Indiana cottage food law
Indiana Cottage Food Law — 262 pages and 92 counties
Full Indiana PDF (262 pages). This page stays free.
Last updated: · Research verified · Full guide in Cottage Pro ($15 one time) (262 pages)
Full Indiana PDF (262 pages). This page stays free.
Print Indiana labels for your first market
Print Indiana labels for your first market
After the law page, this is the next thing most bakers need: a print-ready mockup with the Indiana home-kitchen disclaimer, allergen line, and net-weight fields.
This product is home produced and processed, and the production area has not been inspected by the State Department of Health. NOT FOR RESALE.
The Crosodo 50-State Cottage Food Label Packet (287 pages) is included in Cottage Pro — 287 pages of per-state rules, official examples, and county extras. Open the combined packet. The Indiana mockup above stays free.
- Product name, producer, and address (or allowed alternative)
- Ingredients by weight and major allergens
- Net weight / quantity
- Indiana home-kitchen / “not inspected” disclaimer
Not legal advice. Verify wording with the state agency before a production print run.
What does the official Indiana state handout say?
Indiana Cottage Food Law — Official Guidance Summary
Official agency guidance changes without notice. The text below is reproduced for reference only — always confirm current rules on the agency website before relying on it.
- Indiana State Department of Healthhttps://www.in.gov/localhealth/unioncounty/files/2022-10-05-House-Enrolled-Act-1149-Home-Based-Vendors.pdf
As of July 1, 2026, HEA 1424 / Public Law 163 adds a homestead vendor and small farm vendor path. The home-based vendor (HEA 1149) rules summarized below still exist. The official digest does not change a sales cap.
Indiana's cottage food rules are set by Ind. Code §16-42-5.2. The summary below is drawn from Crosodo's verified statute research and official agency guidance. Always confirm current requirements on the state agency website before you sell.
Program basics
- Indiana Code Title 16, Article 42, Chapter 5.3 — Home Based Food Products (enacted as HEA 1149, 2022; prior law under Chapter 5.2)
- None
- No
- Yes (specific course)
- Upon-complaint
Allowed products and sales channels
- Home-based vendors may sell most nonperishable (non-potentially hazardous) foods, including baked goods, candies, jams and jellies, fermented products (not oxygen-sealed), nut butters, syrups, dried goods, coffee, tea, snacks, and similar shelf-stable items.
- Whole eggs, traditional pickles not stored in oxygen-sealed containers, and whole chickens or rabbits raised by the vendor (with restrictions) are also allowed.
- Perishable baked goods requiring refrigeration, acidified foods (pickles in oxygen-sealed containers, salsas, sauces, ketchup, juices), low-acid canned foods, and meat jerkies are prohibited. Interstate sales and wholesale/catering are not permitted under this law.
- Sales to restaurants, retail stores, and wholesale are prohibited; producers may sell at events, farmers markets, home, online, and roadside stands only.
Labeling
- Labels or point-of-sale signs must include: business name, home address, product name, date produced, ingredients, and the statement 'This product is home produced and processed and the production area has not been inspected by the state department of health. NOT FOR RESALE.' Net weight/count is also required.
Statute excerpt
- SECTION 4. IC 16-42-5.3 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE AS A NEW CHAPTER Chapter 5.3. Home Based Food Products Sec. 1. (a) As used in this chapter, "end consumer" [means a] person who is the last person to purchase any food product and who does not resell the food product. Sec. 2. A person may prepare and sell food products as a home based vendor if the person complies with the requirements of this chapter. Sec. 3.
- The production and sale of food products by a home based vendor in accordance with this chapter are exempt from the requirements of this title that apply to food establishments. Sec. 4. A home based vendor shall prepare and sell only a food product that is [a non-potentially hazardous food]. Sec. 5.
- (a) A home based vendor shall include a label for packaged food or a sign for unpackaged food that contains the following information: [business name, address, product name, date produced, ingredients, net weight, and statement that product is home produced and not inspected by state department of health]. Sec. 6. (a) A home based vendor may not ship or deliver a food product to an end consumer who is located outside Indiana. Sec. 7.
- (a) A home based vendor shall obtain a food handler certificate from a certificate issuer that is accredited by the [American National Standards Institute]. Sec. 8. (a) A home based vendor is subject to food sampling and inspection if [there is a complaint or reason to believe a violation exists].
Official sources
- State agency cottage food page: https://www.in.gov/health/food-protection/home-based-vendor-(cottage-foods)/
- Statute: http://iga.in.gov/laws/2022/ic/titles/016/articles/042/chapters/005.2
Summarized from official Indiana cottage food statute research and agency guidance. Agency rules change — verify on the official site before relying on this information.
Cottage Pro — $15 one time
This page is the free Indiana statute. Cottage Pro is the apply checklist and workspace.
Pick your Indiana county
The Cottage Baker's Field Guide (PDF)
A 6-page reference covering all 51 jurisdictions with methodology and tier explainers — same data as this directory, ready to print and tape to your wall.
Download the PDFFree email alerts
Indiana Cottage Food Updates
New bills, rule changes and local news for home bakers in Indiana. Every story links to its source.
What does the Great tier mean for Indiana?
Tier: Great. No or very high sales cap, broad product list, multiple sales channels including retail and online. Most home bakers can run a meaningful operation here.
Indiana cottage food law — quick summary
Indiana cottage food law in 2026: summary
Last verified against the official sources linked on each line.
- Indiana home based vendors (IC 16-42-5.3) can sell food that is not time/temperature control for safety, made at their primary residence, in person, by phone, or online, delivered in person, by mail, or by a third-party carrier. Products may not be resold.(source: Indiana Code 16-42-5.3 (2026), Home Based Vendors)
- You need a food handler certificate from an ANSI-accredited issuer, and you must give a copy to your county's local health department.(source: Indiana Code 16-42-5.3 (2026), Home Based Vendors)
- You can't ship or deliver to customers outside Indiana.(source: Indiana Code 16-42-5.3 (2026), Home Based Vendors)
- New for 2026: HEA 1424 created separate homestead vendor and small farm rules (IC 16-42-5.4). The Indiana Department of Health says the home based vendor rules (IC 16-42-5.3) remain in force.(source: Indiana Dept. of Health memo, Farm and Homestead Food Sales (May 26, 2026))
What changed in the 2026 Indiana cottage food law?
How do I start a cottage food business in Indiana?
How to start in Indiana
A practical path from “am I allowed?” to first sale. Not legal advice — confirm every step with Indiana agencies and your local offices.
Confirm your products are allowed
Indiana allows Home-based vendors may sell most nonperishable (non-potentially hazardous) foods, including baked goods, candies, jams and jellies, fermented products (not oxygen-sealed), nut butters, syrups, dried goods, coffee, tea, snacks, and similar shelf-stable items. Whole eggs, traditional pickles not stored in oxygen-sealed containers, and whole chickens or rabbits raised by the vendor (with restrictions) are also allowed.. High-risk or refrigerated foods usually need a commercial kitchen — not a cottage exemption.
Choose sales channels you can actually use
Sales cap: No cap. Indirect / wholesale-style sales: No. Farmers markets and direct-to-consumer pickup are the usual start. Check county and city rules before advertising porch pickup.
Clear local zoning, licenses, and tax IDs
State cottage food rules are the floor. Your city or county may still require a business license, home occupation approval, HOA permission, or sales tax registration. Do this before you print an address on Instagram.
Registration, training, and kitchen rules
State registration: No. Food handler / training: Yes (specific course). Kitchen inspection: Upon-complaint. Complete certificates the market or agency will ask for.
Build compliant labels
Use the Indiana label requirements on this site (and the free template). Match disclaimer language to the statute or agency guide before you print a batch.
Soft-launch, then first paid sales
Keep a simple sales log from day one so you stay under any annual cap. Soft-launch with pre-orders before a full market day.
Verify with official sources
Re-check the state cottage food page and your local health / planning office before you invest in equipment or marketing. Rules change.
What usually goes on the package
- Product name (common or usual name of the food)
- Business or producer name
- Producer address (or address alternative your state allows)
- Ingredients in descending order by weight
- Major allergen disclosures (e.g. wheat, milk, eggs, soy, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish, sesame)
- Net weight or quantity
- Home-kitchen disclaimer: “This product is home produced and processed, and the production area has not been inspected by the State Department of Health. NOT FOR RESALE.”
This is a planning checklist compiled for home bakers. It is not legal, tax, or zoning advice.
What are the Indiana sales cap, allowed products and registration rules?
None
Home-based vendors may sell most nonperishable (non-potentially hazardous) foods, including baked goods, candies, jams and jellies, fermented products (not oxygen-sealed), nut butters, syrups, dried goods, coffee, tea, snacks, and similar shelf-stable items. Whole eggs, traditional pickles not stored in oxygen-sealed containers, and whole chickens or rabbits raised by the vendor (with restrictions) are also allowed.
Registration: No. Food handler cert: Yes (specific course).
What does the Indiana cottage food statute say?
Indiana Code Title 16, Article 42, Chapter 5.3 — Home Based Food Products (enacted as HEA 1149, 2022; prior law under Chapter 5.2) Additional homestead vendor / small farm vendor path added by HEA 1424 / Public Law 163 (2026).
Verbatim excerptSECTION 4. IC 16-42-5.3 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE AS A NEW CHAPTER Chapter 5.3. Home Based Food Products Sec. 1. (a) As used in this chapter, "end consumer" [means a] person who is the last person to purchase any food product and who does not resell the food product. Sec. 2. A person may prepare and sell food products as a home based vendor if the person complies with the requirements of this chapter. Sec. 3. The production and sale of food products by a home based vendor in accordance with this chapter are exempt from the requirements of this title that apply to food establishments. Sec. 4. A home based vendor shall prepare and sell only a food product that is [a non-potentially hazardous food]. Sec. 5. (a) A home based vendor shall include a label for packaged food or a sign for unpackaged food that contains the following information: [business name, address, product name, date produced, ingredients, net weight, and statement that product is home produced and not inspected by state department of health]. Sec. 6. (a) A home based vendor may not ship or deliver a food product to an end consumer who is located outside Indiana. Sec. 7. (a) A home based vendor shall obtain a food handler certificate from a certificate issuer that is accredited by the [American National Standards Institute]. Sec. 8. (a) A home based vendor is subject to food sampling and inspection if [there is a complaint or reason to believe a violation exists].
Source: in.gov/localhealth/unioncounty/files/2022-10-05-House-Enrolled-Act-1149-Home-Based-Vendors.pdf →
How does Indiana compare with neighboring states?
Indiana vs neighboring cottage food laws
Tier and sales-cap snapshot for Indiana and nearby states. Click through for full rules, labeling, and county pages.
| State | Tier | Sales cap | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| IndianaYou are here | Great | None | This page |
| Illinois | Great | None | Illinois law → |
| Kentucky | Okay | 60000 | Kentucky law → |
| Michigan | Great | 50000 | Michigan law → |
| Ohio | Good | None | Ohio law → |
Need a compliant product label for Indiana? Open the Indiana label mockup (free), or the Cottage Pro — 287-page label packet included.
Notes on Indiana cottage food rules
Where can I verify Indiana's rules?
Where to verify Indiana's rules
Indiana special guides
Which Indiana counties are covered?
Indiana Counties
92 counties tracked. Pick yours for the local zoning + health department links.
View all 92 counties →What are the city zoning rules in Indiana?
City zoning rules in Indiana
City zoning rules apply on top of the state cottage food law — home occupation, customer pickup, signage, and employees.
Was this page helpful?
Indiana cottage food law — FAQ
Do I need a license or permit to sell homemade food in Indiana?
No registration required. Food handler cert: yes (specific course)
What foods can I sell under the Indiana cottage food law?
Home-based vendors may sell most nonperishable (non-potentially hazardous) foods, including baked goods, candies, jams and jellies, fermented products (not oxygen-sealed), nut butters, syrups, dried goods, coffee, tea, snacks, and similar shelf-stable items. Whole eggs, traditional pickles not stored in oxygen-sealed containers, and whole chickens or rabbits raised by the vendor (with restrictions) are also allowed.
Is there a sales cap for cottage food in Indiana?
None
How good is Indiana's cottage food law?
Indiana is a Great-tier cottage food state by Crosodo's rating criteria. No or very high sales cap, broad product list, multiple sales channels including retail and online. Most home bakers can run a meaningful operation here.
What must an Indiana home based vendor label say?
Your name and address, the common name of the food, ingredients in descending order by weight, net weight or volume, the date it was processed, and, 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." Labels must also be posted on your website.(source: Indiana Code 16-42-5.3 (2026), Home Based Vendors)
Do I need a food handler certificate to sell cottage food in Indiana?
Yes. A home based vendor must get a food handler certificate from an issuer accredited by the American National Standards Institute and give a copy to the local health department in their county.(source: Indiana Code 16-42-5.3 (2026), Home Based Vendors)
Keep exploring Indiana
Keep exploring Indiana
Labels, product checks, county zoning, and local discuss — so one state page becomes a full readiness plan.
Market-day tees from the Crosodo collection — for the craft, not the algorithm.
What do bakers ask about Indiana?
What bakers ask about Indiana
Seed threads for markets, zoning, and labels — join the channel or ask the directory.
Farmers market process in Indiana?
Which markets welcome cottage bakers, what they charge, and label checks on day one.
Good label printers in Indiana?
Local print shops or home setups that handle home-kitchen disclaimers cleanly.
Zoning experience in Indiana counties?
Home occupation, pickup traffic, signage — what did your planning office actually require?
How I got legal in Indiana
Registration portal tips, food handler cert, and the county step nobody publishes.
Indiana label wording that passed review
Share real labels (blur personal info) and any county extras beyond the state minimum.
Crosodo tees for Indiana bakers
You might like these too
While you're deep in Indiana rules — vintage-varsity tees for booth days and bake nights.
Can I list my bakes in the Crosodo classifieds?
Resources for cottage food and home bakers
Supplies, courses, insurance, farmers markets, kitchen rentals, and local services. To advertise here, visit crosodo.com/advertise. Browse all classifieds.
Ads are paid placements. Crosodo does not endorse listed vendors. Verify all product, service, course, insurance, and legal information independently.
Is this Indiana page legal advice?
Cottage food laws are amended every year. This is a starting reference, not legal advice. Verify with Indiana State Department of Health and your local health department before relying on this data.
Official filing: Indiana State Department of Health →
How does the Crosodo ladder work here? State vs county rules and pets
Crosodo ladder · not a license · How the ladder works
- 0Bake for friends
Give it away: gifts, potlucks, the office tray.
$0
Taking money? → Step 1
- 1Sell from home
Sell shelf-stable bakes straight to the person who eats them.
Want store shelves? → Step 2
- 2Sell to stores
Sell to shops, cafés and resellers from an inspected kitchen.
Indiana
- Selling to stores: check with Indiana State Department of Health
Want a storefront? → Step 3
- 3Commercial bakery
Bake in a commercial kitchen. Sell from your own shop.
Indiana
- Commercial kitchen permit: check with Indiana State Department of Health
Renew permits every year
- Pets: do I need a door?
Indiana · Step 1
Not verified yet
Check with Indiana State Department of Health.
Indiana · Step 2 (home)
Not verified yet
Check with Indiana State Department of Health.
Pick your county for local rules → Crosodo is a research guide, not a government agency. Not legal advice.