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.
Food Handler Certification Required
Available through online courses — typically $10–$15.
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
Food Events in Massachusetts
Taste of Boston
Annual Seaport food festival featuring Boston's best restaurants and food artisans.
Boston Local Food Festival
Celebration of New England's local food producers at the Rose Kennedy Greenway.
Visit WebsiteSoWa Open Market
Weekly South End market combining art, fashion, and artisan food vendors.
Visit WebsiteHome Food Business Types in Massachusetts
Start any of these home food businesses under the Massachusetts Residential Kitchen Law (105 CMR 590.001)
Start Your Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts Residential Kitchen Law (105 CMR 590.001) 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.