Ohio cottage food law offers one of the most flexible and business-friendly home food programs in the country. Whether you’re starting a baking business, selling at farmers markets, or launching a home-based food brand, understanding the 2025 rules ensures you stay compliant and take advantage of Ohio’s generous selling opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- Ohio allows cottage food production with no licenses, inspections, or sales cap.
- Only approved non-hazardous foods are permitted under cottage food law Ohio.
- Labels must list ingredients, allergens, business name, address, and required wording.
- Shipping is allowed within Ohio only.
- Retail stores can legally sell your cottage food products.
Overview of Cottage Food Law Ohio
Cottage food law Ohio provides broad freedom for home-based food entrepreneurs. As long as the product is on the state’s approved list and includes proper labeling, you can produce and sell food from your home kitchen without registering with the state. You may sell online, at events, directly to customers, and even through retail stores—making Ohio an ideal environment for new cottage food businesses.
What Changed in 2025
- Clearer definitions of allowed baked goods and shelf-stable items.
- Updated guidance on online ordering, local delivery, and marketplace sales.
- Stronger expectations for accurate allergen labeling.
What Foods Are Allowed?
Allowed
- Baked goods without cream, custard, or meat fillings
- Jams and jellies
- Candies and confections
- Dry mixes and baking blends
- Granola and snack mixes
- Dry herbs, spices, and seasonings
- Roasted coffee beans
NOT Allowed
- Cheesecakes or cream-filled pastries
- Meat, poultry, or seafood items
- Low-acid canned foods
- Salsas, sauces, dressings, and marinades
- Any food requiring refrigeration
Labeling Rules (Must-Know Requirements)
Ohio requires specific label details for all cottage food products. Each label must include:
- Business name
- Home address
- Ingredients listed by weight
- Major allergens
- Net quantity
- Required statement:
“This product is home produced.”
Where You Can Sell (and Where You Can’t)
Allowed
- Home pickup
- Farmers markets
- Fairs and local events
- Retail stores in Ohio
- Online sales within Ohio
- Home delivery inside the state
Not Allowed
- Interstate shipping
- Selling prohibited food items
- Wholesale outside Ohio
Step-by-Step: How to Start in Ohio
- Choose your products from Ohio’s approved cottage food list.
- Create compliant labels that include all required information.
- Set pricing, packaging, and brand presentation.
- Promote your products online and locally.
- Sell at markets, stores, events, and through direct sales.
- Scale up freely — Ohio has no sales limit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Selling refrigerated or temperature-controlled items
- Missing allergen declarations
- Shipping across state lines
- Not listing ingredients in descending order
FAQs
Does Ohio require a cottage food permit?
No. Ohio does not require a permit for cottage food operations.
Are there sales limits?
No. Ohio has no cap on annual cottage food sales.
Can I sell my products in stores?
Yes. Retail stores throughout Ohio may sell properly labeled cottage food items.
Can I ship products?
Yes — but only within Ohio.
Is training or certification required?
No food safety classes are required for cottage food producers in Ohio.
Helpful Resources
- Verify Your Cottage Food Recipe
- Starting a Cottage Food Business? Start Here
- Cottage Food Laws by State
Final Thoughts
Ohio’s cottage food law offers an easy entry point for home bakers and food entrepreneurs. With no permit, no training requirement, and no sales cap, you can start selling legally as soon as your labels and products meet state guidelines.