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Selling food made at home in Montana

Sources last read Oct 24, 2026

What Montana lets you make and sell from a home kitchen, in the state's own words with a link to each, and what changes when a store wants to stock you.

Run the free rules check: no account, no AI.

General information, not advice. This is written for small food makers and cites its sources, but it is not legal, regulatory or food-safety advice, and it cannot account for your product, your state or your facility. Rules change and thresholds are adjusted yearly. Confirm anything you are about to act on with your state agency, a Process Authority, or the FDA.

Who regulates food made at home in Montana?

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. Its own page for the Cottage Food Operation:

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food and Farmers Markets

What may I make at home in Montana?

Each sentence below is quoted from Montana's own pages as ShelfStep read them on October 24, 2026, with a link to where it is written.

  • Montana, Montana Local Food Choice Act producers: what may be made at homeMontana Code Annotated 2025, 50-49-202, Definitions (Montana Local Food Choice Act) says:“(3) "Homemade" means food or a food product that is prepared in a private home and that is not licensed, permitted, certified, packaged, labeled, or inspected per any official regulations.”Montana Code Annotated 2025, 50-49-202, Definitions (Montana Local Food Choice Act) · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Montana, Montana Local Food Choice Act producers: what may be made at homeMontana Code Annotated 2025, 50-49-202, Definitions (Montana Local Food Choice Act) says:“(5) (a) "Producer" means a person who harvests, produces, or prepares a product that may be consumed as homemade food or a homemade food product. The term includes a person operating a small dairy. ... (6) "Small dairy" means a place where no more than 5 lactating cows, 10 lactating goats, or 10 lactating sheep are kept for producing milk.”Montana Code Annotated 2025, 50-49-202, Definitions (Montana Local Food Choice Act) · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Montana, registered cottage food operations: what may be made at homeMontana Code Annotated 2025, 50-50-102, Definitions says:“(4) "Cottage food products" means foods that are not potentially hazardous and are processed or packaged in a cottage food operation, including jams, jellies, dried fruit, dry mixes, and baked goods. Other similar foods that are not potentially hazardous may be defined by the department by rule.”Montana Code Annotated 2025, 50-50-102, Definitions · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Montana, registered cottage food operations: what may be made at homeMontana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Frequently Asked Questions says:“Only specific foods that are defined as “non-potentially hazardous” are approved for preparation by Cottage Food Operators. These are foods that do not require refrigeration to keep them safe from pathogens.”Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Frequently Asked Questions · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Montana, registered cottage food operations: what may be made at homeMontana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Operation Guidance and Registration (March 2020) says:“2) Only market cottage foods on the approved food list. This includes: a) Baked good products that may be cooked in an oven including: i) Loaf breads, rolls, biscuits, quick breads, and muffins ii) Cakes iii) Pastries or scones iv) Cookies or bars v) Crackers vi) Cereals, trail mixes or granola vii) Nuts and nut mixes viii) Snack mixes ix) Pies (except that custard style pies, pies with fresh fruit that is unbaked or pies that require refrigeration after baking ) b) Dried fruits c) Standardized Jams, Jellies, Preserves and Fruit Butter d) Recombining and Packaging of Dry Herbs, Seasonings, or Mixtures (dry soup, teas, coffees, spice seasonings) e) Popcorn, popcorn balls, or cotton candy f) Fudge, candies or confections that require a cook step and do not require refrigeration after cooking g) Molded chocolate using commercial chocolate melts h) Honey i) Other products may be approved on a case by case basis by the department in consultation with the local health authority.”Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Operation Guidance and Registration (March 2020) · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Montana, registered cottage food operations: what may be made at homeMontana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Operation Guidance and Registration (March 2020) says:“Jams, Jellies and Fruit Butters will be approved if they are made from the following fruits, and contain at least 55% sugar by weight. Other formulations will need to be assessed to make sure they meet the safety requirements specified in 21CFR150. They cannot contain large chunks of fruit.”Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Operation Guidance and Registration (March 2020) · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Montana, registered cottage food operations: what may be made at homeMontana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Operation Guidance and Registration (March 2020) says:“Herbs and the following fruits can be dried, packaged and sold as well as other fruits that have a pH of 4.6 or lower: Apples, apricots, grapefruit, lemons, limes, mangos, nectarines, oranges, peaches, plums, pomegranates, tangerines, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, currants, gooseberries, grapes, raspberries, strawberries and huckleberries.”Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Operation Guidance and Registration (March 2020) · Read Oct 24, 2026

What may I not make at home in Montana?

  • Montana, Montana Local Food Choice Act producers: what may not be made at homeMontana Code Annotated 2025, 50-49-203, Exemptions from regulations -- transactions -- information required -- exceptions says:“(7) (a) Except for a temporary food establishment subject to 50-50-120, meat or meat products processed at a state-licensed establishment or a federally approved meat establishment, by the producer, or by any third party may not be used in preparation of homemade food that is sold pursuant to a transaction provided for in this part. (b) Subsection (7)(a) does not apply to a producer who slaughters fewer than 1,000 poultry birds a year except that the producer is subject to the requirements of 9 CFR 381.10(c) and the recordkeeping requirements of 9 CFR 381.175. The poultry or poultry products may not be adulterated or misbranded.”Montana Code Annotated 2025, 50-49-203, Exemptions from regulations -- transactions -- information required -- exceptions · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Montana, registered cottage food operations: what may not be made at homeMontana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Frequently Asked Questions says:“Q. Are traditionally fermented foods allowed, for instance, lacto-fermented pickles and such? A. No, fermented foods are not allowed under the Montana Cottage Food Rules.”Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Frequently Asked Questions · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Montana, registered cottage food operations: what may not be made at homeMontana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Frequently Asked Questions says:“Q. Are freezer jams or jellies allowed? A. No, products that must be stored in the refrigerator or freezer are not allowed.”Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Frequently Asked Questions · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Montana, registered cottage food operations: what may not be made at homeMontana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Frequently Asked Questions says:“Many pies are allowed, however, potentially hazardous pies such as pumpkin and cream pies are not allowed since they require refrigeration to prevent pathogen growth.”Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Frequently Asked Questions · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Montana, registered cottage food operations: what may not be made at homeMontana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Frequently Asked Questions says:“Dairy products and eggs are not eligible cottage food products. Eggs may be sold at farmers’ markets with restrictions.”Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Frequently Asked Questions · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Montana, registered cottage food operations: what may not be made at homeMontana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Operation Guidance and Registration (March 2020) says:“Products not allowed: • Certain types of frosting • Jams, jellies and butters made from fruits not allowed under the CFR • Products with meat or cheese • Meringue or custard pies, cheesecakes”Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Operation Guidance and Registration (March 2020) · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Montana, registered cottage food operations: what may not be made at homeMontana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Operation Guidance and Registration (March 2020) says:“Dried fruit and herbs: 1. Must have a minimum internal food temperature of 160ºF within 60 minutes of cutting fruit or removing herbs from stems. 2. Must have a minimum internal temperature of 135ºF during the entire drying process. 3. Cannot be packaged in vacuum, reduced oxygen or modified oxygen packaging.”Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Operation Guidance and Registration (March 2020) · Read Oct 24, 2026

What must a home-made label say in Montana?

  • Montana, Montana Local Food Choice Act producers: the home-made labelMontana Code Annotated 2025, 50-49-203, Exemptions from regulations -- transactions -- information required -- exceptions says:“(3) Except as provided in subsection (7), a producer shall inform an end consumer that any homemade food or homemade food product sold through ranch, farm, or home-based sales pursuant to this part has not been licensed, permitted, certified, packaged, labeled, or inspected per any official regulations.”Montana Code Annotated 2025, 50-49-203, Exemptions from regulations -- transactions -- information required -- exceptions · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Montana, registered cottage food operations: the home-made labelMontana Code Annotated 2025, 50-50-116, Conditions for cottage food operation exemption from licensure and routine facility inspection says:“(b) package cottage food products and label the cottage food products prior to sale, including on the label, at a minimum, the following: (i) the name, address, city, state, and zip code of the cottage food operation; (ii) the name of the cottage food product; (iii) the ingredients of the cottage food product, in descending order of predominance by weight; (iv) the net quantity, weight, count, or volume of the cottage food product; (v) allergen labeling as specified by federal and state labeling requirements; (vi) if a nutritional claim is made, an appropriate label if required by federal law; and (vii) the following statement, printed in at least the equivalent of 11-point font size in a color that provides a clear contrast to the background and is conspicuously placed on the principal label: "Made in a home kitchen that is not subject to retail food establishment regulations or inspections."”Montana Code Annotated 2025, 50-50-116, Conditions for cottage food operation exemption from licensure and routine facility inspection · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Montana, sellers only at a farmer's market: the home-made labelMontana Code Annotated 2025, 50-50-121, Requirements for farmer's markets says:“(6) Except for homemade food or a homemade food product pursuant to Title 50, chapter 49, food sold in a farmer's market must, if sold in a container, have a label similar to a label required of a cottage food product under 50-50-116.”Montana Code Annotated 2025, 50-50-121, Requirements for farmer's markets · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Montana, registered cottage food operations: the home-made labelMontana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Frequently Asked Questions says:“A. All cottage foods must be packaged and labeled. For most items, the label must be on the package. There are a few exceptions for large items, such as wedding cakes (see below). ... A. For cakes that are not easily packaged, you must include all labeling requirements on the invoice and deliver the invoice with the cake directly to the consumer (purchaser).”Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Frequently Asked Questions · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Montana, registered cottage food operations: the home-made labelMontana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Operation Guidance and Registration (March 2020) says:“Note: if an ingredient contains sub-ingredients these must be listed in parentheses after the ingredient i.e. butter (milk, salt) ... The following statement: “Made in a home kitchen that is not subject to retail food establishment regulations or inspections.” NOTE: The size of the type, or “font” for this statement must be 11-point or greater.”Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Operation Guidance and Registration (March 2020) · Read Oct 24, 2026

Where may I sell food made at home in Montana?

  • Montana, Montana Local Food Choice Act producers: where it may be soldMontana Code Annotated 2025, 50-49-202, Definitions (Montana Local Food Choice Act) says:“(7) "Traditional community social event" means an event at which people gather as part of a community for the benefit of those gathering or for the benefit of the community, including but not limited to a: (a) wedding; (b) funeral; (c) church or religious social; (d) school event; (e) farmer's market; (f) potluck; (g) neighborhood gathering; (h) club meeting or social; or (i) youth or adult outdoor club or sporting event.”Montana Code Annotated 2025, 50-49-202, Definitions (Montana Local Food Choice Act) · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Montana, Montana Local Food Choice Act producers: where it may be soldMontana Code Annotated 2025, 50-49-203, Exemptions from regulations -- transactions -- information required -- exceptions says:“(2) Transactions pursuant to this part: (a) must be directly between the producer and the informed end consumer; (b) must be only for home consumption or consumption at a traditional community social event; (c) must occur only in this state and may not involve interstate commerce; and”Montana Code Annotated 2025, 50-49-203, Exemptions from regulations -- transactions -- information required -- exceptions · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Montana, registered cottage food operations: where it may be soldMontana Code Annotated 2025, 50-50-102, Definitions says:“(3) "Cottage food operation" means a person who provides, manufactures, or packages cottage food products only in a kitchen in a registered area of a domestic residence and only for direct sale to a consumer in this state.”Montana Code Annotated 2025, 50-50-102, Definitions · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Montana, registered cottage food operations: where it may be soldMontana Code Annotated 2025, 50-50-102, Definitions says:“(6) "Direct sale" means a face-to-face purchase or exchange of the cottage food product between the manufacturer or packager of a cottage food product and a consumer or individual purchasing the cottage food product as a gift. The direct sale may not be by consignment or involve shipping or internet sales.”Montana Code Annotated 2025, 50-50-102, Definitions · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Montana, registered cottage food operations: where it may be soldMontana Code Annotated 2025, 50-50-116, Conditions for cottage food operation exemption from licensure and routine facility inspection says:“(3) Providing cottage food products by consignment, including at a retail food establishment or through a wholesale establishment, is prohibited.”Montana Code Annotated 2025, 50-50-116, Conditions for cottage food operation exemption from licensure and routine facility inspection · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Montana, registered cottage food operations: where it may be soldMontana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Frequently Asked Questions says:“A cottage food operator may advertise and coordinate the sale of their approved products via the internet, social media, other electronic communications, or phone. However, it must be a face-to-face saleto the consumer. Third party delivery services such as motorized or bike courier, USPS, UPS, FedEx, orany other mailing or shipping firm is not allowed. Services such as Amazon, eBay, or other similar services where the transaction does not include face to face interaction between the buyer and seller are also not allowed.”Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Frequently Asked Questions · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Montana, registered cottage food operations: where it may be soldMontana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Operation Guidance and Registration (March 2020) says:“A face-to-face transaction with the consumer is required. They may be delivered to the purchaser, sold at Farmers’ Markets, flea markets, craft bazaars, fairs, etc. Cottage food products cannot be sold to restaurants, distributors, wholesale or by e-mail or mail order.”Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Operation Guidance and Registration (March 2020) · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Montana, Montana Local Food Choice Act producers: where it may be soldMontana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Montana Local Food Choice Act Guidance (October 1, 2023) says:“Q. Can producers set up a stand or vehicle on the side of the road to sell their products? A. No, in order to sell products outside of their home, the producer must be tied to a traditional community event. ... Q. Can producers deliver products to the end consumer? A. Yes, as long as the sale was pre-arranged.”Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Montana Local Food Choice Act Guidance (October 1, 2023) · Read Oct 24, 2026

What do I do before I start in Montana?

  • Montana, Montana Local Food Choice Act producers: what comes before the first saleMontana Code Annotated 2025, 50-49-203, Exemptions from regulations -- transactions -- information required -- exceptions says:“(1) (a) A state agency or an agency of a political subdivision of the state may not require licensure, permitting, certification, packaging, labeling, testing, sampling, or inspection that pertains to the preparation, serving, use, consumption, delivery, or storage of homemade food or a homemade food product under this part.”Montana Code Annotated 2025, 50-49-203, Exemptions from regulations -- transactions -- information required -- exceptions · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Montana, Montana Local Food Choice Act producers: what comes before the first saleMontana Code Annotated 2025, 50-49-203, Exemptions from regulations -- transactions -- information required -- exceptions says:“(8) A small dairy shall: (a) sample, test, or retest every 6 months for standard plate count, coliform count, and somatic cell count of milk or cream sold as homemade food pursuant to this part; (b) sample, test, or retest every year for brucellosis for every lactating cow, lactating goat, or lactating sheep that is part of the small dairy; and (c) maintain records for 2 years of all previous samples, tests, or retests, which must be provided to the department of livestock if the department suspects the small dairy is causing a foodborne illness.”Montana Code Annotated 2025, 50-49-203, Exemptions from regulations -- transactions -- information required -- exceptions · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Montana, registered cottage food operations: what comes before the first saleMontana Code Annotated 2025, 50-50-117, Registration of cottage food operations -- fee says:“(1) A person in charge of a cottage food operation shall register with the local health authority in the county in which the person's domestic residence is located and pay a registration fee as provided in subsection (6). (2) A registrant shall provide: (a) the name of the cottage food operation; (b) the physical address of the domestic residence, as defined in 50-50-102 , where the ingredients are manufactured or packaged into cottage food products and stored; (c) a brief description of expected or known food ingredient sources; (d) a complete list of the cottage food products manufactured or packaged; and (e) a copy of each cottage food product label.”Montana Code Annotated 2025, 50-50-117, Registration of cottage food operations -- fee · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Montana, sellers only at a farmer's market: what comes before the first saleMontana Code Annotated 2025, 50-50-121, Requirements for farmer's markets says:“(b) A person selling food that is not potentially hazardous or otherwise listed in subsection (2) if selling only at a farmer's market is not required to register as a cottage food operation.”Montana Code Annotated 2025, 50-50-121, Requirements for farmer's markets · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Montana, registered cottage food operations: what comes before the first saleMontana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Frequently Asked Questions says:“There is a one-time registration fee of $40.00. However, if the location of the operation moves, or additional recipes and labels are submitted, the operator is required to re-register and pay the fee again.”Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Frequently Asked Questions · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Montana, registered cottage food operations: what comes before the first saleMontana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Frequently Asked Questions says:“Q. Are Cottage Food Operations inspected? A. No, Cottage Food Operations are not inspected, unless there is a complaint or illness investigation.”Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Frequently Asked Questions · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Montana, registered cottage food operations: what comes before the first saleMontana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Frequently Asked Questions says:“Any product, process, or recipe that the local authority or the Department of Public Health and Human Services thinks may not be “non-potentially hazardous” must be submitted to a process authority for review and laboratory testing.”Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Frequently Asked Questions · Read Oct 24, 2026

What happens when I outgrow Montana's home-kitchen rules?

  • Montana, Montana Local Food Choice Act producers: what applies beyond the home-kitchen rulesMontana Code Annotated 2025, 50-49-203, Exemptions from regulations -- transactions -- information required -- exceptions says:“(4) Except for raw, unprocessed fruit, vegetables, and aquaculture products as defined in 80-3-302 , homemade food may not be sold or used in a retail food establishment, as defined in 50-50-102 , unless the food has been licensed, permitted, certified, packaged, labeled, and inspected as required by law.”Montana Code Annotated 2025, 50-49-203, Exemptions from regulations -- transactions -- information required -- exceptions · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Montana, registered cottage food operations: what applies beyond the home-kitchen rulesMontana Code Annotated 2025, 50-50-116, Conditions for cottage food operation exemption from licensure and routine facility inspection says:“(b) Cottage food products may be subject to other state or federal laws or regulations.”Montana Code Annotated 2025, 50-50-116, Conditions for cottage food operation exemption from licensure and routine facility inspection · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Montana, registered cottage food operations: what applies beyond the home-kitchen rulesMontana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Frequently Asked Questions says:“Q. What can I do to ensure that I am still meeting legal requirements if my cottage food operation grows and I decide that I want to make another type of food product that is not on the approved food list or I want to sell to retail stores or in other states besides Montana? ... A. Contact your local Environmental Health office for licensing and requirements to expand the types of products produced or how the product can be sold.”Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Cottage Food Frequently Asked Questions · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Montana, Montana Local Food Choice Act producers: what applies beyond the home-kitchen rulesMontana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Montana Local Food Choice Act Guidance (October 1, 2023) says:“A. No, if you want to sell products at retail locations, you must obtain a wholesale food license through your local heath authority. ... A. No, all products made under MLFCA must be prepared in a private home kitchen. No food preparation is allowed outside of the private home kitchen. Licensing such as a retail food license or temporary permit is required for any offsite preparation.”Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Montana Local Food Choice Act Guidance (October 1, 2023) · Read Oct 24, 2026

Beyond a home kitchen, ShelfStep's plan lays out the path a commercial kitchen or a co-packer takes, step by step, for each kind of product.

Source to check: FDA food facility registration
  • FDA's definition of a food facility21 CFR 1.227 says:“Facility means any establishment, structure, or structures under one ownership at one general physical location, or, in the case of a mobile facility, traveling to multiple locations, that manufactures/processes, packs, or holds food for consumption in the United States. ... The private residence of an individual is not a facility.”21 CFR 1.227 · Read Oct 8, 2026
Source to check: Acidified foods under a state's own rules
  • A state’s own rules for acidified foods21 CFR 108.25(i) says:“Wherever the Commissioner finds that any State regulates the commercial processing of acidified foods under effective regulations specifying at least the requirements of part 114 of this chapter, the Commissioner shall issue a notice stating that compliance with such State regulations shall constitute compliance with this section, if the State through its regulatory agency or each processor of acidified foods in the State files with the Food and Drug Administration the registration information and the processing information prescribed in paragraph (c) of this section.”21 CFR 108.25(i) · Read Sep 20, 2026

Where does the path start, whatever you make in Montana?

Whatever the product, ShelfStep's standard plan opens with the same six steps, and the third is the one this page is about: where you are allowed to make it. Each step's reason is the app's own.

  1. 1.

    Write the recipe down with exact amounts

    Cost, price, nutrition and the label are all worked out from this. Write it in the units you actually use; ShelfStep converts for the label. What matters is that someone else could make the same batch from what is written.

  2. 2.

    Decide how it is kept: on a shelf, in the fridge or frozen

    The planned storage helps the reviewer assess the process, shelf life and packaging.

    In the plan: It decides which rules you follow.

  3. 3.

    Find out where you are allowed to make it for sale

    This finds out whether the state’s rules allow making this in a home kitchen or point to a commercial one — and that changes the cost and the timeline of everything after it. It is much cheaper to find out now than after buying packaging.

    In the plan: Your state's home-kitchen rules, in its own words. Whether they cover your product is for your state's agency to say.

  4. 4.

    Have the pH and water activity of a finished batch measured

    These measurements give your reviewer information about the batch; they do not establish safety or storage conditions on their own.

    In the plan: The two numbers the acidified-food rules name. Measured on the finished product, once it has settled.

  5. 5.

    Get a Process Authority's letter on how it is made safe

    Ask a qualified reviewer which process and storage conditions your product needs. This is where you ask someone qualified, a Process Authority, to put in writing how the product is made safe. Buyers, insurers and inspectors may ask for that document, and it cannot be obtained after the fact for product you have already sold.

    In the plan: Needs the pH first. Their letter sets out the process they ask you to hold to, and the storage line for your label.

  6. 6.

    Look into FDA registration

    Registration is how FDA knows your facility exists; the plan is what an inspector or a buyer’s audit asks to see. Both are far easier to do now than during either.

    In the plan: Look into registration with FDA. Any filing your Process Authority letter names belongs here too.

How much do other states let a home kitchen sell in a year?

Not every state sets a yearly ceiling on home-kitchen sales, and those that do set very different ones. What the written-up states other than Montana say, each in its own words:

  • California's Cottage Food Operation rules: a yearly sales ceilingCDPH, Adjusted Gross Annual Sales Limit 2026 says:“January 1, 2026 2024-2025 3.1 $88,878 $177,756”CDPH, Adjusted Gross Annual Sales Limit 2026 · Read Sep 25, 2026
  • Colorado's Cottage Foods Act rules: a yearly sales ceilingCDPHE, Cottage Foods Act says:“Net revenue allowance If I produce muffins, does the Act allow me to earn up to $10,000 for each type (blueberry, banana, chocolate chip)? Yes.”CDPHE, Cottage Foods Act · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Connecticut's Cottage Food Operator rules: a yearly sales ceilingDCP, Sales and Doing Business in Connecticut says:“Yes, there is a yearly gross sales limit of $50,000. You must maintain records of all sales.”DCP, Sales and Doing Business in Connecticut · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Florida's Cottage Food Operation rules: a yearly sales ceilingFlorida Statutes §500.80 says:“(1)(a) A cottage food operation must comply with the applicable requirements of this chapter but is exempt from the permitting requirements of s. 500.12 if the cottage food operation complies with this section and has annual gross sales of cottage food products that do not exceed $250,000. (b) For purposes of this subsection, a cottage food operation’s annual gross sales include all sales of cottage food products at any location, regardless of the types of products sold or the number of persons involved in the operation.”Florida Statutes §500.80 · Read Oct 8, 2026
  • Indiana, home-based vendors: a yearly sales ceilingIDOH, Homestead and Small Farm Food Processor Guidance says:“No annual gross income restrictions”IDOH, Homestead and Small Farm Food Processor Guidance · Read Sep 25, 2026
  • Indiana, homestead vendors: a yearly sales ceilingIndiana Code, 2026 edition (IC 16-42-5.3 and 16-42-5.4) says:“Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "homestead vendor" means a person that prepares and sells food products or meat products from: (1) property or at a farmers market; and (2) which the person does not receive more than one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000) in gross sales from food products or meat products in a single year.”Indiana Code, 2026 edition (IC 16-42-5.3 and 16-42-5.4) · Read Sep 25, 2026
  • Kentucky's Home-Based Processor rules: a yearly sales ceilingKRS 217.015 (Kentucky General Assembly) says:“and who has a gross income of no more than sixty thousand dollars ($60,000) annually from the sale of the products;”KRS 217.015 (Kentucky General Assembly) · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Louisiana, the date Act 801 took effect: a yearly sales ceilingLouisiana State Legislature, HB403 (2026 Regular Session) says:“06/08 H Effective date: 08/01/2026. 06/08 H Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 801.”Louisiana State Legislature, HB403 (2026 Regular Session) · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Louisiana's Low-Risk Foods (R.S. 40:4.9) rules: a yearly sales ceilingLouisiana State Legislature, House Summary of Senate Amendments, HB 403 (2026 Regular Session) says:“1. Changes gross annual sales limit for producers of low-risk, homemade foods from $30,000 to $100,000. ... Proposed law increases the gross annual sales limit for this exemption from $30,000 to $100,000, after which a producer would no longer qualify for the exemption.”Louisiana State Legislature, House Summary of Senate Amendments, HB 403 (2026 Regular Session) · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Maryland's Cottage Food Business rules: a yearly sales ceilingMaryland General Assembly, 2026 Laws of Maryland Chapter 320 (HB 535) says:“(b–1) "Cottage food business" means a business that: ... (3) Has annual revenues from the sale of cottage food products in an amount not exceeding [$50,000] $100,000. ... SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect October 1, 2026.”Maryland General Assembly, 2026 Laws of Maryland Chapter 320 (HB 535) · Read Oct 8, 2026
  • Michigan's Cottage Food Operation rules: a yearly sales ceilingMDARD, Cottage Food: getting started FAQ says:“The limit is currently gross sales up to $50,000 yearly, however, $75,000 is allowable if the cottage food operation sells cottage food products at a price of $250 or more per unit.”MDARD, Cottage Food: getting started FAQ · Read Oct 8, 2026
  • Michigan's Cottage Food Operation rules: a yearly sales ceilingMichigan Compiled Laws 289.4102 says:“(5) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the gross sales of cottage food products by a cottage food operation must not exceed $50,000.00 annually until October 1,2026. ... Beginning October 1, 2026, and by each October 1 thereafter, the department may adjust the gross sales amounts set under this subsection by the amount calculated by multiplying the sales limit in effect during the immediately preceding fiscal year by the inflation adjustment factor and rounding to the nearest whole dollar.”Michigan Compiled Laws 289.4102 · Read Oct 8, 2026
  • Minnesota's Cottage Food Exemption rules: a yearly sales ceiling2024 Minnesota Statutes, 28A.152 Cottage Foods Exemption says:“An individual selling exempt foods under this section is limited to total sales with gross receipts of $78,000 or less in a calendar year.”2024 Minnesota Statutes, 28A.152 Cottage Foods Exemption · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Mississippi's Cottage Food Operation rules: a yearly sales ceilingMSDH, Cottage Food Operation: Frequently Asked Questions says:“You are limited in the amount of sales you can have selling Cottage Foods, which is $35,000 in gross annual sales.”MSDH, Cottage Food Operation: Frequently Asked Questions · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Nevada's Cottage Food Operation rules: a yearly sales ceilingNRS 580.600 (Nevada Legislature) says:“(a) "Cottage food operation" means a natural person who manufactures or prepares food items in his or her private home or, if allowed by the food safety authority, in the kitchen of a fraternal or social clubhouse, a school or a religious, charitable or other nonprofit organization, for sale to a natural person for consumption and whose gross sales of such food items are not more than $100,000, as adjusted pursuant to subsection 6, per calendar year.”NRS 580.600 (Nevada Legislature) · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Nevada's Cottage Food Operation rules: a yearly sales ceilingNRS 580.600 (Nevada Legislature) says:“Beginning with Fiscal Year 2026-2027, the amount of gross sales of a cottage food operation specified in paragraph (a) of subsection 7 must be adjusted for each fiscal year by the Department by adding to the amount the product of the amount multiplied by the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index (All Items) published by the United States Department of Labor from July 2025 to the July preceding the fiscal year for which the adjustment is calculated. The Department shall publish the adjusted amount on the Internet website of the Department on or before September 30 of each year.”NRS 580.600 (Nevada Legislature) · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • New Jersey's Cottage Food Operator Permit rules: a yearly sales ceilingN.J.A.C. 8:24-11, Cottage Food Operator Rules (NJDOH) says:“(b) The gross annual sales (that is, before deductions of taxes and operating expenses) that a cottage food operator generates from the sale of cottage food products shall not exceed $ 50,000.”N.J.A.C. 8:24-11, Cottage Food Operator Rules (NJDOH) · Read Oct 8, 2026
  • Oklahoma's Local Food Freedom Act rules: a yearly sales ceilingODAFF, Food Safety says:“The maximum allowable earnings for a local food business is $250,000 each year in sales.”ODAFF, Food Safety · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Oklahoma, the date the $250,000 limit starts: a yearly sales ceilingOklahoma House of Representatives, news release, 7 May 2026 says:“The measure increases the allowable annual sales cap for local food businesses from $75,000 to $250,000 and clarifies how products can be sold and delivered to consumers. ... The measure takes effect Nov. 1, 2026.”Oklahoma House of Representatives, news release, 7 May 2026 · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Oregon's Cottage Food Exemption rules: a yearly sales ceilingODA, Cottage Food Exemption FAQ (March 2026) says:“In 2026, this means you can sell up to $52,700 of Cottage Foods and up to $50,000 of Processed Farm Direct foods in the calendar year.”ODA, Cottage Food Exemption FAQ (March 2026) · Read Sep 25, 2026
  • Rhode Island's Cottage Food Manufacture rules: a yearly sales ceilingR.I. Gen. Laws § 21-27-6.2, Cottage food manufacture (Rhode Island General Assembly) says:“(6) Total annual gross sales for a cottage food operation shall not exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) per calendar year. ... The director of health shall request documentation to verify the annual gross sales figure of any cottage food operation.”R.I. Gen. Laws § 21-27-6.2, Cottage food manufacture (Rhode Island General Assembly) · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Texas's Cottage Food Production Operation rules: a yearly sales ceilingTexas Health and Safety Code §437.001 says:“(B) has an annual gross income of $150,000 or less from the sale of food described by Paragraph (A), as the department annually adjusts for inflation using the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) published by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics or its successor in function;”Texas Health and Safety Code §437.001 · Read Sep 25, 2026
  • Vermont's Cottage Food Operation rules: a yearly sales ceilingVermont Department of Health, Manufactured Food Rule (effective 1/15/2026) says:“6.1.1 The following food manufacturing establishments are exempt from the requirement to obtain a license: ... 6.1.1.2 A cottage food operation, as defined in this rule, that has gross annual sales of $30,000 or less from the sale of cottage food products.”Vermont Department of Health, Manufactured Food Rule (effective 1/15/2026) · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Vermont, food processors with sales of $10,000 or less: a yearly sales ceilingVermont Department of Health, Manufactured Food Rule (effective 1/15/2026) says:“6.1.1 The following food manufacturing establishments are exempt from the requirement to obtain a license: : 6.1.1.1 A non-bakery food manufacturing establishment that has gross annual sales of $10,000 or less; and”Vermont Department of Health, Manufactured Food Rule (effective 1/15/2026) · Read Oct 24, 2026
  • Washington's Cottage Food Operation rules: a yearly sales ceilingRevised Code of Washington, chapter 69.22 says:“the annual gross sales of cottage food products may not exceed $35,000. The determination of the maximum annual gross sales must be computed on the basis of the amount of gross sales within or at a particular domestic residence and may not be computed on a per person basis within or at an individual domestic residence.”Revised Code of Washington, chapter 69.22 · Read Sep 25, 2026
  • Wyoming's Wyoming Food Freedom Act rules: a yearly sales ceilingWyoming Statutes § 11-49-102, Definitions says:“"Producer" means any person who grows, harvests, prepares or processes any food or drink products on the person's owned or leased property, does not produce more than two hundred fifty thousand (250,000) individual food or drink products annually and does not exceed two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000.00) in gross revenue annually from the food and drink products;”Wyoming Statutes § 11-49-102, Definitions · Read Oct 24, 2026

How do I sell a particular product from Montana?

Each product page below shows which of Montana's lines name one kind of product, where the state says you may sell it, and the plan's steps to a store shelf.

Hot sauce in MontanaSalsa in MontanaBarbecue sauce in MontanaPickles in MontanaSalad dressing in MontanaPasta sauce in MontanaJam in MontanaPepper jelly in MontanaCookies in MontanaCrackers in MontanaBread in MontanaGranola in MontanaSpice rubs and blends in MontanaCandy in MontanaPopcorn in MontanaDried fruit in MontanaBaking mixes in MontanaPeanut butter in MontanaCold brew coffee in MontanaRoasted coffee beans in MontanaJuice in MontanaKombucha in MontanaHummus and dips in MontanaPesto in MontanaOlive tapenade in MontanaFresh pasta in MontanaBeef jerky in MontanaSausage in MontanaCanned soup in Montana

What should I read next?

Can I sell food made in my home kitchen?5 min readDo I need to register with the FDA to sell my food product?4 min readDoes my sauce or salsa need a scheduled process?5 min readWhat does a retail buyer actually ask for?4 min read

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The rules check runs the same deterministic engine ShelfStep uses inside the app, on your answers, and quotes the sentences each rule rests on, with their links and the day ShelfStep read them. It does not decide which apply. It is free, needs no account and uses no AI. A ShelfStep workspace then keeps your plan, your records and the dates, free for one product.

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