Cottage food labeling for home bakers
Cottage food labeling basics for home bakers: product name, ingredients, allergens, business info, net weight, date, and state-specific disclaimers.
Cottage food labeling is where a home bakery starts looking like a real food business. The exact rules vary by state, but most labels need the same core information.
common label elements
- Product name: clear and specific.
- Ingredients in descending order by weight.
- Major allergens, especially wheat, milk, egg, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, fish, and shellfish when applicable.
- Business name and sometimes address or registration number.
- Net weight or count.
- Production date or best-by date if required.
- Required cottage food disclaimer, which varies by state.
example loaf label
- Product
- Country sourdough bread
- Ingredients
- Bread flour, water, sourdough starter (flour, water), sea salt
- Allergens
- Contains wheat
- Net weight
- Approx. 900g
- Disclaimer
- Use your state's required cottage food statement
state differences matter
Some states require a registration number, exact business address, warning statement, or permit language. Start with your state page in the Crosodo cottage food law directory before printing labels in bulk.
where to go next
If you are preparing for markets, pair this with farmers market setup for cottage bakers.
Crosodo Blog entries are recipe and craft notes from working cottage bakers. Recipes assume working with an active starter and basic equipment. Cottage food sales are governed by your state's law — see our state directory for legal details.