Alabama's Cottage Food Law

Alabama allows cottage food production under state law that permits individuals to prepare and sell certain low-risk homemade foods directly to consumers. Your operation must be based in your home kitchen, and the law covers non-potentially hazardous foods like baked goods, jams, jellies, and candies. Alabama does not require a commercial kitchen inspection or any special licensing to get started.

You can sell your products through farmers markets, roadside stands, fairs, and other in-person direct-to-consumer venues. Online sales are not permitted under Alabama cottage food law, and you cannot ship products to customers. All transactions must happen face to face, so building a local customer base at markets and community events is your primary path to revenue.

Alabama caps cottage food revenue at $20,000 per year, which keeps your operation in the home-based category. No permit or registration is required before you start selling. One practical advantage here is the low barrier to entry: you don't need government approval to open for business. As long as you label your products correctly and stay within the sales limit, you're positioned to build something real from your home kitchen.