Selling homemade food in Delaware

Allowed from a home kitchen

Sourdough bread · Cookies & brownies · Fruit pie · Macarons · Strawberry jam · Freeze-dried candy · Chocolates & truffles · Toffee, fudge & caramels

Needs a commercial kitchen or other license

Pumpkin pie · Cheesecake · Cake with cream cheese frosting · Meat tamales · Pepper jelly · Shelf-stable salsa · Fresh salsa (refrigerated) · Hot sauce · Canned pickles · Sauerkraut & kimchi · Canned tomato sauce · Granola · Spice rubs & seasoning blends · Loose-leaf tea blends · Dried fruit & fruit leather · Nut butter · Garlic or herb-infused oil · Mustard (no egg) · Home-cooked meals^‡ · Beef jerky · Cheese & yogurt^‡ · Cold-pressed juice · Kombucha^‡

Ask the agency first

Cake with buttercream · Fruit tamales · Low-sugar or freezer jam · Roasted coffee · Marshmallows · Pure honey · Infused honey · Vanilla extract · Fruit-infused vinegar

Every product has conditions, such as registration, training, labeling, and sales limits. See the full guide for each one. ‡ General rule; not specifically addressed in this state's guidance.

Limited sources: the detailed rules for Delaware rely on a secondary summary (Forrager) of the state regulations. Confirm with the state agency.

How to start

1. Check that the product is a non-potentially hazardous food on DPH's approved list.
2. Complete an 8-hour food safety course.
3. Register with DPH ($30 a year, renews April 1), pass a plan review and kitchen inspection, and test private water within 60 days of applying.
4. Sell directly to consumers at events, farmers markets, home pickup, or delivery in Delaware. No online sales, stores, or restaurants.
5. Keep production and sales records for three years and label every product.

Key label items

Use the exact required wording shown in the full guide and on the agency's site.

• “This food is made in a Cottage Food Establishment and is NOT subject to routine Government Food Safety Inspections”
• Product name and business name
• City as “Town/City, Delaware”
• Email or phone number
• Ingredients and allergens
• Net amount
• Date produced or lot number