Virginia Cottage Food Laws

Virginia is one of the most-searched states for cottage food rules, largely because the exemption is broad and the paperwork is minimal for baked goods.

Fast facts

Permit
Home food processing exemption; inspection for some products
Annual sales cap
No limit
Online sales
Allowed
Shipping
Limited

What makes Virginia different

  • Virginia's home food processing exemption covers most baked goods with no inspection
  • No annual sales cap
  • Acidified and canned goods require a process review and possible inspection

Where you can sell in Virginia

  • Direct to consumer
  • Farmers markets
  • Retail
  • Online
  • Events

What you can and can't make

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

Virginia 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 Virginia

Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services administers cottage food rules in Virginia.

Last verified:

Visit Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services

Not legal advice. This summary is for general education. Confirm with Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services before you start selling.

Cottage food laws in other states