Cottage Food Laws in Wisconsin

Wisconsin never passed a comprehensive cottage food law — home bakers operate under a 2017 court ruling that struck down the state's ban on selling homemade baked goods. There's no cap on baked goods, though a separate $5,000/year cap applies to canned pickled products.

Overview

Wisconsin never passed a comprehensive cottage food law — home bakers operate under a 2017 court ruling that struck down the state's ban on selling homemade baked goods. There's no cap on baked goods, though a separate $5,000/year cap applies to canned pickled products.

Last verified: July 30, 2026 Official source: Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection ↗

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 cap on baked goods · $5,000/year cap on canned pickled ("Pickle Bill") products

Permits and Licensing

Required Permits

No license required to sell homemade baked goods, following the 2017 "cookie case" ruling.

Food Handler Requirements

Not required for baked goods.

Business License

A local business license may be required.

Kitchen Inspection

Not required for baked goods.

Labeling Requirements

  1. Product name
  2. Ingredient list, in descending order by weight
  3. Business name and address
  4. Net weight
  5. A label is not legally required for most homemade baked goods in Wisconsin, but is best practice and may be required by individual market organizers — recommended statement: "This product was made in a private home not subject to state licensing or inspection."

Not legal advice — label wording and requirements can change. Do your own research with Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection 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 Wisconsin?

Yes. Wisconsin allows home bakers to sell approved homemade goods directly to consumers under its cottage food rules. Wisconsin never passed a comprehensive cottage food law — home bakers operate under a 2017 court ruling that struck down the state's ban on selling homemade baked goods. There's no cap on baked goods, though a separate $5,000/year cap applies to canned pickled products.

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

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 Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

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

No license required to sell homemade baked goods, following the 2017 "cookie case" ruling.

How much can a home bakery make in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin's cottage food annual sales limit is: No cap on baked goods · $5,000/year cap on canned pickled ("Pickle Bill") products.

Browse Other States

Indiana Oregon Arkansas New York Nebraska Georgia Oklahoma Connecticut Rhode Island Missouri Kentucky Maine View All States →
Copied!