Cottage Food Laws in Wisconsin
moderateComplete guide to selling baked goods from home in Wisconsin. Updated for 2026.
Last verified: April 2026
| Annual Sales Limit | $25,000 per year |
| License Required | Yes — Must obtain a "License Exempt" status by registering with the Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). |
| Kitchen Inspection | No kitchen inspection required for license-exempt operators. |
| Online Sales | Not allowed — Online sales are not authorized. Must sell in person to end consumers. |
Allowed Products
- Baked goods
- Candy
- Jams and jellies
- Popcorn
- Dry mixes
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
- "This product was produced in a home kitchen not inspected by the Wisconsin DATCP"
Where You Can Sell
- Farmers markets
- Direct from home
- Community events
How Wisconsin Compares
| State | Sales Limit | License | Online | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $25,000 per year | Yes | No | moderate |
| Minnesota | $78,000 per year | No | Yes | moderate |
| Iowa | $50,000 per year | No | No | moderate |
| Illinois | $50,000 per year (Home Kitchen: $50k; Cottage Food: $75k with additional requirements) | Yes | No | moderate |
| Michigan | $25,000 per year (Cottage Food) / $75,000 per year (with license) | No | No | moderate |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register to sell cottage food in Wisconsin?▾
Yes. You must register with DATCP and obtain "License Exempt" status. This is a free registration, not a full license.
Can I sell my cottage food at a grocery store in Wisconsin?▾
No. Wisconsin limits cottage food sales to direct-to-consumer channels like farmers markets and from your home.
Official source: Wisconsin DATCP — Cottage Foods
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