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Pleasure Dose offers premium Magic Wand massagers for relaxation and intimacy, featuring cordless and plug-in models with variable speeds for fast, discreet shipping & a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

Heal Before Work supports Californians facing burnout & stress with therapy, SDI leave counseling, psychological tests, & telehealth services, helping individuals access mental health leave with care.

Lead Left Breads

At Lead Left Breads, we have a passion for breads of all kinds. We take pride in crafting breads that honor traditions and celebrate flavors from around the world and are committed to using only the finest and highest quality ingredients possible. Our artisan breads, signature specialty and traditional bagels, and unique sweet milk breads… [read more]

California AB 2315

Would require all California counties to allow Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) permits by July 2027.

Lisa He with Borderlands Bakery

Lisa He of Orlando, FL shares how she built a thriving cottage food bakery, won a Food Network competition, and leveraged that success by creating a popular cookie decorating supply business

Cottage Food Influencers

In this special 150th episode, many cottage food industry influencers share some of their best business advice for cottage food entrepreneurs on the topics of mindset, marketing, management, and money

Annie Wang with Little Moon Bakehouse

Annie Wang of Oakland, CA shares how she turned multiple passions into a very successful hyper-niched and eco-friendly bakery by starting small, scaling up, and completing a massive rebrand

Elisa Marie Lords with Elisa Marie Baking

Elisa Marie Lords of Placentia, CA shares how she overcame early struggles with her sales and built a thriving cottage food bakery by focusing on community, consistency, and customer service

Tiffany Hill with Think Pink Bakers

Tiffany Hill shares how she built on her success as a cottage food baker by creating a thriving online community/course and a packaging business, both of which have experienced unprecedented growth

Tiffany Hill with The Pink Crumbb

Tiffany Hill of Apple Valley, CA shares how she switched careers and built a full-time income from her cottage food bakery, after initially struggling to make sales and nearly shutting it down

David Bock with Buzzed Honeys

David Bock of Altadena, CA runs a multifaceted honey business that specializes in rescuing honey bees, and he shares local marketing tips that helped him build an email list of 3,500+ subscribers

Kristyn Suemnick with Old Oak Sourdough

Kristyn Suemnick of Murrieta, CA shares how her discovery of sourdough bread led to building a thriving home bakery that allows her to stay at home with her kids and better connect with her community

Episode 100: Where Are They Now?

In this very special 100th episode, previous guests come back on to share an update of what’s changed since they were last on the show, what’s surprised them, and what they’ve learned along the way

Starting A Mission-Driven Business with Nancy Chang

Nancy Chang of Oakland, CA sells healthy soups with her home-based micro-restaurant and shares how her mother’s battle with cancer inspired her to provide nourishing food to those facing health issues

California

California passed their first cottage food law (AB 1616 – The California Homemade Food Act) in 2012, and it went into effect on January 1st, 2013. The law was amended in 2013 (AB 1252) and 2021 (AB 1144 & AB 831). California has two classes of cottage food operations (CFOs): Class A & Class B…. [read more]

California AB 1325

Increases meal cap from 60 to 90 meals per week. Increases sales limit from $50k to $100k per year.

Serve The People with Lee Thomas

Lee Thomas runs a legal home BBQ business in San Leandro, CA and shares how he leveraged his political connections to help legalize MEHKOs (micro-enterprise home kitchen operations) in his county

The Feel Good Factor with Juno Rosales

Juno Rosales shares the incredible story of how she built an international brand by selling her frozen desserts from home in the Philippines before adding a second location in Los Angeles, CA

The Competitive Cake Artist with Jewel Burgess

Jewel Burgess of Rancho Cordova, CA shares how she started a cottage food business selling realistic cake sculptures and what she’s learned from participating in four Food Network competitions.

Cupcakes In Full Bloom with Sarah Thongnopneua

Sarah Thongnopneua lives in San Anselmo, CA and shares how she grew her “bouCAKES” (floral cupcake bouquets) business from her home kitchen into a commercial kitchen & won a Food Network competition.

California SB 972

Would remove the sales limits for both the cottage food and MEHKO laws. Would also remove the production limits for MEHKOs. Would also allow mobile food facilities to operate under the MEHKO law.

2021 Cottage Food Bills

2021 is a fresh start in so many ways, but as always, a new year means a new round of cottage food bills!

And what a big round it is! At least one-third of states are actively working on improving their cottage food law this year.

I actually can’t remember a year when there were this many cottage food amendments on the table. It reminds me of nearly a decade ago, when states were busy creating their initial cottage food laws.

In all likelihood, the pandemic, and the resulting surge of interest in cottage foods, is part of the push to improve the laws in many states.

California Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation

In 2018, California passed a new type of bill (AB 626), which allows for “microenterprise home kitchen operations” (MEHKOs). The law went into effect on January 1st, 2019. Under this first-of-its-kind law, home cooks can start micro-restaurants from home and sell virtually any kind of food. This varies greatly with most cottage food laws that… [read more]

2021 Recap: A Record Year for the Cottage Food Industry

WOW… what a year it has been for our growing cottage food industry!

As I wrote about last year, the pandemic really highlighted the need for people to be able to sell their homemade food.

And in 2021, states responded in a BIG way! This year, more states improved their laws for selling homemade food than in any other year in history.

California AB 831

Requires CFOs to include key labeling info on public advertisements.

Do Whatever It Takes with Whitney Singletary

Whitney Singletary of Berkeley, CA shares many of the obstacles she faced to build a successful nut-flavored cookie business from her driveway and eventually grow into a brick-and-mortar storefront.

Family, Freedom, & Pie with Kourtney Rojas

Kourtney Rojas of Anaheim, CA shares her long, organic journey into creating a successful home pie business that helps support her family and gave her the freedom to quit her job.

California AB 1144

Allows CFOs to ship and fulfill orders with a 3rd party delivery service. Also increases the sales limit to $75k for Class A CFOs, and $150k for Class B CFOs. Also specifies that the sales limit can increase annually to adjust for inflation. Also removes the requirement that Class B CFOs need special permission to… [read more]

Wholesale Strategies That Work with Sonia Chang

Sonia Chang from Pasadena, CA, who has sold her healthy granola in over two dozen stores and has also operated a popular cupcakery, shares marketing strategies that she’s used to grow her businesses.

Crabill Candy

I have been making my grandfather’s chocolate fudge since I was young. I remember making it every holiday season, and it has always been a big hit!

Sally’s Handcrafted Confections

My life long dream of making cookies, cupcakes and cake pops for my friends and family and wanting to expand out to own my own business. I would like to share my creations with you for your gift or event. I have obtained a Home cottage permit to keep the cost down so I can… [read more]

Brigadeiro Bee

We make Brigadeiros: Irresistible Brazilian Fudge Truffles.

Whittier Coffee Roasters

Third-wave coffee is obsessed with taste and transparency. More than simply revealing the country of origin, customers are talking elevation, micro-lots, and artisan blends, while paying real respect to the farmers who grow and process the beans. Whittier Coffee Roasters is where third-wave coffee and our community come together as a force of nature. At… [read more]

Sweet and Divine by Emmaline

About the Baker Emily has always loved baking. A defining moment was getting the blue ribbon in high school for her chocolate cake. Another was leaving the hubbub of family and friends to make her own wedding cake. She started baking professionally in 2011 and has learned a lot of lessons from the kitchen since then. Being… [read more]

Happy Kitchen

If you have been valiantly saying ‘no’ to all those treats you see at Whole Foods, the donuts in the break room, or cake on your birthday, then my friends, you are my heroes. Come with me as Life Just Got Sweet! Happy Kitchen purposes to provide an alternative to the sugar-laden, wheat flour based… [read more]

Etta Mae Gourmet

Etta Mae Gourmet is a home-based “craft jammery” specializing in artisan jams and preserves. The jams are prepared in small batches using locally sourced fruit. You can taste the difference! We can make personalized jams for your next wedding, party or event.  Our jams have won awards at the 2014 California State Fair, 2014 Orange… [read more]

The Spice Whisperer

The Spice Whisperer makes custom spice rubs and seasoning blends for cooking.  Current blends available: Bitchin’ Beef Passionate Pig Bodacious Bird Seductive Seafood Sultry Citrus Sinfully Citrus

Alameda Fruit Co.

Homemade preserves and marmalades using the seasonal produce grown on the island of Alameda, California.

Ela’s Sweet Treats

Licensed HOME BASED bakery specializing in custom, MADE TO ORDER treats delivered to your event location. Please call to discuss your event.  Everything is made to order close to your event date. We do not have stock on hand for daily sales. We make cupcake, cake pops, custom cookies and cakes. Cupcakes, cookies and cake… [read more]

Light and Healthy Desserts

Light and Healthy Desserts is a Cottage Food Operation Class A permitted artisanal bakery located in Irvine, Orange County, CA.  We follow the natural, fresh, whole-food, and clean-eating concept, allowing you to enjoy desserts guilt-free! Our gourmet healthy desserts are handcrafted in small batches using fresh, natural, wholesome, and premium-quality ingredients. We use fiber-rich whole… [read more]

Rasayana Coffee

Path (Ayana) of Essence (Rasa) Rasayana is more than just a name, it is the purpose behind us roasting every batch of coffee. We carefully select the beans, roast each personal batch completely by hand using centuries old techniques and hand deliver them so, your order arrives perfectly fresh and utterly artisan By believing coffee beans should… [read more]

Hello Sweetie Pies

Hello Sweetie Pies are made to order in a Cottage Food Operator permitted home kitchen and can be picked up or delivered only in Los Angeles and surrounding areas.Please contact us directly for custom baked goods. Our pies and other baked goods make the perfect addition to a dessert bar at your next wedding, shower,… [read more]

Bouquet Chocolates and Confections

Bouquet Chocolates and Confections www.bouquetchocolates.com We are dedicated chocolatiers making a one of a kind floral petit fours. The product is patent pending status with the USPTO as of 1/5/2015. The chocolate floral petit fours are customized by the customer, so the customer controls the flavors, fillings, design and presentation. Truly a decadent treat for… [read more]

East Bay Cakes

Custom and Specialty Cakes, By Order Only Cupcakes, Truffles, CakePops, Push Up Cake Pops, Cookies, Puddings,Tea Parties & Dessert Bars Fun and fanciful cakes, where flavor, texture and decadent yumminess reign supreme! East Bay Cakes bakes custom one-of-a-kind cakes just for you and for all occasions, such as Birthdays, Weddings, Quinceanera, Anniversaries, Graduations, Baby Showers and… [read more]

I Hella Heart Sugar

Kitchen science and gooey love got married and had delicious little home-made, oven fresh children. It’s called I Hella Heart Sugar. Let us take you back to the time when you came home after school and had a nice warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie while watching He-Man or She-Ra (if you watched both we won’t… [read more]

Grace Fellowship Church

Grace Fellowship Church has for many years given away in excess of 10,000 cups of Hot Chocolate to visitors of the Christmas Light Show and to the Police that guide the traffic each night. It is not unusual to have more than 20,000 visitors at any one time touring the show in addition to thousands… [read more]

A Treat for Everyone

A Treat for Everyone is a San Diego home-based bakery that is passionate about creating made-from-scratch goods for customers with various dietary needs. Our mission is in our name: we seek to create a treat that everyone can enjoy. All of our treats are deliciously made from wholesome ingredients without gluten, dairy, eggs, and soy. We… [read more]

AvoFudge Fallbrook’s Famous Avocado Fudge

Fallbrook’s Famous™ Avocado Fudge is an entirely new and better way to enjoy a classic American confection. Fresh, ripe local avocados are used instead of butter for a healthier fat content and a smoothness and creaminess found nowhere else. No greasy aftertaste, just full, robust flavor and character. It doesn’t taste like avocados, but it’s… [read more]

24 Bakery

24 Bakery is based out of Campbell, CA. We are at Japantown’s Farmers Market in San Jose on Sundays from 8 am- 12 pm. www.facebook/24bakery Twitter: @24_bakery Instagram: 24_bakery Pinterest: 24 Bakery

Yes She Cans

I make delicious homemade jam using fresh fruit from farmers markets and farmers directly.

Sam’s Patisserie

: Artisan viennoiseries, breads, tarts, cookies, and cakes crafted from sustainably grown ingredients. Hi there! I’m Sam, the baker & owner. I’m a newly minted cottage food baker (as of March of this year). I love food and have been cooking in the kitchen since I was 5, believe it or not. I opened Sam’s… [read more]

Huck’s Hollow Farm Homemade Goods

Huck’s Hollow Farm is a small homestead farm in Penn Valley, CA.  The owners are Theresa, Jim and Josh Huck.  We believe in clean, organic foods and are against factory farming.  We raise our own meats and veggies, enjoying the healthy lifestyle it gives us.  We are animal lovers and have four dogs, seven sheep,… [read more]

Shepherd’s Table

Shepherd’s Table is a Sacramento based Catering business. We specialize in making locally grown foods more accessible to everybody, at a fraction of the price of fast food and grocery stores. This promotes fresher food and a way to help your local economy. We Cater to many different needs, such as Birthday Parties, to Weddings… [read more]

Presidential Sweets

A homemade bakery specializing in French Macarons offering many different flavors and custom shapes or images too. Also provides custom designed cakes and cupcakes at reasonable prices.

Macabees Macarons

macabees is a home-based french macaron bakery in san diego, ca, specializing in unique flavors and presentations. each macaron is handmade to order by owner & baker, Phoebe Pascasio. #macabeesmacarons @macabeesmacarons on instagram facebook.com/macabeesmacarons

The Cinnamon Spoon

The Cinnamon Spoon really started because of our friends and family, who couldn’t get enough of our fresh homemade granola and granola bars.  We try to have something for everyone!  Whether you are looking for decadently sweet granola for a dessert, or a no-sugar option for breakfast… and of course we also offer everything in between!  Vegan,… [read more]

Smashbakes

I’m constantly thinking in sweets. I’ve been a baker since I was a child and have only fell more in love with it as I’ve gotten older. I’m a self-taught baker, learning everything I know from my family, books and lots of baking experiments. I believe this gives me a creative edge. Not constrained by classic flavors… [read more]

California Cottage Food Law Podcast

Real Food Real Talk interviewed a number of the key players surrounding the cottage food law in California. Their podcast, Home Cooking Your Way To Your Own Food Business, does a good job of summarizing the progress of the cottage food industry in that state.

The Bagels are Coming

Small Batch Bagels… All hand made!!! No store front, CFO (Cottage Foods Operations) Made from my Home Kitchen… For now :)

Hana Lulu’s Candy

Hana Lulu’s Coconut candy is like that found on the road to Hana in Maui, Hawaii — crisp, crunchy thin strips of coconut with Hawaiian cane sugar. We sell two varieties, natural and cinnamon flavor. More like the texture of a potato chip, this candy is hard to find anywhere other than the roadside stands… [read more]

Cheryl’s Caramels

Cheryl’s Caramels offers amazing home made, hand cut and individually wrapped caramel candy in 9 unique and delicious flavors! You can find me in beuatiful San Diego County every Thursday at downtown Oceanside’s Sunset Market on Thursday evenings from 5 to 9 pm, and at the Welk Resort’s Certified Farmer’s Market in Escondido every Monday… [read more]

Wicked Slow Foods

We create foods made of responsibly grown and dietary restriction-friendly ingredients for families across California. Many of our items are gluten-free, most are vegan, and the rest are vegetarian. We only use organic ingredients and we work with local farms to bring you responsibly grown, locally crafted goods. Our menu includes Vegan Gluten-free Sandwich Bread,… [read more]

Raf’s European Delights

House of the original Belgian Squares!!! Our love for baked goods and sweets in combination with the approval of the Cottage Food Law were the main drivers for starting our own home-based European style bakery. Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/RafEuropeanDelights

The Gluten Free Wife Bakery

100% Gluten Free Custom cakes, cookies, sweet breads, and more!  Trained in cake decorating so you can have a delicious custom order to fit your event.

Holly Pops

My name is Holly Castleman. I am the owner/operator of Holly Pops and I am operating from the County of Santa Clara since 2013. Over the years, baking has always been a passion of mine.  Cake pops started out as a hobby to make “Thank You” gifts for my husband’s clients as well as birthday… [read more]

White House Goodies

White House Goodies started as a concept to create products produced from our land. The first try was a Christmas Basket given to friends and family. Then California passed the Cottage Food Legislation allowing us to produce certain products in our home kitchen and we went to work. Some of our products are home grown…. [read more]

Dimple’s Sweetery | Cakes by Raya Najjar

Order delicious cakes for any occasion!  We cater weddings, birthdays, Quincenaneras, graduations, fund raising events, baby showers, bridal shower, engagements, corporate events, black tie events, and many others. We focus on the richness of flavor rather than the sweetness.  We believe that taste is everything when it comes to cakes and cupcakes, but we don’t… [read more]

Sweet Beginnings

Los Angeles | Sweet Beginnings embodies my authentic passion and love for family, friends and food — especially desserts. After spending more than 25 years collecting and sampling new recipes, it wasn’t long before I launched “Sweet Beginnings”. I love creating memorable experiences for people through my baking. I started my venture with a booth… [read more]

California AB 1252

Allowed all Class A & B operations to do direct sales anywhere within the state, rather than just their own county. It also required Class A operations to list their county on product labels.

Yum For All (gluten-free bakery)

Yum For All bakery creates gluten-free treats that are so good, everyone loves them… so there’s no need to buy separate treats for people with dietary restrictions! In addition to individual orders, we also run a cookie subscription service for local businesses. What better way to make work a little sweeter than with fresh-baked cookies… [read more]

Kate’s Cakery

We proudly specialize in unique gourmet cupcake flavors and gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and Paleo varieties of cupcakes and other treats. See our website for our latest menu!

Bunny’s Golden Brittle

Hello, my name is Sylvia Johnson. I am the master of Bunny’s Golden Brittle. I specialize in scrumptious candy brittle, made up with fresh roasted nuts, creamy butter, and real vanilla, and a variety of flavors: almond, peanut, pecan, cashew, and mixed fruit. Order yours today!

California AB 1616

Initial cottage food law which created two classes of cottage food operations (CFOs). Class A can sell directly at most venues, whereas Class B can also sell indirectly through stores, restaurants, etc. A Class B permit is more expensive and requires a kitchen inspection. All CFOs can sell from a specific list of non-perishable items,… [read more]