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New Hampshire

New Hampshire has a two-tier system for “homestead food operations”: unlicensed and licensed. Unlicensed operators can sell homemade food at farmers markets, from home, or at their own farm stand. Operators who get a Homestead License can sell at almost any sales venue, including wholesale, selling online, and shipping products. The other requirements are the… [read more]

Louisiana

Louisiana’s cottage food law (Act 542) was started in 2013 and amended in 2014. The amendment (HB 1270) greatly increased the number of foods allowed, and it also increased the amount of regulations CFOs must follow. In 2022, the sales limit increased to $30,000 per year (HB 828), and in 2026, the sales limit increased to $100,000… [read more]

Beekeeper’s Garden

BEEKEEPER’S GARDEN is a private apiary located in Northeastern Pennsylvania. We maintain around 20 production hives, give or take, and have been practicing organic and sustainable beekeeping since 2010. As a small-batch honey processor, we harvest about 1000-1200 pounds per year and delight in separating out the flavor profiles of the seasons.

Rolls & Wrinkles Bakery

Welcome to Rolls & Wrinkles Bakery! We’re a small, family-run bakery born out of a lifelong love for baking and a slightly demanding husband. My journey in the kitchen started years ago, standing next to my mom and grandma. Baking with them taught me everything—from the feel of the dough to the joy of sharing… [read more]

West Virginia

West Virginia has two laws which allow the sale of homemade food. Most producers who want to sell nonperishable foods would use this law (SB 285). Producers who also want to sell perishable foods (including acidified foods) can do so with their newer law (SB 44). Under this law, producers in West Virginia can sell… [read more]

West Virginia Perishable Foods

In 2026, West Virginia passed SB 44 to allow many types of homemade perishable foods to be sold. Producers should only use this law if they want to sell perishable foods (including acidified foods). Producers who only want to sell non-perishable foods are better off using West Virginia’s older cottage food law. Under this law,… [read more]

Frosting N Fondant

Frosting N Fondant is a Latina Owned bakery specializing in small batch desserts from hand held treats, to custome cakes designs. FNF focuses on simple local ingredients that pack alot of flavor. Simply elevated.

Virginia

Virginia allows producers to start a food business from home without getting licensed or inspected, but it comes with some restrictions. If you want to have fewer restrictions (make more types of food, sell at more locations, etc), you can apply to be a home food processing operation, which requires a home kitchen inspection and… [read more]

Indiana

Indiana has two laws for homemade food processors: this law for “homestead vendors” (HB 1424), and an older law for “home-based vendors” (HB 1149). This law (for homestead vendors) is better to use for sales from home, at farmers markets, and online (including in-state shipping) since it allows many more types of foods to be… [read more]

Indiana Home-based Vendor

Indiana has two laws for homemade food processors: one for “homestead vendors” (HB 1424), and this law for “home-based vendors” (HB 1149). Indiana’s other law (for homestead vendors) is better to use for sales from home, at farmers markets, and online (including in-state shipping) since it allows many more types of foods to be sold…. [read more]

The Charmed Cat Sweets

The Charmed Cat Sweets crafts cookies, brownies, and other sweet treats with a touch of everyday magic and whimsy. We bake everything fresh to order, blending nostalgic flavors with a cozy, witchy charm. Whether you’re looking to share, gift, or treat yourself, let us cast a little magic for you. Experience the Magic

Idaho

In 2026, Idaho passed the “Idaho Direct-to-Consumer Commerce Act” (SB 1283) which significantly expanded their cottage food law. Producers can sell all types of non-perishable foods and most types of perishable foods (excluding most meat products) directly to consumers within the state. The law also allows direct sales through a “designated agent” such as a… [read more]

Anty’s Sweet Treats

Small home bakery based in Corona, Lefrak City New York ran by a High School student looking to pursue her hobby into something bigger :)! I sell many pastries, including cookies, cakes, brownies, creamy desserts and pizookies. Instagram: @antyssweettreats

Chey’s Whisk & Wonder

Hi, I’m Cheyanne — the baker and dreamer behind ✨Chey’s Whisk & Wonder✨, a cottage home bakery serving the Northwest Florida area. What started as a simple love for baking in my own kitchen has grown into a way for me to bring sweetness and joy to others. I believe desserts should be more than… [read more]

The French Oven

Hi! I have a passion for french baking, so I decided to share my passion in my small town! I am currently selling: Croissants, Pain au chocolat, filled brioche rolls (Vatruska), palmiers and macarons. Please follow me to see when I update, have market days etc. Thank you!  

Hawaii

Hawaii does not have a cottage food law, but it is possible to sell certain types of homemade food at events with a temporary food establishment permit.

Michigan

Michigan first enacted a cottage food law in 2010 (HB 5280). It was amended in 2012 (HB 5130) and 2025 (HB 4122). Producers can sell many types of non-perishable foods directly to consumers at most sales venues, including sales from home, at events, online, in-state shipping, and via third-party delivery. It is very easy to… [read more]

Katrina Bland with Sweet Benefits

Katrina Bland of Catonsville, MD shares how she boosted her small cottage food business by investing in professional coaching, focusing on ecommerce, and landing large corporate orders

Beth Ford with Joe’s Bakery – Baton Rouge

Beth Ford of Baton Rouge, LA shares how she found new purpose, passion, and peace in life by opening a cottage food bakery and growing it until she could quit her job and focus on the bakery full-time

Brandy Nelson with Wild Currant Alaska

Brandy Nelson of Soldotna, AK shares how she built a strong customer base by selling very unique and healthy products, and the challenges she needs to consider to continue scaling her business further

Nicole Bendig-Lamb with Snarky Sweet Cake Chick

Nicole Bendig-Lamb of Arvada, CO shares how she overcame self-doubt and became not just a successful cottage food entrepreneur, but also a recognized influencer, author, speaker, and business coach

Melanie Scofield with Farm & Flour

Melanie Scofield of Jacksonville, OR shares how her battle with cancer led her to create one of the country’s best farm stands by focusing on building community, serving others, and being consistent

Jacy Vinson with Joy-Full Bites

Jacy Vinson of Eagle River, AK sells both physical and digital products with her bakery business and shares how this hybrid approach has allowed her to provide for her family in a sustainable way

Tanya & Mike Clowers with South Street Cookies

Tanya & Mike Clowers of Williamsburg, IA share how their cottage food bakery literally changed their life, saved them from financial trouble, and led them to quickly grow a huge social media following

Alecia Ryan with Lee Cee Pie

Alecia Ryan of Ardmore, PA shares how she built her cottage food business into a success by focusing on branding and customer relationships, despite facing many unpredictable changes along the way

Katie Sacoman with Sweet Pea Bakery

Katie Sacoman of Albuquerque, NM shares how she transitioned from custom orders to markets to wholesale by remaining adaptable and embracing the messiness that comes with growing your own business

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

Tennessee

In 2022, Tennessee passed a food freedom law (HB 813) to replace their old cottage food law, and they amended it in 2025 (HB 130). Producers in Tennessee can sell most types of food (including many perishable foods) at most venues throughout the state, including selling from home, at markets, via retail stores, or online… [read more]

Alanna Ti’a with Sugar, Butter, & Flour

Alanna T’ia of Columbia, MO shares how she became a 6-figure baker by creating a professional setup with streamlined systems, exceptional customer service, and consistent high-quality products

Texas

Texas passed their first (very restrictive) cottage food law in 2011 (SB 81). Over the years, they have faced massive resistance to improving their law, but they also have the largest cottage food advocacy group of any state. After passing major improvements in 2013 (HB 970), 2019 (SB 572), and 2025 (SB 541), they now… [read more]

Lauri Lee & Bob Stafford with Lauri Lee’s

Lauri Lee & Bob Stafford of Surprise, AZ share the strategies they’ve used to scale their business by becoming a major presence at markets, adding wholesale accounts, switching to a copacker, and more

Georgia

Georgia has had a cottage food law since 2012. In 2025, they passed a new bill (HB 398), which became one of the best cottage food laws in the country. Cottage food operators in Georgia can now sell almost any type of non-perishable food in any venue, including direct sales, wholesale, and online sales. There… [read more]

Soralla Gonzalez with Delicious Healthy Bakes

Soralla Gonzalez of Tampa Bay, FL shares how she has overcome struggles to find customers by being resilient, implementing marketing strategies, failing fast, and staying focused on her true passion

Stacey Kimball with Bluebird Confections

Stacey Kimball of Caldwell, ID shares how she went from cottage food to commercial kitchen to her own storefront by building relationships with her community and focusing on slow and consistent growth

Nevada Craft Food

In 2015, Nevada passed a bill (SB 441) to allow “craft food operations”, which are businesses that can sell homemade acidified foods (e.g. pickles, salsas, etc). This law allows acidified foods to be sold directly to consumers, and limits sales to $100k of acidified products per year. Operators need to go through a fairly lengthy… [read more]

Nevada

Nevada created its first cottage food law in 2013 (SB 206) and updated it in 2025 (AB 352). Producers can sell many different types of food products directly to consumers from home, at markets & events, and online, and they can ship products or use a third-party delivery service. Producers are limited to $100,000 of… [read more]

Amanda Sharp with The Little Bakery

Amanda Sharp of McCalla, AL shares how she fulfilled her lifelong dream of building a successful bakery, despite overcoming health challenges and facing a curveball that almost wiped out her sales

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

Ana Delgado with Apple & Jars

Ana Delgado of Wingdale, NY shares her incredible cottage food business journey that includes starting over twice, overcoming a midlife crisis, and dealing with burnout on her unlikely path to success

York’s Kitchen

At York’s Kitchen, we’re a family-run business, and everything we do is a labor of love. From roasting our own coffee to baking all our treats from scratch, we use only the finest, wholesome ingredients to create flavors that feel like home. Every cup and bite is made with care, bringing you the comforting taste… [read more]

Georgi DeCosta with Georgi’s Goodies

Georgi DeCosta of Kaneohe, HI shares how she used baking to help overcome depression, and turned her baking therapy into a legitimate cottage food business that has given her a new purpose in life

Rita Magalde with Sheer Ambrosia

Rita Magalde runs Sheer Ambrosia in Salt Lake City, UT and shares her roller coaster baking business journey of 17 years that includes big risks, life changes, surprises, failures and successes

Michelle Chesser with Home Sweet Home Bakery

Michelle Chesser of Millersville, MO started her home bakery 16 years ago from humble beginnings and built it into a “monster” that changed her family’s life and led her to become an online influencer

Chris Martin with bakernobakery

Chris Martin of Charlottesville, VA shares how she used her experience working at 3-star Michelin restaurants to build a successful cottage food bakery, and then reinvented it despite its popularity

Davia Delgado with Raven Cakes Bakery

Davia Delgado of Trenton, NJ has experienced incredibly fast growth in her cottage food bakery, and shares how she achieved many $2k and $3k sales days within her first year of business

Allyson Grant with The Better Baker Club

Allyson Grant of Baldwin City, KS shares her wild journey from starting a home bakery to growing a chain of cupcake stores, appearing on the Food Network, and coaching cottage food entrepreneurs

Meggen Wilson with Pine & Palm Kitchen

Meggen Wilson of Whitefish, MT shares how she converted her cottage food business into an ecommerce brand, and covers many topics including licensing, branding, copacking, ecommerce, SEO, email & more

Matt Rosen with Sergeant Shortbread

Matt Rosen of Eden Prairie, MN shares his unlikely journey from non-baker to bakery owner, including a major rebrand, a fortuitous commercial facility, and a business decision that tripled his sales

Delaney Peters with Delaney’s Sourdough

Delaney Peters of Wasilla, AK shares how her cottage food bakery became a massive success within its first year, despite having modest business ambitions and also being a stay-at-home mom of an infant

Welcome to N Theory Farm- Where everything works!

Welcome to N Theory Farm! We are the Sims family, and in the spring 2020 we relocated from the deserts of Arizona to the mountains of Tennessee to continue building our dream of a self-sustainable farm and homestead. Why N Theory? Dave & Elaine used to watch the SyFy channel show ‘Eureka’, about a town… [read more]

Denise Golia with Dee’s Little Sweets

Denise Golia of North Providence, RI shares how she started a very successful bakery by niching way down, despite being limited by a personal injury and not being able to start from her home kitchen

Jondell Lafont-Garcia with Fluff Marshmallow Co.

Jondell Lafont-Garcia of Pflugerville, TX is one of the foremost experts in the homemade marshmallow trend and shares how she built her cottage food business despite facing a major personal challenge

Wynter Hosier with Etta’s Gooey Goodies

Wynter Hosier of Greentown, IN shares how she built her cottage food bakery into a successful storefront by persevering and giving back, despite facing many unexpected twists and turns along the way

Oklahoma

For many years, Oklahoma had one of the most restrictive cottage food laws in the United States. However, in 2021, Oklahoma replaced their cottage food law with the Homemade Food Freedom Act (HB 1032), and it is now one of the best laws in the country! Under the food freedom law, producers can sell their… [read more]

Arizona

Arizona’s has one of the best cottage food laws of any state. Producers can sell almost any type of food, including products containing meat. Most types of food products can be sold anywhere, including from home, at events, in stores, and online. However, dairy products and items containing meat can only be sold directly (in-person)… [read more]

Nicole DiMarco with All About The Freeze

Nicole DiMarco of West Deptford, NJ shares how she took the leap with a new product, and leveraged her sales, retail, and social media experience to quickly start a successful cottage food business

Nebraska

Nebraska has a very good cottage food law. Unlike most states, producers can sell most types of homemade foods, including many types of perishable foods. Producers can sell directly to consumers at farmers markets, events, from home, and online. Non-perishable products can also be shipped. Indirect sales (wholesale, retail stores, etc) are not allowed, but… [read more]

Steph Uittenbogaard with Fifi’s Patisseries

Steph Uittenbogaard of Loveland, CO never thought she’d run her own home bakery, and she shares her atypical business journey, including both the triumphs and challenges that she’s faced along the way

Delaware

Delaware’s cottage food law began in 2016 and allows producers to sell certain types of non-perishable foods from home. Unfortunately, the law is relatively restrictive, and the process for setting up a business is very complex. Producers can only sell directly from home or at farmers markets or events, but there is no sales limit…. [read more]

Delaware On-Farm Home Processing

This law is only for farmers in Delaware. If you are not a farmer, you can use Delaware’s cottage food law to sell homemade foods. This law for on-farm home processing operations is a better option for many farmers than using the cottage food law, both because it allows more types of products, and because… [read more]

Jenn Bowersock with Jenn’s Backstube

Jenn Bowersock of Sidney, OH runs an authentic German bakery from her home, and shares how she went from struggling as an entrepreneur to experiencing rapid success by finding product/market fit

Alaska

In 2024, Alaska replaced their old cottage food law with a food freedom law (HB 251), and is now one of the best states for selling homemade food. Producers can sell almost any type of homemade food, including perishable foods and certain items with meat. Producers can sell almost anywhere within the state, including in-person,… [read more]

Tyler & Angie Worthey with Worthey Peppers

Tyler Worthey of Neoga, IL shares how he built a very successful cottage food business during high school, and how he and his mom Angie now work together as a mother/son team to take it to new heights

Ka’Terra Dettbarn with Sweet Addiction

Ka’Terra Dettbarn of Ocean City, MD endured lots of trial and error when starting a cottage bakery with her sister, but by persisting and listening for guidance, they transformed it into a success

Valerie Allensworth with The Donut Lady

Valerie Allensworth of Sitka, AK shares how she built a very successful cottage food business by focusing on consistency, despite living on a remote island in Alaska and facing many unique challenges

Marci Larson with Kahler’s Cakes

Marci Larson of Sioux Falls, SD shares how she turned her longtime dream of selling baked goods into a reality and built a successful cottage food business by selling wholesale and at many events

Massachusetts

UPDATE Since this page was last updated, Boston created an ordinance to allow residential kitchens, so now Boston residents can use the cottage food law. Massachusetts developed its law for “residential kitchens” in 2000, well before cottage food laws became common. Residential kitchens are considered “food establishments” (like their commercial counterparts), so it is harder… [read more]

Jenifer & Tristan Hoke with The Drunken Chef

Jenifer & Tristan Hoke of Tecumseh, OK share how they used sheer persistence to overcome early sales struggles, and found a business model that works so well that they now can’t keep up with demand

Minnesota

Minnesota used to have one of the most restrictive cottage food laws in the nation. In 2015, they passed a new law (SF 5) which greatly improved their law, and then they further improved it in 2021 by passing an amendment (SF 958). Cottage food producers can sell almost any type of nonperishable food, but they… [read more]

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

Ohio

Ohio’s cottage food law does not require any licensing from the ag department, and there is no sales limit, but the law limits producers in other ways. Rather than allowing all direct sales, operations can only sell their items at specific types of venues, which does include a couple indirect (wholesale) channels, like selling to a… [read more]

Connecticut

After many years of consistent effort, Connecticut finally created a usable cottage food law (PA 18-141 or SB 193) that went into effect on October 1st, 2018. Before then, only farmers could sell homemade food. Farmers can still use the Residential Farm law to sell certain types of canned goods. This law allows the direct… [read more]

Colorado

The “Colorado Cottage Foods Act” began in 2012 and was amended in 2013, 2015, and 2016 (read about the history of the act). 2016’s amendment (SB 16-058) added all non-PHF foods to the approved list (including pickled items) and enabled internet sales within the state. The current law restricts producers to direct sales only, but no license from… [read more]

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

Caked by Carolina

Home-based cake shop located in Plymouth, Indiana since 2021. All of our cakes are custom and made to order. We bake fresh using quality ingredients and add creative designs to ensure a unique and satisfying experience for our customers.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a bit different than other states in that it doesn’t have laws specific to cottage food operations, but the Department of Agriculture simply allows “limited food establishments” that meet specific guidelines. The application process is lengthy, but limited food establishments have a lot of flexibility once they’re setup. Unlike other states, in Pennsylvania, there are many similarities between the… [read more]

Mississippi

Prior to 2013, Mississippi only allowed sales of homemade food at farmers markets, but they passed a new cottage food bill (SB 2553) that year to allow in-person sales at other venues as well. However, individuals can now sell only $35,000 of homemade food per year. Fortunately, many types of food products are allowed, and it’s very… [read more]

Monique Germaine with Kneading to Bake

Monique Germaine of Nashville, TN shares how she built and rebuilt her cottage food bakery in 3 different states, plus a crazy commercial food business journey that got her products into big retailers

Michelle Dukes with The Cookie Cutters

Michelle Dukes of Penfield, NY shares why she shifted her business model after 10 years of running a cottage food bakery, while keeping focus on the most important aspect of her business: having fun

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

Jessi Deily with Colby Jack Rabbit

Jessi Deily of Helena, MT sells macarons and custom-decorated meringue cookies with her cottage food business and shares her journey from struggling artist to successful baker and TikTok influencer

Oregon

Oregon has three laws that allow residents to sell homemade food, which makes it one of the best states for selling homemade food products. This page covers their basic cottage food law, which started in 2016 (SB 320) and was significantly amended in 2024 (SB 643). Those who want more flexibility with their home food… [read more]

Eric & Denise Steilberger with Fudge De Fûge

Eric & Denise Steilberger of Ocala, FL sell their homemade fudge all year long and share how the lessons they learned from running a cafe in Alaska helped them build a successful cottage food business

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

Megan Shonka with Happy Mango Bakery

Megan Shonka of Papillion, NE shares the highs and lows of her home-based bakery journey, the importance of being involved in her community, and her plans to expand into a brick-and-mortar storefront

Denae Spiering with The Sugar Shack

Denae Spiering of Bridgeville, DE shares how she realized her long-time dream of building a brick-and-mortar bakery despite life getting in the way and pausing her cottage food business for many years

Deanna Martinez-Bey with The Fiery Whisk Bakery

Deanna Martinez-Bey of Wake Forest, NC is a multi-faceted food entrepreneur and shares her experience in building a cottage food bakery, writing books, managing social media, and running pop-up events

Missouri Individual Stands

Missouri requires every county to have cottage food laws, but each county has their own separate laws. However, there is currently a bill in place to develop state-wide laws.

Washington

Washington is one of the most difficult states for starting a cottage food operation. It is very complicated to get a cottage food permit… almost as complex as setting up a commercial food business. And yet, Washington’s cottage food law is fairly limited, only allowing $35,000 of sales per year, prohibiting indirect sales (to restaurants,… [read more]

North Carolina

North Carolina is unlike any other state, in that it has a food program for home processors, yet it does not have laws in place to allow them.  Other states have specific laws in place that override the federal laws that prohibit home-based food sales, but since North Carolina has no such laws, technically their… [read more]

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]

Vermont

Vermont was the first state to create laws specifically for home bakers, and they still lead the way as one of the only states to allow almost any food item to be produced and sold from the home.   Like most states, Vermont has a specific Home Bakery license for those that only want to… [read more]

Healthy Grains, Wealthy Gains with Tamara Ketchian

Tamara Ketchian of Orange, CT sells gluten-free vegan granola and shares how she’s gone from stay-at-home mom to starting a cottage food bakery to now scaling her business with a commercial kitchen

Don’t Be Afraid Of Failure with Jana LaViolette

Jana LaViolette of Clovis, NM shares her incredible journey from cottage food to food truck to storefront, and how she overcame many obstacles by constantly trying new things and never giving up

Wisconsin

Wisconsin has two avenues for selling homemade food: this ruling, which allows the sale of nonperishable baked goods, and the pickle bill, which allows the sale of some types of canned goods. Under this ruling, home cooks can only sell nonperishable baked goods directly to anyone in the state, and there is no limit on… [read more]

The Freeze Dried Trend with Janna Newcomb Walworth

Janna Newcomb Walworth of Choctaw, OK has rapidly grown her cottage food business selling freeze dried candy, fruits, veggies, etc, and shares why she doesn’t think this trend will end anytime soon

Back To Basics with Lora Friemel

Lora Friemel of Scranton, AR shares how she sells homemade jams, jellies, and other canned goods as a way to support her lifelong dream of running a sustainable homestead for her family

Men Bake Cookies with Mike Skyring

Mike Skyring of South Lyon, MI shares how he started a gourmet cookie bakery totally by accident, and how he quickly grew it into a very successful business by leveraging many marketing techniques

Think Like A CEO with Jen Morris

Jen Morris shares so many lessons from her crazy journey building a popular cupcake business in Collingdale, PA, including promoting yourself, scaling up, getting published, and validating products

Baking Saved My Life with Christina Marquez

Christina Marquez of Antioch, IL shares how she built a cottage food bakery amidst many life challenges by following her passion, caring deeply about her customers, and focusing on serving others

The Sacred Tomato

Chili powders, blends, and seasonings. Featuring chilis and spices from Mexico, Central America, and the great Southwest.

Growing A Movement with Lisa Kivirist

Lisa Kivirist of Browntown, WI shares an update on the past, present, and future of the cottage food and food freedom movements, and how she’s helping support them with many different resources

Get Passionate About Sales with Amanda Schonberg

Amanda Schonberg of Baton Rouge, LA shares tons of business tips for generating more sales, building a following, managing mindset, improving time, growing an email list, and scaling up a bakery

Vegan Affair Bakery

Vegan Affair, for the Love of Baking! My name is Amanda, I am the owner and sole baker of Vegan Affair Bakery. I operate under Ohio’s Cottage Food Laws, which allow me to bake using my home kitchen. The original “Vegan Affair” called California it’s home, and was the brainchild of my amazingly creative cousin…. [read more]

Two Cultures In One with Fawzeya Owda

Fawzeya Owda of Norwood, OH shares her unique journey from home bakery to commercial kitchen when her Palestinian-inspired cheesecake allowed her to build her own American Dream to support her family

Rhode Island

In 2022, Rhode Island passed H 7123, becoming the last state to allow all residents to sell homemade food. Prior to 2022, Rhode Island only had their Farm Home Food Manufacture law, which 99.8% of residents couldn’t use. This law allows anyone (not just farmers) to register as a “cottage food manufacturer”, which costs $65… [read more]

Rhode Island Farm Home Food Manufacture

This law is for farmers that sell over $2,500 of agricultural products per year. Non-farmers must use the Cottage Food Manufacture law, and farmers can use both laws. For 20 years (until 2022), this was Rhode Island’s only cottage food law. Under this law, farmers can sell many types of nonperishable products, and there is… [read more]

Chocolate Is Therapy with Gary Knight

Gary Knight of Gardnerville, NV sells beautiful hand-decorated chocolates that he learned to make while overcoming his alcohol addiction and recovering from a traumatic brain injury.

The Burnt Out Baker with Jenni Reher

Jenni Reher of Mead, CO shares the rise and fall of her vegan donut bakery, how she grew it to 20 wholesale accounts, and why she decided to sell her business when it was doing better than ever.

Iowa Home Food Processing Establishment

Unlike most states, Iowa allows home cooks to sell most types of foods, including perishable products. After an update in 2022 (HF 2431), Iowa is the only state to allow products that contain some types of meat and poultry that are purchased. Home food processing establishments can sell their items at any venue, but they… [read more]

Iowa

Iowa has two different laws for home cooks, which combine to form possibly the best cottage food laws in the nation. Iowa has been allowing sales of homemade food for longer than any other state (since at least the 1980s). The cottage food law (described on this page) allows producers to sell almost all types… [read more]

South Dakota

South Dakota first passed a cottage food law in 2010, and amended it in 2011, 2020, & 2022. Producers can sell all types of nonperishable foods, plus some types of foods that most states don’t allow: perishable baked goods, home canned goods, pesto, frozen fruit, etc. However, those selling the latter must follow certain requirements…. [read more]

Mixing It Up with Cassie Menchhofer

Cassie Menchhofer of Celina, OH shares how she took her business to the next level by building an FDA-approved manufacturing facility to sell her dried soup, baking, and spice mixes across the country.

South Carolina

South Carolina first created a cottage food law in 2012, which was amended in 2018 and 2022. Producers can sell both directly to consumers, and indirectly to retail stores. Producers can sell their products online, and can ship them as well. There is no sales limit, and the producer doesn’t need to take a food… [read more]

Living Off The Land with Beatrice Lattimore

Beatrice Lattimore from Deland, FL shares how her family moved from the city into the country to start a farm and live off the land, and how she used the cottage food law to sell value-added products.

Kansas

Kansas has a good cottage food law, even though the rules for selling food are mostly determined by the ag department. Almost all types of nonperishable foods can be sold anywhere directly, including sales in other states. Indirect sales (via restaurants, stores, etc) are not allowed. There are even special rules that allow limited sales… [read more]

Illinois

For many years, Illinois had one of the most restrictive cottage food laws in the nation. Their first cottage food law in 2012 (SB 0840) only allowed cottage food operations to sell certain items at farmers markets. Even though an amendment in 2018 (HB 3063) removed the sales limit and greatly expanded the list of… [read more]

Black Coffee Ranch & Mercantile

Black Coffee Ranch is a family ranch and mercantile servicing central and south-central Montana via drop points. We provide grass-fed meats, raw milk, a variety of honey products, jams and other dry goods.

Chocolate Plus

I’ve been making chocolate candies for over ten (10) years now, but only for family and friends. Recently I have launched out as a Cottage Food Business, within the past month (Dec ’21) and had my first outdoor market event.  It was a bit nerve-wracking, but exciting at the same time.  Needless to say, it… [read more]

Kentucky

For many years, only Kentucky farmers could sell homemade food, leaving it as one of the last states without a basic cottage food law. But that changed in 2018 when the law was amended (HB 263) to make it available to everyone. With this law, home-based processors can make many types of non-perishable foods and… [read more]

Kentucky Microprocessor

Kentucky’s law for home-based microprocessors is only for those who want to sell acidified foods, low-acid canned goods, or low-sugar jams & jellies. To sell other types of homemade foods, Kentucky has a law for home-based processors, which is much less restrictive than this one. In order to use this law for home-based microprocessors, the producer… [read more]

North Dakota

In 2017, North Dakota passed the country’s second food freedom bill (HB 1433), modeled after Wyoming’s. Unlike most cottage food laws, this food freedom law allows producers to sell any type of food, as long as it doesn’t contain meat. There is one exception: those who raise a small amount of poultry can sell their… [read more]

New Mexico

For many years, New Mexico had the most complex cottage food law of any state. However, in 2021 they passed the Homemade Food Act (HB 177), which greatly improved their law. Now producers can sell most non-perishable foods directly anywhere in the state, and there is no sales limit. Indirect sales (retail stores, restaurants, etc)… [read more]

Montana

Montana first created a cottage food law in 2015, but it was almost entirely replaced in 2021 with the passage of the Montana Local Food Choice Act (SB 199). This “food freedom” law removed almost all restrictions from selling homemade food, and it prevents government agencies from regulating a producer. To sell homemade food, a… [read more]

Montana Cottage Food

In 2015, Montana passed their first cottage food bill (HB 478), which is explained on this page. However, they now have a newer law, the Montana Local Food Choice Act (SB 199), also known as their food freedom law. That law almost entirely replaces this one. The only reason someone would use this cottage food… [read more]

New York

Before 2018, New York had a fairly restrictive law. Unlike other states that pass bills to improve their cottage food law, New York’s ag department improved the law themselves by creating rules, first in 2018 and again in 2020. Homemade food can now be sold anywhere within the state, including selling indirectly to stores and… [read more]

Alabama

Alabama created a cottage food law (SB 159) in 2014. Previously, producers could only sell non-perishable homemade food at farmers markets. In 2021, an amendment (SB 160) greatly expanded the list of allowed foods, removed the sales limit, allowed online sales, and allowed in-state shipping. Alabama allows direct sales of almost any type of non-perishable food,… [read more]

Arkansas

Arkansas created a cottage food law in 2011 (Act 72), and it was amended three times (2017 Act 399, 2019 Act 775, & 2021 Act 306). However, in 2021, Arkansas replaced their cottage food law with the Food Freedom Act (SB 248), and it is now one of the best laws in the country! Under… [read more]

New Jersey

New Jersey has tried to pass countless cottage food bills, but one senator continues to prevent any of them from passing.

Florida

Florida’s cottage food law has improved significantly over time. After passing their first law (HB 7209) in 2011, they have passed three amendments: in 2017 they passed HB 1233, and in 2021 they passed HB 663 & HB 403. Florida now has a good cottage food law, especially since it is very easy for a… [read more]

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.

Small Is Beautiful with Eric Sorensen

Eric Sorensen from Pullman, WA shares how he runs a profitable small side business in retirement by selling sourdough bread, bagels, pretzels, cookies, and more from his driveway and farmers markets.

Cedar Fox Mercantile and Bakery, LLC

Cedar Fox Mercantile and Bakery is a newly-established CFO operating under an LLC. I love all things baking, but currently offer breads (yeasted, quick, and natural sourdough), sweet rolls, pastries and drop cookies.

Three Melons Bake Shop

I specialize in custom decorated ’boutique’ sugar cookies.  I also offer cupcakes and cakes.

Kouzeh Bakery

Kouzeh Bakery was established in Los Angeles in 2018 with the goal of introducing the community to the rich diversity of Persian bread. The people of Iran have created a vast variety of bread throughout their long history. From simple flatbreads made by nomadic tribes to sourdough loaves baked in cities and villages for daily consumption,… [read more]

Turning Up The Heat with Nathan & Nicole Parchman

Nathan & Nicole Parchman of O’Fallon, IL share how they produce and sell over 200 jars of salsa and pickles each week, and have grown from farmers market to wholesale to brick-and-mortar storefront.

Bella’s Bakery LLC

Bella’s Bakery is a home based bakery out of East Montpelier, Vermont! A banker by day, and a baker by night, I strive to provide the sweetest treats and tasties to you and your family for any occasion! College care package? Loss of a loved one? Birthday or holiday celebration? I have something for everyone!… [read more]

Maryland

Maryland passed a very restrictive cottage food law (SB 550) in 2012, which limited sales to farmers markets and public events. Then from 2018 – 2020, three amendments significantly improved the law. In 2018, HB 1106 allowed other in-person, direct sales in the state, including mail order sales. In 2019, SB 290 allowed sales at… [read more]

District of Columbia

Washington D.C. started allowing homemade food sales in 2013, with the passage of the “Cottage Food Amendment Act of 2013” (B20-0168). Cottage food businesses can now sell most types of non-perishable homemade foods within the DC area at almost any venue, including wholesale and online sales. To become a cottage food business, producers need to… [read more]

Makeathe

We are an artisan cottage bakery, specializing in sourdough bread and pastries. We source all of our grains from local farms and millers and try to highlight local produce and agricultural products in all of our creations.

Hurd Stirs by Hurd Creations

We are not an official business, just a family working together to teach our son about entrepreneurship and selling our product at local Farmers Markets. My son leads a small lemonade stand and I handcraft products to sell in conjunction with his endeavors. I only make a few food-based products, but also have other non-edible… [read more]

Wisconsin Pickle Bill

For many years, Wisconsin allowed canned goods without allowing baked goods, unlike every other state. As of 2017, Wisconsin now has a ruling that allows homemade baked goods. This older law, also known as the “Pickle Bill”, is still in place for canned good sales. This law is very restrictive. Producers can sell up to… [read more]

Wild Yeast Kitchen

Artisan bread baking tradition in the heart of Alabama Wild Yeast Kitchen, is a cottage food bakery established in June of 2016. The bakery focuses on traditional methods of artisan bread making. It offers bread subscriptions, online ordering, and sells at the Montgomery Curb Market – a historic landmark. The Offering Wild Yeast Kitchen offers… [read more]

Being Productive in Retirement with Joanne Littau

Joanne Littau from Denver, CO talks about why it’s difficult to make money from selling preserves, what practical tips to follow when canning goods, and why the cottage food community is so special.

Wyoming

LAW UPDATE Since this page was last updated, Wyoming improved their food freedom law with a new bill (HB 118). As of July 1st, 2021, producers can now sell eggs under the law, and clarifies that there should be as few restrictions as possible for businesses using this law. Wyoming has the best cottage food… [read more]