Cottage Food Laws in New Hampshire

New Hampshire allows up to $35,000/year in sales without a license, or unlimited sales (including wholesale) with an optional $150/year Homestead License.

Overview

New Hampshire allows up to $35,000/year in sales without a license, or unlimited sales (including wholesale) with an optional $150/year Homestead License.

Last verified: July 30, 2026 Official source: New Hampshire Department of Health and Human 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
$35,000/year unlicensed · unlimited with a Homestead License

Permits and Licensing

Required Permits

No license needed under $35,000/year; an optional $150/year Homestead License removes the cap and allows wholesale.

Food Handler Requirements

Not required for the unlicensed tier.

Business License

A local business license may be required.

Kitchen Inspection

Not required for the unlicensed tier; may apply to the Homestead License.

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), unlicensed tier: "This product is exempt from New Hampshire licensing and inspection." Licensed (Homestead) tier: "This product is made in a residential kitchen licensed by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services"

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

Yes. New Hampshire allows home bakers to sell approved homemade goods directly to consumers under its cottage food rules. New Hampshire allows up to $35,000/year in sales without a license, or unlimited sales (including wholesale) with an optional $150/year Homestead License.

What foods can I sell under cottage food laws in New Hampshire?

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 New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.

Do I need a permit to sell homemade cakes in New Hampshire?

No license needed under $35,000/year; an optional $150/year Homestead License removes the cap and allows wholesale.

How much can a home bakery make in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire's cottage food annual sales limit is: $35,000/year unlicensed · unlimited with a Homestead License.

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