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California Cottage Food Laws
Everything you need to know about selling homemade food from your kitchen in California.
California's Class B cottage food permit lets home bakers sell wholesale to restaurants and grocery stores statewide — with an inflation-adjusted cap over $172,000, it's one of the highest revenue limits in the country for a state that requires permits.
Overview
California receives a grade of B (Friendly) for cottage food friendliness. The state has an annual revenue cap of $75,000/year (Class A) or $150,000/year (Class B), adjusted annually for inflation (~$88,878/$177,756 in 2026). Sellers need a license or permit and product labeling. Online sales are allowed, and delivery is permitted. Allowed items include Baked goods (no cream/custard fillings), Breads, Candy and confections, Chocolate-covered items, Dried produce, and Fruit butters, and 8 more categories. Restricted items include Dairy-based items (cheese, yogurt, custard), Meat, poultry, or seafood, Fermented foods (pickles, kimchi, kombucha), and Low-acid canned goods, among others. Two-tier system: Class A (direct sales only, no inspection) and Class B (direct + indirect/wholesale, requires kitchen inspection). Revenue caps adjust annually with CPI. Third-party delivery (DoorDash, etc.) allowed statewide for both classes. Food safety training required every 3 years. Maximum one non-household employee. 'Made in a Home Kitchen' label required in 12-point type. All sales must be within California.
Annual revenue cap
$75,000/year (Class A) or $150,000/year (Class B), adjusted annually for inflation (~$88,878/$177,756 in 2026)
Requirements
✕License or permit required
✓Labeling required
✓Delivery allowed
✓Online sales allowed
Sales channels
What you can sell
What you can't sell
Notes
Two-tier system: Class A (direct sales only, no inspection) and Class B (direct + indirect/wholesale, requires kitchen inspection). Revenue caps adjust annually with CPI. Third-party delivery (DoorDash, etc.) allowed statewide for both classes. Food safety training required every 3 years. Maximum one non-household employee. 'Made in a Home Kitchen' label required in 12-point type. All sales must be within California.
Frequently asked questions about California cottage food laws
Common questions about selling homemade food in California, updated for 2026.
- Can you sell food from home in California in 2026?
- Yes, California has a cottage food law that allows selling homemade food from a residential kitchen. A license or permit is required before you can start selling. California earns a grade of B (Friendly) for cottage food friendliness.
- Do I need a license to sell food from home in California?
- Yes, California requires a license or permit to sell cottage food. Product labeling is also required. Check with your local health department for the application process.
- How much money can you make selling cottage food in California?
- The annual revenue cap for cottage food sales in California is $75,000/year (Class A) or $150,000/year (Class B), adjusted annually for inflation (~$88,878/$177,756 in 2026). Sales above this amount require a commercial food license.
- What foods can you sell from home in California?
- In California, allowed cottage food items include Baked goods (no cream/custard fillings), Breads, Candy and confections, Chocolate-covered items, Dried produce, Fruit butters, Granola and cereal bars, Honey, Jams and jellies, Maple syrup, Nuts and nut mixes, Popcorn, Spice blends and dried herbs, and Baking mixes. Items you cannot sell under cottage food law include Dairy-based items (cheese, yogurt, custard), Meat, poultry, or seafood, Fermented foods (pickles, kimchi, kombucha), Low-acid canned goods, Perishable foods requiring refrigeration, and Salsas and sauces.
- Can I sell jams and jellies from home in California?
- Yes, jams and jellies are on the list of allowed cottage food items in California. All cottage food products must be sold according to California's labeling, sales channel, and other requirements.
- Can I sell honey from home in California?
- Yes, honey is on the list of allowed cottage food items in California. All cottage food products must be sold according to California's labeling, sales channel, and other requirements.
- Can I sell fermented foods (pickles, kimchi, kombucha) in California under cottage food laws?
- No, fermented foods (pickles, kimchi, kombucha) is restricted under California's cottage food law. Selling fermented foods (pickles, kimchi, kombucha) typically requires a commercial kitchen license or other permits.
- Can I sell dairy-based items (cheese, yogurt, custard) in California under cottage food laws?
- No, dairy-based items (cheese, yogurt, custard) is restricted under California's cottage food law. Selling dairy-based items (cheese, yogurt, custard) typically requires a commercial kitchen license or other permits.
- Can you sell cottage food online in California?
- Yes, California allows online sales of cottage food products. Delivery and shipping within the state are also permitted.
- Can I sell at farmers markets in California?
- Yes, farmers markets are an approved sales channel for cottage food in California. Other allowed channels include Direct to consumer, Events, Online, Home, Roadside stands, Restaurants (Class B only), and Retail stores (Class B only).
- What labeling is required for cottage food in California?
- California requires labeling on all cottage food products. Labels typically must include your business name, address, product name, ingredients list, allergen warnings, net weight, and a disclaimer stating the product was made in a home kitchen. Check your state's specific requirements for exact label content.
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Disclaimer:This page is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Cottage food laws change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your state's department of agriculture before selling. OrderPost is not responsible for any actions taken based on this information.