Tennessee Cottage Food Law: Labeling and Sales Guide
Cottage food regulations for Tennessee — sales limits, allowed and prohibited products, labeling requirements, and where you can sell direct-to-consumer.
Quick Answer
Tennessee's Food Freedom Act is among the most permissive cottage food laws in the U.S. — no license, no registration, and no sales cap. Producers may sell a very wide range of homemade foods, including some most states prohibit (cream pies, cheesecakes, cream-filled pastries) and, since July 2025, pasteurized dairy and eggs. Non-TCS foods may be sold direct, online, shipped within Tennessee, and wholesale to retail stores (but not to restaurants).
Tennessee Cottage Food Law: At a Glance
| Law / Program | Tennessee Food Freedom Act |
| Enacted / Last Amended | 2022 (HB 813); expanded 2025 (HB 130) |
| Annual Sales Limit | No sales cap, income limit, or production limit |
| Statute Citation | T.C.A. § 53-1-118 (HB 813, 2022; amended HB 130, 2025) |
| Enforcing Agency | Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) |
Allowed Cottage Food Products
- ✓Baked goods including cream pies, cheesecakes, and cream-filled pastries
- ✓Candies, fudge, and chocolates
- ✓Jams, jellies, preserves, and fruit butters
- ✓Acidified foods and certain canned foods (pickles, fermented vegetables, sauces)
- ✓Dried fruits, granola, roasted nuts, and nut butters
- ✓Honey and maple syrup
- ✓Pasteurized dairy and eggs (allowed since July 1, 2025, HB 130)
Products NOT Permitted Under Cottage Food
- ✗Red meat (beef, pork, lamb)
- ✗Fish and shellfish
- ✗Raw (unpasteurized) milk
Where You Can Sell
- •Non-TCS foods: direct sales, online, in-state shipping, and wholesale to retail stores
- •NOT to restaurants (restaurants cannot resell or use cottage food products)
- •TCS foods (poultry, pasteurized dairy): in-person direct sales only
- •Farmers markets, events, and from the home
Tennessee Cottage Food Labeling Requirements
- 1Producer's contact information
- 2Product name
- 3Ingredient list
- 4Allergen statement
- 5Required disclaimer: "This product was produced at a private residence that is exempt from state licensing and inspection. This product may contain allergens."
Tennessee Cottage Food FAQs
Does Tennessee require a cottage food license?
No. The Food Freedom Act requires no license and no state registration to sell homemade foods under its terms.
Is there a sales cap in Tennessee?
No. There is no gross-sales cap, income limit, or production-volume limit — one of the most permissive frameworks in the country.
Can I sell cottage food wholesale in Tennessee?
Non-TCS foods may be sold wholesale to retail stores. They may NOT be sold to restaurants, which cannot resell or serve cottage food products.
Can I sell pasteurized dairy or eggs?
Yes, since July 1, 2025 (HB 130). These are TCS items, so they must be sold in person, direct to the consumer or via an agent/employee.
Can I ship my products out of state?
No. In-state shipping is allowed for non-TCS foods, but interstate shipping requires federal/commercial compliance outside the Food Freedom Act.
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