Guide · Selling from home
Can I sell candy & confections from home in New York?
Informational only, not legal advice.
Yes, with limits — New York allows some candy & confections but prohibits others.
"With limits" means New York's allowed list and its prohibited list both name candy & confections items. Check which list your product is on.
What New York's food lists say about candy & confections
On the allowed list
- Peanut brittle, granola, trail mix, and granola bars (commercially roasted nuts)
- Waffle cones and pizzelle; toffee or caramel apples (no chocolate or candy melts)
- Sugar confections (toffees, caramels, hard candies)
Source: NY Dept. of Agriculture & Markets — Home Processing (Approved Home Processed Foods) · Verified Sep 15, 2026
On the prohibited list
- Tempered chocolate or candy melts for dipping or coating (e.g., cocoa bombs, chocolate candy, chocolate-covered fruit)
Source: NY Dept. of Agriculture & Markets — Home Processing (Prohibited Foods) · Verified Sep 15, 2026
How New York reads its lists
Any finished product that requires refrigeration is prohibited.
Source: NY Dept. of Agriculture & Markets — Home Processing (Approved Home Processed Foods) · Verified Sep 15, 2026
AGM's list is examples only ("include, but are not limited to").
Source: NY Dept. of Agriculture & Markets — Home Processing (Prohibited Foods) · Verified Sep 15, 2026
Selling candy & confections in New York: permit, cost, and where to sell
Do I need a permit to sell candy & confections from home in New York?
New York requires a permit or registration to sell cottage food.
Source: NY Dept. of Agriculture & Markets — Home Processing · Verified Sep 15, 2026
The program is run by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM), Division of Food Safety and Inspection.
Source: NY Dept. of Agriculture & Markets — Home Processing · Verified Sep 15, 2026
How much does a New York cottage food license cost?
New York's cottage food permit or exemption is free.
Source: NY Dept. of Agriculture & Markets — Home Processing · Verified Sep 15, 2026
Is there a limit on how much I can sell in New York?
New York sets no overall annual sales cap for cottage food.
Source: NY Dept. of Agriculture & Markets — Home Processing · Verified Sep 15, 2026
Where can I sell candy & confections in New York?
In person: Yes; farmers markets: Yes; online orders within New York: Yes; shipping to other states: No; delivery within New York: Yes; sales to stores or for resale: Yes.
Source: NY Dept. of Agriculture & Markets — Home Processing · Verified Sep 15, 2026
Wholesale and retail sales within New York only — farms, farm stands, farmers' and green markets, craft fairs, flea markets, home delivery, and the internet. Wholesale to restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores is allowed. Products must be pre-packaged and labeled at home. No out-of-state sales or shipping.
Source: NY Dept. of Agriculture & Markets — Home Processing · Verified Sep 15, 2026
Do I need training or a kitchen inspection in New York?
New York does not require food safety training.
Source: NY Dept. of Agriculture & Markets — Home Processing · Verified Sep 15, 2026
New York does not require a home kitchen inspection.
Source: NY Dept. of Agriculture & Markets — Home Processing · Verified Sep 15, 2026
Labeling candy & confections in New York
New York's cited labeling rules list 6 requirements. The full list is in the New York labeling guide.
Source: NY Dept. of Agriculture & Markets — Home Processing (Labeling) · Verified Sep 15, 2026
Other foods in New York
- Selling jams & jellies in New York · Yes, with limits
- Selling baked goods in New York · Yes, with limits
- Selling honey in New York · Unclear
- Selling pickles & fermented foods in New York · No
- Selling dried goods & mixes in New York · Yes, with limits
- Selling coffee & tea in New York · No