Delaware cottage food makers
38 listings in all 3 Delaware counties so far, and growing. Scroll down for Delaware's cottage food rules.
Counties with listings
Northern Delaware (14 listings)
Central Delaware (11 listings)
Southern Delaware (13 listings)
Delaware cottage food rules in plain English
This is general information, not legal advice. Check your state and local rules. Last reviewed Nov. 3, 2026.
What it is
Delaware lets a cottage food establishment, or CFE, make non-time/temperature-controlled-for-safety foods in a home-style kitchen in the producer's permanent primary residence and sell them directly to consumers in Delaware. The business must get a Division of Public Health permit and follow the Cottage Food Regulation.
Sources: 16 DE Admin. Code 4458A, 1.0-2.0 and 3.0; DPH Cottage Food Establishment Program
License or permit
A CFE needs a $30 annual permit from the Division of Public Health. The permit runs April 1 through March 31. The application covers products, labels, a kitchen floor plan, food-safety training proof and sales venues. DPH inspects the kitchen before adding the producer to the state registry. At least one person on site during operation must have passed an approved food safety test. Local zoning and other codes still apply.
Sources: 16 DE Admin. Code 4458A, 3.1, 3.3 and 5.0; DPH Cottage Food Establishment Program
What you can sell
Delaware allows only non-time/temperature-controlled-for-safety foods on DPH's approved list and listed on your permit. The regulation names baked goods such as cakes, breads, cookies, rolls, muffins, brownies, fruit pies and pastries without TCS fillings; jams, jellies and fruit preserves; and candy such as fudge, lollipops, chocolates, tortes, hard candy and rock candy. Ask DPH for the current approved list before you apply.
Sources: 16 DE Admin. Code 4458A, 3.2; DPH Cottage Food Establishment Program
What you cannot sell
Foods that need time/temperature control are not allowed, including baked goods with cream fillings or meat. Products with cannabis, including THC or CBD, are not allowed. You may sell only the products listed on your permit.
How you can sell
Cottage food may be sold only by direct sales to consumers in Delaware, at farmers markets, craft fairs, charitable organization functions and other approved venues. Online sales are not permitted, but online advertising and marketing are. Wholesale and sales to resellers or food establishments are not permitted. Display the permit at every venue where you sell.
Labels
Each product must be labeled with the CFE name, product name, "town/city, Delaware," the CFE's phone number or email, net weight or unit count, the date of production or lot number, ingredients by weight, allergen sources and this statement in at least 10-point type: "This food is made in a Cottage Food Establishment and is NOT subject to routine Government Food Safety Inspections."
Sources: 16 DE Admin. Code 4458A, 8.2
Read the full Delaware cottage food law guide and FAQs