Cottage Food Laws in Montana (2026)
Complete guide to Montana's cottage food laws: No cap (unlimited) annual limit, no registration required, and online sales allowed.
Montana has two pathways: the Montana Local Food Choice Act (MLFCA/food freedom law) with virtually no restrictions, and a traditional Cottage Food Operation pathway with health department review. SB 2386 (signed March 2025) now permits interstate sales — making Montana one of very few states allowing this.
Quick Facts for Montana
Annual Sales Limit
No cap (unlimited)
Registration/Permit
Under the Montana Local Food Choice Act (MLFCA), no license, permit, certification, inspection, or government approval of any kind is required.
Kitchen Inspection
No inspection required
Food Handler Certification
Not required
Online Sales
Yes — online ordering allowed
Governing Agency
Legislation: Montana Local Food Choice Act (SB 199, effective April 2021); MCA Title 50, Chapter 49, Part 2; MCA 50-50-116
What You Can Sell in Montana
Allowed Products
- Breads and baked goods
- Candy and confections
- Jams, jellies, and preserves
- Dried fruits and herbs
- Coffee and tea
- Pasta
- Granola and popcorn
- Crackers and nuts
- Condiments (honey, syrups, vinegars)
- Juices
- Fermented foods
- Small poultry products (under 1,000 birds/year)
Not Allowed
- Meat and meat-containing products (except small poultry exemption)
- Milk and cream (except small dairy exemption of 5 or fewer lactating cows)
- Pet food
- Products for resale by third parties
Where You Can Sell in Montana
Labeling Requirements in Montana
Every product you sell must include these on the label:
How to Start a Cottage Food Business in Montana
Verify your products are allowed
Montana allows specific non-potentially-hazardous foods. See the allowed products list above. If your product isn't listed, check with Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.
Consider food safety training (optional)
Montana does not require food handler certification, but taking one builds customer trust and helps you follow best practices.
No registration needed — just start
Montana does not require registration, permits, or licenses for cottage food operations. You can start selling immediately.
Set up proper labeling
Montana 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 Montana. Track your sales to stay within the No cap (unlimited) annual limit.
Need more help?
Ask our AI assistant about Montana'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 Montana's department of agriculture or health department before starting a cottage food business.