Illinois Cottage Food Law

Complete Guide to Selling Homemade Food in Illinois (2026)

Everything you need to know about the Illinois Cottage Food Operation Act (SB 840) — 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

No

Permit Required

Start selling right away

business-friendly

Regulation Level

Illinois is considered business-friendly for home food

What You Can Sell in Illinois

baked goods

candy

jams

jellies

honey

popcorn

granola

dry mixes

roasted nuts

Prohibited Products

meat

dairy

canned low-acid foods

Always verify current allowed products with your local health department, as regulations can change.

Illinois Requirements Checklist

Here's what you need to start selling homemade food in Illinois under the Illinois Cottage Food Operation Act (SB 840)
No Permit Needed

Illinois does not require a permit for cottage food operations.

Food Handler Certification Required

Available through online courses — typically $10–$15.

Get Certified
No Kitchen Inspection Needed

Illinois allows you to use your home kitchen without inspection.

Labeling Requirements

Producer name and address

Product name and ingredients

Allergen information

"This product was produced in a home kitchen" disclaimer

Where You Can Sell in Illinois

Direct Sales (from home)

Allowed in Illinois

Online Sales (website)

Allowed in Illinois

Farmers Markets

Allowed in Illinois

Wholesale to Stores

Not permitted under Illinois cottage food law

Start Your Home Food Business in Illinois

Explore city-specific guides with local market data and business type recommendations

Farmers Markets in Illinois

Illinois allows cottage food sales at farmers markets — here are popular venues
Green City Market

Wednesday, Saturday · Year-round (indoor winter market)

Chicago, Lincoln Park

Logan Square Farmers Market

Sunday · May–October

Chicago, Logan Square

Daley Plaza Farmers Market

Thursday · May–October

Chicago, The Loop

Wicker Park Farmers Market

Sunday · June–October

Chicago, Wicker Park

Food Events in Illinois

Taste of Chicago
July
Chicago

World's largest outdoor food festival in Grant Park — 5 days, 70+ vendors.

Visit Website
Chicago Gourmet
September
Chicago

Premium food and wine festival in Millennium Park featuring local artisans.

Visit Website
Pilsen Food Truck Social
June–September
Chicago

Monthly food truck and local vendor gathering in the Pilsen neighborhood.

Start Your Illinois Home Food Business — $4.99/Month

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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.

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