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Arkansas's Cottage Food Law

Arkansas allows cottage food production under state law that permits individuals to prepare and sell certain homemade food products from a private residence. The law applies to home-based producers who make non-potentially-hazardous foods, meaning products that don't require refrigeration to stay safe. Covered products include baked goods, jams, jellies, candy, and similar shelf-stable items. You don't need a commercial kitchen or food handler certification to qualify.

You can sell your products through direct, in-person channels only. Farmers markets, roadside stands, fairs, and direct sales from your home are all permitted. Online sales are not allowed under Arkansas cottage food law, and you cannot ship products to customers. All transactions must happen face-to-face, which means your sales geography is tied to where you can physically be present.

Arkansas caps annual cottage food revenue at $20,000. No permit, license, or state registration is required before you start selling. One practical advantage is the low barrier to entry: you can begin operating with just proper labeling in place. Arkansas does require a specific disclaimer on your label stating the product was made in a home kitchen. That straightforward starting point makes it realistic to launch your business quickly.

Quick Summary

Arkansas cottage food law allows:

  • •Baked goods (cakes, cookies, bread, muffins, pastries)
  • •Jams, jellies, and preserves
  • •Candy and confections
  • •Roasted nuts
  • •Dried herbs and seasoning blends
  • •Honey

Not allowed:

  • •Meat and poultry products
  • •Foods requiring refrigeration
  • •Dairy-based products (custards, cream fillings)
  • •Canned low-acid vegetables
  • •Fermented or pickled products
  • •Seafood products

Sales limit: $20,000 per year

Annual Limit

$20,000/year

Permit Required

No

Online Orders

Not Allowed

Shipping

Not Allowed

Permitted Foods

  • ✓Baked goods (cakes, cookies, bread, muffins, pastries)
  • ✓Jams, jellies, and preserves
  • ✓Candy and confections
  • ✓Roasted nuts
  • ✓Dried herbs and seasoning blends
  • ✓Honey
  • ✓Granola and trail mix
  • ✓Fruit pies (shelf-stable)

Prohibited Foods

  • ✗Meat and poultry products
  • ✗Foods requiring refrigeration
  • ✗Dairy-based products (custards, cream fillings)
  • ✗Canned low-acid vegetables
  • ✗Fermented or pickled products
  • ✗Seafood products
  • ✗Fresh fruit or vegetable juices

Labeling Requirements

  • ✓Producer's full name and home address
  • ✓Product name
  • ✓Complete ingredient list in descending order by weight
  • ✓Major food allergen disclosure
  • ✓Net weight or net volume
  • ✓Statement: 'Made in a cottage food production operation that is not inspected by the State Department of Health'

Starting a Home Bakery in Arkansas

Once you understand the cottage food rules, most Arkansas home bakers focus on three things:

  • →Pricing recipes so they are profitable
  • →Creating compliant labels
  • →Managing orders and preorders

endvr helps Arkansas bakers do all three in one place.

Tools for Arkansas Cottage Food Bakers

Create compliant labels in seconds

endvr's label maker automatically includes the Arkansas required disclaimer and allergen labeling — so your labels are always inspection-ready.

Download on the App StoreOr sign up on web →

Common Questions Arkansas Bakers Ask

Can I sell baked goods from home in Arkansas?+
Yes. Arkansas's cottage food law permits individuals to produce and sell certain non-potentially-hazardous foods from their home kitchen directly to consumers without a commercial kitchen license.
Do I need a permit to sell cottage food in Arkansas?+
No permit is required in Arkansas to sell cottage food products, though you must still comply with labeling requirements and sales restrictions.
How much can I earn selling cottage food in Arkansas?+
Arkansas cottage food producers may earn up to $20,000 per year from direct sales. Sales above this limit may require a commercial food license.
Can I take orders online in Arkansas?+
Arkansas does not permit online sales of cottage food products under the cottage food law. Sales must be conducted in person through direct transactions.
Can I ship cottage food products in Arkansas?+
No. Arkansas does not allow shipping of cottage food products. Sales must be completed through direct, in-person transactions with the consumer.
What foods can I sell from home in Arkansas?+
Under Arkansas's cottage food law, permitted products include Baked goods (cakes, cookies, bread, muffins, pastries), Jams, jellies, and preserves, Candy and confections, Roasted nuts, Dried herbs and seasoning blends, Honey and others. Generally, any food that does not require refrigeration for safety qualifies. Foods with cream, custard, or meat fillings are typically not allowed.
What labeling is required to sell cottage food in Arkansas?+
Arkansas requires cottage food labels to include: Producer's full name and home address; Product name; Complete ingredient list in descending order by weight; Major food allergen disclosure.

Common Arkansas cottage food questions

→ Can I sell cottage food online in Arkansas?→ Can I ship cottage food in Arkansas?→ What is Arkansas's cottage food sales limit?→ What are Arkansas's labeling requirements?→ Can I use cream cheese frosting in Arkansas?

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