Minnesota's Cottage Food Law

Minnesota's cottage food law allows individuals to produce and sell certain low-risk foods made in a home kitchen. The law covers non-potentially hazardous foods, meaning products that don't require refrigeration to stay safe. Common examples include baked goods, jams, candies, and similar shelf-stable items. To operate legally, you must register with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and comply with labeling and sales requirements.

You can sell your products through multiple channels in Minnesota, including farmers markets, roadside stands, craft fairs, and direct-to-consumer sales. Online orders are permitted, and you're allowed to ship products to customers within the state. You can also sell from your home. Retail store sales through third-party retailers are generally not permitted under the cottage food exemption.

Minnesota sets an annual gross revenue cap of $78,000, which is one of the higher limits in the country and gives your business real room to grow. A registration with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is required before you begin selling. One notable advantage is that shipping is allowed, which expands your potential customer base well beyond your local community. With a strong revenue ceiling and flexible sales channels, Minnesota's law gives you a solid foundation to build a sustainable cottage food business.