Maryland Cottage Food Laws

Maryland's 2025 guidelines raised the limit to $50,000 and let bakers sell into retail stores once MDH has reviewed their products.

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 Maryland sources on November 2, 2026: permit, sales cap, online sales and label statement. Anything not marked as checked is our summary — check with the Maryland Department of Health.

Fast facts

Permit: No license or routine inspection (checked)
Annual sales cap: $50,000/yr (checked)
Online sales: Allowed (checked)
Shipping: Not allowed (summary)

What makes Maryland different

Annual cottage food revenue of up to $50,000 (COMAR 10.15.03)
No retail food license and no preliminary or routine inspection
Selling to retail stores requires a Maryland Department of Health compliance letter first
Sales outside Maryland are prohibited

Where you can sell in Maryland

Direct to consumer
Farmers markets
Public events
Online (within Maryland)
Retail stores (after an MDH compliance letter)

What you can and can't make

These lists describe what most cottage food laws allow and prohibit. They aren't Maryland's official product list: check the Maryland Department of Health for the foods Maryland 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

Maryland labeling requirements

Required statement, checked November 2, 2026:

Made by a cottage food business that is not subject to Maryland's food safety regulations.

Most states require the elements below. Maryland's exact list may differ, so confirm it with the Maryland Department of 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 Maryland

The Maryland Department of Health administers cottage food rules in Maryland. Their page is the authoritative, current version of everything summarized here.

Visit the Maryland Department of Health

Sources we checked on November 2, 2026:

Maryland Department of Health: Guidelines for Cottage Food Businesses (2025)

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.

Running a Maryland home bakery?

Whisk Manager keeps your orders, customers, recipes and revenue in one place — so you always know where you stand against your state's rules.

Start free today