When I first discovered micro bakeries, I was so excited, but also a little nervous.
The very first thought that ran through my mind was,
“Wait… is this even legal?”So I did my research. And here’s what I found:
In the United States, home bakeries are legal, but the rules look a little different depending on the city and state you live in.
These rules are called
Cottage Food Laws, and they’re what make it possible to bake and sell homemade goods like bread, cookies, and brownies right from your own kitchen without a storefront.
Most states make it surprisingly simple. Cottage Food laws in most states typically cover:
1. What You Can Sell: Most states allow you to sell non-perishable baked goods — like bread, cookies, brownies, and muffins — anything that doesn’t need to be refrigerated.
2. How Much You Can Sell: Some states set an annual income limit for cottage food businesses, while others have no cap at all. (And there are even creative ways to stay flexible — for ex. selling non-food items that don’t count toward your bakery revenue.)
3. Where You Can Sell: Typically, you can sell directly to your customers through farmers markets, pop-ups, bread stands, or home pickups. Some states also allow local delivery or online pre-orders, while others draw the line at shipping through the mail.
4. Labeling Requirements: Every state requires some version of a label that lists your ingredients, your business name, and a simple note saying your goods were made in a home kitchen.
In most areas, getting your permits is simple and affordable, usually between $100–$200 and just a few hours of paperwork.
Once you’re approved, you can start selling from home perfectly legal and fully compliant.
The approval process usually takes 1–4 weeks, depending on your state. But don’t worry, while you wait, you’ll have plenty to do (like finalizing your brand, perfecting your recipes, and ordering your packaging), so your time is never wasted.
🌎 For Bakers Outside the U.S.If you live outside the United States, you’ll want to research your local home baking laws to make sure you’re set up properly, since regulations can vary widely from country to country.
🎥 Want Help Figuring It Out?Inside the Micro Bakery Business-in-a-Box, you'll get access to my “Introduction to Cottage Food Laws” video training, where I walk you through exactly how to:
✨ Find your state’s laws step-by-step
✨ Apply for permits confidently
✨ And understand exactly what’s allowed in your home bakery
It’s the perfect starting point to help you feel clear, confident, and legal before you ever turn on the oven.