You can begin selling home-cooked food to the public if your homeowner’s association and zoning laws allow it. Getting a food vendor license is crucial. This type of license is often called a cottage food license, which permits you to sell food from your home, church sales, or farmer’s markets. Food safety is key for any home-based food business. Most cottage food laws will only allow you to sell non-hazardous items. There’s a limit on how much you can sell annually. Technology and marketing are essential for a successful home business. If you’re thinking about starting this venture, the answer to "Can I sell food from my house?" is likely yes.
Permissible Home-Cooked Foods for Sale
What food can you make at home and sell?
- You can only sell low-risk foods like coffee and tea blends, dry foods, baked goods, and jams and preserves from home. Cottage laws dictate what foods you can offer and where.
- Sellers must have food-handler permits and cannot offer anything that requires refrigeration.
- Products must be clearly labeled as home-made and not inspected. Cottage food laws are designed to make it easier for home-based businesses to sell food.
Licensing and Regulations
Do I need a license to sell homemade food in South Carolina?
- In South Carolina, you don’t need a cottage food license to sell homemade food. However, you must apply for a regular business license for tax purposes.
- The South Carolina Department of Health and Environment Control has rules regarding the sale of food from home.
- Once your business is considered a retail food establishment, cottage food laws no longer apply.
Easy-to-Sell Home Food Products
What is the easiest food to sell?
- Easy foods to sell include nuts, pickles, popcorn, cotton candy, sandwiches, tacos, quesadillas, trend foods like marinades and rubs, flavored vinegars, oils, charcuterie boards, candy, cookies, pastries, dry herbs, fresh bread, hummus, dips, jams, and jellies.