Yes, selling homemade food is legal in New Hampshire under specific conditions outlined in the state’s Cottage Food Law, which aligns with the 2018 Food Freedom Act. Home-based vendors may sell non-perishable foods directly to consumers without commercial kitchen licensing, provided products meet labeling and sales venue requirements. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and local health departments enforce compliance, with no permits required for low-risk items like baked goods or jams.
Key Regulations for Selling Homemade Food in New Hampshire
- Permitted Foods: Only non-potentially hazardous foods (e.g., bread, cookies, jams, granola) may be sold under the Cottage Food Law. Perishable items, including those requiring refrigeration, are prohibited unless produced in a licensed commercial kitchen.
- Sales Restrictions: Direct-to-consumer sales are allowed at farmers’ markets, online, or from home, but wholesale distribution to retailers or restaurants is banned. New Hampshire’s 2026 compliance updates emphasize stricter labeling for allergens and net weight declarations.
- Labeling Requirements: All products must include the business name, address, ingredients (with allergens highlighted), net weight/volume, and the disclaimer: “This product is home-produced and not subject to state inspection.” DHHS provides template labels to standardize compliance.