Cottage Food Laws in New York

New York's Home Processor Exemption allows sales of homemade goods up to $50,000/year, sold in person only.

Overview

New York's Home Processor Exemption allows sales of homemade goods up to $50,000/year, sold in person only.

Last verified: July 30, 2026 Official source: New York Department of Agriculture and Markets ↗

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 per year

Permits and Licensing

Required Permits

Registration as a Home Processor with the Department of Agriculture and Markets is required.

Food Handler Requirements

Not typically required for cottage food operations.

Business License

A local business license may be required.

Kitchen Inspection

Not required for the standard Home Processor Exemption.

Labeling Requirements

  1. Product name
  2. Ingredient list, in descending order by weight
  3. Major allergens
  4. Business name and address
  5. Net weight
  6. A home-processing statement such as "Made in a Home Kitchen," "Made at Home by [Name]," or "Made in the Home Kitchen of [Name]" — NYS Agriculture and Markets reviews and approves exact label wording as part of registration

Not legal advice — label wording and requirements can change. Do your own research with New York Department of Agriculture and Markets 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.

Turn Your Home Bakery Into a Business

Doughmain helps home bakers create a professional bakery website, accept orders online, showcase their menu, and grow their customer base.

Create Free Bakery Website Build My Bakery Site

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell baked goods from home in New York?

Yes. New York allows home bakers to sell approved homemade goods directly to consumers under its cottage food rules. New York's Home Processor Exemption allows sales of homemade goods up to $50,000/year, sold in person only.

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

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 York Department of Agriculture and Markets.

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

Registration as a Home Processor with the Department of Agriculture and Markets is required.

How much can a home bakery make in New York?

New York's cottage food annual sales limit is: $50,000 per year.

Browse Other States

Louisiana Nevada Arkansas Texas Pennsylvania New Jersey Massachusetts Delaware Tennessee Minnesota Wisconsin Washington View All States →
Copied!