Can you sell mustard from home?

16 of 51 jurisdictions (50 states plus DC) allow mustard to be made in a home kitchen under cottage food rules, often with conditions. 7 require a commercial kitchen. Here's why, and where each state lands.

Created by Mendocino Food Consulting · Book a Call

The food science

Prepared mustard is a high-acid condiment. Vinegar keeps the pH low. Even so, states are split. Some allow mustard as a cottage food, while others classify it as a condiment or "wet" product that needs a commercial kitchen.

Where mustard can be made at home

Allowed from a home kitchenNeeds a commercial kitchen or another agencyNot clearly addressed: ask first

Select a state to open its guide. Every state's conditions are listed below the map.

Allowed from a home kitchen (16)

Arizona. Allowed.
California. Plain mustards made without eggs are approved.
Idaho. Allowed.
Iowa. Allowed.
Louisiana. Mustards are covered.
Maine. Allowed after review if acidified.
Minnesota. Acidic condiments at pH 4.6 or below are allowed.
Mississippi. Mustard is allowed.
Montana. Allowed.
North Dakota. Allowed.
Oklahoma. Allowed.
South Dakota. Allowed if canned at pH below 4.6.
Tennessee. Allowed.
Texas. Allowed.
Utah. Allowed.
Wyoming. Allowed.

Needs a commercial kitchen (7)

Delaware. Mustards are excluded.
Florida. Mustard is specifically not allowed.
Maryland. Condiments are specifically not allowed.
Missouri. Not one of the law's three categories.
Nevada. Mustards are excluded.
New York. Mustards are prohibited.
Ohio. Not on the cottage list.

Not clearly addressed: ask the agency first (28)

Alabama. Not clearly addressed in the state's guidance.
Alaska. Not clearly addressed in the state's guidance.
Arkansas. Not clearly addressed in the state's guidance.
Colorado. Not clearly addressed in the state's guidance.
Connecticut. Not clearly addressed in the state's guidance.
District of Columbia. Not clearly addressed in the state's guidance.
Georgia. Not clearly addressed in the state's guidance.
Hawaii. Not clearly addressed in the state's guidance.
Illinois. Not clearly addressed in the state's guidance.
Indiana. Not clearly addressed in the state's guidance.
Kansas. Not clearly addressed in the state's guidance.
Kentucky. Not clearly addressed in the state's guidance.
Massachusetts. Not clearly addressed in the state's guidance.
Michigan. Not clearly addressed in the state's guidance.
Nebraska. Allowed unless it's a hermetically sealed acidified food.
New Hampshire. Not clearly addressed in the state's guidance.
New Jersey. Not clearly addressed in the state's guidance.
New Mexico. Not clearly addressed in the state's guidance.
North Carolina. Not clearly addressed in the state's guidance.
Oregon. Not clearly addressed in the state's guidance.
Pennsylvania. Not clearly addressed in the state's guidance.
Rhode Island. Not clearly addressed in the state's guidance.
South Carolina. Not clearly addressed in the state's guidance.
Vermont. Not clearly addressed in the state's guidance.
Virginia. Condiments other than those listed aren't covered.
Washington. Not clearly addressed in the state's guidance.
West Virginia. Not clearly addressed in the state's guidance.
Wisconsin. Not clearly addressed in the state's guidance.

Developing mustard?

Mendocino Food Consulting helps food entrepreneurs with formulation, pH, and shelf-stability questions. We are food scientists, not attorneys, and we don't provide legal advice.

Book a call Check your state on the map

Rules summarized from the sources listed in each state's guide, reviewed October 2026. Each state's conditions and exceptions are described in its guide; confirm with the agency before selling.