Cottage Food Laws in Vermont (2026)
Complete guide to Vermont's cottage food laws: $30,000 per year (increased from $10,000 by Act 42, July 2025) annual limit, registration required, and online sales allowed.
Vermont significantly expanded its cottage food law in July 2025 with Act 42 (HB 401), tripling the annual sales cap from $10,000 to $30,000. A free annual online training on food safety is now required before first sale. Registration is free and must be renewed annually by January 15. Third-party marketplace platforms (Amazon, Etsy) are not allowed.
Quick Facts for Vermont
Annual Sales Limit
$30,000 per year (increased from $10,000 by Act 42, July 2025)
Registration/Permit
Required — Annual registration (free) with the Vermont Department of Health required. Must file exemption in online portal by January 15 each year.
Kitchen Inspection
No inspection required
Food Handler Certification
Not required
Online Sales
Yes — online ordering allowed
Governing Agency
Legislation: Act 42 (2025, HB 401); 18 V.S.A. § 4351; Vermont Statutes Title 18, Chapter 85
What You Can Sell in Vermont
Allowed Products
- Non-potentially hazardous baked goods (breads, cakes, cookies, brownies, muffins, pastries, doughnuts)
- Candy, chocolates, and fudge
- Jams, jellies, and preserves
- Dry herbs, trail mix, granola, and mixed nuts
- Popcorn and cereal
- Flavored vinegar
- Roasted coffee beans and dry tea
- Crackers and pretzels
- Home-canned pickles, vegetables, or fruits (pH 4.6 or below or water activity 0.85 or below)
Not Allowed
- Perishable foods requiring refrigeration or temperature control
- Foods containing meat or cheese
- Any food requiring commercial equipment
- Potentially hazardous/TCS foods
Where You Can Sell in Vermont
Labeling Requirements in Vermont
Every product you sell must include these on the label:
How to Start a Cottage Food Business in Vermont
Verify your products are allowed
Vermont allows specific non-potentially-hazardous foods. See the allowed products list above. If your product isn't listed, check with Vermont Department of Health.
Consider food safety training (optional)
Vermont does not require food handler certification, but taking one builds customer trust and helps you follow best practices.
Register with your state
Annual registration (free) with the Vermont Department of Health required. Must file exemption in online portal by January 15 each year.
Set up proper labeling
Vermont 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 Vermont. Track your sales to stay within the $30,000 per year (increased from $10,000 by Act 42, July 2025) annual limit.
Need more help?
Ask our AI assistant about Vermont'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 Vermont's department of agriculture or health department before starting a cottage food business.