Cottage Food Laws in Connecticut (2026)
Complete guide to Connecticut's cottage food laws: $50,000 per year annual limit, registration required, and online sales allowed.
Connecticut requires a mandatory home kitchen inspection before license is issued. The Commissioner retains the right to inspect at any time. Municipal zoning compliance is required. Private well testing required with annual retesting. Cannot ship products or use third-party delivery. ServSafe Food Handler course required before licensure.
Quick Facts for Connecticut
Annual Sales Limit
$50,000 per year
Registration/Permit
Required — Must obtain a cottage food license from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. License fee is $50 (cannot exceed $100). Annual renewal required (expires February 28). Apply online via elicense.ct.gov or by mail.
Kitchen Inspection
Yes — inspection required
Food Handler Certification
Yes — food safety course required
Online Sales
Yes — online ordering allowed
Legislation: PA 18-141 (SB 193, effective October 1, 2018); amended by SB 187 (2022, raised sales limit to $50,000)
What You Can Sell in Connecticut
Allowed Products
- Breads, cakes, and cookies
- Pastries and pies
- Candy and chocolate-covered items
- Honey and syrups
- Jams, jellies, and marmalades
- Granola and nuts
- Popcorn and snack mixes
- Dried herbs, spices, and tea
- Coffee
- Vinegars
Not Allowed
- Perishable baked goods requiring refrigeration
- Fruit butters
- Acidified foods (pickles, salsas, sauces, ketchup)
- Low-acid canned goods
- Juices and carbonated drinks
- Kombucha
- Meat jerkies
Where You Can Sell in Connecticut
Labeling Requirements in Connecticut
Every product you sell must include these on the label:
How to Start a Cottage Food Business in Connecticut
Verify your products are allowed
Connecticut allows specific non-potentially-hazardous foods. See the allowed products list above. If your product isn't listed, check with Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Food and Standards Division.
Complete required food safety training
Connecticut requires a food handler certification or food safety course. These are typically available online for $10-$30.
Register with your state
Must obtain a cottage food license from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. License fee is $50 (cannot exceed $100). Annual renewal required (expires February 28). Apply online via elicense.ct.gov or by mail.
Set up proper labeling
Connecticut 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 Connecticut. Track your sales to stay within the $50,000 per year annual limit.
Need more help?
Ask our AI assistant about Connecticut'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 Connecticut's department of agriculture or health department before starting a cottage food business.