Guide · Selling from home
Can I sell candy & confections from home in California?
Informational only, not legal advice.
Yes — candy & confections is allowed under California cottage food law.
California's allowed list names candy & confections items, and its prohibited list does not.
What California's food lists say about candy & confections
On the allowed list
- Candy and confections (e.g., fudge, toffee, brittles, chocolate-covered nonperishables)
Source: CDPH — Approved Cottage Foods List (reviewed April 2026) · Verified Sep 15, 2026
Selling candy & confections in California: permit, cost, and where to sell
Do I need a permit to sell candy & confections from home in California?
California requires a permit or registration to sell cottage food.
Source: Cal. Health & Safety Code § 114365 · Verified Sep 15, 2026
The program is run by the Local enforcement agency (county or city environmental health) registers and permits CFOs; CDPH maintains the approved cottage foods list.
Source: CDPH — Cottage Food Operations · Verified Sep 15, 2026
How much does a California cottage food license cost?
California sets cottage food fees at the local level, so they vary by jurisdiction.
Source: Cal. Health & Safety Code § 114365.6 · Verified Sep 15, 2026
Is there a limit on how much I can sell in California?
California Class A: $88,878 a year in gross sales (statutory base $75,000; in effect from Jan 1, 2026).
Source: CDPH — CFO Adjusted Gross Annual Sales Limit (2026) · Verified Sep 22, 2026
California Class B: $177,756 a year in gross sales (statutory base $150,000; in effect from Jan 1, 2026).
Source: CDPH — CFO Adjusted Gross Annual Sales Limit (2026) · Verified Sep 22, 2026
Where can I sell candy & confections in California?
In person: Yes; farmers markets: Yes; online orders within California: Yes; shipping to other states: No; delivery within California: Yes; sales to stores or for resale: Yes.
Source: Cal. Health & Safety Code § 113758 · Verified Sep 15, 2026
Direct sales (in person, phone, or online) may be fulfilled in person, by mail, or by third-party delivery, within California. Indirect sales through retail shops and restaurants require a Class B permit. Direct and indirect sales are both defined as transactions within the state.
Source: Cal. Health & Safety Code § 113758 · Verified Sep 15, 2026
Do I need training or a kitchen inspection in California?
California requires food safety training.
Source: CDPH — Cottage Food Operator Training · Verified Sep 15, 2026
California requires a home kitchen inspection.
Source: Cal. Health & Safety Code § 114365 · Verified Sep 15, 2026
Labeling candy & confections in California
California's cited labeling rules list 7 requirements. The full list is in the California labeling guide.
Source: CDPH — Labeling Requirements for Cottage Food Products · Verified Sep 15, 2026
Other foods in California
- Selling jams & jellies in California · Yes, with limits
- Selling baked goods in California · Yes, with limits
- Selling honey in California · Yes
- Selling pickles & fermented foods in California · No
- Selling dried goods & mixes in California · Yes
- Selling coffee & tea in California · Yes