Selling homemade food in Mississippi

Allowed from a home kitchen

Sourdough bread · Cookies & brownies · Fruit pie · Strawberry jam · Pepper jelly · Shelf-stable salsa · Hot sauce · Canned pickles · Canned tomato sauce · Granola · Spice rubs & seasoning blends · Loose-leaf tea blends · Dried fruit & fruit leather · Freeze-dried candy · Chocolates & truffles · Toffee, fudge & caramels · Marshmallows · Fruit-infused vinegar · Mustard (no egg)

Needs a commercial kitchen or other license

Pumpkin pie · Cheesecake · Cake with cream cheese frosting · Meat tamales · Low-sugar or freezer jam · Fresh salsa (refrigerated) · Nut butter · Garlic or herb-infused oil · Home-cooked meals^‡ · Beef jerky^‡ · Cheese & yogurt^‡ · Cold-pressed juice^‡ · Kombucha

Ask the agency first

Cake with buttercream · Macarons · Fruit tamales · Sauerkraut & kimchi · Roasted coffee · Pure honey · Infused honey · Vanilla extract

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 Mississippi rely on a 2023 state FAQ. Confirm with the state agency.

How to start

1. Check that the product is on MSDH's allowed list and doesn't need refrigeration.
2. No state registration is required. Check city and county business license, tax, and zoning rules.
3. Sell in person, directly to consumers in Mississippi. You can advertise online, but sales must be person to person.
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 Cottage Food operation that is not subject to Mississippi's food safety regulations.”
• Name and address of the operation
• Product name
• Ingredients in descending order by weight
• Net weight or volume
• Allergens
• Nutrition information only if you make a claim