Ever wondered if you could sell your secret family cookie recipe or legendary banana bread without a commercial kitchen in Colorado? Thanks to Colorado’s cottage food laws, you can! The state has one of the most flexible homemade food programs in the country, making it easier than ever to launch a food business from your own kitchen. Here’s your practical, up-to-date, and plain-English guide to Colorado cottage food laws—perfect for home bakers, jam-makers, and aspiring food entrepreneurs.
What Are Colorado’s Cottage Food Laws?
Colorado’s Cottage Foods Act (C.R.S. 25-4-1614) allows people to make and sell specific “non-potentially hazardous” foods directly to consumers from their home kitchens—no commercial kitchen, licensing, or regular health inspections required. The law, first passed in 2012 and updated several times since, is designed to support local businesses and safe, community-based food sales.
What Foods Can You Sell as a Colorado Cottage Food Producer?
Only certain foods that are considered low-risk (meaning they won’t support dangerous bacteria at room temperature) are allowed. Here’s what you can sell:
- Baked goods (bread, cookies, cakes, muffins, fruit pies, tortillas, biscotti, scones, donuts, and more)
- Candies, fudge, toffee, caramels, and brittles
- Jams, jellies, fruit preserves, marmalades, and syrups (made with high-acid fruits)
- Dry goods (teas, coffee beans, spice blends, dry soup or baking mixes, granola, trail mix, and more)
- Pickled fruits and vegetables (if finished product has a pH below 4.6 and you keep records of pH testing and recipes)
- Honey, roasted nuts, popcorn, seeds
- Dehydrated fruits and vegetables (using approved safe methods)
- Fresh eggs (with proper packaging, labeling, and handling)
Not allowed: Anything requiring refrigeration for safety, like fresh salsas, dairy products, meat, seafood, cooked beans or rice, or low-acid canned foods. If it must be kept hot or cold, it’s not legal under cottage food law.
Where Can You Sell Cottage Foods in Colorado?
- Directly to consumers at your home, farmers markets, roadside stands, bazaars, festivals, or community events
- Online for direct delivery or pickup (but no interstate shipping or wholesale sales)
- You cannot sell to stores, restaurants, or other retailers for resale
Direct-to-consumer only: You must hand over the product to the end buyer—no selling through grocery stores, food trucks, or distributors.
What Are the Main Rules and Requirements?
- Food Safety Training: All Colorado cottage food producers must complete a food safety course from CSU Extension, a county health department, or other state-approved program. This must be renewed every three years, and you’ll need to show proof if requested.
- Labeling: Every item must be clearly labeled with:
- Your name, address, and phone number
- Name of the product
- Ingredients in descending order by weight
- Net weight or volume
- Date produced
- Allergen info (per federal law)
- Statement: “This product was produced in a home kitchen that is not subject to state licensure or inspection and may also process common food allergens.”
- Sales limits: As of 2024, Colorado allows up to $10,000 in net sales per eligible product per year. There is no overall cap for your business—just a per-item limit.
- Recordkeeping: Keep sales records and, for pickled products, records of pH testing and recipe used.
- Good food safety practices: Even though your kitchen isn’t inspected, always use clean equipment, safe storage, and good hygiene. Avoid making food when you’re sick.
What About Business Licenses and Taxes?
Cottage food sales count as income and must be reported on your taxes. Depending on your county or city, you may need a local business license and may need to collect and remit sales tax. Always check with your local government.
Can You Sell Online or Ship Food?
Yes, but only for Colorado buyers. You can advertise and take orders online, but you must deliver the product yourself or arrange pickup—you can’t ship products out of state or use third-party shipping.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Selling foods that require refrigeration or aren’t on the approved list
- Missing required food safety training or not renewing your certificate
- Incorrect or missing labeling (especially the disclaimer statement)
- Exceeding the $10,000 per-item sales cap
- Selling to stores, restaurants, or out-of-state customers
- Ignoring local business license or sales tax requirements
Special Considerations for Eggs and Pickled Foods
- Eggs: Must be kept clean, properly packaged, and labeled. Check state requirements for selling eggs (including temperature and licensing rules).
- Pickled goods: You must keep recipe and pH testing records for every batch. Only products with a finished pH below 4.6 are allowed. If you’re unsure, contact your local extension office for guidance.
What If Someone Gets Sick?
If a foodborne illness or safety complaint is traced to your product, state or county health departments can investigate. You may be required to stop sales or, in serious cases, face liability. That’s why food safety training and honest labeling matter—even without regular inspections.
Helpful Resources
- Colorado Cottage Food Act (CO Dept. of Public Health & CSU Extension)
- CSU Extension: Colorado Cottage Food Resources
- CO Dept. of Public Health & Environment: Cottage Foods
- Colorado Business Express: Sales Tax Info
Final Thoughts: Homegrown Business, Colorado Style
Colorado’s cottage food law is about empowering local food entrepreneurs while protecting public health. As long as you stick to the allowed foods, label everything, keep your kitchen clean, and deliver directly to customers, you can build a thriving business—no commercial kitchen required. Who knows? Your next loaf or jam might become Colorado’s next big food sensation!
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