Can I sell baked goods from home in Illinois?

Yes. Illinois allows home bakers to sell approved homemade goods directly to consumers under its cottage food rules. Illinois offers a basic cottage food tier up to $50,000/year, and a Home Kitchen Operation tier up to $75,000/year that requires county approval.

What foods can I sell under cottage food laws in Illinois?

Typically allowed items include Cookies, brownies, and bars, Cakes and cupcakes (no cream, custard, or perishable fillings), Quick breads and yeast breads, Pies and pastries (fruit-based, not cream or custard), Candy, fudge, and confections, and similar non-perishable homemade goods. Foods that require refrigeration, such as cream pies and cheesecakes, are generally not allowed. Always confirm the current list with Illinois Department of Public Health.

How much can a home bakery make in Illinois?

Illinois's cottage food annual sales limit is: $50,000/year (basic tier) · $75,000/year (Home Kitchen Operation).

Cottage Food Laws in Illinois: What Home Bakers Need to Know

Overview

Illinois offers a basic cottage food tier up to $50,000/year, and a Home Kitchen Operation tier up to $75,000/year that requires county approval.

Last verified: July 30, 2026 Official source: Illinois Department of Public Health ↗

What Foods Can I Sell?

Allowed

Cookies, brownies, and bars
Cakes and cupcakes (no cream, custard, or perishable fillings)
Quick breads and yeast breads
Pies and pastries (fruit-based, not cream or custard)
Candy, fudge, and confections
Granola, cereals, and dry snack mixes
Dry baking mixes and dry herb/spice blends
Jams, jellies, and fruit butters
Honey and roasted coffee or dry tea

Not Allowed

Foods that require refrigeration to be safe (cream pies, cheesecakes, custards)
Meat, poultry, or seafood products
Most dairy products, including soft cheeses
Canned low-acid vegetables
Alcohol-infused products
Any food that needs time/temperature control for safety (TCS foods)

Where Can I Sell?

✓ Direct to Consumers

✓ Farmers Markets

✓ Online Orders

✓ Pickup

✓ Delivery

✓ Events

Revenue Limits

Annual Sales Limit

$50,000/year (basic tier) · $75,000/year (Home Kitchen Operation)

Permits and Licensing

Required Permits

County health department approval is required for the higher-limit Home Kitchen Operation tier.

Food Handler Requirements

A food handler certificate is generally required.

Business License

A local business license may be required.

Kitchen Inspection

Required for the Home Kitchen Operation tier.

Labeling Requirements

Product name
Ingredient list, in descending order by weight
Business name and address
Net weight
Required disclosure statement, in prominent lettering: "This product was produced in a home kitchen not inspected by a health department that may also process common food allergens. If you have safety concerns, contact your local health department."

Not legal advice — label wording and requirements can change. Do your own research with Illinois Department of Public Health before printing labels.

Starting Your Bakery Checklist

Review Illinois's cottage food requirements
Choose products to sell
Create compliant labels
Set pricing
Create your bakery website
Start accepting orders

Cottage Food Laws in Illinois