Colorado Cottage Food Laws

Colorado Cottage Food Laws: Complete Guide for Home Bakers

Quick Facts

Welcome to Colorado's exciting world of cottage foods! If you're looking to sell a variety of homemade goods like baked treats or jams, the Colorado Cottage Foods Act has opened up an accessible path for you, complete with straightforward rules and a few important requirements.

Recent Changes & Pending Legislation

The most recent legislative update was in 2016. While a 2025 bill tried to expand the act (HB 25‑1190), it was defeated. For small-scale producers like you, this means the rules have been stable for several years.

What You Can Sell

Under the Colorado Cottage Foods Act, you can make and sell:

• Baked Goods: Muffins, cookies, cakes, tortillas
• Preserves: Jams, jellies, fruit butter
• Vegetable and Fruit Products: Pickled items with pH ≤ 4.6
• Dry and Packaged Goods: Dry spices, dry teas, roasted coffee beans
• Candies & Treats: Fudge, cotton candy
• Other: Dehydrated produce, nuts, seeds, honey, and more
• Eggs: Up to 250 dozen whole eggs per month

What You Cannot Sell

Some items are off-limits to protect consumer safety:

• Meat Products: Includes bacon, jerky
• Dairy-Based Bakes: Cream or custard-filled goods
• Sauces/Condiments: Such as BBQ or hot sauces
• Beverages: Any type of drink
• Pies: Pumpkin or sweet potato pies

Sales Limits

Your annual earnings are capped at $10,000 per product per year. Note that this is per product, not total sales, allowing you to diversify your offerings.

Where You Can Sell

You're allowed to sell:

• At farmers markets, roadside stands, and events
• Online, but with in-state delivery only (no shipping out of Colorado)

Licensing & Registration

The great news? You don't need any state licenses or permits to get started. Just comply with local health and zoning rules.

Fees

There are no fees required at the state level to operate as a cottage food producer.

Kitchen Inspections

Your kitchen won't need regular inspections unless there's a complaint or suspected illness. This eases the way for small-scale production.

Labeling Requirements

All products need a proper label that includes:

• Product name
• Producer's name, address, and contact info
• Production date
• Ingredients by weight
• Allergens
• The disclaimer: “This product was produced in a home kitchen…”

Sample Label:

Grandma’s Jam
Produced by: Jane Doe
123 Main St, Boulder, CO
Email: janedoe@email.com
Made on: 01/05/2023
Ingredients: Strawberries, sugar, lemon juice
Contains Allergens: None
"This product was produced in a home kitchen that is not subject to state licensure or inspection…"

Training & Certification

Food safety training is a must! Options include:

• CSU Extension course
• Food Handlers Card
• Local public health agency courses

These certifications are valid for 2‑3 years.

Official Resources

• Colorado Cottage Food Guidance PDF
• Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment
• Colorado Department of Agriculture
• Colorado Sales Tax Information
• Sales Tax Portal
• Cottage Foods Overview

FAQ

Q: Can I sell my products directly to retail stores?
A: No, direct retail sales are not allowed under the cottage food laws.

Q: Do I need to collect sales tax?
A: Check Sales Tax Basics to understand your responsibilities, including any local requirements.

Q: Are inspections ever required?
A: Not routinely, but possible if there is a complaint or health issue reported.

Q: How do I report my income from cottage food sales?
A: You'll need to report income on your taxes, adhering to applicable tax statutes.

Embrace your cottage food business journey! With a bit of creativity and attention to these guidelines, you're well on your way to sharing your homemade creations with the community.