Indiana Cottage Food Law: Labeling and Sales Guide
Cottage food regulations for Indiana — sales limits, allowed and prohibited products, labeling requirements, and where you can sell direct-to-consumer.
Quick Answer
Indiana's Home Based Vendor (HBV) law lets individuals sell non-TCS (shelf-stable) foods made in a home kitchen directly to consumers with no annual sales cap. Vendors must hold a food handler certificate from an ANSI-accredited issuer (e.g., ServSafe Food Handler, valid three years). Sales are direct-to-consumer only and every label must state "NOT FOR RESALE." The 2026 expansion (HEA 1424, IC 16-42-5.4) broadened what home-based vendors may produce.
Indiana Cottage Food Law: At a Glance
| Law / Program | Indiana Home Based Vendor (HBV) Law |
| Enacted / Last Amended | 2022 (IC 16-42-5.3); expanded 2026 (HEA 1424, IC 16-42-5.4) |
| Annual Sales Limit | No annual sales cap |
| Statute Citation | IC 16-42-5.3; IC 16-42-5.4 (HEA 1424, 2026) |
| Enforcing Agency | Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) |
Allowed Cottage Food Products
- ✓Baked goods (cookies, cupcakes, cake pops, bread, muffins)
- ✓High-acid jams, jellies, and preserves (full-sugar recipes)
- ✓Candy and confections
- ✓Dry mixes and seasonings
- ✓Dried herbs and teas
- ✓Honey and syrups
- ✓Granola and popcorn
Products NOT Permitted Under Cottage Food
- ✗Meat, poultry, and fish products
- ✗Foods requiring refrigeration (TCS)
- ✗Cream- and custard-filled baked goods
- ✗Low-acid canned vegetables
- ✗No-sugar or reduced-sugar jams/jellies
- ✗Pet treats
Where You Can Sell
- •Direct sales at the producer's home
- •Indiana farmers markets and roadside stands
- •Local fairs, festivals, and food events
- •Online sales for delivery within Indiana
- •NOT permitted: wholesale or resale (label must read "NOT FOR RESALE")
- •NOT permitted: interstate shipping
Indiana Cottage Food Labeling Requirements
- 1Product name
- 2Producer's name and address
- 3Net weight or volume
- 4Ingredient list in descending order by weight
- 5Allergen "Contains" statement (FALCPA + FASTER Act)
- 6Disclaimer in at least 10-point type: "This product is home produced and processed and the production area has not been inspected by the Indiana Department of Health. NOT FOR RESALE."
Indiana Cottage Food FAQs
Does Indiana require a license for home-based vendors?
No license is required to sell non-TCS foods directly to consumers. However, every home-based vendor must obtain a food handler certificate from an ANSI-accredited issuer before selling.
Is there a sales cap for Indiana HBVs?
No. Indiana imposes no limit on gross annual revenue for home-based vendors. The restriction is on sales channel (direct-to-consumer only), not on dollars earned.
Can I ship my products in Indiana?
You may sell online for delivery within Indiana. Interstate shipping is not permitted under HBV rules — that requires commercial licensing.
What food safety training do I need?
A food handler certificate from an ANSI-accredited provider (ServSafe Food Handler satisfies this). The certificate is valid for three years.
Can I sell to stores or restaurants?
No. Indiana HBV law allows direct sales to the end consumer only, which is why labels must state "NOT FOR RESALE." Wholesale requires commercial food licensing.
Related Guides for Cottage Food Producers
Homemade Food Labels
What's required on cottage food labels even when nutrition facts panels are exempt.
FDA Small Business Exemption
When the FDA waives nutrition label requirements — federal rules layered on top of state cottage food laws.
Allergen Labeling Rules
FALCPA + FASTER Act: the 9 major allergens that must be disclosed on every food label — including cottage food.
Scaling Beyond Cottage Food?
When you exceed your state's cottage food limit or move to retail distribution, you need a full FDA Nutrition Facts label. Generate one free in 3 minutes.
Open Free Generator