Guide · Selling from home
Can I sell baked goods from home in Ohio?
Informational only, not legal advice.
Yes, with limits — Ohio allows some baked goods but prohibits others.
"With limits" means Ohio's allowed list and its prohibited list both name baked goods items. Check which list your product is on.
What Ohio's food lists say about baked goods
On the allowed list
- Non-potentially hazardous bakery products (e.g., cookies, breads, brownies, cakes, fruit pies)
- Candy (including no-bake cookies and chocolate-covered pretzels), not including fresh fruit dipped in or combined with candy
Source: Ohio Adm. Code Chapter 901:3-20, rule 901:3-20-04 · Verified Sep 15, 2026
On the prohibited list
- Potentially hazardous foods (e.g., raw or cooked animal products, cooked vegetables, garlic in oil, cheesecakes, pumpkin pies, custard pies, cream pies)
Source: Ohio Dept. of Agriculture — Cottage Food · Verified Sep 15, 2026
How Ohio reads its lists
The list is exhaustive: foods not expressly listed may not be produced (rule 901:3-20-05). Reduced oxygen packaging is not allowed.
Source: Ohio Adm. Code Chapter 901:3-20, rule 901:3-20-04 · Verified Sep 15, 2026
Also barred by Ohio Adm. Code 901:3-20-05.
Source: Ohio Dept. of Agriculture — Cottage Food · Verified Sep 15, 2026
Selling baked goods in Ohio: permit, cost, and where to sell
Do I need a permit to sell baked goods from home in Ohio?
Ohio does not require a state-issued permit for cottage food.
Source: Ohio Dept. of Agriculture — Cottage Food · Verified Sep 15, 2026
The program is run by the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA), Division of Food Safety.
Source: Ohio Dept. of Agriculture — Cottage Food · Verified Sep 15, 2026
How much does a Ohio cottage food license cost?
Ohio does not charge a state cottage food license fee.
Source: Ohio Dept. of Agriculture — Cottage Food · Verified Sep 15, 2026
Is there a limit on how much I can sell in Ohio?
Ohio sets no overall annual sales cap for cottage food.
Source: Ohio Adm. Code Chapter 901:3-20 · Verified Sep 15, 2026
Where can I sell baked goods in Ohio?
In person: Yes; farmers markets: Yes; online orders within Ohio: Not addressed; shipping to other states: No; delivery within Ohio: Not addressed; sales to stores or for resale: Yes.
Source: Ohio Dept. of Agriculture — Cottage Food · Verified Sep 15, 2026
Ohio only. Direct from the home where made; through grocery stores, registered farm markets, farmers' markets, and restaurants; and at festivals organized by a political subdivision lasting no more than seven days. Items must be pre-packaged and labeled at markets. ODA's cottage food guidance doesn't address online sales or delivery.
Source: Ohio Dept. of Agriculture — Cottage Food · Verified Sep 15, 2026
Do I need training or a kitchen inspection in Ohio?
Ohio does not require food safety training.
Source: Ohio Adm. Code Chapter 901:3-20 · Verified Sep 15, 2026
Ohio does not require a home kitchen inspection.
Source: Ohio Dept. of Agriculture — Cottage Food · Verified Sep 15, 2026
Labeling baked goods in Ohio
Ohio's cited labeling rules list 7 requirements. The full list is in the Ohio labeling guide.
Source: Ohio Dept. of Agriculture — Cottage Food (labeling) · Verified Sep 15, 2026
Other foods in Ohio
- Selling jams & jellies in Ohio · Yes
- Selling candy & confections in Ohio · Yes
- Selling honey in Ohio · Yes, with limits
- Selling pickles & fermented foods in Ohio · No
- Selling dried goods & mixes in Ohio · Yes
- Selling coffee & tea in Ohio · Yes