TL;DR: Virginia Cottage Food Laws Quick Answer
Last verified against Virginia Code § 3.2-5130 on January 15, 2026
Quick Reference
| Requirement | Virginia |
|---|---|
| Permit Required | No — zero paperwork |
| Training | Not required |
| Inspection | Not required |
| Where to Sell | Home, farmers markets, roadside stands, events |
| Key Rule | Online ads OK, but orders must be placed by phone only |
What You Can Sell
Allowed categories:
- Baked goods — breads, cookies, cakes (no cream/custard filling), muffins, pies (fruit only), scones, donuts
- Preserved foods — jams, jellies, fruit butters, dried fruits/herbs, dehydrated vegetables
- Confections — candy, fudge, toffee, chocolate-covered items, caramel corn, marshmallows
- Snacks — granola, trail mix, roasted nuts, nut butters, crackers, popcorn
Not allowed: Dairy products (cheese, yogurt, cream fillings), meat/poultry/seafood, honey-infused products (honey with added ingredients), custards, cream cheese frosting, cannabis-infused products, anything requiring refrigeration.
Where You Can Sell
Not allowed: Online e-commerce transactions, wholesale to stores or restaurants, mail order, shipping, delivery services (DoorDash, Uber Eats), or third-party sales.
What Are the Labeling Requirements in Virginia?
Every product label must include:
- Product common name (e.g., "Blueberry Jam")
- Ingredients in descending order by weight
- Allergen statement ("Contains: Wheat, Milk, Eggs, Soy")
- Net weight or volume
- Your name and address (home address or P.O. Box)
- Home kitchen disclaimer:
"Made in a home kitchen"
How to Start Today
- Develop your products from the allowed list — perfect recipes, test with friends and family, set prices.
- Create compliant labels with all six required elements including the "Made in a home kitchen" disclaimer.
- Check local business license requirements — call your city or county clerk's office. The state requires nothing, but many Virginia localities require a general business license ($30–$100/year).
- Make your products in your home kitchen following food safety best practices — clean surfaces, proper handwashing, no pets during production.
- Start selling at a farmers market, from home, or at community events. Advertise online with your phone number for orders.
Common Questions
Do I need a permit to sell cottage food in Virginia?
Is there a revenue cap for Virginia cottage food?
Can I sell online with a shopping cart?
No. Virginia law allows you to advertise products and prices online but prohibits "offering for sale on the internet" — meaning no shopping carts, buy buttons, or online checkout. Orders must be placed by phone call, text, or in person. Payment happens at pickup (VDACS FAQ).
Can I sell on Etsy in Virginia?
Do I need to collect sales tax?
Can I sell honey under Virginia cottage food law?
Can I use a church or community kitchen?
No. Virginia cottage food law requires that all production take place in your primary domestic residence. Using a shared kitchen, church kitchen, or community center kitchen would require a retail food establishment license instead of operating under the cottage food exemption.
Sources:
- Virginia Code § 3.2-5130
- Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
- Virginia Home Kitchen FAQ
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.