Connecticut Cottage Food Laws

Connecticut came late to cottage food (2018) and its rules read more like a scaled-down food establishment license than a light-touch exemption.

Fast facts

Permit
Cottage food license + local health approval
Annual sales cap
$50,000/yr
Online sales
Limited
Shipping
Not allowed

What makes Connecticut different

  • You register with DCP and also get local health department sign-off
  • Certified food protection manager training is required
  • Sales are capped at $50,000 gross per year

Where you can sell in Connecticut

  • Direct to consumer
  • Farmers markets
  • Events
  • Home pickup

What you can and can't make

Connecticut follows the standard cottage food logic: shelf-stable items are in, anything needing refrigeration is out. Check the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection 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

Connecticut 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 Connecticut

Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection administers cottage food rules in Connecticut.

Last verified:

Visit Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection

Not legal advice. This summary is for general education. Confirm with Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection before you start selling.

Cottage food laws in other states