What is a Cottage Bakery?

Since the pandemic farm stands filled with lovely baked goods have been popping up everywhere. People scoured the marketplace looking for home baked items and many people started to bake even some after having little to no kitchen experience. With these cottage bakeries popping up today we take a look at what is a cottage bakery and why they are so popular.

A cottage bakery, also known as a cottage industry bakery, is a small-scale bakery that is usually run from a home kitchen. Cottage bakeries are subject to cottage food laws, which are different from the health codes and regulations that apply to commercial restaurants. These food laws vary from state to state but mostly mention foods that are considered “low risk.” While some people may intend on sticking with a cottage bakery, this at-home model can also be a path to other types of entrepreneurship. Famous cake baker Duff Goldman from Ace of Cakes started out with a cottage industry bakery before he opened his first brick-and-mortar location of Charm City Cakes.

You may need a permit or license to operate, and you may need to pass a food handler’s course. You may also be required to open your home kitchen to inspection by a local governing authority, so make sure to get these details locked down before you invest any money into your business. If you’re looking for more information about cottage food laws, contact your local health department or the state department of agriculture.

States may also have labeling requirements, such as listing all ingredients and/or specifying any allergens that may be present in your food.

Many states also have limits on how much product your cottage industry bakery can sell in the course of a year. In Florida, for example, sales can’t exceed $250,000 annually. Once Florida bakers reach that threshold, they must either stop selling for the year or transition their businesses into a commercial kitchen space and out of the home.

Most people opt for the home bakery model because of the low overhead cost because they have most of the supplies already in house because we all have the basics already there. Most everyone has an oven, a microwave, stovetop and even the most basic mixer or blender already on hand. These non-commercial appliances make for a great opportunity to begin a business without having to spend thousands of dollars for start up costs.

What are some low-risk foods?

Baked Goods:

• Cookies
• Cakes
• Candies
• Spices
• Breads

Other Items:

• Jams and jellies
• Dry cookie or cake mixes
• Granola
• Dry cereals
• Popcorn

Labeling

As of right now, all but one state require product labeling. Typically, each state will require ingredients, the baker’s name, address, or a way of contact, such as an email or website, to be listed on the label. In addition, some states do require a disclaimer to be added indicating that the state did not inspect the product. Some business owners print their labels, and others order them online. You can also print or order labels that include your bakery logo. Although they are not required, they do make the packaging look more professional.

If you are considering purchasing home baked goods and canned products it is best to know your state laws as well so that you know you are buying from a reputable person. There are many websites and agricultural resources in every state that explain each cottage law and the sales limitations and processes. Also knowing that a kitchen has been inspected ensures that the products you are buying are made in a sanitary place away from pets and other household contaminants.

Keep an eye on Make Food Safe for more articles pertaining to food safety and other food related topics.