TL;DR: Kansas Cottage Food Laws Quick Answer
Last verified against K.S.A. 65-771 on January 15, 2026
Quick Reference
| Requirement | Kansas |
|---|---|
| Permit Required | No — zero paperwork |
| Revenue Cap | None — unlimited sales |
| Training | Not required |
| Inspection | Not required |
| Allowed Foods | Non-potentially hazardous (shelf-stable) only |
| Where to Sell | Direct to consumer — in-state and interstate shipping |
| Key Rule | Must include "This product is home-produced" on labels |
What You Can Sell
Allowed categories:
- Baked goods — breads, cookies, cakes (no cream/custard filling), muffins, pies (fruit only), brownies, pastries
- Preserved foods — jams, jellies, fruit butters, dried fruits, dried herbs
- Confections — candy, fudge, caramel corn, toffee, brittles
- Snacks — granola, trail mix, roasted nuts, nut butters, popcorn
- Condiments — honey, maple syrup, dry spice mixes, dry baking mixes
- Other — flavored vinegars, herb-infused oils (shelf-stable only)
Not allowed: Dairy products, meat/poultry/seafood, pickles, fermented foods (kombucha, sauerkraut), cream or custard fillings, anything requiring refrigeration.
Where You Can Sell
Kansas is one of a handful of states that allows interstate shipping of cottage food products — a major advantage for home-based food businesses.
Allowed: Home pickup, farmers markets, roadside stands, flea markets, community events, pop-ups, direct delivery, online sales, in-state shipping, and interstate shipping to other states.
Not allowed: Wholesale to stores or restaurants. All sales must be direct to the end consumer.
Kansas state law preempts local zoning restrictions in most cases — your city or county generally cannot prohibit your cottage food operation.
What Are the Labeling Requirements in Kansas?
Every product label must include:
- Product common name (e.g., "Honey Wheat Bread")
- Ingredients listed in descending order by weight
- Allergen statement ("Contains: Wheat, Milk, Eggs, Tree Nuts")
- Net weight or volume
- Your name and complete home address
- Required disclaimer:
"This product is home-produced."
How to Start Today
- Choose your products from the allowed non-potentially hazardous food list and set prices (aim for 50-70% markup minimum).
- Create compliant labels with all six required elements, including the "This product is home-produced" disclaimer.
- Register for Kansas sales tax — no cottage food license is needed, but you must collect sales tax (6.5% state rate + local rates). Register with the Kansas Department of Revenue.
- Make your first batch following food safety best practices — clean surfaces, proper handwashing, no pets in kitchen during production.
- Start selling at a farmers market, from home, online, or ship anywhere in the country.
Common Questions
Do I need a permit or license to sell cottage food in Kansas?
Is there a revenue cap on cottage food sales in Kansas?
No. Kansas has no revenue cap — you can sell as much as you want under the cottage food law. This makes Kansas one of the most business-friendly cottage food states in the country.
Can I ship cottage food products to other states?
Yes. Kansas is one of very few states that allows interstate shipping of cottage food products. You can sell and ship direct to consumers across state lines. Note that the receiving state's laws may also apply to the buyer.
Can I sell cottage food to grocery stores or restaurants?
No. All sales must be direct to the end consumer. Wholesale, institutional sales, and resale are not permitted under the cottage food law. If you want to sell wholesale, you will need a commercial food establishment license.
Do I need to collect sales tax?
Can I sell pickles or fermented foods?
Can my city or HOA stop me from selling cottage food?
Sources:
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Cottage food laws vary by state and change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your state's agriculture department or health department before starting a cottage food business.