Cottage Food Laws in Maine
permissiveComplete guide to selling baked goods from home in Maine. Updated for 2026.
Last verified: April 2026
| Annual Sales Limit | $25,000 per year (Food Sovereignty exemption: no cap for direct sales in participating municipalities) |
| License Required | No — No license required for basic cottage food. Municipalities with Food Sovereignty ordinances may exempt producers entirely. |
| Kitchen Inspection | No kitchen inspection required under standard cottage food law. |
| Online Sales | Not allowed — Standard cottage food law requires in-person sales. Food Sovereignty municipalities may vary. |
Allowed Products
- Baked goods
- Candy
- Jams and jellies
- Pickles
- Dry mixes
Prohibited Products
- Meat products (unless Food Sovereignty)
- Dairy products (unless Food Sovereignty)
Labeling Requirements
- Name and address of the producer
- Name of the product
- Ingredients list
- "This product was made in a residential kitchen"
Where You Can Sell
- Farmers markets
- Direct from home
- Community events
- Direct to consumer (Food Sovereignty)
How Maine Compares
| State | Sales Limit | License | Online | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maine | $25,000 per year (Food Sovereignty exemption: no cap for direct sales in participating municipalities) | No | No | permissive |
| New Hampshire | $35,000 per year | Yes | Yes | permissive |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maine's Food Sovereignty law?▾
Maine's Food Sovereignty Act allows municipalities to adopt ordinances exempting direct producer-to-consumer food sales from state licensing. Over 100 towns have adopted such ordinances.
Can I sell cottage food at a store in Maine?▾
Under standard cottage food law, no. But Food Sovereignty ordinances may allow broader sales depending on your municipality.
Official source: Maine Dept. of Agriculture — Cottage Food
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