As with any other business endeavor there are certain rules and regulations that govern the industry. These rules and regulations are set by the individuals states and cover the types of items that can be sold, where vendors can sell, how products must be packaged and labeled and much more. There are currently 31 states that allow citizens to bake from home for profit in some form.
States with Cottage Food Laws
The following states have Cottage Food Laws that allow home food processing:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Florida
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
States with Restricted Cottage Food Laws
The following states currently have Cottage Food Laws, however the laws have some major restrictions:
States with Pending Cottage Food Laws
The following states currently have Cottage Food initiative or legislation pending:
States with No Cottage Food Laws
The following states do no have cottage food laws:
- Alaska
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Kansas
- Montana
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Rhode Island
If you live in one of these states and would like to start a homebased bakery, follow the steps below.
- Start or join a Cottage Food Law Movement in your state
- Find an incubator or commercial kitchen to rent
- Locate a Farmer’s Markets and Food Coop’s in your state to sell your goods
- Join HomebasedBaking.com to help you get started navigating the waters of food entrepreneurship
