Selling homemade food in Tennessee

Allowed from a home kitchen

Sourdough bread · Cookies & brownies · Fruit pie · Pumpkin pie · Cheesecake · Cake with buttercream · Cake with cream cheese frosting · Macarons · Fruit tamales · Strawberry jam · Low-sugar or freezer jam · Pepper jelly · Shelf-stable salsa · Fresh salsa (refrigerated) · Hot sauce · Canned pickles · Sauerkraut & kimchi · Granola · Spice rubs & seasoning blends · Roasted coffee · Loose-leaf tea blends · Dried fruit & fruit leather · Freeze-dried candy · Chocolates & truffles · Toffee, fudge & caramels · Marshmallows · Nut butter · Pure honey · Infused honey · Fruit-infused vinegar · Mustard (no egg)

Needs a commercial kitchen or other license

Meat tamales · Vanilla extract · Beef jerky · Kombucha

Ask the agency first

Canned tomato sauce · Garlic or herb-infused oil · Home-cooked meals · Cheese & yogurt · Cold-pressed juice

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. Make sure the product isn't excluded: alcohol, fish and shellfish, meat, or raw milk. Poultry is allowed only under narrow rules.
2. No license, permit, or inspection is needed. TDA can't advise on specific products.
3. Make and package food in your own home and sell only in Tennessee.
4. TCS foods must stay below 41°F and be sold in person, directly to the consumer. Non-TCS foods can also be sold online or through stores.
5. Label every product or post a placard.

Key label items

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

• “This product was produced at a private residence that is exempt from state licensing and inspection.”
• Producer's name, home address, and phone number
• Common or usual name of the product
• Ingredients in descending order by weight
• The nine major allergens identified
• TCS foods: “Keep Refrigerated”
• No health claims