New York 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
- ✓Breads, rolls, biscuits, bagels, muffins, doughnuts
- ✓Cookies, brownies, non-refrigerated cakes
- ✓Jams, jellies, preserves (high-acid fruit)
- ✓Hard candy, fudge, peanut brittle, caramel corn
- ✓Dried/blended spices and herbs
- ✓Snack mixes (with commercially-roasted nuts)
- ✓Dry baking mixes
Prohibited
- ✕Any chocolate product (tempered, melted, dipped, or coated)
- ✕Meat, fish, poultry
- ✕Dairy products (cheese, yogurt, cheesecake, cream fillings)
- ✕Pickles, salsas, ketchup, sauerkraut, low-acid canned vegetables
- ✕Beverages
- ✕Cooked or canned fruits and vegetables
- ✕Any product containing alcohol
- ✕Raw cookie dough
Labeling Protocols
01Common/usual product name
02Ingredient list in descending order by weight
03Net quantity of contents
04Processor name and full address
059 major allergens (egg, milk, fish, shellfish, soy, peanut, tree nut, wheat, sesame — per FASTER Act)
06Disclaimer (≥1/16-inch type): 'Made in a Home Kitchen' (or 'Made at Home by [Name]' / 'Made in the Home Kitchen of [Name]')
FAQs
Is this a permit or an exemption?
It's an exemption from Article 20-C licensing. You register with the NY State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSDAM) as a Home Processor — you do not receive a permit. There's no fee and the registration currently does not expire.
Can I sell to stores or restaurants?
Yes — wholesale to NY restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores is allowed under the Home Processor exemption, provided products are on the allowed list and remain within New York State. No separate Article 20-C license is required.
Can I ship out of state?
No. All sales must stay within New York State.
Can I sell chocolate-dipped strawberries or chocolate truffles?
No. Tempering, melting, or coating with chocolate is prohibited under the exemption. Chocolate as a ready-made ingredient in baked goods is generally OK; the prohibition is on chocolate-making and chocolate-coating processes.
What disclaimer goes on my label?
NYSDAM accepts 'Made in a Home Kitchen' or 'Made at Home by [Name]' or 'Made in the Home Kitchen of [Name]' in at least 1/16-inch type. The label must also include the product name, ingredient list (descending by weight), net quantity, processor name and full address, and all nine major allergens including sesame.
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 New York.
- 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 York
Complete Food Safety Training
New York 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 York-specific labeling fields you'll need.
Official Sources
Verify current requirements directly with the state: