Michigan Cottage Food Laws

Michigan is popular with new bakers because there's nothing to file. Sales stay direct to the consumer, so plan on no wholesale or retail placement.

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 Michigan sources on November 2, 2026: permit, sales cap, online sales, shipping, where you can sell and label statement. Anything not marked as checked is our summary — check with the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.

Fast facts

Permit: No license required (checked)
Annual sales cap: $50,000/yr ($75,000 if units sell for $250 or more) (checked)
Online sales: Limited (checked)
Shipping: Limited (checked)

What makes Michigan different

No license, registration or inspection under Michigan's Cottage Food Law
Gross sales limit of $50,000 a year ($75,000 if products sell for $250 or more per unit), per MDARD's 2026 guidance
Internet, mail-order and third-party delivery sales are allowed only to Michigan consumers who first get a chance to interact with you directly (face to face or a two-way virtual meeting)
No consignment or wholesale; labels need your name and the physical address of your home kitchen

Where you can sell in Michigan

Direct to consumer
Farmers markets
Roadside stands
Online, mail order and delivery platforms (Michigan buyers only)
Events

What you can and can't make

These lists describe what most cottage food laws allow and prohibit. They aren't Michigan's official product list: check the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development for the foods Michigan 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

Michigan labeling requirements

Required statement, checked November 2, 2026:

Made in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development

At least the equivalent of 11-point type (about 1/8 inch), in a contrasting color.

Most states require the elements below. Michigan's exact list may differ, so confirm it with the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.

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 Michigan

The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development administers cottage food rules in Michigan. Their page is the authoritative, current version of everything summarized here.

Visit the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development

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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