Nebraska Cottage Food Laws

Nebraska modernized early on internet sales, which makes it workable for order-based custom bakers rather than market-stall sellers.

Fast facts

Permit
Food handler training required
Annual sales cap
No limit
Online sales
Allowed
Shipping
Limited

What makes Nebraska different

  • Nebraska's 2019 law allows online sales with in-state delivery
  • A food handler permit / training certificate is required
  • No sales cap

Where you can sell in Nebraska

  • Direct to consumer
  • Farmers markets
  • Online
  • Delivery in state
  • Events

What you can and can't make

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

Nebraska 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 Nebraska

Nebraska Department of Agriculture administers cottage food rules in Nebraska.

Last verified:

Visit Nebraska Department of Agriculture

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

Cottage food laws in other states