Arizona Cottage Food Laws: Your Guide to Selling Homemade Goodies Legally

Ever dreamed of selling your famous banana bread, homemade cookies, or jams straight from your kitchen in Arizona? Thanks to Arizona’s cottage food laws, you can turn that dream into reality without renting a commercial kitchen or spending a fortune on permits. But there are important rules you need to know. Here’s a simple, clear guide to Arizona’s cottage food laws for home bakers and small food entrepreneurs.

What Are Arizona’s Cottage Food Laws?

Arizona’s cottage food laws let home cooks sell certain “low-risk” foods made in their own kitchens, directly to consumers. The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) oversees the program. You don’t need a food establishment license for most cottage foods, but you must follow specific requirements to keep everyone safe.

What Foods Can You Sell as a Cottage Food Producer?

Arizona allows the sale of “non-potentially hazardous” foods—foods that won’t easily spoil or cause food poisoning at room temperature. Here’s what you can sell:

Baked goods (cookies, breads, cakes, cupcakes, muffins, tortillas, scones, brownies, etc.)
Jams, jellies, fruit butters, and marmalades (made with high-acid fruits)
Candy, fudge, toffee, caramel corn
Honey and some syrups
Dry mixes (spice blends, baking mixes, dry soup mixes)
Popcorn, nuts, and nut butters (roasted, not raw)
Granola, cereal, trail mix
Vinegar and mustards
Roasted coffee beans and dried teas

Not allowed: Anything that needs to be kept cold or hot for safety, including dairy-based foods, meat, fish, fresh salsas, pickles, canned vegetables, and low-acid canned goods. If it must be refrigerated, it’s not legal as a cottage food.

Where and How Can You Sell Cottage Foods in Arizona?

Direct to consumers at farmers markets, fairs, roadside stands, community events, or from your home
Online sales allowed for Arizona delivery or pickup only (no interstate shipping, no wholesale to stores or restaurants)

No wholesale or resale: You can’t sell your cottage foods to stores, restaurants, or other businesses to resell.

What Are the Main Rules and Requirements?

Food Handler Training: You must complete an ANSI-accredited food handler training course. Keep your certificate on file in case of inspection.
Registration: Every cottage food operator must register with the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS Cottage Food Program). Registration is free, fast, and required by law.
Labeling: Each package must have a label with:
- Name, address, and phone number of the producer
- Name of the food product
- Ingredients listed in order of weight
- Allergens as required by federal law
- The statement: “This product was produced in a home kitchen that may process common food allergens and is not subject to public health inspection.”
Food Safety: Good hygiene and safe food handling are required. If there’s a foodborne illness complaint, the health department can investigate.
Sales Limits: There is no sales cap in Arizona as of 2024. You can sell as much as you want, as long as you follow the rules.

Taxes and Business Licensing

Cottage food sales count as income, so you must report them on your taxes. Depending on your city or county, you may also need a business license or be required to collect local sales tax. Check with your city/town for specifics.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Selling foods that require refrigeration or are not on the approved list
Not registering with ADHS
Failing to complete food handler training
Incorrect or missing labeling—especially the allergen and disclaimer statement
Selling to stores, restaurants, or out of state

Helpful Resources

Final Thoughts: Homemade Food, The Legal Way

Arizona’s cottage food law is one of the most flexible in the country, making it easy for home bakers and food makers to start small businesses. Just follow the key rules—register, label everything, complete your food safety training, and stick to the safe foods list. Your kitchen could be the launch pad for Arizona’s next big homemade treat!