Indiana Cottage Food Law 2026
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⚠️ 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-TCS)
- ✓Candy and confections
- ✓High-acid, full-sugar jams, jellies, preserves
- ✓Honey (with infant warning)
- ✓Maple syrup and sorghum
- ✓In-shell chicken eggs
- ✓Dry mixes and dry herbs
- ✓Popcorn and kettle corn
Prohibited
- ✕Meat, poultry, fish
- ✕Dairy products requiring refrigeration
- ✕Acidified foods (pickles, salsa, chutney, pickled vegetables)
- ✕Low-acid canned foods
- ✕Cooked vegetable products / tomato sauces
- ✕Cream, custard, meringue, or cream-cheese fillings
- ✕Cut melons, cut leafy greens, raw seed sprouts
- ✕Garlic-in-oil mixtures
Labeling Protocols
01Producer name and address
02Common or usual name of the food
03Ingredients in descending order by weight
04Net weight or volume (or numerical count)
05Date the product was processed
06Statement in at least 10-point type: 'This product is home produced and processed and the production area has not been inspected by the Indiana Department of Health. NOT FOR RESALE.'
07Label must also be posted on the vendor's website for online sales
FAQs
Is food handler training required?
Yes. Ind. Code § 16-42-5.3 requires an ANSI-accredited food handler certificate (e.g., ServSafe Food Handler), valid 3 years, with a copy filed at your county local health department.
Can I ship out of state?
No. HBV products may only be sold and delivered within Indiana. Interstate shipping is prohibited.
Can I sell online or ship within Indiana?
Yes. Since July 1, 2022 (HEA 1149), HBVs may take orders in person, by phone, or online, and deliver in person, by mail, or via third-party carrier — as long as the destination is within Indiana.
Can I sell to restaurants, grocery stores, or on consignment?
No. HBV sales must be direct from producer to end consumer. Wholesale, retail resale, and consignment all require a licensed and inspected facility.
Is there a sales cap?
No. Indiana imposes no income or gross-sales cap on Home-Based Vendor products.
Can I sell whole produce?
Whole, uncut produce is no longer regulated as a Home-Based Vendor product (deregulated July 2023). It can still be sold under the separate farmers-market/roadside-stand exemption at Ind. Code § 16-42-5-29.
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 Indiana.
- 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 Indiana
Complete Food Safety Training
Indiana 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 Indiana-specific labeling fields you'll need.
Official Sources
Verify current requirements directly with the state:
At a Glance
Permit Fee
$0
No state fee. ANSI food-handler course typically $7–$15 (e.g., ServSafe Food Handler), valid 3 years. Copy of certificate must be filed with the county local health department.
Renewal
N/A (ANSI food-handler certificate renews every 3 years)
Shipping