What is a Cottage Food Producer (CFP)?

In case you didn’t know…

A cottage food producer (CFP) is defined as an individual who prepares, manufactures and sells homemade goods directly from their home kitchens, while following strict guidance from their state or local governing bodies.

Check out some frequently asked questions below and see if becoming a CFP could be in your future?!?!

FAQ ‘s

Who can become a CFP?

Anyone! If you have a passion, skill, desire or knack for creating tasty creations in your home kitchen, you can be a CFP. If you have ever been told “you really should sell these, they are amazing!”, you should be a CFP. If you have ever dreamed of being an entrepreneur and starting your own business, you could become a CFP.

What is a cottage food business?

A cottage food business is a business that produces non-potentially hazardous food for sale at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, private homes, or functions utilizing the home style equipment in the kitchen of a private home. It is defined as a business that produces or packages cottage food products in a residential kitchen and has limited annual revenues from the sale of cottage food products according to their state regulations.

What is considered cottage food?

Cottage food are the foods, desserts, breads, jams, jellies among others – that you can legally cook, bake and prepare from your kitchen and then sell to the general public.

What are some examples of cottage food products?

Cakes, Cookies, Cupcakes, Pies, Breads, Jams, Jellies, Preserves, Pie Fillings, Dry Nuts, Dry Cereals, Granola, Popcorn, Kettle Corn, Dry Cake Mixes, Bread Mixes (Dry), Dry Cookie Mixes, Candy / Candies, Coffee, and Pet Treats. Each state will vary on what products are allowed, so double check your state to confirm which products are allowed under your state guidelines.