Connecticut cottage food laws
A licensed cottage food path through DCP, $50,000 cap, in-state direct sales only.
Connecticut requires every home baker to be licensed by the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP), complete an approved food safety course, and pass a label review. The annual sales cap was raised to $50,000 in 2022. Sales must be direct to Connecticut consumers; shipping and wholesale are not allowed under the cottage program.
Connecticut cottage food, quick facts.
How the Connecticut cottage food law actually works.
Connecticut runs a state-licensed cottage food program through the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP), Food and Standards Division. The current law (Public Act 18-141, codified at Conn. Gen. Stat. §21a-62a) was expanded in 2022, raising the gross annual sales cap from $25,000 to $50,000 effective October 1, 2022. Connecticut is one of the few states where the cottage license, food safety training, and label review all flow through a single state agency rather than a local board of health.
Cottage Food Operators may produce non-TCS, shelf-stable foods in their home kitchen. The product list is broad and covers most baked goods, candies, jams, and dry mixes. Operators must complete an approved food safety course, submit labels for DCP review and approval, and pay a license fee. The license is renewed periodically and tied to a specific kitchen and operator.
Sales channels are narrower than in many states. Connecticut requires direct-to-consumer sales within Connecticut: pickup at home, farmers markets, and local in-person delivery. Online order-taking is allowed, but cottage products may not be shipped by USPS, UPS, FedEx, or any carrier, and they may not be sold wholesale to retailers or restaurants. Cross-state shipping is treated as interstate commerce.
Connecticut's labeling rule is one of the strictest in the Northeast: every package must carry the exact disclaimer, in at least 10-point type, that the food was made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to routine government food safety inspection. DCP reviews and approves labels as part of the licensing process.
Allowed and prohibited foods.
- Cookies, brownies, biscotti, bars
- Cakes and cupcakes (without cream or cream-cheese fillings)
- Breads, rolls, biscuits, muffins, scones
- Fruit pies and other non-TCS pies
- Candies, fudge, brittles, caramels, chocolate confections
- Jams, jellies, fruit butters, preserves (high-acid)
- Granola, snack mixes, dry mixes, popcorn
- Roasted coffee beans, dry tea blends, herbs, spice rubs
- Maple syrup and honey from your own production
- Vinegars, dehydrated fruits and vegetables
- Cheesecakes, custard pies, cream pies, meringue pies
- Cream cheese frostings and refrigerated fillings
- Pickles and other acidified foods (require process authority approval)
- Fermented products like kimchi or sauerkraut
- Meat, poultry, fish, and shellfish products
- Low-acid canned foods (vegetables, soups)
- Fresh juices and refrigerated beverages
Connecticut sticks closely to non-TCS, shelf-stable foods. Acidified or fermented foods require additional approval and are not part of the standard cottage list.
Sales channels for Connecticut cottage bakers.
- Sales must be direct, in-person transactions with a Connecticut consumer.
- Online order-taking and payment is fine; the actual handoff cannot be by mail or carrier.
- Wholesale to stores or restaurants requires a commercial food license.
Label every product, exactly like this.
Made in a Cottage Food Operation that is not Subject to Routine Government Food Safety Inspection.
- The disclaimer must be in at least 10-point type and clearly visible on every package.
- Hand-printed labels are acceptable if they are durable, legible, and meet the size and contrast requirements.
- DCP must approve label designs before you can use them; submit drafts with your application.
How much can you earn under Connecticut cottage law?
Connecticut caps cottage food gross annual sales at $50,000 per operation, raised from $25,000 on October 1, 2022. Track your revenue carefully; once you approach the cap you must either pause for the year or move production to a licensed commercial kitchen and apply for a retail food establishment license.
Food safety training in Connecticut
Connecticut requires every cottage food operator to complete a DCP-approved food safety course before licensing. Common low-cost options include ServSafe Food Handler and the cottage-food-specific course offered through DCP partners (around $15). Keep your certificate on file and renew per the course provider's schedule.
Registration, permits, and inspections in Connecticut
Apply online or by mail to DCP's Food and Standards Division with the cottage food license application, your food safety certificate, sample labels, and the license fee (around $50). DCP reviews labels and may inspect the home kitchen. Once approved, the license is tied to a specific operator and address. Renew per DCP's schedule.
How to start a cottage bakery in Connecticut.
- 01Confirm your products are eligibleStick to non-TCS, shelf-stable foods. Cream-cheese frostings, custards, fermented foods, and acidified products are not part of the standard cottage list.DCP: Cottage Food Home →
- 02Complete a DCP-approved food safety courseTake an approved course (ServSafe Food Handler is a common low-cost option) and save your certificate for the application.ServSafe Food Handler →
- 03Apply for the DCP cottage food licenseSubmit the cottage food license application, draft labels, your food safety certificate, and the license fee. DCP reviews labels and may inspect.DCP cottage food manual (PDF) →
- 04Build a compliant label templateInclude the verbatim disclaimer in at least 10-point type, plus all standard label elements. Wait for DCP approval before printing.
- 05Set up your storefront and pickup workflowCakery gives you a free bakery page at cakerybakeries.com/your-bakery. Add menu, pricing, lead times, and pickup details. Remember Connecticut requires the actual transfer of product to be in person.Create a free Cakery page →
- 06Track sales toward the $50,000 capKeep clean records. As you approach $50,000, plan whether to scale back, move to a shared commercial kitchen, or upgrade to a retail food establishment license.
A few things Connecticut bakers should know.
- Connecticut raised the cottage cap from $25,000 to $50,000 effective October 1, 2022. Older guides may still reference the lower number.
- Sales must be direct, in-person transactions with a Connecticut consumer. Online order-taking is fine; physical transfer cannot be by mail or carrier.
- Connecticut sales tax: most baked goods sold for off-premises consumption are exempt as groceries, but candy, prepared individual servings, and some other items are taxable. Register with the Department of Revenue Services if needed.
- DCP reviews labels as part of the application; do not print large quantities until your label is approved.
- Local zoning may apply on top of DCP licensing. Confirm with your municipality if you plan to host pickups at your home.
Bookmark these for Connecticut baking.
Official agency resources
Statute and rules text
Helpful resources for bakers
Recent and upcoming changes in Connecticut.
- October 1, 2022Connecticut raised the cottage food gross annual sales cap from $25,000 to $50,000.
Connecticut cottage food FAQ.
Do I need a license to bake from home in Connecticut?
How much can I earn under Connecticut cottage food law?
Can I ship Connecticut cottage food?
What disclaimer goes on the label?
Can I sell my cottage products to a Connecticut coffee shop?
Are decorated cakes and cupcakes allowed?
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