California Cottage Food Laws

California is the state where people most often get tripped up: you apply at the county level, and a Class A registration does not let you sell through coffee shops or boutiques. You need a Class B permit for that.

Important information: Cottage food laws vary by state and may change. This guide is provided for general educational purposes and is not legal advice. Always confirm current requirements with your state's official regulatory agency before selling homemade food.

Checked against official California sources on November 2, 2026: permit, sales cap, online sales, shipping and where you can sell. Anything not marked as checked is our summary — check with the California Department of Public Health / county environmental health.

Fast facts

Permit: Class A: county registration (self-certification); Class B: county permit (checked)
Annual sales cap: Class A $88,878; Class B $177,756 (2026, adjusted yearly for inflation) (checked)
Online sales: Allowed (checked)
Shipping: Limited (checked)

What makes California different

Class A registers with the county environmental health department and submits a self-certification checklist; it may sell only directly to consumers (in person, by phone or online)
Class B must get a permit from the county and may sell directly and also indirectly, through permitted retailers such as shops and restaurants
Orders may be fulfilled in person, by mail or by a third-party delivery service, within California only and subject to the cottage food requirements
CDPH doesn't register or permit cottage food operations; your county does, so fees and forms vary a lot
A separate MEHKO permit covers actual home restaurants in participating counties

Where you can sell in California

In person: events, farm stands, certified farmers' markets, CSA subscriptions and at your home
Phone and online orders
Delivered in person, by mail or by a third-party delivery service (within California)
Through permitted retailers such as shops and restaurants (Class B only)

What you can and can't make

These lists describe what most cottage food laws allow and prohibit. They aren't California's official product list: check the California Department of Public Health / county environmental health for the foods California actually allows.

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

California labeling requirements

Most states require the elements below. California's exact list may differ, so confirm it with the California Department of Public Health / county environmental health.

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

Official source for California

The California Department of Public Health / county environmental health administers cottage food rules in California. Their page is the authoritative, current version of everything summarized here.

Visit the California Department of Public Health / county environmental health

Sources we checked on November 2, 2026:

Legal Disclaimer

The cottage food law information provided by Whisk Manager is intended for general educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, regulatory, tax, or professional advice.

Although we strive to provide accurate and helpful information, cottage food laws, licensing requirements, sales limitations, labeling rules, and permitted products may change at any time. Requirements may also vary by county, city, municipality, or local health department.

Whisk Manager does not guarantee that the information on this page is complete, accurate, or current. You are responsible for confirming the laws and regulations applicable to your specific business, location, and products before producing or selling homemade foods.

For authoritative guidance, consult your state's official regulatory agency, your local health department, and a qualified legal professional when appropriate.

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