New Hampshire — the rules
Selling Food From Home in New Hampshire: Cottage Food Rules (2026)
Yes — you can legally sell food made in your home kitchen in New Hampshire, under the Homestead Food Operation (RSA 143-A; licensed tier: Class H Homestead Food License). There is no state sales cap on the books. Here is exactly what that means.
New Hampshire at a glance
| Home food sales | Allowed |
| Program | Homestead Food Operation (RSA 143-A; licensed tier: Class H Homestead Food License) |
| Annual sales cap | None specified |
| Sales channels | Direct to consumers AND through retail/indirect channels |
What foods are covered
non-potentially-hazardous foods only (shelf-stable baked goods, jams, dry goods; excludes foods requiring temperature control and low-acid canned foods); freeze-dried operations always require licensure
Permits and registration
Two tiers: no license, registration, or fee for exempt operations selling from the homestead residence, own farm stand, farmers' markets, or retail food stores (historical $35,000 exemption cap removed by HB 119, 2023); a Class H Homestead Food License ($150/yr, with inspection) is required to sell to restaurants, over the internet, by mail order, or wholesale
Going legal in New Hampshire: 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: gc.nh.gov · gc.nh.gov · www.dhhs.nh.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 New Hampshire?
Yes — under Homestead Food Operation (RSA 143-A; licensed tier: Class H Homestead Food License). Allowed foods and channels are specific; check the primary source.
How much can you sell under New Hampshire's cottage food law?
New Hampshire does not specify a state sales cap in the current rules.
Do you need a permit to sell food from home in New Hampshire?
Two tiers: no license, registration, or fee for exempt operations selling from the homestead residence, own farm stand, farmers' markets, or retail food stores (historical $35,000 exemption cap removed by HB 119, 2023); a Class H Homestead Food License ($150/yr, with inspection)