Texas Cottage Food Law: Your Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about legally selling homemade food products in Texas, from registration to approved items and labeling requirements.
What is Texas Cottage Food Law?
Texas Cottage Food Law allows individuals to produce and sell certain low-risk food products from their home kitchen without a food manufacturing license. This law makes it easier for home cooks, gardeners, and small-scale food producers to turn their harvest into income.
Key Benefits
- FREE registration (no annual fees)
- Sell up to $50,000/year from your home
- No commercial kitchen required
- Sell at farmers markets, events, and from home
Who Can Register?
Any Texas resident who wants to produce and sell cottage food products from their home kitchen. You must:
- Be a Texas resident
- Produce food in your primary domestic residence
- Complete food handler training
- Register with Texas DSHS (free)
- Follow proper labeling requirements
Approved Cottage Food Products
Texas law specifies which products can be made and sold under cottage food operations:
Baked Goods
- Breads, rolls, biscuits
- Cookies, cakes, pastries
- Pies (fruit-based only)
- Tortillas, tamales (no meat)
Candy & Sweets
- Hard candy, fudge, toffee
- Caramels, pralines
- Chocolate-covered items
- Cotton candy
Preserved Foods
- Jams, jellies, preserves
- Fruit butters
- Pickles (acidified)
- Mustards, vinegars
Other Products
- Dried herbs, herb blends
- Roasted coffee beans
- Dried tea blends
- Popcorn, popcorn snacks
NOT Allowed Under Cottage Food Law
- Meat, poultry, seafood products
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
- Fresh or cooked vegetables
- Canned goods (low-acid foods)
- Fermented foods (kombucha, kimchi)
- Products requiring refrigeration
Step 1: Complete Food Handler Training
Before registering, you must complete an accredited food handler course. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension offers an excellent online option:
Step 2: Register with Texas DSHS
Registration is FREE and done online through the Texas Department of State Health Services:
Step 3: Label Your Products Correctly
Every cottage food product must include a specific label with the following information:
Required Label Information
- Product name
- Name and address of cottage food operation
- Ingredient list (in descending order by weight)
- Net weight or quantity
- Allergen warnings (if applicable)
- Statement: "This food is made in a home kitchen and is not inspected by the Department of State Health Services or a local health department"
Where Can You Sell?
Cottage food products can be sold at:
- Farmers markets
- Farm stands and roadside stands
- Your home (direct to consumer)
- Municipal, county, or nonprofit events
- Consignment at retail stores (some restrictions apply)
Sales Restrictions
- Maximum annual sales: $50,000
- Cannot sell wholesale to restaurants or cafes
- Cannot ship products (must be sold directly)
- Cannot sell online for delivery/shipping
Tips for Success
- Start small and test your products at local farmers markets
- Keep detailed records of ingredients, sales, and expenses
- Network with other cottage food producers for tips and support
- Consider liability insurance (though not required)
- Stay updated on Texas cottage food law changes