New Hampshire Cottage Food Law 2026
Last reviewed:
No License Needed
Limit: Unlimited (sales cap eliminated by HB 119, effective October 3, 2023) / 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 (breads, cookies, double-crusted fruit pies)
- ✓Candy and fudge
- ✓Jams and jellies
- ✓Dry mixes
- ✓Dried herbs and spices
- ✓Processed acidified foods including pickles, salsa, and relish (added by HB 1565, eff. Aug 13, 2024)
Prohibited
- ✕Meat and poultry (TCS)
- ✕Dairy products
- ✕Cheesecakes, custards, cream pies, pumpkin pies
- ✕Soups, sandwiches
- ✕Cooked vegetable products
- ✕Low-acid canned foods (non-acidified)
Labeling Protocols
01Name, physical or email address, and phone number of the homestead food operation
02Name of the homestead food product
03Ingredients in descending order of predominance by weight
04Allergen information
05Exempt-tier disclaimer: 'This product is exempt from New Hampshire licensing and inspection.'
FAQs
Do I need a license to start selling?
Not necessarily. NH has a two-tier system. If you only sell from your home, your own farm stand, farmers' markets, or retail food stores, you are exempt from licensure (no fee, no inspection). A Homestead Food Operator license is only required if you want to sell to restaurants, ship products, sell online or by mail order, or sell wholesale.
Is there a sales cap?
No. HB 119 (2023) eliminated the previous $20,000 annual gross sales cap effective October 3, 2023. There is no longer a revenue threshold that triggers licensure — the distinction is now solely based on sales channels.
What does the license cost?
The Class H Homestead Food Operator license is $150 annually, paid to NH DHHS Food Protection Section. A kitchen inspection is required.
Can I sell pickles or salsa?
Yes — as of HB 1565 (effective August 13, 2024), processed acidified foods including pickles, salsa, and relish were removed from the 'potentially hazardous food' definition and may now be produced by both exempt and licensed homestead operators.
Can I ship or sell online?
Only with a Homestead Food Operator license. Internet sales, mail order, and shipping are not allowed under the exempt tier.
What disclaimer must appear on my label?
Exempt operators must label products with: 'This product is exempt from New Hampshire licensing and inspection.' All operators must include name, physical/email address, phone, product name, ingredients (descending by weight), and allergens.
What Comes Next
After You Verify Compliance: Your Next 4 Steps
Some links below are affiliate links — we earn a small commission at no cost to you. We only recommend services we'd suggest to a friend. Full disclosure.
- 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 New Hampshire.
- 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
Recommended in New Hampshire
Complete Food Safety Training
New Hampshire does not mandate food safety training, but completing one builds buyer trust and protects you if a labeling or handling question ever arises. Learn2Serve's online course takes 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 New Hampshire-specific labeling fields you'll need.
Official Sources
Verify current requirements directly with the state:
At a Glance
Permit Fee
$0
Exempt tier: $0. Licensed Class H Homestead Food Operator: $150/yr (required only if selling to restaurants, retail establishments, online, mail order, or wholesale).
Renewal
Annual (licensed tier only; exempt tier has no renewal)
Shipping