Kentucky cottage food laws empower home-based food entrepreneurs to produce and sell certain homemade items without needing a commercial kitchen or food processing permit. This guide explains everything you need to know to sell legally and confidently in 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Kentucky cottage food laws allow residents to sell certain homemade foods directly to consumers without permits or kitchen inspections.
- No sales cap in 2025—home-based food businesses can earn unlimited income.
- Only shelf-stable, non-potentially hazardous foods are allowed.
- Shipping inside Kentucky is legal; interstate shipping is prohibited.
- Labels must list ingredients, allergens, producer name and address, net weight, and include the statement: “This product is home-produced.”
- Sales are permitted at markets, community events, online (in-state), and via local delivery.
- No inspections required, but sanitation and accurate labeling are mandatory.
Understanding Kentucky Cottage Food Laws in 2025
Kentucky’s cottage food laws give home-based entrepreneurs the freedom to produce and sell specific types of foods without needing a commercial kitchen or state-issued food manufacturing license. The goal is to support small, local producers and make it easy to start a food business with minimal upfront costs.
Whether you're planning a home bakery, jam business, or specialty snack brand, these laws outline exactly what you can sell, where you can sell it, and how to label your products to stay compliant.
What’s New or Notable in 2025?
- Unlimited sales: Kentucky remains one of the few states with no revenue cap for cottage food businesses.
- Updated delivery and online ordering rules: Online ordering is allowed as long as goods are delivered within Kentucky.
- Clearer allergen expectations: Labeling must follow FDA allergen disclosure standards.
- Stronger transparency requirements: “This product is home-produced” must be clearly visible on all packages.
Which Foods Are Allowed?
Approved Cottage Foods
The following non-potentially hazardous, shelf-stable foods are permitted in Kentucky:
- Breads, biscuits, rolls
- Cakes, cookies, brownies, muffins, and pastries
- Fruit jams, jellies, preserves
- Dry mixes (cookie mixes, baking mixes)
- Granola, trail mix, snack mixes
- Dried herbs, spices, seasoning blends
- Hard candy and chocolates
- High-acid, non-refrigerated fruit pies
Foods NOT Allowed
The following foods are prohibited because they require refrigeration or pose higher safety risks:
- Cream-filled pastries, custards, cheesecakes
- Meat, poultry, seafood products
- Low-acid canned foods; canned vegetables
- Pickles, fermented foods, or acidified canned items
- Dairy-based sauces, dips, or beverages
- Salsas, hummus, or refrigerated foods of any kind
Labeling Requirements
Every product sold under Kentucky cottage food laws must include a compliant label. Your packaging must show:
- Producer name
- Home address
- Ingredients listed by weight (descending order)
- Major allergens (milk, eggs, nuts, wheat, soy, etc.)
- Net weight or volume
- The required statement: “This product is home-produced.”
Example Label
Chocolate Chip Cookies — Ingredients: Wheat flour, sugar, chocolate chips, butter (milk), eggs, vanilla extract, salt. Contains: Wheat, Milk, Eggs. Net Wt. 8 oz. This product is home-produced.
Where You Can Sell (and Restrictions)
Where You CAN Sell
- Farmers markets
- Community markets and craft fairs
- Festivals and local events
- Home pickup or porch pickup
- Online orders (Kentucky residents only)
- Local delivery within Kentucky
Where You CANNOT Sell
- Retail stores, grocery stores, or wholesale accounts
- Restaurants or coffee shops
- Across state lines (no shipping outside Kentucky)
- Through national e-commerce platforms (unless fulfilled in-state only)
How to Start a Cottage Food Business Legally
- Select allowed foods and create standardized recipes.
- Buy packaging, containers, and compliant labeling supplies.
- Prepare a clean, sanitary home kitchen environment.
- Create and print labels that meet Kentucky requirements.
- Set pricing and choose payment methods (Stripe, Square, PayPal, etc.).
- Begin selling at markets, events, or online in Kentucky.
- Track expenses, income, and inventory as your business grows.
- Use social media and local marketing to grow your customer base.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Selling foods that require refrigeration.
- Shipping across state lines (federally prohibited).
- Leaving allergens off labels.
- Failing to include the required “home-produced” statement.
- Using packaging that is weak, unsealed, or not food-safe.
FAQs
Do I need a permit to sell cottage foods in Kentucky?
No. Kentucky does not require permits or inspections for approved cottage foods.
Can I ship cottage foods?
Yes—but only within Kentucky. Interstate shipping is not allowed.
Is there a sales limit?
No. Kentucky has no sales cap in 2025.
Can I sell to stores or restaurants?
No. All sales must be direct-to-consumer.
Are jams and jellies allowed?
Yes—fruit-based, high-acid jams and jellies are permitted.
Can I sell online?
Yes, as long as customers live in Kentucky and delivery happens within the state.
Helpful Resources
Related Guides
- Build a Cottage Food Website This Weekend
- Verify Your Cottage Food Recipie
- Cottage Food Laws by State
Final Thoughts
Kentucky cottage food laws in 2025 make it easier than ever to turn your homemade recipes into a profitable business. With unlimited sales potential, flexible selling options, and clear labeling rules, home-based food entrepreneurs can launch quickly and grow comfortably. Use these guidelines to stay compliant, build customer trust, and elevate your cottage food business.