HomebasedBaking.com is not only here to help home-based bakers, we’re also here to help home food processors aka food crafters. That’s right! Cottage Food Laws also regulate the creation and sale of food items such as spice blends, jams, jellies, meat rubs, sauces, candy and more!
While the products may be different, having a basic understand of how to sell your food products is the same; and that’s where HomebasedBaking.com can help. Home food processors can also join our website and take advantage of the information we provide. In fact, we’ve pulled together a special “Plan” just for home food processors, outlining the information on our website and how to use it to your benefit.
Our sections on marketing and advertising will be of most interest to you, as these areas are often the biggest pain point for small businesses.
Before you start browsing through the website there are a few things you need to know about cottage food sales.
It is not all about baked goods. Many home food processors are unaware that there are a variety of products that can be made from the home kitchen and sold to the public.
For a list of these product review your state cottage food rules and regulation. Here are some examples of non-potentially hazardous foods that can be sold under the Home Baked and Confectionary Goods law in Arizona:
- Cookies
- Sweet Breads
- Cakes with hard icings or frostings
- Fruit pies with fruit and sugar fillings
- Candies
- Brownies
The State of Michigan has a more extensive list of products than Arizona which is pretty much limited to baked goods. Michigan’s non-potentially hazardous foods (time 
and/or temperature controlled, meaning those foods that can safely be kept at room temperature and do not require refrigeration) can be prepared in a home kitchen and sold directly to consumers without a license. These products include:
- Breads
- Similar baked goods
- Vinegar and flavored vinegars
- Cakes, including celebration cakes (birthday, anniversary, wedding)
- Sweet breads and muffins that contain fruits or vegetables (e.g., pumpkin or zucchini bread)
- Cooked fruit pies, including pie crusts made with butter, lard or shortening
- Jams and jellies in glass jars that can be stored at room temperature
- Cookies
- Dry herbs and dry herb mixtures
- Dry baking mixes
- Dry dip mixes
- Dry soup mixes
- Dehydrated vegetables or fruits
- Popcorn
- Cotton Candy
- Non-potentially hazardous dry bulk mixes sold wholesale can be repackaged into a Cottage Food product.
All too often home food processors select products family members insist will sell; when it is often something different that tantalizes the taste buds of the general public.
What are the most popular non-baked goods to sell?
What then should a food crafter sell if not a baked good? That is a million dollar questions. Food crafters who decided they do not want to bake, may want to prepare other products that have influenced their cooking or grilling experiences. Some of the more popular products sold at Farmers Markets, Farm Stands, gourmet food shops and online (if allowed in your state) include dry goods, spices, mixes, jams, jellies and candy to name a few.
This does not mean any old candy, spice mix, or jelly, but flavors that are unique and leap years above anything found in a local grocery store.
Have you every heard of Modern Day Marsala? What about Bamboo Pickles by the Bamboo Ladies? and Maine Needhams Potato Candy? These are all unique products that were created because they are unique in both flavor, texture and taste!
If you did not bake, can you think of any family recipes you have that could be enjoyed by your community? Take a minute and make a list.
