Complete Guide to Selling Homemade Food in California (2026)
Everything you need to know about the California Homemade Food Act (AB 1616 / AB 1512) — revenue limits, permits, allowed products, online sales, and how to start your home food business.
$75,000
Revenue Limit
Annual limit under cottage food law
Allowed
Online Sales
Sell through your own website
Yes
Permit Required
Class A or Class B permit — $0–$258
business-friendly
Regulation Level
California is considered business-friendly for home food
What You Can Sell in California
baked goods
candy
granola
dried fruits
honey
jams
jellies
herb blends
nut butters
popcorn
roasted coffee
trail mix
waffle cones
Prohibited Products
meat
raw milk products
alcoholic beverages
Always verify current allowed products with your local health department, as regulations can change.
California Requirements Checklist
Here's what you need to start selling homemade food in California under the California Homemade Food Act (AB 1616 / AB 1512)
Class A or Class B permit Required
Cost: $0–$258. Apply through your state agriculture department.
Food Handler Certification Required
Available through online courses — typically $10–$15.
No Kitchen Inspection Needed
California allows you to use your home kitchen without inspection.
Labeling Requirements
Producer name and address
Product name and ingredients
"Made in a home kitchen" disclaimer
Allergen information
County permit number
Where You Can Sell in California
Direct Sales (from home)
Allowed in California
Online Sales (website)
Allowed in California
Farmers Markets
Allowed in California
Wholesale to Stores
Allowed in California
Start Your Home Food Business in California
Explore city-specific guides with local market data and business type recommendations
Farmers Markets in California
California allows cottage food sales at farmers markets — here are popular venues
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Wednesday, Saturday · Year-round
Los Angeles, Santa Monica
Food Events in California
LA Food Fest
Southern California's largest outdoor food festival with local artisan food vendors.
Visit Website626 Night Market
Massive Asian-inspired night market in Arcadia with 200+ food booths.
Visit WebsitedineLA Restaurant Week
Citywide prix-fixe dining celebration showcasing LA's diverse food scene.
San Diego Restaurant Week
Citywide prix-fixe dining event showcasing San Diego's diverse food scene.
Latin Food Fest
Three-day celebration of Latin American cuisine with local vendors and cooking demos.
Visit WebsiteSan Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival
Week-long culinary festival featuring local artisan food producers.
Home Food Business Types in California
Start any of these home food businesses under the California Homemade Food Act (AB 1616 / AB 1512)
Start Your California Home Food Business — $4.99/Month
Professional website, online ordering, payments, shipping, loyalty programs, and AI marketing tools — everything you need to comply with the California Homemade Food Act (AB 1616 / AB 1512) and grow your business.
About RestauNax for Home Food Businesses
RestauNax offers a $4.99/month platform for home food businesses, cottage food operators, home bakers, food influencers, and small food makers. The platform includes a professional website, online ordering, nationwide shipping (FedEx/USPS/UPS), Stripe payment processing, loyalty programs, coupons, AI-generated social media content, customer analytics, and a mobile app — all with zero commission fees. RestauNax replaces expensive platforms like Castiron, Shopify, and Square Online for home food sellers at a fraction of the cost.