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Indiana Cottage Food Laws
Everything you need to know about selling homemade food from your kitchen in Indiana.
Indiana's 2022 law explicitly bans local governments from adding any extra restrictions on home food sellers — your city council literally cannot stop you from selling homemade cookies.
Overview
Indiana receives a grade of A (Very Friendly) for cottage food friendliness. The state has no annual revenue cap. Sellers need product labeling. Online sales are allowed, and delivery is permitted. Allowed items include Baked goods (breads, cakes, cookies, donuts, pastries), Candy and chocolate items, Honey, Nut butters, Oils and syrups, and Vinegars, and 5 more categories. Restricted items include Perishable baked goods, Acidified foods (pickles, salsas, sauces), Low-acid canned foods, and Juices, among others. Law passed in 2022 (HB 1149, codified as IC 16-42-5.3). No license or inspection needed, but must complete ANSI-accredited food handler certification (~$8 online). Local governments cannot add restrictions or prohibit homemade food sales. In-state shipping only. Must provide food handler documentation to local health department. Delivery requires sealed packaging or customer address records maintained for one year. HEA 1424 (March 2026, effective July 1, 2026) creates new 'homestead vendor' category (IC 16-42-5.4) allowing meat products for vendors with under $1.5M in sales. Labels must include 'NOT FOR RESALE' statement.
Annual revenue cap
No cap
Requirements
✓No license required
✓Labeling required
✓Delivery allowed
✓Online sales allowed
Sales channels
What you can sell
What you can't sell
Notes
Law passed in 2022 (HB 1149, codified as IC 16-42-5.3). No license or inspection needed, but must complete ANSI-accredited food handler certification (~$8 online). Local governments cannot add restrictions or prohibit homemade food sales. In-state shipping only. Must provide food handler documentation to local health department. Delivery requires sealed packaging or customer address records maintained for one year. HEA 1424 (March 2026, effective July 1, 2026) creates new 'homestead vendor' category (IC 16-42-5.4) allowing meat products for vendors with under $1.5M in sales. Labels must include 'NOT FOR RESALE' statement.
Frequently asked questions about Indiana cottage food laws
Common questions about selling homemade food in Indiana, updated for 2026.
- Can you sell food from home in Indiana in 2026?
- Yes, Indiana has a cottage food law that allows selling homemade food from a residential kitchen. No license or permit is required to start selling. Indiana earns a grade of A (Very Friendly) for cottage food friendliness.
- Do I need a license to sell food from home in Indiana?
- No, Indiana does not require a license or permit to sell cottage food from your home kitchen. However, proper product labeling is required.
- How much money can you make selling cottage food in Indiana?
- Indiana has no annual revenue cap on cottage food sales. There is no legal limit on how much you can earn selling homemade food from your kitchen.
- What foods can you sell from home in Indiana?
- In Indiana, allowed cottage food items include Baked goods (breads, cakes, cookies, donuts, pastries), Candy and chocolate items, Honey, Nut butters, Oils and syrups, Vinegars, Dry goods (cereals, pasta, spices), Fermented foods, Whole eggs, Jams, jellies, and Snacks (granola, popcorn, nuts, crackers). Items you cannot sell under cottage food law include Perishable baked goods, Acidified foods (pickles, salsas, sauces), Low-acid canned foods, Juices, Ketchup, Meat jerkies, and Hardboiled whole eggs.
- Can I sell baked goods (breads, cakes, cookies, donuts, pastries) from home in Indiana?
- Yes, baked goods (breads, cakes, cookies, donuts, pastries) is on the list of allowed cottage food items in Indiana. All cottage food products must be sold according to Indiana's labeling, sales channel, and other requirements.
- Can I sell jams, jellies from home in Indiana?
- Yes, jams, jellies are on the list of allowed cottage food items in Indiana. All cottage food products must be sold according to Indiana's labeling, sales channel, and other requirements.
- Can I sell acidified foods (pickles, salsas, sauces) in Indiana under cottage food laws?
- No, acidified foods (pickles, salsas, sauces) is restricted under Indiana's cottage food law. Selling acidified foods (pickles, salsas, sauces) typically requires a commercial kitchen license or other permits.
- Can I sell meat jerkies in Indiana under cottage food laws?
- No, meat jerkies are restricted under Indiana's cottage food law. Selling meat jerkies typically requires a commercial kitchen license or other permits.
- Can you sell cottage food online in Indiana?
- Yes, Indiana allows online sales of cottage food products. Delivery and shipping within the state are also permitted.
- Can I sell at farmers markets in Indiana?
- Yes, farmers markets are an approved sales channel for cottage food in Indiana. Other allowed channels include Home pickup, Events, Roadside stands, Online, and Mail order.
- What labeling is required for cottage food in Indiana?
- Indiana 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.