Iowa Cottage Food
Label Requirements
Scale your Iowa food business with no revenue cap.
Stop guessing. Generate FDA-compliant labels that automatically handle mandatory Iowa legal disclaimers, font sizes, and privacy rules.
Regulated by: Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing
Artisan Sourdough
NET WT 16oz (454g)
INGREDIENTS: FLOUR (WHEAT), WATER, SALT, YEAST.
Contains: Wheat.
Required Iowa Disclaimer:
"This product was produced at a residential property that is exempt from state licensing and inspection."
1234 Main St, Iowa
At a Glance: Iowa Rules
The key constraints for your cottage food business.
Registration Cost
Free.
Annual Sales Limit
Unlimited (for Cottage Food tier)
Where can you sell?
Typically Allowed
Usually Prohibited
Regulatory Freedom Score
Business FriendlyIowa has a High Freedom Score (9.5/10). Unlike stricter jurisdictions, Iowa empowers makers with Unlimited (for Cottage Food tier) and allows broad sales channels. However, it requires a physical home address on all public labels.
Address Privacy
Official Rule
Address OR phone number OR email address
Your full physical home address must appear on every product label.
The "Verbatim" Trap
To sell legally in Iowa, your label must include specific phrasing exactly as written in the statute.
[Standard]
"This product was produced at a residential property that is exempt from state licensing and inspection."
*Peppery auto-inserts this text.
- State vs. Local: This guide covers Iowa 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 Iowa compliance.
Don't memorize this.
Our engine auto-formats your label to meet all Iowa requirements instantly.
Auto-Generate Label"Scaling my business to the Iowa limit meant my labeling had to be professional. Peppery ensures I don't get dinged by health inspectors as I grow."
Market Vendor in Iowa
Verified User
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Iowa cottage food laws.
What foods can I sell from home in Iowa?
Yes, Iowa allows specific cottage foods, but only if they are non-TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) and meet strict labeling requirements. Common approvals include Pickles (pH≤4.6), vegetables (pH≤4.6), baked goods., 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 Iowa?
The cap is Unlimited (for Cottage Food tier) annually for direct sales. However, calculating this limit can vary based on gross vs. net sales revenue definitions in Iowa statutes. See our guide for tracking compliance.
Can I sell cottage food online in Iowa?
Online sales regulations in Iowa are complex. Online: Yes. Shipping: Yes. Wholesale: No (Cottage Tier). However, shipping across state lines is generally prohibited. Check our guide for specific delivery zone restrictions.
What are the cottage food label requirements for Iowa?
Labels in Iowa 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: 'This product was produced at a residential property that is exempt from state licensing and inspection.'.
Can I hide my home address on labels in Iowa?
No. Currently, Iowa cottage food laws require the physical address of the kitchen to be listed on the label. P.O. Boxes are typically not accepted.