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Cottage food laws · Massachusetts

Cottage food law

Selling food from home in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is a restrictive state for cottage food. Stricter: a permit, license, or home-kitchen inspection is typically required. Here's what you can sell, the limits, and how to do it legally — then check your exact food below.

Sales limitHas limits — see source
Permit / trainingLocal permit + home-kitchen inspection required
Where you can sellDirect, markets
Shipping / deliveryIn-state

Check your specific food in Massachusetts

Informational guidance only — not legal advice. Always confirm with your state before selling.

Pick a food and your state for a general read on cottage-food rules — what's typically allowed, the sales limit, permits, and where you can sell — with a link to your state's official source.

What you can & can't sell

Baked goods (cookies, breads, muffins)Generally allowed
Cakes & cupcakes (non-refrigerated icing)Generally allowed
Candy & chocolateGenerally allowed
Jams, jellies & fruit preservesGenerally allowed
Dried herbs, spices, teas & seasoningsGenerally allowed
Granola, cereal, popcorn & trail mixGenerally allowed
Roasted coffee & roasted nutsGenerally allowed
Honey & honey productsDepends on the state
Pickles & acidified foodsDepends on the state
Cheesecake, cream pies, custards (need refrigeration)Usually restricted
Dairy, cheese & fresh salsaUsually restricted
Meat, poultry & jerkyGenerally not allowed
Fish & seafoodGenerally not allowed
Home-canned vegetables / low-acid canningGenerally not allowed

ℹ️ Informational only — not legal advice. Reviewed June 2026. Cottage food laws change and have local nuances. Confirm with the official source before selling: Massachusetts Dept. of Public Health ↗

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