Cottage Food Laws in Iowa
moderateComplete guide to selling baked goods from home in Iowa. Updated for 2026.
Last verified: April 2026
| Annual Sales Limit | $50,000 per year |
| License Required | No — No license required. Must complete a food safety course. |
| Kitchen Inspection | No kitchen inspection required. |
| Online Sales | Not allowed — Sales must be made in person, directly to the end consumer. |
Allowed Products
- Baked goods
- Candy
- Jams and jellies
- Honey
- Dry mixes
Prohibited Products
- Cream-filled pastries
- Meat products
- Dairy products
- Canned vegetables
Labeling Requirements
- Name and address of the producer
- Name of the product
- Ingredients list
- "This product is home produced"
- Allergen statement
Where You Can Sell
- Farmers markets
- Direct from home
- Community events
How Iowa Compares
| State | Sales Limit | License | Online | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $50,000 per year | No | No | moderate |
| Minnesota | $78,000 per year | No | Yes | moderate |
| Wisconsin | $25,000 per year | Yes | No | moderate |
| Illinois | $50,000 per year (Home Kitchen: $50k; Cottage Food: $75k with additional requirements) | Yes | No | moderate |
| Missouri | $50,000 per year | No | Yes | permissive |
| Nebraska | $75,000 per year | No | Yes | permissive |
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I sell under Iowa cottage food law?▾
You can sell non-potentially-hazardous baked goods, candy, jams, jellies, and honey directly to consumers, up to $50,000/year.
Is food safety training required in Iowa?▾
Yes. Iowa requires cottage food operators to complete an approved food safety course.
Official source: Iowa Dept. of Inspection, Appeals & Licensing — Home Food Processing
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