United States Guide
Cottage Food
There is no single U.S. cottage-food rule. Cottage-food laws vary by state: some states allow certain shelf-stable foods, permitted food categories differ, sales channels differ, revenue caps may exist, and inspections or training may differ. Freeze-dried foods may or may not be permitted in a given state. This site does not tell you that freeze-dried food is automatically allowed under cottage-food laws.
Regulatory record
- Regulatory Region
- 🇺🇸 United States
- Last Verified
- Structure reviewed 26 September 2026 — legal specifics not yet independently verified; confirm with the relevant authority
- Official Authority
- Your state's agriculture and public-health agencies
What varies by state
Every one of these is a state-by-state question:
- Allowed products: Some states allow certain shelf-stable foods; permitted categories differ, and processed or acidified foods are often restricted.
- Freeze-dried foods: Freeze-dried foods may or may not be permitted under a given state's cottage-food law. Never assume.
- Sales channels: Allowed channels (direct, farmers market, online, wholesale) differ by state.
- Revenue caps: Annual sales caps may exist and their limits differ.
- Inspections and training: Some states require food-safety training, labels with specific wording, or enrollment; inspections may or may not apply.
No automatic allowance
Freeze-dried food is not automatically allowed under cottage-food laws. The permitted list, the sale channels and the limits are all state-specific. You must check your state's current law before treating a product as cottage-eligible.
How to check your state
Find your state's agriculture and public-health agencies and read the current cottage-food rules. The state architecture page explains how state guides will be added over time: U.S. state guides. Until a state page is published and verified, the only reliable source is your state's official agency.
Official sources
Official sources
Regulatory disclaimer
Regulatory requirements change and may depend on product, facility, sales channel, and location. This resource is educational and should be verified with the relevant government authority before commercial operation.
Common questions
Can I make freeze-dried food in my home kitchen and sell it?
Only if your state's current cottage-food law permits freeze-dried foods under the exact sales model you intend. There is no national answer; check your state.
Does cottage food cover wholesale?
Usually not, but it varies. Wholesale can change cottage-food eligibility entirely; confirm with your state. See the [[wholesale guide|/regulations/us/wholesale/]].