Label guide · Free answer
Cottage food ingredient label
Most states require the same core pieces, in the same order. The exact disclaimer wording varies by state — use your state page, not a generic template, for the final print run.
What goes on the label
- Product name — what the food is, in plain words.
- Your name and address — the maker's name and address, or P.O. box where the state allows it.
- Ingredients, in descending order by weight — the order matters; the most of it goes first.
- Allergens — milk, egg, wheat, soy, peanut, tree nut, fish, shellfish, sesame, as applicable, in the format your state requires.
- Net weight — in ounces and grams.
- Home-kitchen / cottage-food disclaimer — the state-specific wording, e.g. Florida's "Made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to Florida's food safety regulations." Other states use different wording and different type-size rules.
Not legal advice. Verify wording with your state agency before a production print run — the state pages on this site link to the agency page for each state.
Label templates by state → · Cottage Pro label packet (287 pages, $15 one time) →
Frequently asked
Common questions
Do ingredients have to be in order?
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Yes, in descending order by weight in most states. Putting a minor ingredient first is a labelling error, even if the list is otherwise complete.
Is the disclaimer the same in every state?
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No. Wording, type size, and placement vary by state. Use the state-specific template for the state you sell in.
Does a label template replace checking my state page?
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No. Templates help with layout; the state page and the agency page are the source for what that state requires.