Massachusetts Cottage Food Law

Complete Guide to Selling Homemade Food in Massachusetts (2026)

Everything you need to know about the Massachusetts Residential Kitchen Law (105 CMR 590.001) — revenue limits, permits, allowed products, online sales, and how to start your home food business.

$25,000

Revenue Limit

Annual limit under cottage food law

In-Person Only

Online Sales

Direct sales at markets and events

Yes

Permit Required

Residential kitchen license — Varies by municipality

tightly regulated

Regulation Level

Massachusetts is considered tightly regulated for home food

What You Can Sell in Massachusetts

baked goods

candy

jams

jellies

honey

popcorn

granola

Prohibited Products

meat

dairy

canned foods

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

Massachusetts Requirements Checklist

Here's what you need to start selling homemade food in Massachusetts under the Massachusetts Residential Kitchen Law (105 CMR 590.001)
Residential kitchen license Required

Cost: Varies by municipality. Apply through your state agriculture department.

Apply
Food Handler Certification Required

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

Get Certified
Kitchen Inspection Required

Your home kitchen must pass an inspection before you can begin selling.

Labeling Requirements

Producer name and address

Product name and ingredients

Allergen statement

"Made in a home kitchen" disclaimer

Where You Can Sell in Massachusetts

Direct Sales (from home)

Allowed in Massachusetts

Online Sales (website)

Not permitted under Massachusetts cottage food law

Farmers Markets

Allowed in Massachusetts

Wholesale to Stores

Not permitted under Massachusetts cottage food law

Start Your Home Food Business in Massachusetts

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

Farmers Markets in Massachusetts

Massachusetts allows cottage food sales at farmers markets — here are popular venues
Boston Public Market

Wednesday–Sunday · Year-round

Boston, Haymarket

Copley Square Farmers Market

Tuesday, Friday · May–November

Boston, Back Bay

South End Open Market

Sunday · May–October

Boston, South End

Cambridge Farmers Market

Monday · June–November

Boston, Cambridge

Food Events in Massachusetts

Taste of Boston
June
Boston

Annual Seaport food festival featuring Boston's best restaurants and food artisans.

Boston Local Food Festival
September
Boston

Celebration of New England's local food producers at the Rose Kennedy Greenway.

Visit Website
SoWa Open Market
May–October
Boston

Weekly South End market combining art, fashion, and artisan food vendors.

Visit Website

Home Food Business Types in Massachusetts

Start any of these home food businesses under the Massachusetts Residential Kitchen Law (105 CMR 590.001)

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