Selling homemade food in Michigan

Allowed from a home kitchen

Sourdough bread · Cookies & brownies · Fruit pie · Cake with buttercream · Strawberry jam · Granola · Spice rubs & seasoning blends · Loose-leaf tea blends · Dried fruit & fruit leather · 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 · Vanilla extract · Garlic or herb-infused oil^‡ · Home-cooked meals^‡ · Beef jerky^‡ · Cheese & yogurt^‡ · Cold-pressed juice^‡ · Kombucha^‡

Ask the agency first

Macarons · Fruit tamales · Low-sugar or freezer jam · Roasted coffee · Marshmallows · Nut butter · Pure honey · Infused honey · Fruit-infused vinegar · Mustard (no egg)

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.

How to start

1. Check that the product doesn't need refrigeration and isn't an excluded food like meat, dairy, or acidified or canned vegetables.
2. No license or inspection is required. Optional registration with the MSU Product Center gives you an ID number.
3. Sell directly to Michigan consumers. Online and mail orders need a chance for the buyer to talk with you, in person or by video, before the sale.
4. Label every product.

Key label items

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

• “Made in a Home Kitchen that has not been inspected by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development” in 11-point type
• Business name, address, and phone number
• Product name
• Ingredients in descending order by weight
• Net weight or volume
• Allergen declaration