Vermont Cottage Food Law
A complete guide to cottage food regulations in Vermont (VT) — revenue limits, allowed products, labeling, and permitting requirements.
Requirements & Restrictions
Permitting & Registration
- Food Handler Certification
- Not required
- Business License
- Not required
- State Registration
- Required — Vermont Department of Health
Where You Can Sell
- home kitchen / personal property kitchen (production location)
- direct-to-consumer sales
- markets and other venues (not to licensed food service establishments such as restaurants)
Allowed Products
- nonpotentially hazardous baked goods, including but not limited to:
- candy
- jams and jellies
- dry herbs
- trail mix
- granola
- cereal
- mixed nuts
- flavored vinegar
- popcorn
- coffee beans
- dry tea
- home-canned pickles, vegetables, or fruits having an equilibrium pH value of 4.6 or lower or a water activity value of 0.85 or less that are made using recipes approved by the National Center for Home Food Preservation or reviewed by a food processing authority for safety
Prohibited Products
- foods that require refrigeration or time or temperature control for safety
Labeling Requirements
The following information must appear on every cottage food product label sold in Vermont:
Required Disclaimer
Made in a home kitchen not inspected by the Vermont Department of Health.
Additional Notes
Act 42 (2025) and the Vermont Manufactured Food Emergency Rule (effective July 1, 2025) govern cottage food operations. Annual revenue cap is $30,000 gross receipts from cottage food product sales. Cottage food operators must: (1) complete an annual online training course, and (2) file an annual licensing exemption with the Vermont Department of Health online portal by January 15 each year. Disclaimer statement must appear in at least 10-point type in a contrasting color to the background label. Nutritional labeling is required only if any nutrient content claim, health claim, or other nutritional information is provided on the label. Cottage food products may NOT be sold to licensed food service establishments (e.g., restaurants). A separate licensing exemption exists for general food processors with gross annual sales under $10,000. Products not on the explicit list may be submitted for a Cottage Food Product Review Request to the Department. Production must occur solely in the home kitchen of the operator's private residential dwelling or in a kitchen on their personal property.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the annual revenue limit for cottage food businesses in Vermont?
- Vermont cottage food producers may earn up to $30,000 per year from cottage food sales.
- Do I need a food handler certification to sell cottage food in Vermont?
- No. Vermont does not require a food handler certification for cottage food producers.
- Is a business license required for cottage food sales in Vermont?
- No. Vermont does not require a business license to operate a cottage food business.
- Does Vermont require cottage food producers to register with the state?
- Yes. Vermont requires cottage food businesses to register with Vermont Department of Health.
- Where can I legally sell cottage food products in Vermont?
- In Vermont, cottage food products may be sold at: home kitchen / personal property kitchen (production location), direct-to-consumer sales, markets and other venues (not to licensed food service establishments such as restaurants).
- What allergen labeling standard applies to cottage food in Vermont?
- Vermont follows the FDA Big Nine allergen standard for cottage food labeling.
- What products are allowed under Vermont cottage food law?
- The following product categories are permitted for cottage food production in Vermont: nonpotentially hazardous baked goods, including but not limited to:, candy, jams and jellies, dry herbs, trail mix, granola, cereal, mixed nuts, flavored vinegar, popcorn, coffee beans, dry tea, home-canned pickles, vegetables, or fruits having an equilibrium pH value of 4.6 or lower or a water activity value of 0.85 or less that are made using recipes approved by the National Center for Home Food Preservation or reviewed by a food processing authority for safety.
- What products are prohibited under Vermont cottage food law?
- The following products may not be sold under Vermont's cottage food exemption: foods that require refrigeration or time or temperature control for safety.