Cottage Food Laws in New York
moderateComplete guide to selling baked goods from home in New York. Updated for 2026.
Last verified: April 2026
| Annual Sales Limit | No statewide cap (varies by county) |
| License Required | No — No specific cottage food license. Home processors must comply with the NYS Dept. of Agriculture & Markets food manufacturing exemption. |
| Kitchen Inspection | Typically no inspection for exempt products. Counties may impose additional requirements. |
| Online Sales | Not allowed — Online sales are generally not permitted. Sales should be direct to consumer. |
Allowed Products
- Baked goods
- Candy
- Jams and jellies
- Dry mixes
- Granola
Prohibited Products
- Cream-filled pastries
- Meat products
- Dairy products
- Canned low-acid foods
Labeling Requirements
- Name and address of the producer
- Name of the product
- Ingredients list in descending order of predominance
- Net weight
- Allergen information
Where You Can Sell
- Farmers markets
- Direct from home
- Community events
- Craft fairs
How New York Compares
| State | Sales Limit | License | Online | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | No statewide cap (varies by county) | No | No | moderate |
| Connecticut | $25,000 per year | No | No | moderate |
| New Jersey | $50,000 per year | Yes | No | restrictive |
| Pennsylvania | $50,000 per year | No | No | moderate |
| Vermont | $10,000 per year (Tier 1); higher with Tier 2 registration | No | No | moderate |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New York have a cottage food law?▾
New York does not have a single "cottage food law" per se. Instead, certain non-potentially-hazardous foods are exempt from food manufacturing licensing under Dept. of Agriculture & Markets regulations.
Do I need a license to sell baked goods at a farmers market in New York?▾
Generally no, if you are selling non-potentially-hazardous baked goods. However, rules vary by county, so check with your local health department.
Can I sell cottage food at a retail store in New York?▾
Typically no. Home-processed foods are generally limited to direct-to-consumer sales at farmers markets and similar venues.
Official source: NYS Dept. of Agriculture & Markets — Home Processing
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