Start a home kitchen in New Jersey

The steps, the costs, where to apply, and how to get inspection-ready — in New Jersey's own program terms.

Cottage food law

Sales cap: $50,000 gross annual sales (before taxes and expenses) per N.J.A.C. 8:24-11.3(b). The cap is unchanged since the rules took effect October 4, 2021, and there is no scheduled increase or effective-date change as of 2026.

Allowed foods: Allowed: only non-TCS (no time/temperature control needed) foods on the NJDOH approved list — baked goods (bread, rolls, cakes, cupcakes, pastries, cookies, brownies, muffins, scones, doughnuts, macarons, babka), candy, chocolate-covered nuts and dried fruit, dried fruit, dried herbs/seasonings, dried pasta, dry baking mixes, fruit jams/jellies/preserves, fruit pies/empanadas/tamales (not pumpkin), fudge, granola/cereal/trail mix, processed honey and sweet sorghum syrup (raw unprocessed honey is not a cottage food and needs no permit), nuts and nut butters, popcorn/caramel corn, roasted coffee and dried tea, vinegar and mustard, waffle cones and pizzelles; other non-TCS foods upon written application to NJDOH. Not allowed: all TCS foods and anything needing refrigeration — meat, fish, dairy (cream, sour cream, custard, puddings, cheese, cream cheese), fresh vegetables and fruit, cooked rice/beans/vegetables, mushrooms, tofu/soy foods, alcohol, CBD, THC, home-grown or foraged plants, pumpkin and sweet potato products; icings/frostings added after baking (cream cheese, meringue, buttercream, whipped cream, ganache); cheesecake and cheese/cream-filled pastries; pet treats.

The permit steps

1. Get approval from your local zoning board for the home cottage-food business.
2. Earn a food protection manager certificate from an accredited program.
3. Provide proof of safe water: well-water total-coliform test (samples no older than 60 days) or a copy of your most recent water bill.
4. Submit the NJDOH application form (N.J.A.C. 8:24-11 Appendix) plus a product questionnaire for each item, and pay the $100 nonrefundable fee (payable to Treasurer, State of New Jersey); submit by email.
5. Permit is valid 2 years; renewal is $100 and must be filed at least 45 days before expiration.
6. No routine home-kitchen inspections; a health authority may inspect upon complaint or suspected foodborne illness.

How it works, start to finish

1. Confirm your product is on the NJDOH approved cottage-food list (non-TCS only).
2. Check your municipality's zoning rules and get local zoning-board approval for a home cottage-food business.
3. Earn a food protection manager certificate from an accredited program.
4. Line up proof of safe water (a recent water bill, or a total-coliform well-water test taken within 60 days).
5. Complete the NJDOH application form and a product questionnaire for each item; pay the $100 nonrefundable fee; submit by email to NJDOH.
6. While waiting, set up compliant labeling: product name, ingredients in descending order, 'Contains' allergens, your name/business name, your CFO permit number, town + 'NJ', and the statement that the food was prepared in a home kitchen not inspected by the Department of Health.
7. Once permitted, sell direct to NJ consumers only — your home (no on-site eating), the buyer's NJ home, NJ farmers markets/farm stands, or NJ temporary retail food establishments; take orders online or by phone but deliver within New Jersey only.
8. Track gross sales to stay under the $50,000 annual cap, and renew ($100) at least 45 days before your 2-year permit expires.

Where to apply in New Jersey

Official sources — start with the agency or department that runs New Jersey's program:

• NJ Department of Health — Cottage Food Operator Permit (how to apply, $100 fee, steps)
• NJ Department of Health — Approved and Prohibited Food Products lists
• NJDOH — Cottage Food FAQ (rules, labeling, sales channels, $50,000 cap)
• NJ Legislature 2026 — Assembly Bill A3166 (baked goods sold at farm markets, official text PDF)

Inspection prep (general)