If you’ve ever wanted to sell your homemade breads, jams, cookies, or candies in Alaska, the state’s cottage food laws make it possible to turn your kitchen hobby into a small business—without jumping through all the hoops of opening a commercial bakery. But what exactly is legal? What can you sell? And what are the rules to keep it safe and legal? Here’s a simple, honest guide to Alaska’s cottage food laws for home cooks and food entrepreneurs.
What Are Alaska’s Cottage Food Laws?
Alaska’s cottage food laws let you make and sell certain “low-risk” foods from your home kitchen directly to customers—no commercial kitchen, state license, or regular health inspection required. The main guidelines are set by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) in its “Food Safety & Sanitation Program.”
What Foods Can You Sell Under Alaska Cottage Food Laws?
Alaska’s rules focus on “non-potentially hazardous foods”—meaning foods that don’t need refrigeration for safety and won’t easily spoil or grow harmful bacteria. You can sell:
- Breads, cakes, cookies, muffins, and other baked goods (without dairy or meat fillings)
- Jams, jellies, and fruit preserves (high-acid fruits only)
- Candies, fudge, toffee, and brittles
- Granola, trail mix, popcorn, and dried herbs
- Uncut fruits and vegetables
- Honey and similar shelf-stable sweets
Not allowed: No foods that require refrigeration or special handling to keep them safe. That means no salsas, pickles, meats, fish, seafood, dairy-based foods, or anything with cream cheese or custard. Home-canned vegetables and low-acid canned foods are also off-limits.
Where Can You Sell Cottage Foods in Alaska?
- Direct to consumers at farmers markets, community events, bazaars, roadside stands, or from home
- Some online sales allowed—but you can’t ship foods out of state or sell wholesale to stores or restaurants
No wholesale or resale: Cottage foods must be sold direct to the end consumer, not to restaurants, retailers, or across state lines.
What Are the Main Rules and Requirements?
- Labeling: All cottage foods must be labeled with:
- Your name and address
- Name of the food product
- Ingredients in order of weight
- Major food allergens (per federal law)
- A clear statement: “This product is not subject to state inspection.”
- Food safety: Alaska recommends all cottage food sellers take a basic food safety course, though it’s not always required. Good hygiene and safe storage are a must.
- Sales limits: As of 2024, Alaska does not set a statewide sales cap for cottage food sales, but you should check local rules—some cities or boroughs may have their own limits or extra rules.
- Record keeping: Keep basic records of your sales, in case you need them for taxes or in response to a complaint.
Do You Need a License or Permit?
For most low-risk foods, you do not need a DEC food establishment permit if you follow the cottage food rules. However, if you want to sell high-risk foods, ship out of state, or expand to wholesale/retail sales, you’ll need to get fully licensed and inspected.
Can You Sell Online?
Yes—Alaska allows you to advertise and take orders online, but delivery or pickup must be direct to the customer within Alaska. You cannot ship cottage foods out of state or sell through third-party retailers.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Selling foods that need refrigeration or are not on the approved list
- Missing required labeling, especially the “not subject to state inspection” statement
- Ignoring local city or borough regulations (some require business licenses, sales tax collection, or have extra rules)
- Selling through restaurants, stores, or across state lines
What About Taxes and Business Licenses?
You must report cottage food sales as income. Depending on where you live, you may also need a local business license and may have to collect local sales tax. Check with your city or borough government for specifics.
Helpful Resources
- Alaska DEC: Cottage Foods
- Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation: Food Safety & Sanitation
- Alaska Business Licensing
- UAF Cooperative Extension: Food Safety Resources
Final Thoughts: Homemade Food, Made Simple
Alaska’s cottage food law opens the door for home bakers and food crafters to earn extra income with their favorite recipes. As long as you stick to the approved foods, label everything clearly, and follow good food safety practices, you’ll be ready to share your kitchen creations with friends and neighbors across the Last Frontier.
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