Cottage Food Laws in Louisiana (2026)
Complete guide to Louisiana's cottage food laws: $30,000 per year (general); No limit for breads, cakes, cookies, and pies annual limit, registration required, and in-person sales only.
Louisiana has a split system: breads, cakes, cookies, and pies have NO revenue cap. All other cottage foods are capped at $30,000/year. Uniquely allows custard/cream-filled bakery products if pasteurized milk is used. Must obtain sales tax certificates. Direct sales only.
Quick Facts for Louisiana
Annual Sales Limit
$30,000 per year (general); No limit for breads, cakes, cookies, and pies
Registration/Permit
Required — Must obtain a Louisiana General Sales Tax Certificate and a local sales tax certificate.
Kitchen Inspection
No inspection required
Food Handler Certification
Not required
Online Sales
No — in-person sales only
Governing Agency
Legislation: Louisiana RS 40:4.9 (Cottage Food Law); HB 828 (2022, raised limit to $30,000)
What You Can Sell in Louisiana
Allowed Products
- Breads (no revenue cap)
- Cakes (no revenue cap)
- Cookies (no revenue cap)
- Pies (no revenue cap)
- Candy
- Cane syrup
- Dried mixes
- Honey and honeycomb
- Jams, jellies, and preserves
- Pickles and acidified foods
- Shelf-stable sauces
- Syrups
- Spices
- Custard/cream-filled bakery products (if using pasteurized milk products)
Not Allowed
- Meat, poultry, seafood
- Dairy products (except pasteurized milk in cream-filled bakery)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Any food requiring refrigeration (except as specifically allowed)
Where You Can Sell in Louisiana
Labeling Requirements in Louisiana
Every product you sell must include these on the label:
How to Start a Cottage Food Business in Louisiana
Verify your products are allowed
Louisiana allows specific non-potentially-hazardous foods. See the allowed products list above. If your product isn't listed, check with Louisiana Department of Health (LDH).
Consider food safety training (optional)
Louisiana does not require food handler certification, but taking one builds customer trust and helps you follow best practices.
Register with your state
Must obtain a Louisiana General Sales Tax Certificate and a local sales tax certificate.
Set up proper labeling
Louisiana 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 Louisiana. Track your sales to stay within the $30,000 per year (general); No limit for breads, cakes, cookies, and pies annual limit.
Need more help?
Ask our AI assistant about Louisiana'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 Louisiana's department of agriculture or health department before starting a cottage food business.