Cottage Food Laws in Indiana (2026)
Complete guide to Indiana's cottage food laws: No limit annual limit, no registration required, and in-person sales only.
Indiana requires an ANSI-accredited food handler certificate (e.g., ServSafe, valid for 3 years). Can only sell at farmers markets and roadside stands — cannot sell from home. Must sell person-to-person directly to consumer. Cannot sell online for delivery. Products labeled "NOT FOR RESALE."
Quick Facts for Indiana
Annual Sales Limit
No limit
Registration/Permit
No license, permit, or registration required. Must obtain an ANSI-accredited food handler certificate.
Kitchen Inspection
No inspection required
Food Handler Certification
Yes — food safety course required
Online Sales
No — in-person sales only
Governing Agency
Legislation: IC 16-42-5.3 (Home Based Food Products)
What You Can Sell in Indiana
Allowed Products
- Baked goods (bread, cookies, cakes, pies)
- Candy and confections
- Jams, jellies, and preserves
- Dried fruits and vegetables
- Dried herbs and spices
- Popcorn and snack mixes
- Granola and cereal
- Honey
- Other non-potentially hazardous foods (pH < 4.6 and water activity < 0.85)
Not Allowed
- Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods
- Meat, poultry, seafood
- Dairy products
- Any food requiring refrigeration
- Foods with pH ≥ 4.6 or water activity ≥ 0.85
Where You Can Sell in Indiana
Labeling Requirements in Indiana
Every product you sell must include these on the label:
How to Start a Cottage Food Business in Indiana
Verify your products are allowed
Indiana allows specific non-potentially-hazardous foods. See the allowed products list above. If your product isn't listed, check with Indiana State Department of Health.
Complete required food safety training
Indiana requires a food handler certification or food safety course. These are typically available online for $10-$30.
No registration needed — just start
Indiana does not require registration, permits, or licenses for cottage food operations. You can start selling immediately.
Set up proper labeling
Indiana 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 Indiana. Track your sales to stay within the No limit annual limit.
Need more help?
Ask our AI assistant about Indiana'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 Indiana's department of agriculture or health department before starting a cottage food business.