Everything you need to sell home-made food in Washington — legally, confidently, and profitably.
Washington's cottage food program lets you make and sell certain shelf-stable foods from your home kitchen under Chapter 69.22 RCW. The program has been in place since 2011 and has expanded several times — most recently in 2023, when the annual gross sales cap was raised to $35,000. Washington's program is more structured than many states, with a required kitchen inspection and recipe review by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) before you can start selling.
Cottage food operators in Washington can sell baked goods, candies, jams and jellies, dry herb and seasoning mixes, vinegars, and other nonpotentially hazardous (shelf-stable) foods. All sales must be direct-to-consumer — you can sell at your home, farmers markets, craft fairs, festivals, and other public venues. Online orders and personal delivery within Washington are allowed, but you cannot ship products by mail or sell wholesale to stores or restaurants.
Every person involved in food preparation must hold a Washington State Food Worker Card, and your product labels are reviewed and approved by WSDA before your permit is issued. The permit costs $355 for two years and includes an on-site kitchen inspection. While the process takes some effort, it provides a clear, legal framework for building your home food business in Washington.
Eight in-depth pages covering every aspect of selling home-made food in Washington.
The complete list of allowed, restricted, and prohibited foods under Washington's cottage food program — with specifics on each category.
Read Guide →What makes a food "shelf-stable," how Washington defines nonpotentially hazardous products, and where you can sell them.
Read Guide →Why prepared meals and temperature-controlled foods aren't part of the cottage food program — and what your options are instead.
Read Guide →Washington's rules on beverages including juices, kombucha, cold brew, and alcohol — and why most aren't allowed under cottage food.
Read Guide →Step-by-step guide to the WSDA cottage food permit, Food Worker Card, business license, and local requirements.
Read Guide →Exactly what must appear on every label — including Washington's mandatory disclaimer statement and allergen rules.
Read Guide →From choosing a business structure to registering with the state and setting your prices — a complete launch checklist.
Read Guide →Meat, dairy, alcohol, fermented foods, and other categories that require licensing beyond the cottage food permit.
Read Guide →See how your product lineup stacks up against Washington's cottage food requirements — with personalized action items.
Create Free Account to Use This Tool →Join Washington's home food sellers on the marketplace built for cottage food entrepreneurs. List your products, reach local buyers, and grow your business.
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