Do you love baking at home and dream of turning your passion into a small business? Iowa’s cottage food laws make it possible for home bakers to sell their delicious creations without needing a commercial kitchen. Whether you’re whipping up sourdough loaves, cookies, or homemade pies, here’s everything you need to know to become a cottage baker in Iowa.
What is a Cottage Food Business?
A cottage food business is a small-scale operation that allows individuals to prepare and sell certain types of food from their home kitchens. In Iowa, this is governed by the Iowa Cottage Food Law, which was updated in 2022 under House File 2431 (pdf link) to include more detailed guidance for home-based food entrepreneurs.
Step 1: Understand What You Can Sell
Under Iowa law, only “non-TCS” foods (foods that do not require time and temperature control for safety) can be sold under cottage food rules. These include:
- Breads (without perishable toppings like cream cheese)
- Cookies and bars
- Cakes and cupcakes (with shelf-stable frosting)
- Muffins and scones
- Fruit pies (apple, cherry, etc.)
- Candy
- Dried herbs and spice blends
- Certain canned goods (like jams and jellies made with high-acid fruit)
Prohibited items include:
- Cheesecakes
- Cream pies
- Foods with meat or dairy that require refrigeration
- Pickled products and low-acid canned foods
If your product doesn’t fall within the approved list, you’ll need to look into additional licensing through the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL).
Step 2: Label Your Products Properly
All cottage food products sold in Iowa must have a label that includes:
- Your name and home address
- Name of the food item
- Ingredients (in descending order by weight)
- Allergens (such as wheat, soy, eggs, milk, tree nuts, peanuts)
- Net weight or quantity
- Statement: “This product was produced at a residential property that is exempt from state licensing and inspection.”
Your label must be legible and firmly attached to the product or its container.
Step 3: Sell Directly to Consumers
Cottage food in Iowa can only be sold direct-to-consumer, meaning:
- Farmers markets
- Community events
- Roadside stands
- Online platforms (with pickup or local delivery only—no shipping!)
- From your home
You cannot sell to grocery stores, restaurants, or through third-party vendors.
Step 4: Keep it Clean and Safe
While your home kitchen won’t be inspected, you are expected to follow safe food handling practices. That means:
- Wash your hands and sanitize surfaces frequently
- Keep pets out of the kitchen during food prep
- Store ingredients properly
- Package products securely
Consider taking a food safety course, especially if you plan to grow your business. The Iowa State University Extension offers helpful training and resources.
Step 5: Promote Your Cottage Bakery
Now it’s time to build your brand! Tips for success:
- Pick a catchy business name
- Create a logo and simple labels
- Build a social media presence on Facebook and Instagram
- Attend local farmers markets and craft fairs
- Offer seasonal specials (think pumpkin muffins in fall or holiday cookie boxes in December)
You don’t need a website to start, but having an online presence makes it easier for customers to find you.
Step 6: Track Your Growth
As your customer base grows, you may eventually want to expand beyond cottage food rules. That’s when it’s time to look into:
- Renting a commercial kitchen
- Applying for a home food processing establishment license
- Offering products wholesale
But for now, starting as a cottage baker in Iowa is a low-risk, affordable way to test your recipes and build a loyal following.
Iowa’s cottage food law makes it easier than ever to turn your baking hobby into a home-based business. With a little creativity, attention to detail, and some tasty treats, you can start selling baked goods and sharing your love of baking with your community.
Helpful Resources:
- Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing – Cottage Food Guidance
- Iowa State University Extension Food Safety Training
- Iowa Farmers Market Association
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