Cottage Food Laws in Wisconsin (2026)
Complete guide to Wisconsin's cottage food laws: Baked goods: No limit | Home-canned foods (Pickle Bill): $5,000/year annual limit, no registration required, and online sales allowed.
Wisconsin has a split system. Baked goods have no sales limit and no venue restrictions (established by 2017 court ruling). Canned/pickled foods are covered by the "Pickle Bill" (Act 101) with a $5,000/year cap and venue restrictions. Pending 2025 legislation may raise the Pickle Bill cap to $40,000 and expand allowed foods.
Quick Facts for Wisconsin
Annual Sales Limit
Baked goods: No limit | Home-canned foods (Pickle Bill): $5,000/year
Registration/Permit
No license or registration required for baked goods or Pickle Bill products.
Kitchen Inspection
No inspection required
Food Handler Certification
Not required
Online Sales
Yes — online ordering allowed
Legislation: Wisconsin Act 101 (2010, "Pickle Bill" for canned goods); Baked goods exemption established by court ruling (2017 Institute for Justice lawsuit, expanded 2022)
What You Can Sell in Wisconsin
Allowed Products
- Baked goods (cookies, breads, cakes, pies, muffins — no limit)
- Home-canned fruits (naturally acidic, Pickle Bill)
- Home-canned vegetables (acidified by pickling or fermenting, Pickle Bill)
- Pickles and fermented vegetables (Pickle Bill)
Not Allowed
- Low-acid canned foods
- Foods requiring refrigeration
- Meat, poultry, seafood
- Dairy products
- Jams and jellies (not explicitly covered under current law)
Where You Can Sell in Wisconsin
Labeling Requirements in Wisconsin
Every product you sell must include these on the label:
How to Start a Cottage Food Business in Wisconsin
Verify your products are allowed
Wisconsin allows specific non-potentially-hazardous foods. See the allowed products list above. If your product isn't listed, check with Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).
Consider food safety training (optional)
Wisconsin does not require food handler certification, but taking one builds customer trust and helps you follow best practices.
No registration needed — just start
Wisconsin does not require registration, permits, or licenses for cottage food operations. You can start selling immediately.
Set up proper labeling
Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin. Track your sales to stay within the Baked goods: No limit | Home-canned foods (Pickle Bill): $5,000/year annual limit.
Need more help?
Ask our AI assistant about Wisconsin'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 Wisconsin's department of agriculture or health department before starting a cottage food business.