Cottage Food Laws in California
permissiveComplete guide to selling baked goods from home in California. Updated for 2026.
Last verified: April 2026
| Annual Sales Limit | $75,000 / $150,000 (tiered — Class A / Class B) |
| License Required | Yes — Class A permit (direct sales only, $75k limit) or Class B permit (indirect sales, $150k limit) required from county environmental health. |
| Kitchen Inspection | Class A: self-certification. Class B: county inspection may be required. |
| Online Sales | Allowed — Class B permit holders may sell online. Class A is limited to direct, in-person sales. |
Allowed Products
- Baked goods
- Candy
- Granola
- Dried fruit
- Jams and jellies
Prohibited Products
- Cream-filled pastries
- Meat products
- Dairy products
- Fermented foods
Labeling Requirements
- Name of the cottage food operation
- "Made in a Home Kitchen" in 12-point type
- Name and registration number of the operator
- Ingredients list
- Allergen information (Big 9)
Where You Can Sell
- Farmers markets
- Direct from home
- Online (Class B)
- Community events
- Third-party retailers (Class B)
How California Compares
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Class A and Class B in California?▾
Class A allows direct sales up to $75,000/year (farmers markets, from home). Class B allows indirect sales (stores, online) up to $150,000/year but may require a kitchen inspection.
Can I sell cottage food at a store in California?▾
Yes, but only with a Class B permit. You can sell through stores, restaurants, and online with the higher-tier permit.
Do I need to list allergens on cottage food labels in California?▾
Yes. California requires disclosure of all major allergens (Big 9) on cottage food labels.
Official source: CA Dept. of Public Health — Cottage Food Operations (AB 1616 / AB 1264)
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