Minnesota Cottage Food Label Requirements

The required label statement

These products are homemade and not subject to state inspection.

Exact sentence prescribed by Minn. Stat. § 28A.152 subd. 1(a)(1)(i); the statute fixes no type size, font, colour or placement. The same statement must also appear on a clearly legible sign or placard at the point of sale (subd. 1(a)(1)(ii)) and, for internet sales, on the website (subd. 2).

What must be on your label

• Name of the person preparing and selling the food (Minn. Stat. § 28A.152 subd. 1(a)(1)(i))
• Registration number OR address of the person preparing and selling the food — either one satisfies the statute (subd. 1(a)(1)(i); MDA: "your address or cottage food registration number")
• Date on which the food was prepared (subd. 1(a)(1)(i); MDA calls it "the date the food was produced") — required on every product, not only perishable ones
• Ingredients (subd. 1(a)(1)(i))
• Possible allergens (subd. 1(a)(1)(i); MDA: "ingredients, including potential allergens for human foods")
• The statement "These products are homemade and not subject to state inspection." (subd. 1(a)(1)(i))
• Home-processed and home-canned pickles, vegetables or fruits (pH ≤ 4.6 or water activity ≤ 0.85, processed in Minnesota) carry the same label items, with the processing date (subd. 1(a)(2))
• Point of sale: a clearly legible sign or placard with the same statement (subd. 1(a)(1)(ii)); internet sales: statement displayed on the website (subd. 2)

Example: a Minnesota label for a bag of butter cookies

An illustrative worksheet with the lines Minnesota requires, and placeholders for your own details. It is not an approved product label or a tested recipe. Replace the ingredients and the measured package quantity with your actual product information.

The example ingredient order follows the input weights in our butter-cookie recipe. It does not establish the weight of a finished bag. Any additions or supplier sub-ingredients must be reflected in your own label. The statement's size on this web page is not a print-size check; compare the printed label with the rule above.

Before you print

1. Match every ingredient and sub-ingredient to your actual recipe and supplier labels.
2. Check the allergen declaration, the filled package's net quantity, and producer details.
3. Include the Minnesota statement and check its size on the final printed label.
4. Review the whole package, including any required information placed outside the Nutrition Facts panel.

Minnesota cottage food label questions

Does a Minnesota cottage food label need a home-kitchen statement?

Yes. The label must say "These products are homemade and not subject to state inspection.". Exact sentence prescribed by Minn. Stat. § 28A.152 subd. 1(a)(1)(i); the statute fixes no type size, font, colour or placement. The same statement must also appear on a clearly legible sign or placard at the point of sale (subd. 1(a)(1)(ii)) and, for internet sales, on the website (subd. 2).

Do I need a license or registration to sell cottage food in Minnesota?

Yes. Annual registration with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture before selling (subd. 4). Tier 1 (gross annual sales of $7,665 or less — the statute's $5,000 threshold inflation-adjusted): no fee, MDA online training and exam every year. Tier 2 ($7,666–$78,000): $50 fee, approved food safety course (University of Minnesota Extension) once every three years. No routine inspection. From Aug 1, 2027 (Laws 2025 ch. 34 art. 5): one tier, $30 yearly fee for everyone, approved course for all registrants.

Is there a sales limit for Minnesota cottage food?

Yes: $78,000 gross receipts per calendar year (Minn. Stat. § 28A.152 subd. 3); from Aug 1, 2027 adjusted for inflation every two years by the commissioner (new subd. 8).

Where can I sell cottage food in Minnesota?

Direct to the ultimate consumer only: community events, farmers' markets, from the home where local ordinance allows, internet orders. The preparer (or an employee) must deliver human food in person — shipping of human food is not allowed until Aug 1, 2027, when delivery by mail or commercial delivery becomes legal; pet treats may be shipped now. No sales to grocery stores, restaurants or other businesses; home-canned products may not be sold outside Minnesota.

Does a Minnesota cottage food label need a date?

Yes. Minnesota prints the date prepared on every package, so the label changes with each batch.

Can I leave my home address off a Minnesota cottage food label?

Yes, if you use the issued MDA cottage food registration number instead. Name of the person preparing and selling the food (Minn. Stat. § 28A.152 subd. 1(a)(1)(i))

Does a Minnesota cottage food label need a Nutrition Facts panel?

Not by state cottage-food law unless a nutrient content or health claim is made; the federal small-business exemption usually applies. If you choose to print a panel, it has to be complete and correctly formatted.