Cottage Food Laws in Texas (2026)
Complete guide to Texas's cottage food laws: $50,000 per year annual limit, no registration required, and online sales allowed.
Texas has one of the most permissive cottage food laws in the country. No permit, no registration, no inspection, no food handler cert required. The 2019 SB 572 amendment expanded to allow online sales and delivery.
Quick Facts for Texas
Annual Sales Limit
$50,000 per year
Registration/Permit
No license, permit, or registration required for cottage food operations in Texas.
Kitchen Inspection
No inspection required
Food Handler Certification
Not required
Online Sales
Yes — online ordering allowed
Governing Agency
Legislation: Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 437 (HB 1926), amended by SB 572 (2019)
What You Can Sell in Texas
Allowed Products
- Baked goods (bread, cookies, cakes, pastries)
- Candy and confections
- Coated and uncoated nuts
- Dried herbs and herb mixes
- Fruit butters, jams, and jellies
- Popcorn and popcorn snacks
- Cereal and granola
- Dry mixes
- Vinegar
- Pickles and fermented vegetables (with pH requirements)
- Roasted coffee and tea
Not Allowed
- Anything requiring refrigeration
- Meat and dairy products
- Canned low-acid foods
- Alcoholic beverages
- Foods containing cannabis/CBD
Where You Can Sell in Texas
Labeling Requirements in Texas
Every product you sell must include these on the label:
How to Start a Cottage Food Business in Texas
Verify your products are allowed
Texas allows specific non-potentially-hazardous foods. See the allowed products list above. If your product isn't listed, check with Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
Consider food safety training (optional)
Texas does not require food handler certification, but taking one builds customer trust and helps you follow best practices.
No registration needed — just start
Texas does not require registration, permits, or licenses for cottage food operations. You can start selling immediately.
Set up proper labeling
Texas 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 Texas. Track your sales to stay within the $50,000 per year annual limit.
Need more help?
Ask our AI assistant about Texas'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 Texas's department of agriculture or health department before starting a cottage food business.