Michigan Cottage Food Laws 2026: $50K + Online Sales

"With the new law changes, Michigan is now one of the best states for cottage food producers!"

TL;DR: Michigan Cottage Food Laws Quick Answer

Registration: None required (optional MSU Product Center registration for address privacy)
Allowed Products: Baked goods, jams, jellies, candy, dried herbs
Where to Sell: Direct sales, farmers markets, online sales, shipping, and third-party delivery now allowed
Key Requirement: Proper labeling with name, address (or MSU registry), and disclaimer

Last verified: January 2026 against Michigan HB 4122 (Public Act 51 of 2025)

📋 Michigan Cottage Food at a Glance

Registration: Not required (optional MSU Product Center registration for address privacy)
Allowed Products: Baked goods, jams, jellies, candy, dried herbs
Training: Optional (MSU Extension offers free course)
Inspection: Not required

✅ Good news: Start selling immediately with zero bureaucracy!

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Overview of Michigan Cottage Food Law
Why Michigan's Law is Unique
Allowed Products in Michigan
Prohibited Products
Revenue Cap and Sales Limitations
Labeling Requirements
How to Start Selling (No Registration!)
Where You Can Sell
Kitchen and Safety Best Practices
Common Questions (FAQs)
Get Started Today

What Is Michigan's Cottage Food Law?

Key Timeline:

Zero Barriers to Entry:

✅ No registration or permit required
✅ No fees of any kind
✅ No mandatory training
✅ No kitchen inspection
✅ Start selling immediately
✅ Online sales now allowed - ship products, fulfill mail orders
✅ Third-party delivery permitted (DoorDash, Instacart, etc.)
✅ Multiple cottage food operations allowed per residence
✅ Address privacy option - register with MSU Product Center instead of listing home address

Low-Risk Focus:

Michigan's law focuses on non-potentially hazardous foods that don't require refrigeration
Emphasis on baked goods, jams, and dried products
Clear list of what's allowed

What Makes Michigan's Cottage Food Law Unique?

Most states require at least basic registration. Michigan doesn't. You simply:

Make your product
Label it correctly
Start selling

Unlike most states that restrict cottage food to in-person sales, Michigan now allows:

Online sales through websites and platforms
Shipping products to customers
Third-party delivery services

This puts Michigan among the most progressive cottage food states for e-commerce.

What Products Can I Sell Under Michigan Cottage Food Laws?

Michigan specifies a clear list of allowed cottage food products. If it's not on the list, it's not allowed.

✅ Allowed Under Michigan Cottage Food Law

Baked Goods:

Breads, rolls, biscuits
Cookies, brownies, bars
Cakes (without cream or custard filling)
Pies (fruit-based only, no cream/custard)
Muffins, scones
Pastries (without perishable fillings)
Donuts (unfilled, no cream)

Preserved Foods:

Jams and jellies (fruit-based only)
This is the ONLY "canned" or preserved food allowed
Must follow proper jam/jelly making procedures
No other canned goods allowed (no salsa, pickles, etc.)

Candy:

Hard candy, lollipops
Fudge
Caramels
Toffee, brittles
Chocolate-covered items (pretzels, nuts)

Dried Foods:

Dried herbs and herb blends
Must be properly dried
No fresh herbs
Dry herb and spice mixes
Rubs, seasoning blends
Must be completely dry

Other Allowed Items:

Granola and granola bars
Roasted coffee beans
Popcorn (including flavored)
Trail mix
Cereal

⚠️ Important: The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) maintains the official allowed products list. This is more restrictive than many states.

Product Guides for Cottage Food Sellers

Ready to start selling? These comprehensive guides cover everything from equipment and startup costs to pricing and marketing:

Baked Goods:

How to Sell Cakes from Home — Startup costs, pricing, and decorating tips
How to Sell Brownies from Home — Equipment, recipes, and market strategies
How to Sell Bread from Home — Bread baking equipment and sales venues
How to Sell Sourdough from Home — Starter maintenance, pricing, and scaling
How to Sell Homemade Bread — Complete artisan bread business guide
How to Sell Cookies from Home — Best-selling varieties and packaging

Preserves & Condiments:

How to Sell Jams and Jellies — Canning basics, pricing, and labeling
How to Sell Apple Butter — Production techniques and seasonal sales
How to Sell Honey from Home — Beekeeping economics and honey regulations
How to Sell Herbs from Home — Growing, harvesting, and drying techniques

Confections & Specialty:

How to Sell Chocolates from Home — Tempering, molding, and gift packaging
How to Sell Fudge from Home — Temperature control and flavor varieties
How to Sell Spices from Home — Sourcing, blending, and packaging
How to Sell Popcorn from Home — Caramel corn, kettle corn, flavored varieties
How to Sell Tamales from Home — Vegetarian in most states, meat in TCS states

Other Products:

How to Sell Cut Flowers from Home — Growing, arranging, and market sales

Farmers Market Guides:

Best Farmers Markets in Detroit: Complete 2026 Guide — 12+ markets with hours, locations, and vendor tips
Michigan Farmers Market Permits: Complete 2026 Guide — MDARD requirements, application process, fees, and insurance

What Products Are Prohibited Under Cottage Food Laws?

Michigan's prohibited list is extensive. When in doubt, assume it's not allowed unless specifically listed as permitted.

❌ NOT Allowed Under Michigan Cottage Food Law

Canned Goods (except jams/jellies):

❌ Pickled vegetables (cucumbers, peppers, etc.)
❌ Canned salsa or tomato products
❌ Canned fruits (except as jam/jelly)
❌ Any low-acid canned foods
❌ Canned soups or sauces

Dairy Products:

❌ Cheese (any type)
❌ Yogurt
❌ Butter
❌ Cream cheese frostings
❌ Custards, puddings

Meat, Poultry, Seafood:

❌ Jerky (dried meat)
❌ Any products containing meat
❌ Poultry products
❌ Smoked fish
❌ Canned or preserved meat

Perishable Items:

❌ Fresh-cut produce
❌ Cream-filled baked goods
❌ Refrigerated items
❌ Frozen desserts

Fermented Foods:

❌ Kombucha
❌ Kimchi, sauerkraut
❌ Fermented vegetables

Other Prohibited:

❌ Hot sauces (acidified foods)
❌ Flavored oils or vinegars
❌ Maple syrup or honey (see note below)
❌ Nut butters (not explicitly listed as allowed)
❌ Pet treats (different regulations)
❌ Cannabis-infused products

Special Note: Honey

Honey sales in Michigan are regulated separately under apiary laws, not cottage food law. If you want to sell honey, check MDARD's apiary program requirements.

💡 Rule of Thumb: If it's not explicitly listed in Michigan's allowed products, assume it's prohibited. Michigan takes a "positive list" approach.

Is There a Revenue Cap on Cottage Food Sales in Michigan?

Higher Cap for Premium Products:

What counts toward the cap:

✅ All sales of cottage food products
✅ Product price
✅ Shipping or delivery fees

What doesn't count:

❌ Sales tax collected (passed through to state)
❌ Non-food items sold separately

What Happens If You Exceed the Cap?

Stop selling cottage food products for the remainder of the calendar year, OR
Transition to a licensed food establishment (commercial kitchen, proper licensing)

Planning Around the Cap

Strategies:

Track sales carefully throughout the year
Set prices strategically to maximize profit within cap
Consider transitioning to commercial if approaching cap consistently
Calculate true profitability (gross sales vs. net income)

What Are the Labeling Requirements for Cottage Food in Michigan?

Michigan has specific labeling requirements. Non-compliance is the most common violation at farmers markets.

Required on Every Label:

Product name (common name)

Example: "Oatmeal Raisin Cookies" not "Grandma's Special Cookies"

Ingredients list

Descending order by weight
Include sub-ingredients in parentheses
Example: "Ingredients: Wheat flour, sugar, butter (cream, salt), eggs, raisins, oats, vanilla extract, baking soda, cinnamon, salt"

Allergen statement (if contains major allergens)

Major allergens: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans
Example: "Contains: Wheat, Milk, Eggs"

Net weight or volume

Must be accurate

Name and address of cottage food operation

For privacy, register with MSU Product Center instead of using your home address

Required disclaimer statement (EXACT wording):

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

⚠️ Critical: The disclaimer must use this exact wording. Variations may not be compliant.

Label Format Example

Sarah's Home Bakery

OATMEAL RAISIN COOKIES

Ingredients: Wheat flour, brown sugar, butter (cream, salt), oats,
raisins, eggs, vanilla extract, baking soda, cinnamon, salt

Contains: Wheat, Milk, Eggs


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

Label Design Tips

Print on quality label stock or sticker paper
Attach securely to packaging
Make sure label doesn't smudge or come off
Update labels if recipe changes

How Do I Start Selling Cottage Food in Michigan?

Michigan makes it incredibly easy to start.

Choose from allowed products list
Develop and test recipes
Calculate costs and pricing
Order packaging supplies
Design labels with all required information
Use exact disclaimer wording
Print labels (home printer or professional printing)
Test label adhesion
Use your home kitchen
Follow good food safety practices
Package products with labels
Quality check everything
Find local farmers markets
Set up at events
Sell from home
Start earning!

Optional But Recommended

MSU Extension Training:

Covers food safety, labeling, regulations
Certificate of completion
Available at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/

Even though it's not required, this training is invaluable for new producers.

Where Can I Sell Cottage Food in Michigan?

✅ Allowed Sales Venues

In-Person Direct Sales:

Farmers markets (most popular venue)
Farm stands and roadside stands
Your home (customers pick up or you hand off)
Community events (fairs, festivals, craft shows)
Holiday markets and pop-up events
Church, school, or community fundraisers
✅ Online sales through your own website
✅ E-commerce platforms (Etsy, Shopify, etc.)
✅ Social media sales (Facebook, Instagram)
✅ Mail order and shipping within Michigan
✅ Third-party delivery services (DoorDash, Instacart, etc.)

Important: Online and shipping sales must still be direct to consumer - you cannot sell wholesale through online channels.

❌ Still NOT Allowed

Wholesale and Retail:

❌ Wholesale to stores or shops
❌ Consignment sales at retail locations
❌ Selling to restaurants or cafes
❌ Selling to food service establishments

Institutions:

❌ Schools, hospitals, prisons
❌ Licensed child care facilities (different rules apply)

What Kitchen Requirements Must I Meet in Michigan?

No Inspection Required

Michigan does not require kitchen inspections for cottage food operations. However, you still must maintain safe food handling practices.

Home Kitchen Best Practices

Cleanliness:

Deep clean kitchen before each production session
Sanitize all surfaces and equipment
Wash hands frequently and properly
Keep kitchen clutter-free during production

Food Safety:

Store ingredients properly
Use food-safe containers and utensils
Monitor oven temperatures (use thermometer)
Cool and package products safely
Label and date everything

Separation:

Keep pets out of kitchen during production
Don't do cottage food production during household meal prep
Store cottage food ingredients/products separately from personal use
Use dedicated tools when possible

Documentation:

Keep ingredient purchase receipts
Document recipes and processes
Track production dates
Maintain sales records

💡 Why This Matters: Even without inspections, you're legally responsible for food safety. Following best practices protects you and your customers.

Common Questions About Michigan Cottage Food Laws

Q: Do I really not need any permit or registration?

A: Correct! Michigan requires zero permits, registrations, or licenses for cottage food operations. You simply need to make an allowed product, label it correctly, and sell it directly to consumers.

Q: Do I need a business license?

A: The cottage food law doesn't require a business license, but your city or township might require a general business license or home occupation permit. Check with your local clerk's office. This is separate from cottage food regulations.

Q: Can I sell online and ship products?

Sell through websites, Etsy, Facebook, etc.
Ship products to customers
Use third-party delivery services (DoorDash, Instacart)

Q: Is the MSU Extension training worth it?

Q: Can I make nut butters or honey?

A: Nut butters: Not explicitly listed as allowed, so technically not permitted under cottage food law. Honey: Regulated separately under apiary laws, not cottage food law. Contact MDARD's apiary program.

Q: Do I need to collect sales tax?

Register with Michigan Department of Treasury
Collect sales tax from customers
File returns (monthly, quarterly, or annually depending on volume)
Remit tax collected

Q: Can I sell at farmers markets in other states?

A: No. Michigan's cottage food law only applies to sales within Michigan. Selling in other states would require compliance with that state's laws, which usually requires commercial licensing.

A: You have several options:

Price products at $250+ to qualify for the $75,000 cap
Stop selling when you hit your cap (wait for next year)
Transition to a commercial food establishment - rent a licensed kitchen, get proper licenses, follow commercial food laws

Q: Can I keep my home address private?

Q: Can I make my product in a commercial kitchen to bypass cottage food limits?

Q: Can I have multiple cottage food operations at my home?

Q: Are there any local health department requirements?

A: Generally no. Cottage food law is state-level and preempts most local regulations. However, always check with your local health department if you're unsure.

Q: Do I need insurance?

A: Not required by cottage food law, but:

It's smart business protection

How Do I Get Started Selling Cottage Food in Michigan?

Ready to launch your Michigan cottage food business? Here's your action plan:

Sources:

Michigan HB 4122 (Public Act 51 of 2025) - 2025 cottage food law expansion - Last verified: January 08, 2026
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development: https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/food-dairy/michigan-cottage-foods-information
Michigan Cottage Food Coalition - HB 4122 updates and advocacy
Michigan Farmers Market Association - Cottage food advocacy
MSU Extension Cottage Food Resources: https://www.canr.msu.edu/
Michigan Department of Treasury (sales tax guidance)