Tennessee Cottage Laws
Ready to turn your kitchen into a profitable home bakery? Tennessee's cottage food laws make it easier than ever to start your dream baking business right from your own home!
What Foods Can You Make and Sell?
✅ YES – You Can Sell These:
Baked Goods (The Classics):
- Breads, rolls, and bagels
- Cookies and brownies
- Cakes and cupcakes (including wedding cakes!)
- Muffins, scones, and biscuits
- Donuts and pastries
- Macarons and cake pops
Sweet Treats:
- Candies and chocolates
- Fudge and toffee
- Jams and jellies
- Honey (up to 150 gallons per year)
Pantry Items:
- Dried herbs and spices
- Coffee beans and tea leaves
- Dried fruits and vegetables
- Pasta noodles
- Granola and cereals
- Spice mixes and seasonings
❌ NO – You Cannot Sell These:
- Anything with meat, poultry, or fish
- Fresh dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
- Foods with whole eggs as a main ingredient
- Items that need refrigeration
- Canned low-acid foods
- Fresh produce
Remember the Golden Rule: If it needs to stay cold to be safe, you can't sell it under cottage food laws.
The Beautiful Benefits of Tennessee's Law
🚫 No License Required
Unlike many states, Tennessee doesn't require you to get a special cottage food license. You can literally start today!
🚫 No Inspections Needed
Your home kitchen doesn't need to be inspected by health officials.
💰 No Sales Limit
Many states cap how much money you can make. Tennessee? No limits! Sell as much as you want.
🌐 Sell Anywhere in Tennessee
- Farmers markets
- Online (with in-state shipping)
- Retail stores
- Direct to customers
- Through third-party vendors
- At events and fairs
🏛️ Local Governments Can't Stop You
The law specifically prevents cities and counties from adding extra regulations or banning cottage food sales.
Labeling: Your Legal Requirements
Every product you sell must have a proper label. Here's what needs to be on it:
Required Information:
- Product name (like “Chocolate Chip Cookies”)
- Your name and complete home address
- Your phone number
- Ingredients list (in order from most to least used)
- The magic disclaimer: “This product was produced at a private residence that is exempt from state licensing and inspection. This product may contain allergens.”
Labeling Tips:
- If selling from bulk containers, label the container
- For unpackaged items, use a placard at your display
- Online sales must show labeling info on the website
- Phone orders require you to verbally inform customers about the homemade nature
Pro Tip: Services like VistaPrint make it easy to create professional-looking labels that meet all requirements while marketing your brand!
Where Can You Sell Your Goodies?
Tennessee's law is incredibly flexible about where you can sell:
Direct Sales:
- Your home
- Farmers markets
- Craft fairs and festivals
- Roadside stands
Online & Phone:
- Your website
- Social media platforms
- Phone orders
- In-state shipping only
Retail & Third-Party:
- Grocery stores
- Gift shops
- Coffee shops
- Through other vendors
Getting Started: Your Action Plan
Step 1: Check Local Requirements
While the state doesn't require licenses, some cities might require a basic business license. Call your city hall and ask: “I'm starting a cottage food business from home. Do I need a business license?”
Step 2: Choose Your Products
Pick items from the “allowed” list that you love making and that have good profit potential.
Step 3: Create Your Labels
Design labels with all required information. Make them look professional – they're part of your marketing!
Step 4: Start Small
Begin with friends, family, and local markets. Build your reputation and customer base gradually.
Step 5: Consider Growth
Since Tennessee has no sales limits, you can grow as big as you want under cottage food laws. When you outgrow your home kitchen, you can always transition to a commercial facility later.
Important Things to Remember
Food Safety First
Just because inspections aren't required doesn't mean food safety isn't important. Always:
- Keep your kitchen clean
- Use fresh ingredients
- Store products properly
- Follow good hygiene practices
Insurance Considerations
While not legally required, consider getting liability insurance for your business. Check if your homeowner's insurance covers home businesses.
Keep Good Records
Track your income for tax purposes. Even cottage food businesses need to report earnings to the IRS.
Stay Updated
Laws can change. The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is your best resource for current information.
Recent Updates (2025)
Tennessee continues to expand food freedom! In April 2025, the legislature approved House Bill 130, which allows the sale of certain homemade poultry and dairy products. This shows Tennessee's commitment to supporting small food entrepreneurs.
Bottom Line
Tennessee's cottage food laws are among the most business-friendly in the nation. With no licenses, no inspections, no sales limits, and broad selling permissions, the state makes it incredibly easy to turn your baking passion into profit.
The hardest part isn't navigating the legal requirements – it's deciding what delicious treats to make first!
Ready to start your cottage food journey? Remember to always verify current requirements with your local city hall and stay informed about any law changes. Happy baking!
Resources:
- Tennessee Department of Agriculture: (615) 837-5103
- Email: TN.Agriculture@tn.gov
- For detailed legal information, consult the Tennessee Food Freedom Act (HB 813)
This guide provides general information about Tennessee cottage food laws as of 2025. Always consult with local authorities and legal professionals for specific situations and current requirements.
What foods contain dairy, but don’t require refrigeration, that can be sold from a home?
Thanks!
Hi Carrie! Unfortunately I am not aware of any TN cottage friendly foods that have dairy and do not require refrigeration. Dairy has low acidity which means it can easily grow bracteria. If by chance I come across something, or the law changes again; I will update it for sure. Thanks for the question.
Hi! Do you know what is required to teach a cookie decorating class from your home? Are there any special requirements for that other than liability insurance?
Hi Ashley! So teaching classes, though they are food related, may not fall under the Tennessee Food Freedom Act. Instead it would possibly fall under your local zoning ordinances and city/county general business licensing, if they have those there. To get a clear answer, I would check with TN Department of Agriculture at TN.Agriculture@tn.gov and your local city/county business office. Hoping for you, they allow it because teaching classes would be amazing. Let me know what you find out.