What must my label say?

"This product is home produced." in 10-point type, plus the other required information.

Can I sell to stores?

Yes, licensed grocery stores and restaurants in Ohio.

How do I sell cheesecake from home in Ohio?

With a Home Bakery license ($10 a year, inspection required).

How to Sell Food From Home in Ohio (2026)

Verified October 26, 2026 from official Ohio sources.

The short answer: Ohio cottage food operations need no license or inspection. You can sell 20 types of approved shelf-stable foods, in Ohio only. To sell refrigerated baked goods like cheesecake, you need a $10 Home Bakery license. Home-cooked meals are not allowed.

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Can I sell home-cooked meals in Ohio?

No. Potentially hazardous foods are not allowed under cottage food rules. A bill to create a home kitchen program (House Bill 134) is pending and is not law.

Approved cottage foods include

Non-perishable baked goods, jams, jellies, candy, fruit butters, fruit chutneys, granola, popcorn, unfilled baked donuts, waffle cones, pizzelles, snack mixes, roasted coffee, dry baking mixes, dry herbs and seasonings, dry soup mixes and dry tea blends.

Requirements

No license or inspection (the state may sample products)
Made in your owner-occupied primary home with one oven (a double oven is allowed)

Where and how you can sell

From your home, licensed grocery stores, registered farm markets, farmers markets and licensed restaurants
In Ohio only

Label requirements

Business name and address, product name, ingredients by weight, net weight and volume, allergens, and this statement in 10-point type:

This product is home produced.

Home Bakery option

For refrigerated baked goods (cheesecakes, cream pies, custard pies, pumpkin pies), get a Home Bakery license from the Ohio Department of Agriculture: $10 a year, with an inspection, no pets in the home and no carpet in the kitchen.

How to get started

Check each product against the approved list.
Make labels with the required statement.
For refrigerated baked goods, request a Home Bakery inspection.
Apply on Chef Next Door and set up your menu.

Official sources

FAQ

Do I need a license to sell cottage food in Ohio?: No.
What must my label say?: "This product is home produced." in 10-point type, plus the other required information.
Can I sell to stores?: Yes, licensed grocery stores and restaurants in Ohio.
How do I sell cheesecake from home in Ohio?: With a Home Bakery license ($10 a year, inspection required).

Ready to sell in Ohio?