Michigan — the rules
Selling Food From Home in Michigan: Cottage Food Rules (2026)
Yes — you can legally sell food made in your home kitchen in Michigan, under the Michigan Cottage Food Law (license exemption under the Michigan Food Law, administered by MDARD). Sales are capped at $50,000/year. Here is exactly what that means.
Michigan at a glance
| Home food sales | Allowed |
| Program | Michigan Cottage Food Law (license exemption under the Michigan Food Law, administered by MDARD) |
| Annual sales cap | $50,000 |
| Sales channels | Direct to consumers AND through retail/indirect channels |
What foods are covered
non-potentially-hazardous only (breads, cookies, shelf-stable pies, cakes, jams/jellies in glass jars, dry mixes, dried pasta, popcorn/granola, roasted coffee, extracts, vinegars, freeze-dried shelf-stable foods); no meat, dairy, fish, canned/pickled goods, beverages, pet treats, CBD, or refrigerated items
Permits and registration
No license, registration, or inspection required — exempt from Michigan Food Law licensing; must comply with labeling rules including 'Made in a home kitchen not inspected by MDARD'; optional free MSU Product Center registration to use a registration number instead of home address on labels
Going legal in Michigan: the plate-seller checklist
- Read the primary source (linked below) — caps and food lists are specific and they change.
- Label honestly — most programs require your name, address or registration, and a made-in-a-home-kitchen disclosure on packaging.
- Get your free EIN at irs.gov and open a separate account for food money.
- Take payment at order time — prepaid orders with a weekly cutoff are how home sellers stay profitable AND within caps.
- Build the storefront — a menu page, order-ahead with cutoffs, your own business line. Our free guide covers the whole playbook.
Sources and verification
Verified 2026-07 against: www.michigan.gov · www.michigan.gov · legislature.mi.gov. Rules change — confirm with the primary source before acting; this guide is information, not legal advice.
Questions people ask
Is it legal to sell food from home in Michigan?
Yes — under Michigan Cottage Food Law (license exemption under the Michigan Food Law, administered by MDARD), with an annual sales cap of $50,000. Allowed foods and channels are specific; check the primary source.
How much can you sell under Michigan's cottage food law?
$50,000 per year under the current rules.
Do you need a permit to sell food from home in Michigan?
No license, registration, or inspection required — exempt from Michigan Food Law licensing; must comply with labeling rules including 'Made in a home kitchen not inspected by MDARD'; optional free MSU Product Center registration to use a registration number instead of home addres