Illinois Cottage Food Laws
Everything home food sellers in Illinois need to know to legally sell food from home — permit requirements, sales limits, allowed foods, labeling, and sales channels.
Illinois revised its home kitchen law in 2022 to let cottage food operators sell virtually any food (including some refrigerated items) from home — with registration and a food handler certificate.
The $36,000 annual cap is mid-range, and Cook County rules are slightly stricter than the rest of the state.
Registration & permit steps
- Earn an ANSI-accredited food handler certificate.
- Register with your local health department.
- Comply with any Cook County-specific requirements if you sell in Chicago.
- Label products with the IL home-kitchen disclaimer.
Allowed foods
- Baked goods that don't require refrigeration (cookies, breads, muffins, biscotti)
- Candies, chocolates, and confections
- Jams, jellies, and preserves (high-acid fruits)
- Dry goods (granola, trail mix, dry herb blends, popcorn)
- Roasted coffee beans and dry tea blends
- Dried pasta and dehydrated foods
Prohibited foods
- Foods that require refrigeration (cream-filled pastries, cheesecake, custard pies)
- Meat, poultry, and seafood products
- Low-acid canned goods (canned vegetables, salsa in some states)
- Dairy products such as fresh milk, butter, or soft cheeses
Labeling requirements
- Name and address of the cottage food operation
- Common name of the product
- Complete ingredient list in descending order by weight
- Allergen disclosure (milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, sesame)
- Net weight or volume
- A disclaimer such as "Made in a home kitchen that is not subject to state inspection"
Allowed sales channels
- Direct in-person sales to consumers
- Farmers markets and community events
- Online ordering with local pickup or hand delivery
- Roadside stands and home-based pickup
Important restrictions
- No wholesale sales to restaurants or grocery stores
- Sales typically limited to in-state customers only
- Mail order or interstate shipping is usually not allowed
- Cannot operate as a retail food establishment from your home
Official state resource
Always verify the current law with the official Illinois agency before launching. Laws change.
This page is editorial content for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Confirm requirements with Illinois's Department of Health, Department of Agriculture, or a licensed attorney.