Cottage Food Laws in Kentucky

Kentucky caps cottage food sales at $60,000 in gross annual income. Registration with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services is required.

Overview

Kentucky caps cottage food sales at $60,000 in gross annual income. Registration with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services is required.

Last verified: July 30, 2026 Official source: Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services ↗

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
$60,000 per year

Permits and Licensing

Required Permits

Registration with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services is required.

Food Handler Requirements

A food safety course is generally required.

Business License

A local business license may be required.

Kitchen Inspection

Not typically required for the standard cottage food tier.

Labeling Requirements

  1. Product name
  2. Ingredient list, in descending order by weight
  3. Business name and address
  4. Net weight
  5. Required disclosure statement (10-point type): "This product is home-produced and processed."

Not legal advice — label wording and requirements can change. Do your own research with Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services before printing labels.

Starting Your Bakery Checklist

Legal disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Cottage food laws change frequently. Always verify requirements with your state's official government resources.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell baked goods from home in Kentucky?

Yes. Kentucky allows home bakers to sell approved homemade goods directly to consumers under its cottage food rules. Kentucky caps cottage food sales at $60,000 in gross annual income. Registration with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services is required.

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

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 Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

Do I need a permit to sell homemade cakes in Kentucky?

Registration with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services is required.

How much can a home bakery make in Kentucky?

Kentucky's cottage food annual sales limit is: $60,000 per year.

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