If you’re researching Mississippi cottage food laws 2025, you’re likely ready to start selling homemade foods legally from your own kitchen. This guide walks you through everything you need to know—allowed foods, labeling rules, sales limits, where you can sell, and the exact steps to start your business.
Key Takeaways
- Mississippi allows the sale of certain homemade foods made in your home kitchen—no permit or inspection required.
- You may earn up to $35,000 per year under the cottage food law.
- Online sales and in-state shipping are allowed; interstate shipping is prohibited.
- Only non-potentially hazardous foods are permitted.
- Labels must include your name, address, ingredients, allergens, and Mississippi’s required disclaimer.
Overview of Mississippi Cottage Food Laws 2025
Mississippi cottage food laws were created to help small food entrepreneurs launch simple home-based businesses without the cost of a commercial kitchen. As long as the foods you sell are shelf-stable and low risk, you can legally prepare them in your home kitchen and sell directly to consumers.
These rules apply to anyone making food at home for sale—bakers, candy makers, jam producers, and farmers market vendors.
Updates and Clarifications for 2025
- Clear definitions of allowed vs. prohibited food categories.
- Updated allergen and ingredient labeling requirements.
- Re-confirmed the in-state shipping allowance.
- No changes to the annual $35,000 sales cap.
Allowed vs. Not Allowed Foods
Allowed Foods
- Breads, cakes, cookies, muffins
- Dry mixes and baking mixes
- Shelf-stable candies and toffees
- High-acid jams and jellies
- Snack items like granola, popcorn, trail mix
- Dry herbs, seasonings, and spice blends
Foods NOT Allowed
- Anything requiring refrigeration (cheesecakes, cream pies, etc.)
- Meats, poultry, seafood
- Low-acid canned goods
- Salsas, pickles, fermented foods
- Custards, cream cheese fillings, whipped toppings
Labeling Requirements (Mississippi-Specific)
Every product you sell must include a properly formatted label. Mississippi requires:
- Your name and home address
- Product name
- Ingredients listed in descending weight order
- Allergens (e.g., wheat, soy, eggs, milk, nuts)
- Lot number (optional, but recommended)
- The required Mississippi disclaimer:
“Made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to routine government food safety inspection.”
Example Mississippi-Compliant Label
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Jane Baker — 123 Main St, Jackson, MS
Ingredients: Flour, Chocolate Chips (Sugar, Cocoa Butter), Butter, Sugar, Eggs, Vanilla, Baking Soda, Salt
Contains: Wheat, Eggs, Milk
Made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to routine government food safety inspection.
Where You Can Sell Your Cottage Foods
Allowed Sales Channels
- Home pickup
- Farmers markets and craft markets
- Local fairs and community events
- Online orders for Mississippi customers
- In-state shipping (allowed)
Prohibited Sales Channels
- Retail stores (grocery stores, restaurants)
- Any wholesale or resale
- Shipping outside Mississippi
How to Start a Cottage Food Business in Mississippi
- Review the list of allowed foods to ensure your product qualifies.
- Prepare your home kitchen following safe food-handling practices.
- Create Mississippi-compliant labels for every product.
- Track your annual revenue to stay under the $35,000 limit.
- Choose your preferred sales channels (home pickup, markets, online).
- Package your foods in airtight, tamper-resistant packaging.
- Promote your products locally and on social media.
Common Mistakes (Avoid These!)
- Selling foods that require refrigeration.
- Shipping across state lines.
- Incorrect ingredient order on labels.
- Failing to include Mississippi’s required disclaimer text.
FAQs
Do I need a permit to sell cottage foods in Mississippi?
No. Mississippi does not require a permit or inspection for allowed foods.
Can I ship my homemade foods?
Yes—but only within Mississippi.
What is the annual income limit?
You can earn up to $35,000 per year under the cottage food law.
Can I sell to retail stores?
No. Wholesale and resale are prohibited.
Can family members help me in the kitchen?
Yes, household members may assist.
Helpful Resources
Recommended Next Guides
Final Thoughts
Mississippi cottage food laws 2025 provide a clear and accessible path for home bakers and makers to start a profitable food business from home. By following the rules above—especially the labeling, sales restrictions, and allowed foods list—you can sell your homemade products confidently and legally throughout Mississippi.