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Cottage Food Laws for Bread Bakers

A cottage food law lets you make specific foods in your home kitchen and sell them direct to the public without a commercial kitchen. Bread is almost always covered. The rules vary by state.

What a cottage food law actually is

A state law, not a federal one. It carves out an exception so home cooks can sell certain low-risk foods made in their own kitchens. Bread, jams, candy, and most baked goods are the typical list.

What your label needs to say

Usually your business name, ingredients listed by weight, net weight, allergen callouts, and a statement that the food was made in a home kitchen that is not state-inspected. Your state publishes the exact required wording. Use it word for word.

Where you can sell, and where you cannot

Cottage food laws almost always cover direct sales at farmers markets, pickup, and delivery inside your state. They almost never cover wholesale to stores, restaurants, or sales across state lines. Crossing those lines moves you under stricter rules.

Sales ceilings and what triggers a license

Most states cap how much cottage food revenue you can earn each year. Track your sales. When you approach the cap, decide whether to stay small or move into a licensed commercial kitchen.

Frequently asked questions

What is a cottage food law?

A cottage food law is a state law that lets you make specific foods in your home kitchen and sell them directly to the public without renting a commercial kitchen.

What does a cottage food bread label need?

Usually your business name, ingredients listed by weight, net weight, allergen callouts, and a statement that the food was made in a home kitchen that is not state-inspected. Use your state's exact required wording.

Can I sell my bread to stores under cottage food law?

Usually no. Most cottage food laws cover direct sales only, such as farmers markets and pickup. Selling to stores or across state lines typically falls under stricter regulations.

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