New Jersey's Cottage Food Law lets you run a food business right from your home kitchen — no commercial kitchen required. We'll show you exactly how to get licensed in 3 simple steps.
$99 excludes the cost of ServSafe certification (~$15–35)
What is it?
Under the New Jersey Cottage Food Law (A1960, signed 2022), residents can produce and sell certain non-TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) foods directly to consumers from their home kitchen — no commercial kitchen, no expensive build-out. You can earn up to $50,000/year and sell at farmers markets, online, pop-ups, and via delivery.
Baked Goods
Bread, muffins, cookies, cakes, brownies
Coffee & Tea
Packaged roasted coffee, herbal tea blends
Dried Herbs & Spices
Dried herb mixes, spice blends, seasonings
Jams & Jellies
Fruit jams, jellies, preserves (high-acid)
Candy & Confections
Hard candy, fudge, toffee, brittle
Nuts & Granola
Roasted nuts, granola, trail mix, dried fruit
Dry Mixes
Pancake mix, bread mix, cookie mix, hot cocoa
Pickles & Vinegar-Based
High-acid pickles, vinegar-based sauces
❌ Not Allowed Under Cottage Food Law
The Process
That's it. Three steps and you're legally operating your cottage food business.
You must obtain a Food Safety Manager Certification from an ANAB-accredited program. The most popular is ServSafe (about $15–$35 online). This ensures you understand safe food handling, storage, and hygiene.
Take ServSafe OnlineSubmit a Cottage Food License application to the NJ Department of Health. The license is free and renewed annually. You'll need your address, a list of products you plan to sell, and your Food Manager Certificate.
NJ DOH Application PortalEmail your local city or township to confirm your home is in a zone that allows cottage food operations, and that your water source (municipal or well) meets standards. This is typically a quick email — most municipalities respond within a few days.
Email Jersey City Health Dept.Know the Rules
Annual gross sales must not exceed $50,000
All products must be labeled with your name, address, product name, ingredients, allergens, and net weight
Label must include: "Made in a home kitchen not inspected by the State or local health department"
Sales can be direct-to-consumer only (farmers markets, online, pop-ups, delivery)
No wholesale to grocery stores or restaurants
You must operate from your primary residence
Done-For-You Service
Skip the paperwork. For $99 we fill out your NJ DOH application, draft and send your zoning + water verification email to your city, and walk you through your certification — so you can focus on cooking.
Application Filed
We complete your NJ DOH cottage food application
City Contacted
We draft & send your zoning + water verification email
Certification Guidance
Step-by-step help choosing and completing ServSafe
Does not include the cost of ServSafe certification (~$15–$35)
Our mission goes beyond permits. We're building a community of diverse home cooks and food entrepreneurs right here in Jersey City. Once we reach 1,000 members, we're throwing the most delicious festival this city has ever seen — celebrating the flavors, cultures, and creativity of home kitchens everywhere.
Jersey City Cottage Food Festival — Coming Soon
Join now to be part of the founding class of food entrepreneurs.