Registration
- Required
- Yes
- Type
- registration
- Cost
- Tier 1 (<=$7,665): Free; Tier 2 ($7,666-$78,000): $50; After Aug 1, 2027: $30 for all
- Inspection
- No
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StateModerate
Minnesota cottage food rules
Review sales limits, online sales, registration, labeling, venues, shipping, foods, and source notes for this jurisdiction.
Sales limit
$78,000
Online sales
Conditional
Registration
Required
Training
Required
Current law details
Start with the summary, then verify locally.
Two tiers: Tier 1 <=$7,665 (free), Tier 2 $7,666-$78,000 ($50). MAJOR CHANGE COMING: Starting August 1, 2027, shipping will be allowed, fees reduced to $30 for all, and tier system consolidated to a single tier (HF 2446, 2025). Minnesota Department of Agriculture says implementation planning begins in 2026. Currently all human cottage food delivery must be in-person. Online ordering allowed but fulfillment must be in-person until 2027. Pet treats can be shipped currently (exception).
Setup requirements
Registration, training, and labeling details.
These are the common operating requirements sellers check before launching or changing sales channels.
Training
- Required
- Yes
- Type
- Tier 1: Free online training/exam annually; Tier 2: Approved 8-hour food safety course every 3 years
- Cost
- Tier 1: Free; Tier 2: Varies (University of Minnesota Extension and approved providers)
- Validity
- Tier 1: Annual; Tier 2: 3 years
Labeling
"These products are homemade and not subject to state inspection"
- Producer name or business name
- MDA registration number OR home address
- Preparation date (date made)
- Complete ingredients list (descending order by weight)
- Allergen information
Sales channels
Allowed venues and fulfillment methods.
Confirm how customers are allowed to buy, receive, or pick up products before opening a sales channel.
Sales venues
Home sales
Allowed
Farmers markets
Allowed
Roadside stands
Not allowed
Events
Allowed
Retail stores
Not allowed
Restaurants
Not allowed
Online
Not allowed
Direct sales at home, farmers markets, community events, fundraising activities. NO roadside stands, wholesale, or retail stores. Online ordering allowed but must deliver in person (until Aug 1, 2027 when shipping allowed).
Shipping and delivery
- In-state
- In-person only
- Out-of-state
- Not allowed
- Commercial carriers
- Not allowed
- Third-party delivery
- Not allowed
CURRENT: In-person delivery only (except pet treats which can ship). AFTER AUGUST 1, 2027: In-state shipping via mail/commercial delivery allowed. Acidified/canned foods must be made AND sold in Minnesota.
Product categories
Allowed food categories.
Allowed and limited categories are only a planning aid. Check official guidance before selling a specific recipe.
Baked goods
Allowed
Candy and confections
Allowed
Jams and jellies
Allowed
Acidified foods
Limited
Canned goods
Limited
Dried goods
Allowed
Perishables
Not allowed
Meat products
Not allowed
Dairy products
Not allowed
Non-potentially hazardous foods with pH <= 4.6 OR water activity <= 0.85. Allowed: Baked goods, candy, jams/jellies/preserves, acidified/canned foods (pH <= 4.6), pickles, salsa, dried fruits/vegetables/herbs/spices/pasta/cereals, honey, icings/frostings, pet treats (dogs/cats only - can ship). Prohibited: Perishables, cream-filled pastries, custard pies, low-acid canned (pH > 4.6), chocolate-covered fruits, meat, dairy, confections with alcohol.
Updates and cautions
Check these notes before making changes.
Recent updates and warnings are included to help you spot issues that may need extra verification.
Recent legislative updates
HF 2446 / Chapter 34, Article 5
Effective: August 1, 2027
MAJOR EXPANSION: Allows shipping starting Aug 1, 2027; reduces fee to $30; consolidates to single-tier system; enhances training requirements
Tier 1 limit adjustment
Effective: January 1, 2022
Increased Tier 1 threshold from $5,000 to $7,665 based on Consumer Price Index inflation adjustment
Major cottage food law updates
Effective: August 1, 2021
Significant updates to cottage food framework
Important warnings
- Registration expires December 31 each year - must renew annually
- Acidified/canned foods must be made AND sold in Minnesota (cannot cross state lines)
- Online ordering allowed but NO shipping until August 1, 2027
- Pet treats are the ONLY cottage foods that can currently be shipped
- After Aug 1, 2027: All producers will pay $30 fee (no more free Tier 1)
- Website must display 'These products are homemade and not subject to state inspection'
Research sources
Sources used for this summary.
Last updated: 2026-05-07. Use these sources as a starting point for current verification.
- Minnesota Statute 28A.152
- 2025 Minnesota Laws, Chapter 34
- HF 2446 (94th Legislature, 2025-2026)
- Minnesota Department of Agriculture - Cottage Food Law Guidance
- Minnesota Cottage Food Producers Association
Important legal disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Cottage food rules change frequently and vary by local jurisdiction. Always verify current regulations with your state and local health departments before starting your business.
Next step
Turn Minnesota rules into a clear ordering experience.
Use Cottage CMS to publish products, pickup windows, forms, disclosures, and order workflows after you verify the current local requirements.