Alabama Cottage Food Laws

Alabama is one of the friendlier Deep South states now that the sales cap is gone, but it stays strict on the direct-to-consumer requirement. Online ordering is fine as long as the handoff happens in person.

Fast facts

Permit
Food handler training required
Annual sales cap
No limit
Online sales
Limited
Shipping
Not allowed

What makes Alabama different

  • Alabama removed its $20,000 annual sales cap, so there is no revenue ceiling
  • You must complete an approved food safety course before selling
  • Sales must be direct to the end consumer — no wholesale or retail placement

Where you can sell in Alabama

  • Direct to consumer
  • Farmers markets
  • Home pickup
  • Local delivery

What you can and can't make

Alabama follows the standard cottage food logic: shelf-stable items are in, anything needing refrigeration is out. Check the Alabama Department of Public Health product list for state-specific exceptions.

Generally allowed

  • Breads, rolls, biscuits and buns
  • Cakes, cupcakes and brownies (without cream-cheese or custard fillings)
  • Cookies, bars and biscotti
  • Fruit pies and fruit-filled pastries
  • Candy, brittle, fudge and chocolate-covered items
  • Dry mixes, granola, popcorn and roasted nuts
  • Jams, jellies and preserves made from high-acid fruit

Generally prohibited

  • Cheesecake and cream-cheese frostings or fillings
  • Custard, meringue, pudding and Bavarian-cream pies
  • Anything containing meat, poultry or seafood
  • Fresh-dairy items, ice cream and buttercream that requires refrigeration
  • Canned vegetables, salsas and other low-acid canned goods
  • Garlic-in-oil, pickled goods and fermented foods (in most states)
  • Kombucha, juices and other beverages requiring a process authority

Alabama labeling requirements

  1. The name and physical address of your home kitchen business
  2. The common name of the product
  3. A full ingredient list in descending order by weight
  4. Allergen declaration for the major allergens (milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, sesame)
  5. Net weight or volume
  6. A cottage food disclosure such as "Made in a home kitchen that is not subject to routine state inspection"

Official source for Alabama

Alabama Department of Public Health administers cottage food rules in Alabama.

Last verified:

Visit Alabama Department of Public Health

Not legal advice. This summary is for general education. Confirm with Alabama Department of Public Health before you start selling.

Cottage food laws in other states