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Can you sell bread from your home kitchen? Check your state.
Every state lets home bakers sell something. The rules on how much, where, and with what label on the bag are what change when you cross a state line. Pick your state and see where you stand.
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Pick a state above and your rules show up here: sales cap, license, labeling, online sales, and who to call.
Read this before you sell
This checker is educational, not legal advice. Cottage food laws change every legislative session. Before you sell your first loaf, confirm the current rules with your state agency. Module 2 of From Oven to Market walks you through doing exactly that, step by step.
Common questions
What is cottage food?
Cottage food is food you make in your own home kitchen and sell legally without a commercial facility. Most states limit it to shelf-stable items like breads, cookies, and cakes that do not need refrigeration to stay safe. Each state writes its own list, its own label rules, and its own sales limits.
Do I need a license to sell bread from home?
It depends on your state. Some states let you start with no permit at all, some ask for a short food safety course, and others require registration, a permit, or a kitchen inspection before your first sale. The rule that applies is your own state's, so confirm with the agency that governs home food production there.
Is there a limit on how much I can sell?
Some states set an annual sales limit on cottage food, some cap sales per product, and a growing number set no limit at all. Limits get revised by legislatures, so treat any figure you read as a starting point and confirm the current number with your state agency before you plan your year.
Not sure where you stand yet?
Answer a few questions about your bake, your state, and your goals. You'll get a plain read on what to fix first.
Take the 60-second readiness quizFrom Oven to Market
The full course: legal setup, true-cost pricing, branding, your booth, and a storefront built for you. Everything a home baker needs to sell with confidence.
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