more lenient than others when it comes to limiting the amount that is sold or the manner in which items can be sold. Cottage food laws in California, Indiana, Kentucky, and Maryland offer many items for sale that have not been allowed in the past. Over the last few years, many states have revamped and updated their laws to allow more items for sale and in higher amounts.

Common Types of Cottage Foods

The types of cottage foods that are being offered from state to state include many of the following:

• A full menu of baked goods that don't have to be refrigerated
• Candies and candy-covered foods or ingredients
• Nuts and nut butters
• Fruit butters
• Jams and jellies
• Dried fruits and nuts
• Popcorn
• Fruit pies
• Cereal
• Dry mixes
• As well as many other prepared foods that are not controlled by either temperature or time.

There are several foods, like fermented foods, pickled fruits/vegetables, as well as frozen uncut fruits and vegetables, that may be subject to other regulations and requirements that have been put in place by the state.

Considerations When Applying for a Cottage Food License

First and foremost, you will need to consider that if you are selling foods online or in multiple states, not all states will have the same laws in place. It is up to you to know what the laws are for each state you sell in as well as whether or not you can sell items online. You will also need to determine if you need a cottage food license for each state or if the current license you received from your home state will be accepted in other places. If not, you will need to apply for cottage food licenses in each state you are planning to sell your items.

How to Make Money by Selling Food from Home

Starting a college food business offers benefits for both the producer as well as the consumer. Not only do you get the satisfaction of being able to sell items that you have crafted with love and compassion, you get to offer them to customers who deserve to have the freshest foods possible on their table. Another benefit has to do with the fact that you are able to make a living doing what you love most. For those who love to cook and are sincerely good at it, selling cottage foods gives them a chance to turn their hobby into a very lucrative career.