California Home Food Seller Guide

What California Allows

California's cottage food framework — established by AB 1616, the California Homemade Food Act in 2012 and expanded significantly in 2021 — is one of the most developed home food seller systems in the United States. It creates two parallel tracks: a simpler Class A registration for sellers who sell directly to consumers, and a Class B permit for those who want to also supply local stores, restaurants, and coffee shops. Both classes allow you to sell online, at farmers markets, at community events, and from your home. What neither class allows: selling across state lines, or selling products that require refrigeration for safety.

Unlike most states, California does not use a simple prohibited-foods exclusion model. Instead, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) maintains an official Approved Cottage Foods List — and you may only sell products on that list. The list includes most popular non-perishable categories: baked goods, jams and jellies (meeting federal standards of identity), candy, granola, honey, roasted nuts, dried fruit, dried pasta, and dry baking mixes. Notably absent: pickles, hot sauce, salsa, any acidified food, fresh-fruit fillings in baked goods, and products requiring refrigeration. If your product isn't on the list, it isn't allowed under cottage food law — full stop. The good news is you can petition CDPH to add new products, and the list has grown over the years.

The sales caps are inflation-adjusted annually, meaning they increase each year. In 2025, Class A sellers can earn up to $86,206 and Class B sellers up to $172,411. When you're ready to grow beyond those limits, the path leads to a Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) or a licensed commercial kitchen — both of which open new categories and higher earning potential. See the full product guide →