Look Up Your State's Cottage Food Law
All 50 StatesImportant Law Changes to Know
Mississippi Raised Its Cap
Mississippi updated its cottage food law in 2022, raising the annual gross sales limit from $10,000 to $25,000. Here is what changed and how to register.
Texas: No Cap, Tamales Allowed
Texas has no annual sales limit and explicitly permits tamale sales — making it one of the most permissive cottage food states. Direct consumer sales only.
Georgia's Exact Label Language
Georgia requires a specific disclaimer word-for-word on every product. Here is the required language and a complete field-by-field label breakdown.
Can You Sell Cottage Food on Etsy?
Most states say no. A handful allow in-state online ordering. Here is which states permit it and why interstate shipping is a federal issue, not just a state one.
Find Your State
Green = no license required. Yellow = registration only. Red = license or permit required.
Cottage Food Products — By Category
Baked Goods
Cookies, cakes, breads, muffins, and scones — the most common cottage food category in every state.
Jams & Jellies
High-sugar, high-acid shelf-stable spreads. Permitted in nearly every state with clear water activity and pH guidelines.
Tamales
Explicitly permitted in Texas, Arizona, and a handful of other states — with direct-sale conditions that vary.
Candy & Confections
Fudge, pralines, brittles, caramels, and chocolate bark — generally the most permissive product category nationally.
Honey
Many states have a separate honey seller exemption distinct from cottage food law. Know which framework applies to you.
Granola & Cereals
Shelf-stable granola, trail mix, and dry cereal blends are among the most universally permitted cottage food products.
Jerky & Dried Meat
One of the most restricted categories — most states prohibit meat products under cottage food law. Here is where it is allowed.
Pickles & Fermented Foods
High-acid pickles may be permitted; low-acid fermented foods often are not. The pH rules explained clearly.
Hot Sauce
Vinegar-based hot sauces can qualify as cottage food in many states — if pH is low enough and no refrigeration is needed.
Fermented Foods
Kombucha, kimchi, sauerkraut — fermented foods have complex cottage food status. Here is what is and is not permitted by state.
Cottage Food Sales Channels
Farmers Markets
The primary cottage food sales channel in most states — what to expect, how to apply, and what markets typically require.
Selling Online / Etsy
Most states do not allow it. Six states do — in-state only. The interstate shipping problem explained.
Instagram & Social Media
Legal in all states as an advertising and order-taking tool — as long as delivery is in person. How sellers use it effectively.
Pop-Up Markets
Pop-up events and temporary markets — generally permitted as direct-consumer sales in all states.
Craft Fairs & Festivals
Holiday markets, community festivals, church bazaars — all typically permitted as direct consumer sales.
Local Delivery
Driving product to a buyer — when is this a direct consumer sale vs. a prohibited online sale? The rules vary by state.
Start Here
Find out your state's tier, understand what you need, and get your first label right — before your first sale.