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Georgia · Direct-to-Consumer Compliance · Category 06 of 24

Coffee & Tea

Roasted coffee beans and loose-leaf or bagged tea blends made and sold direct to consumer

Cottage Food Eligible
None since 7/1/25
License
None
Revenue Cap
Shelf-stable, non-TCS
Product Type
Allowed under HB 398
Retail

What's Covered / What Needs More

✓ Generally Covered

  • Home-roasted whole bean or ground coffee sold direct, online, at markets, and to retail stores
  • Loose-leaf and bagged tea blends, herbal infusions, and flavored tea mixes
  • Sales through any Georgia channel permitted under HB 398, including wholesale to shops
  • Delivery and shipping within Georgia by mail or commercial carrier

✕ Needs More / Watch Out

  • Ready-to-drink bottled coffee or tea beverages requiring refrigeration (see Beverages guide — TCS)
  • Shipping out of state under the cottage food exemption
  • Skipping the one-time food safety course and required label statement
  • Making unverified health claims about caffeine, antioxidants, or medicinal tea properties

Three Steps to Compliance

A

Confirm shelf stability

Roasted beans, ground coffee, and dry tea blends are inherently shelf-stable and non-TCS, squarely within HB 398's cottage food category.

B

Complete training and label

Take the one-time ANAB-accredited food safety course, then label with the home-kitchen disclosure, ingredients, allergens (if any), net weight, and your business name/address.

C

Sell anywhere in Georgia

Direct, online, markets, and now wholesale to retail stores and coffee shops are all open under HB 398, with no state cap on revenue.

Quick Reference

License required?No — HB 398 removed the cottage food license
Revenue capNone
Product examplesRoasted beans, ground coffee, loose-leaf/bagged tea
Retail/wholesaleAllowed under HB 398
Out-of-state shippingNot allowed under cottage food law
Label requirementHome-kitchen disclosure statement, ingredients, net weight, producer name/address

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to roast and sell coffee from home?
No, as long as it's shelf-stable (roasted beans/ground coffee), it falls under Georgia's cottage food exemption with no license required.
Can I add flavoring oils to my tea blends?
Yes, as long as the finished product stays shelf-stable and non-TCS — check that any added ingredient doesn't introduce a refrigeration requirement.
Can I wholesale my coffee to a local café?
Yes — HB 398 opened retail and restaurant sales to cottage food producers.
Can I ship bags of tea to a customer in Florida?
No — interstate shipping isn't covered by the cottage food exemption; that requires a licensed commercial facility.

Printable Checklist

MarketStand · Georgia Producer Compliance Series
This guide is general information, not legal advice, current as of September 2026. Georgia's cottage food, meat inspection, dairy, egg, plant, feed, and alcohol rules change — always verify current requirements with the Georgia Department of Agriculture (agr.georgia.gov), Georgia Dept. of Revenue Alcohol & Tobacco Division, and your local health department before selling.
Primary sources: Georgia Dept. of Agriculture (Cottage Food, Meat Inspection, Egg Law, Live Plant Program, Feed/Pet Food Program); HB 398 (2025); Georgia Raw Dairy Act, O.C.G.A. §26-2-450 et seq.; Georgia Meat Inspection Act, O.C.G.A. §26-2-60; Georgia Food Act, O.C.G.A. §26-2-20; GA Dept. of Revenue Alcohol & Tobacco Division; FDA (DSHEA, MoCRA, FSMA Produce Safety Rule, 21 CFR 108/111/113/114).