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Cottage food by state

Minnesota cottage food law: what you can sell and how

Minnesota requires every cottage food producer to train and register with the Department of Agriculture each year, then sell directly to consumers up to $78,000 a year.

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Updated November 2026 by the Madeline's team, who set these tools up for makers and farms.

The short version

Register with MDA every year before selling, take the required training, and sell non-potentially hazardous foods and acidic home-canned goods directly to consumers. Tier 1 (up to $7,665) has no fee; Tier 2 (up to $78,000) is $50. Human food is delivered in person. A new law moves to one tier with a $30 fee and in-state shipping; MDA is planning the rollout.

Minnesota rules at a glance

  1. Who regulates

    Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), under Minnesota Statute 28A.152.

  2. Registration

    Required every year, whatever your sales. Tier 1: gross sales of $7,665 or less, no fee. Tier 2: $7,666 to $78,000, $50 fee.

  3. Training

    Tier 1: free online training and exam every year. Tier 2: an approved food safety course, through University of Minnesota Extension, every three years.

  4. Allowed foods

    Non-potentially hazardous foods like baked goods, jams and jellies, plus home-canned pickles, vegetables or fruits at pH 4.6 or below or water activity of 0.85 or less. Dog and cat treats are allowed.

  5. Where you can sell

    Directly to the ultimate consumer. Not to grocery stores, restaurants or other businesses. Human food must be delivered in person; pet treats can be shipped.

  6. Labels

    Ingredients and allergens, production date, your name or business name, registration number or address, and "These products are homemade and not subject to state inspection."

  7. Coming changes

    Legislation creates a single tier with a $30 yearly fee, allows shipping within Minnesota, and requires advanced training every three years. MDA began implementation planning in 2026.

Check the source

  • Official source

    Minnesota Department of Agriculture: Cottage Food Producer Registration

    Rules change. Confirm the current figures and forms with the state before you start selling.

    Open the official page

  • Cottage food to commercial kitchen

    What changes when you outgrow the limits.

    Read the guide

  • Free tool

    Cost per jar calculator

    Price your cottage food products from what they really cost.

    Use the calculator

  • Food label requirements

    What a packaged food label needs, including allergens.

    Read the guide

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Questions

Do I need to register to sell cottage food in Minnesota?

Yes, every year with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, regardless of sales.

What is the Minnesota cottage food sales limit?

$78,000 in gross annual sales.

Can I ship cottage food in Minnesota?

Not human food yet; it must be delivered in person. Pet treats can be shipped. A new law will allow in-state shipping once MDA implements it.

How much does Minnesota cottage food registration cost?

Free for Tier 1 (up to $7,665 in sales) and $50 for Tier 2 (up to $78,000).

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Tell us what you make and what you use today. A spreadsheet and a Square account is a fine answer. We reply by email with what we would keep, what we would change and what it costs.

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