# Cottage food label template.

A cottage food label usually shows the product name, ingredients listed by weight, major allergens, the net quantity, your name and address, and a statement that the food was made in a home kitchen that is not inspected. Each state sets the exact wording, type size and extra items, so check yours before you print.

_Updated 2026-10-11._

## Copy this label and fill it in.

1. Product name. [Common name of the food, for example: Chocolate Chip Cookies]. Use the plain name of the food, not only a brand or a nickname.
2. Ingredients. Ingredients: [Ingredient 1, Ingredient 2, Ingredient 3]. List ingredients from most to least by weight, and name sub-ingredients in parentheses, for example: [Flour (wheat flour, malted barley flour)].
3. Allergens. Contains: [Milk, Eggs, Wheat, Tree nuts, Peanuts, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Sesame, whichever apply]. Many states follow the federal list of major allergens, and your state may also want a note on shared equipment. Check which allergens your state requires you to name.
4. Net quantity. Net wt. [Weight in ounces and grams] or Net [Volume in fluid ounces and milliliters]. Many states want both units, or the weight of the contents without the packaging.
5. Producer name and address. Made by: [Your name or business name], [Street address, city, state, ZIP]. Some states allow a business address or a registered number instead of a home address, and some require the full address. Check yours.
6. Home kitchen statement. [Your state's required statement. Example style: "Made in a home kitchen that is not inspected by the [State agency]."] Many states require this statement, and many set the exact words, the type size and a contrasting color. Copy your state's wording exactly.
7. Extras your state may ask for. [Date made or best-by date, if your state requires it], [Cottage food license or registration number], [Storage instructions, such as "Keep refrigerated"], [Nutrition facts only if your state or your claims require them]. Keep health or nutrition claims off the label unless you know the rules.

## Each state sets the exact statement, size and items.

There is no single national cottage food label. Each state decides which foods count as cottage foods, what must be on the label, the exact statement wording, the minimum type size and whether you need a license or registration. Some require the statement on every item, and some allow a sign at the point of sale for certain sales.

Check the rules for the state where you sell, not only where you bake. Selling online, shipping or selling at an out-of-state market can change what applies. If you are unsure, ask your state or county health department, and keep a copy of the rule you follow.

## Print, test and keep a master copy.

Make one master label per product and update it whenever a recipe, brand or ingredient changes, because a changed ingredient can add an allergen. Print a test label, read it against your state's checklist, and check that the text is easy to read at the size you printed it.

Keep your recipes with ingredient weights and brand names on file, so you can rebuild the ingredient list in the right order quickly. This page is not legal advice.

## Selling food at markets with bzar.

- Keep your licenses, permits and insurance certificates on file and reuse them across applications.
- Shoppers can pre-order from you for a market and pick up at your booth.

## Questions

**What must be on a cottage food label?**

Usually the product name, ingredients by weight, allergens, net quantity, your name and address, and a home kitchen statement. Each state sets the exact wording and any extras, so check your state's rules.

**What does the cottage food home kitchen statement say?**

It is usually a short sentence saying the food was made in a home kitchen that is not inspected. The exact words, type size and placement are set by each state, so copy your state's wording exactly.

**Do I have to list ingredients by weight?**

Most labeling rules list ingredients from the largest amount to the smallest by weight. Name sub-ingredients in parentheses. Check your state's rules and keep your recipe weights on file.

**Do cottage food labels need a nutrition facts panel?**

Often not for small cottage food producers, but it depends on your state and on any health or nutrition claims you make. Check your state's rules before you decide.

**Are Maryland and Virginia cottage food labels the same?**

No. Each state sets its own required statement, wording and extras, and the details can change. Check the state's current rules or ask its health department before you print labels.

## Related

- [Cottage food laws by state](https://bzar.app/permits/data/cottage-food-laws-by-state)
- [Maryland vendor and market rules](https://bzar.app/permits/state/maryland)
- [Virginia vendor and market rules](https://bzar.app/permits/state/virginia)
- [Selling food at farmers markets](https://bzar.app/guides/selling-food-at-farmers-markets)