Where to sell homemade food
The same cookie needs a different label at a market table than it does on Amazon. Where and how you sell is the single thing that decides whether you need a full Nutrition Facts panel. Find your channel below, then build the label to match.
The one thing that changes your label
Selling direct to the person eating the food, in your own state, is cottage food, and in most states that means no full Nutrition Facts panel. The moment you sell through a marketplace, ship across a state line, or sell to a store for resale, the panel usually comes back. Nutripane builds the whole label from your recipe, so you are covered on either side of that line.
Selling direct, in your state
The classic cottage food case. In most states you skip the full Nutrition Facts panel, but every package still needs the ingredient list, allergen line, net weight, business info, and your state's disclaimer.
Farmers Markets
Panel usually not requiredFarmers market food sold direct to customers is usually exempt from the Nutrition Facts panel, but the label still needs five things. Here is the checklist, free.
Craft Fairs
Panel usually not requiredSelling treats at a craft fair is usually direct cottage food sales, exempt from the panel but not from the label. Here is what each package needs.
Bake Sales
Panel usually not requiredMany charity, school, and church bake sales are exempt from cottage food registration, but allergen labeling still keeps buyers safe. Here is how to label bake sale items.
Farm Stands
Panel usually not requiredSelling jam, honey, or bread at a roadside farm stand is direct cottage food sales in most states. Here is what each package needs on the label.
Pop-Up Shops
Panel usually not requiredA pop-up or market stall selling direct to customers is usually cottage food, exempt from the panel but not the label. Here is what each package needs.
Online and shipping
Once food ships, especially across a state line, you usually move into full federal labeling, including the Nutrition Facts panel.
Online
Panel depends on where you shipSelling food from your own website is fine, but shipping across state lines usually means the full Nutrition Facts panel. Here is what your online food label needs.
Amazon
Panel usually requiredSelling food on Amazon means a Nutrition Facts panel image, a full ingredient list, and an allergen statement. Here is what your label needs, and how to build it free.
Etsy
Panel depends on where you shipEtsy allows edible items, but shipping food to buyers usually pulls you into full labeling. Here is what your Etsy food label needs, and how to build it free.
Across State Lines
Panel usually requiredShipping food to another state moves you from cottage food to full federal labeling, including the Nutrition Facts panel. Here is exactly what changes.
Wholesale and retail
Selling through a store or a restaurant means full labeling: the panel, a scannable barcode, and a spec sheet the buyer will ask for.
Wholesale
Panel usually requiredSelling to stores for resale usually requires the full Nutrition Facts panel, plus a UPC and a spec sheet. Here is what wholesale food labeling needs.
Grocery Stores
Panel usually requiredGetting your product on grocery shelves means a full Nutrition Facts panel, a UPC barcode, and retail-ready packaging. Here is the labeling checklist.
Restaurants
Panel depends on where you shipSupplying a cafe or restaurant means giving them your full ingredient and allergen information. Here is what a restaurant supplier label needs.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Food labeling, cottage food rules, and marketplace policies vary by state and change over time. Confirm current requirements with your state's cottage food program and the place you plan to sell before you sell.