California Cottage Food
Label Requirements
Maximize your $86,206 allowance in California without legal headaches.
Stop guessing. Generate FDA-compliant labels that automatically handle mandatory California legal disclaimers, font sizes, and privacy rules.
Regulated by: California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Artisan Sourdough
NET WT 16oz (454g)
INGREDIENTS: FLOUR (WHEAT), WATER, SALT, YEAST.
Contains: Wheat.
Required California Disclaimer:
"Made in a Home Kitchen"
+ 1 conditional statements
REG NO: 12345-AB
At a Glance: California Rules
The key constraints for your cottage food business.
Registration Cost
Varies by County ($118-$177+).
Annual Sales Limit
$86,206 (2025) (Class A)
Where can you sell?
Typically Allowed
Usually Prohibited
Regulatory Freedom Score
Business FriendlyCalifornia has a High Freedom Score (8.0/10). Unlike stricter jurisdictions, California empowers makers with $86,206 (2025) (Class A) and allows broad sales channels. Notably, it is a privacy-friendly state allowing the use of ID numbers on labels.
Address Privacy
Official Rule
Full physical address
You can use a Registration ID instead of your home address on labels.
The "Verbatim" Trap
To sell legally in California, your label must include specific phrasing exactly as written in the statute.
[Standard]
"Made in a Home Kitchen"
[Standard]
"Repackaged in a Home Kitchen"
*Peppery auto-inserts this text.
- State vs. Local: This guide covers California state-level regulations only. Your local county or municipality may have stricter zoning, business licensing, or health ordinances.
- Tool Nature: Peppery is an automated compliance tool, not a law firm. This page provides information, not legal advice.
- Verification: Regulations change. Always verify specific labeling requirements with your local health authority before printing or selling.
Technical Checklist
Every requirement for California compliance.
Don't memorize this.
Our engine auto-formats your label to meet all California requirements instantly.
Auto-Generate Label"I was hesitant to start selling in California because I didn't know the rules about home addresses. Peppery's privacy toggle helped me navigate it and use my ID number instead."
Cottage Baker in California
Verified User
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about California cottage food laws.
What foods can I sell from home in California?
Yes, California allows specific cottage foods, but only if they are non-TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) and meet strict labeling requirements. Common approvals include Bread, tortillas, dried fruit, popcorn (Strict Approved List Only)., but specific pH testing may be required for acidified foods. Use our free analysis tool to verify your recipe's compliance.
What is the sales limit for cottage food in California?
The cap is $86,206 (2025) (Class A) annually for direct sales. However, calculating this limit can vary based on gross vs. net sales revenue definitions in California statutes. See our guide for tracking compliance.
Can I sell cottage food online in California?
Online sales regulations in California are complex. Online: Yes. Shipping: Yes. Wholesale: No (Class A). However, shipping across state lines is generally prohibited. Check our guide for specific delivery zone restrictions.
What are the cottage food label requirements for California?
Labels in California generally require: 1) Name of the product, 2) Producer Name and Address, 3) Ingredients listed by weight, 4) Net Quantity (Dual Units), and 5) The mandatory disclaimer statement: 'Made in a Home Kitchen'.
Can I hide my home address on labels in California?
Yes. California laws currently allow the use of a Registration Number or ID in lieu of a physical address to protect producer privacy.