Vermont Cottage Food Laws

Quick Facts

Allowed Foods and State Conditions

Cottage food products that do not require refrigeration or time or temperature control for safety.
Examples include non-potentially hazardous baked goods.
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 with an equilibrium pH of 4.6 or lower or a water activity value of 0.85 or less when made using approved recipes or recipes reviewed by a food processing authority.

Sales Types

Sales as allowed under Vermont’s current cottage food and home-based food exemption rules.

Getting Started

What You Should Do First

Review the Vermont home-based food licenses and exemptions page, determine whether you qualify as a cottage food operator or another exempt processor, complete any required training or exemption filing, and prepare labels before selling.

Common Issues

Vermont now uses multiple exemption categories with different sales thresholds. Operators should confirm which exemption applies before selling.

Reproducibility Note

Initial source-first import using official state source.

Labeling

Vermont requires labels for exempt home-based food producers and cottage food operators under current rules.

Required Label Items

Follow Vermont home-based food exemption labeling requirements
Include required product and producer information and any disclosures required by current Vermont rules

Required Disclaimer

This product was produced in a home kitchen under a Vermont licensing exemption and is not subject to the same licensing requirements as a licensed food manufacturer.

Allergen Statement Required

Varies

Labeling Notes

Vermont has changed its exemption framework recently. Use the current Department of Health page and current rule materials for exact requirements.

Official Source

Example Label