Cottage Food Laws in Arkansas (2026)
Complete guide to Arkansas's cottage food laws: No cap (unlimited) annual limit, no registration required, and online sales allowed.
Arkansas passed the Food Freedom Act in 2021, replacing its original 2011 cottage food law. It is one of the most permissive in the country. The law specifically prevents state and local governments from restricting home food producers. Delivery, mail order, and wholesale are all permitted. Products must be sold to "informed end consumers" only.
Quick Facts for Arkansas
Annual Sales Limit
No cap (unlimited)
Registration/Permit
No permit required from the Arkansas Department of Health. Optional voluntary ID number available from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture to use on labels instead of personal contact info.
Kitchen Inspection
No inspection required
Food Handler Certification
Not required
Online Sales
Yes — online ordering allowed
Governing Agency
Legislation: SB 248 (Act 1040), Arkansas Food Freedom Act (effective July 2021)
What You Can Sell in Arkansas
Allowed Products
- Breads, cakes, cookies, and pastries
- Candy, fudge, and chocolate
- Jams, jellies, and marmalades
- Pickles and salsas (pH must be 4.6 or below)
- Honey and syrups
- Dried fruits and vegetables
- Granola, popcorn, and nuts
- Fermented foods
- Herbs, spices, and seasonings
- Coffee beans and tea leaves
Not Allowed
- Perishable baked goods requiring refrigeration
- Low-acid canned foods
- Nut butters
- Oils
- Baked goods with alcohol
- Meat jerkies
Where You Can Sell in Arkansas
Labeling Requirements in Arkansas
Every product you sell must include these on the label:
How to Start a Cottage Food Business in Arkansas
Verify your products are allowed
Arkansas allows specific non-potentially-hazardous foods. See the allowed products list above. If your product isn't listed, check with Arkansas Department of Health.
Consider food safety training (optional)
Arkansas does not require food handler certification, but taking one builds customer trust and helps you follow best practices.
No registration needed — just start
Arkansas does not require registration, permits, or licenses for cottage food operations. You can start selling immediately.
Set up proper labeling
Arkansas requires specific label elements on every product. See the labeling requirements section above for the exact list.
Start selling
Begin selling at approved venues in Arkansas. Track your sales to stay within the No cap (unlimited) annual limit.
Need more help?
Ask our AI assistant about Arkansas's specific cottage food requirements, labeling rules, and selling venues.
Chat with AI AssistantCottage food laws change frequently. This guide is for informational purposes only. Always verify current requirements with Arkansas's department of agriculture or health department before starting a cottage food business.