Cottage Food Laws in Nebraska (2026)
Complete guide to Nebraska's cottage food laws: No cap (unlimited) annual limit, registration required, and online sales allowed.
Nebraska dramatically expanded its cottage food law in 2019 (LB 304) and again in 2024 (LB 262). Now there is no sales cap, free registration, and TCS foods like cheesecakes are allowed using commercial dairy ingredients. Perishable items cannot be shipped — must be hand-delivered within 2 hours at proper temperature.
Quick Facts for Nebraska
Annual Sales Limit
No cap (unlimited)
Registration/Permit
Required — Free online registration with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture required before selling. Must provide contact info, food safety course documentation, and private well testing results if applicable.
Kitchen Inspection
No inspection required
Food Handler Certification
Yes — food safety course required
Online Sales
Yes — online ordering allowed
Legislation: Nebraska Revised Statute §81-2,245.01 and §81-2,280; LB 304 (2019), LB 262 (2024)
What You Can Sell in Nebraska
Allowed Products
- Breads and pastries
- Cookies, cakes, and pies
- Candy and confections
- Jams, jellies, and preserves
- Granola and cereals
- Popcorn, crackers, and nuts
- Condiments
- Whole and hard-boiled eggs
- Frozen produce
- Carbonated drinks
- Pasteurized juices
- Cheesecakes, puddings, and ice cream (using commercial dairy)
Not Allowed
- Meat and meat byproducts
- Raw milk and fresh dairy products
- Raw eggs in products
- Unpasteurized juice
- Infused oils or honey
- Sprouts
- Low-acid canned foods
- Fermented foods (kimchi, kombucha)
- Tofu, tempeh, and meat substitutes
Where You Can Sell in Nebraska
Labeling Requirements in Nebraska
Every product you sell must include these on the label:
How to Start a Cottage Food Business in Nebraska
Verify your products are allowed
Nebraska allows specific non-potentially-hazardous foods. See the allowed products list above. If your product isn't listed, check with Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Food Safety & Consumer Protection.
Complete required food safety training
Nebraska requires a food handler certification or food safety course. These are typically available online for $10-$30.
Register with your state
Free online registration with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture required before selling. Must provide contact info, food safety course documentation, and private well testing results if applicable.
Set up proper labeling
Nebraska 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 Nebraska. Track your sales to stay within the No cap (unlimited) annual limit.
Need more help?
Ask our AI assistant about Nebraska'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 Nebraska's department of agriculture or health department before starting a cottage food business.