Colorado Cottage Food Law 2026
Last reviewed:
No License Needed
Limit: $10,000 net revenue per product per year (per C.R.S. § 25-4-1614). Sellers may sell multiple product types, each capped separately at $10,000. / Year
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
CottageFoodLicense.com is an informational platform, not a law firm. The information provided by our AI Checker, templates, and guides does not constitute legal advice. Cottage food laws change frequently. You must verify all information with your local health department before selling products.
Allowed
- ✓Baked goods (non-refrigerated, no cream/custard fillings)
- ✓Candies and confections
- ✓Jams, jellies, fruit butters, preserves
- ✓Honey
- ✓Dehydrated produce and dry herbs/spices
- ✓Dry teas and dry baking mixes
- ✓Granola, cereal, trail mix, nuts
- ✓Whole uncut produce
- ✓Pickled fruits/vegetables (pH ≤ 4.6)
- ✓Tortillas
Prohibited
- ✕Meat and poultry
- ✕Fish and shellfish
- ✕Dairy products (including cream/custard fillings)
- ✕Cream, custard, and meringue pies
- ✕Pumpkin and sweet potato pies
- ✕Sauces (BBQ, hot, pasta, salad dressing, ketchup, mustard)
- ✕Cut fresh fruits/vegetables, juices, purees
- ✕Low-acid canned goods
- ✕Fermented foods and sprouts
Labeling Protocols
01Producer name and address
02Product name (common or usual name)
03Ingredients in descending order of predominance by weight
04Net weight or volume
05Allergen declaration
06Date produced
07Statement: 'This product was produced in a home kitchen that is not subject to state licensure or inspection and that may also process common food allergens such as tree nuts, peanuts, eggs, soy, wheat, milk, fish, and crustacean shellfish.'
08Point-of-sale placard (shorter variant): 'This product was produced in a home kitchen that is not subject to state licensure or inspection.'
FAQs
Is there an income cap?
Yes. Net revenue is capped at $10,000 per product per calendar year under C.R.S. § 25-4-1614. You may sell multiple product types, each with its own $10,000 cap.
Is food safety training required?
Yes. Producers must complete the CSU Extension Cottage Food Safety Training (about $50, 3.5 hours) before selling, and recertify every 3 years.
Can I sell to coffee shops, restaurants, or grocery stores?
No. Sales must be direct from producer to informed end consumer. Wholesale and resale are prohibited.
Can I sell pickled vegetables or fruits?
Yes — pickled fruits and vegetables with a finished pH of 4.6 or lower are allowed under the Cottage Foods Act. Low-acid canned goods, salsas, and BBQ/hot sauces remain prohibited.
Can I ship out of state?
No. Sales are limited to within Colorado. The exemption does not permit interstate commerce.
Can I sell online?
Yes, to Colorado consumers only. Delivery must be direct from producer to consumer.
What Comes Next
After You Verify Compliance: Your Next 4 Steps
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- 01
Liability Shield
Form an LLC
Separating your personal finances from your cottage food business protects your home and savings if a customer ever brings a claim. Both providers below file in all 50 states and handle registered agent service for Colorado.
- 02
Protect Your Kitchen
Get Product Liability Insurance
A single allergy incident or contamination claim can erase years of profit. FLIP (Food Liability Insurance Program) is built specifically for cottage food operators — flat-rate annual policies with farmers market and online sales coverage included.
- 03
Required in Colorado
Complete Food Safety Training
Colorado requires a recognized food safety certification before you can sell. Learn2Serve offers an ANSI-accredited course you can complete online in a few hours.
- 04
Production Ready
Set Up Your Kitchen and Labels
The right thermometers, storage containers, scale, and label printer turn a home kitchen into a compliant production space. Our Week 11 equipment guide walks through what we use and the Colorado-specific labeling fields you'll need.
Official Sources
Verify current requirements directly with the state:
At a Glance
Permit Fee
$0
No license fee. Mandatory CSU Extension Cottage Food Safety Training (~$50, ~3.5 hours, valid 3 years) is required before selling.
Renewal
N/A for the exemption itself. Food safety certificate renews every 3 years.
Shipping