Cottage Food Laws in Massachusetts

Massachusetts sets no statewide dollar cap for permitted Residential Kitchens, unlike most states — but a local permit is required before you can sell.

Overview

Massachusetts sets no statewide dollar cap for permitted Residential Kitchens, unlike most states — but a local permit is required before you can sell.

Last verified: July 30, 2026 Official source: Massachusetts 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
No statewide sales limit

Permits and Licensing

Required Permits

A Residential Kitchen permit from your local board of health is required.

Food Handler Requirements

A food safety course (e.g. ServSafe) is generally required.

Business License

A local business license may be required.

Kitchen Inspection

A home kitchen inspection is generally required.

Labeling Requirements

  1. Product name
  2. Ingredient list, in descending order by weight
  3. Business name and address
  4. Net weight
  5. A disclosure statement is not set by state law in Massachusetts — it's set by your local board of health as a condition of your Residential Kitchen permit, commonly something like "Made in a Residential Kitchen that is not subject to the same routine inspection as a commercial food establishment." Confirm exact required wording with your local board of health.

Not legal advice — label wording and requirements can change. Do your own research with Massachusetts Department of Public Health 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 Massachusetts?

Yes. Massachusetts allows home bakers to sell approved homemade goods directly to consumers under its cottage food rules. Massachusetts sets no statewide dollar cap for permitted Residential Kitchens, unlike most states — but a local permit is required before you can sell.

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

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 Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

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

A Residential Kitchen permit from your local board of health is required.

How much can a home bakery make in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts's cottage food annual sales limit is: No statewide sales limit.

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