Where You Can Sell
- Permitted sales channel: Home Pickup
- Permitted sales channel: Farmers Markets
- Permitted sales channel: Events & Fairs
- Permitted sales channel: Home Pickup
- Permitted sales channel: Wholesale
- Permitted sales channel: Farmers Markets
- Permitted sales channel: Interstate Sales
- Not permitted sales channel: Interstate Sales
# Vermont Cottage Food Law 2026: Act 42 Updates, Registration & Labels
Yes, you can legally sell baked goods and other low-risk, shelf-stable foods from your home kitchen in Vermont. And thanks to Act 42 (H.401), which took effect on July 1, 2025, the opportunity is bigger than it’s ever been.
If you only remember three things, make them these: your annual sales cap for cottage food products is now $30,000 (up from the old $125/week threshold for bakeries, which was repealed). You must register annually with the Vermont Department of Health (VDH) by January 15. And every single product label must show your physical home-kitchen address—not a P.O. box—and a specific, unchangeable disclaimer.
Let’s break it all down so you can start (or grow) your business with confidence.
What You Can Sell Under Vermont Cottage Food Law
As of Act 42, Vermont law defines "cottage food products" as foods that do not require refrigeration or time and temperature control for safety. In plain terms, these are shelf-stable items that won’t spoil if left out.
Here’s what fits the bill:
✅ You Can Sell
- Non-potentially hazardous baked goods (breads, cakes, cookies, pastries)
- Candy, fudge, brittle
- Jams and jellies; home-canned fruits that meet the cottage-food pH or water-activity standard
- Dried herbs, spices, and seasonings
- Trail mix, granola, cereal, mixed nuts
- Flavored vinegar
- Popcorn
- Coffee beans, dry tea
- Home-canned pickles, vegetables, or fruits (if equilibrium pH ≤ 4.6 or water activity ≤ 0.85, using recipes from the National Center for Home Food Preservation or reviewed by a food processing authority)
❌ You Cannot Sell
- Potentially hazardous foods (TCS foods) requiring refrigeration (e.g., cheesecakes, cream pies, quiche, meat/poultry, seafood, dairy products, cooked plant-based foods)
- Raw meat, poultry, or seafood
- Infant formula or baby food
- Alcoholic beverages
- Dehydrated meats
- Dehydrated fruits and vegetables (requires specialized equipment)
- Meals or catering (requires a Home Caterer License)
- Any food requiring refrigeration or temperature control
- Maple syrup (regulated separately by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture)
| ✅ You Can Sell | ❌ You Cannot Sell |
|---|---|
| Non-potentially hazardous baked goods (breads, cakes, cookies, pastries) | Potentially hazardous foods (TCS foods) requiring refrigeration (e.g., cheesecakes, cream pies, quiche, meat/poultry, seafood, dairy products, cooked plant-based foods) |
| Candy, fudge, brittle | Raw meat, poultry, or seafood |
| Jams and jellies; home-canned fruits that meet the cottage-food pH or water-activity standard | Infant formula or baby food |
| Dried herbs, spices, and seasonings | Alcoholic beverages |
| Trail mix, granola, cereal, mixed nuts | Dehydrated meats |
| Flavored vinegar | Dehydrated fruits and vegetables (requires specialized equipment) |
| Popcorn | Meals or catering (requires a Home Caterer License) |
| Coffee beans, dry tea | Any food requiring refrigeration or temperature control |
| Home-canned pickles, vegetables, or fruits (if equilibrium pH ≤ 4.6 or water activity ≤ 0.85, using recipes from the National Center for Home Food Preservation or reviewed by a food processing authority) | Maple syrup (regulated separately by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture) |
Vermont's Manufactured Food Rule clarifies that a "cottage food product" is one that "does not require refrigeration or time or temperature control for safety." The statutory list above (from 18 V.S.A. § 4301(a)(6) A–N, mirrored in rule §4.1.6) gives you the specific categories. If you're trying something new, the VDH defines TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) foods using the FDA 2022 Food Code definition. Think of it this way: if it needs to be kept hot or cold to prevent bacteria from growing, it's out.
⚠ Watch out
Verify Borderline Foods Before Selling
Home-canned pickles, vegetables, or fruits are allowed only if they meet the pH or water-activity standard and use tested or reviewed recipes. If you're unsure whether a new product qualifies, you can submit a Cottage Food Product Review Request Form to the VDH for certainty—but you don't have to.
Next step
Start taking prepaid orders with Vermont-compliant labels
MyPorch helps Vermont bakers collect prepaid orders, generate Vermont-compliant labels, and keep weekly pickups and customer details organized.
Start your Vermont storefrontVermont Annual Revenue Cap and Sales Channels
Vermont's cottage food operators have an annual sales cap of $30,000 for cottage food products, effective July 1, 2025, under Act 42 (H.401).
But there's a second layer. If you also produce non-cottage-food processed/packaged items, a separate $10,000 annual cap applies to those sales under the general "food processor" exemption. These exemptions stack. This means you could make up to $30,000 in cottage food sales plus up to $10,000 in other processed food sales without needing a license.
If you cross either threshold, you'll need to apply for the appropriate license and pass an inspection: Exceed $30,000 in cottage food sales: You'll need a Home Bakery License ($100 fee) or a Small Commercial Bakery License ($200 fee). Exceed $10,000 in non-bakery processed food sales: You'll need a Small Commercial Food Processor License ($175 fee for $10,001–$50,000; $275 fee for over $50,000).
Where You Can Sell
You can sell your compliant cottage food products: Direct from your home (porch pickup, etc.) At farmers markets, roadside stands, and farm stands At special events, craft fairs, and festivals Online through your own website for direct-to-consumer sales and mail-order. Multiple secondary sources report that Vermont cottage food fulfillment should stay in state; because that limit is not explicit in the primary statute or Manufactured Food Rule, confirm with VDH before accepting out-of-state orders.
What's Off-Limits
Vermont law and VDH guidance make one thing very clear: food made under a license exemption cannot be sold to restaurants or other licensed food establishments. Restaurants are only permitted to purchase from licensed food manufacturers.
Other commonly reported restrictions include: Sales via third-party marketplace platforms (e.g., Amazon, Etsy): Multiple secondary sources report this is prohibited. This restriction is not explicit in the Vermont statute (18 V.S.A. §4301 / §4358) or the Manufactured Food Rule. Confirm with the VDH before relying on this allowance. Interstate sales: Shipping your products to customers outside Vermont. This also appears only in secondary aggregator guidance, not in primary law. Confirm with the VDH.
ℹ Note
Local Zoning and Taxes
The VDH advises you to "contact your city or town to determine if your space follows local land use, development, and zoning for residential properties." Depending on your business structure, you may also need to register with the Secretary of State's office and set up a tax account with the Department of Taxes.
Permit, Registration, and Training Requirements in Vermont
Yes, as a Vermont cottage food operator you must register annually with VDH and complete annual online training, following Act 42 of 2025.
The Annual Process (It's Simpler Than It Sounds)
- Complete Annual Training: Take the "License Exempt Food Processors and Cottage Food Operators Online Training." This covers food safety, the Manufactured Food Rule, and the new requirements.
- File Annual Self-Attestation: Submit your annual license-exemption filing via the VDH online portal. This is a self-attestation confirming you meet the requirements.
- Deadline: The annual deadline is January 15 each year. The very first filing window opened in October 2025, with a deadline of January 15, 2026.
There is no license fee for exempt operations. Once you file and complete the training, you’ll receive an email confirmation. That’s it—there’s no other documentation or certificate. You're ready to operate.
Inspections
There is no routine, scheduled inspection for exempt cottage food operations. However, the VDH states that "a public health inspector may inspect your establishment to make sure you are meeting requirements." You must keep records of your training completion and exemption filing. If you use a private well, you'll also need annual water test results.
✓ Tip
Keep Good Records!
Track your gross annual receipts carefully to ensure you stay under the $30,000 cottage food cap (or the $10,000 non-bakery cap). If you're approaching a threshold, you have time to plan for a license application.
Vermont Cottage Food Labeling Requirements (Detailed)
Every Vermont cottage food product must display specific required elements on its label, as outlined in the Manufactured Food Rule §6.2.1.1.
Required Label Elements
- Name and address of the operation (§6.2.1.1.1)
- Name of the food product (§6.2.1.1.2)
- Ingredients in descending order of predominance by weight (§6.2.1.1.3)
- Net weights or net volumes (§6.2.1.1.4)
- Allergen information as specified by federal labeling requirements (§6.2.1.1.5)
- Nutrition facts panel, required only if any nutrient content claim, health claim, or other nutritional information is provided (§6.2.1.1.6)
- The verbatim disclaimer (§6.2.1.1.7)
A VDH FAQ clarifies that "name and address of the operation" means the physical address of your home kitchen, not a P.O. box. The reason is public health: it allows the state to locate the business in case of a recall or traceback linked to a foodborne illness complaint.
You do not need to include a permit or registration number on your label.
The Verbatim Disclaimer
Your Vermont cottage food label must display this exact statement, printed in at least 10-point type in a contrasting color to the background:
"Made in a home kitchen not inspected by the Vermont Department of Health"
This wording is required by Vermont's Manufactured Food Rule §6.2.1.1.7. Do not paraphrase or alter it.
Required vs. Recommended Label Elements
Here’s how to think about what goes on your label:
| Element | Required by Vermont Law? | Recommended Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Business name & physical home-kitchen address | ✅ Required | Use your physical address (no P.O. box). |
| Product name | ✅ Required | — |
| Ingredient list (descending by weight) | ✅ Required | — |
| Major allergen declaration | ✅ Required | Use parentheses or a "Contains" statement. |
| Net weight or volume | ✅ Required | — |
| Required disclaimer | ✅ Required | Use the exact wording in a clear, 10-point font. |
| Nutrition facts panel | Only if nutrient/health claims made | Recommended for a professional look (otherwise, consider "Not a significant source of..."). |
| Production or bake date | Not required | ✅ Builds customer trust and helps with freshness tracking. |
| Best-by or use-by date | Not required | ✅ Recommended for short shelf-life items. |
| Storage instructions | Not required | ✅ Helpful for humidity-sensitive items like cookies. |
| QR code linking to storefront | Not required | ✅ Drives repeat orders. |
Common mistakes Vermont bakers make include printing the disclaimer too small or in a color that blends into the label background, and using a P.O. box instead of the physical home-kitchen address. For broader label layout guidance and allergen phrasing examples, see our cottage food labeling requirements guide.
✓ Tip
MyPorch for Vermont Compliant Labels
Our label templates are built with state-specific rules in mind, including the exact disclaimer formatting. It’s one less thing to worry about when you’re ready to sell.
Now That You Know the Rules — Here's How to Start Selling in Vermont
Act 42 opens a real opportunity. Here’s a straightforward sequence to get started:
- Understand the Law: Review the allowed products list and sales caps in this guide. Make sure what you plan to sell qualifies as a "cottage food product."
- Complete Annual VDH Training: Take the "License Exempt Food Processors and Cottage Food Operators Online Training" annually.
- File Annual Self-Attestation: Submit your exemption form via the VDH online portal by the January 15 deadline each year.
- Create Compliant Labels: Design labels that include all seven required elements, paying special attention to your physical home-kitchen address and the exact verbatim disclaimer in a contrasting, 10-point font.
- Set Up Your Sales Channels: Plan your sales via home pickup, farmers markets, or an online storefront for in-state delivery. Remember, you cannot sell to restaurants or other licensed food establishments. A structured pre-order system keeps your batches organized — read our guide on how to take pre-orders for your home bakery.
- Price Your Products Smartly: Factor in all your costs—ingredients, packaging, time, and the value of your work—to set a price that's both profitable and competitive. Our home bakery pricing guide walks through the math.
Summary
Key Takeaways — Vermont Cottage Food Law
- Act 42 (2025) tripled Vermont's cottage food sales cap to $30,000/year, effective July 1, 2025.
- You must file an annual license-exemption self-attestation via the VDH online portal by January 15 and complete annual online training.
- Your label must show the physical address of your home kitchen (no P.O. box) and the verbatim disclaimer in a contrasting 10-point font.
- You can sell directly from home, at markets, and online within Vermont, but sales to restaurants or other licensed food establishments are prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to sell homemade food in Vermont?
What is the new Vermont cottage food law 2026?
Do I need to complete a food safety training in Vermont?
Do I need to file anything with the Vermont Health Department?
Is an inspection required for Vermont cottage food operations?
What happens if I exceed the Vermont cottage food sales limit?
How often do I need to renew my Vermont cottage food registration?
What is the difference between a cottage food operator and a home bakery in Vermont after Act 42?
Is there a sales limit for cottage food in Vermont?
Can I sell cottage food online in Vermont?
Can I ship cottage food products to customers outside of Vermont?
Can I sell Vermont cottage food products at farmers markets or roadside stands?
Can I sell my homemade food wholesale to restaurants or stores in Vermont?
Are there any local city or county regulations for cottage food in Vermont?
Does MyPorch support online sales for Vermont cottage food?
What foods can you sell under Vermont cottage food law?
Can I sell home-canned foods like pickles, vegetables, or fruit in Vermont?
Are items requiring refrigeration allowed under Vermont cottage food law?
Can I sell gluten-free or allergen-specific products under Vermont's law?
Are pet treats considered cottage food in Vermont?
What has to be on my label in Vermont?
Do I have to include my physical home address on my Vermont product labeling?
Can I use a P.O. box on my Vermont cottage food label?
What is the exact disclaimer required on Vermont cottage food labels?
Does MyPorch generate Vermont-compliant labels?
Do I need to include a production or "best by" date on my Vermont cottage food labels?
Is nutrition labeling required for Vermont cottage food products?
Do I charge sales tax on cottage food in Vermont?
How do I define "gross annual receipts" for the Vermont sales limit?
Where can I find the official Vermont Cottage Food Law documentation?
What is the primary regulatory agency for cottage food in Vermont?
Does Vermont have different classes of cottage food operations?
Recent Law Changes (Changelog)
- July 1, 2025: Act 42 (H.401 of 2025) took effect — this is the law you operate under today. If you were a home baker before 2025, you probably remember the old $125/week threshold — Act 42 repealed it and folded you into a single, much higher $30,000/year cottage food cap. The act also created the annual VDH self-attestation you now file and the online training you now take.
- October 2025: The Vermont Department of Health's online exemption portal opened — your first self-attestation filing window started here.
- January 15, 2026: The first deadline for filing your annual license-exemption self-attestation with the VDH under the new Act 42 requirements.
- January 15, 2026: The final adopted Manufactured Food Rule (25P033) — the rule that codifies the labeling, training, and $30K / $10K thresholds you follow — took effect.
This guide was last reviewed against official VDH sources on July 6, 2026.
How Vermont Compares
Vermont vs. Similar States
Key metrics across states with similar baker populations.