Maryland Cottage Food Laws

Maryland's allowance for selling into retail shops is more generous than the cap suggests — many bakers use it for consignment at local markets.

Fast facts

Permit
No license; local health department notification
Annual sales cap
$25,000/yr
Online sales
Limited
Shipping
Not allowed

What makes Maryland different

  • $25,000 annual gross sales cap
  • Maryland allows sales to retail stores that then sell direct to consumers
  • No state license, but you notify your local health department

Where you can sell in Maryland

  • Farmers markets
  • Public events
  • Bake sales
  • Direct to consumer
  • Some retail

What you can and can't make

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

Maryland 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 Maryland

Maryland Department of Health administers cottage food rules in Maryland.

Last verified:

Visit Maryland Department of Health

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

Cottage food laws in other states