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Category 22 of 25 · Hawaii

Preserves

Jams, Jellies, Fruit Butters & Chutneys

Cottage Food Eligible
None req'd
License
No revenue cap
Cap
Food-safety course
Training
HAR 11-50 / Act 195
Law

What's Covered / What Needs More

✓ What's Covered

  • Jams, jellies, marmalades, and fruit butters made with standard sugar/acid ratios, sold direct under the cottage exemption
  • Sweet chutneys and fruit-based spreads that meet high-acid, shelf-stable criteria
  • Wholesale of non-TCS preserves to permitted retailers under Act 195
  • In-state online sale and shipping

✕ Needs More

  • Low-acid savory chutneys or relishes that haven't been pH-verified as high-acid/shelf-stable — these risk falling into licensed-facility territory like canned goods
  • Reduced-sugar or 'light' preserves formulated without proper acid/sugar balance testing, which can undermine shelf stability
  • Selling without the food-safety course and required home-kitchen label disclaimer
  • Shipping preserves out of state under the cottage exemption

How to Get Compliant

A

Confirm your recipe is high-acid/shelf-stable

Standard jam/jelly/fruit butter recipes with adequate sugar and acid are cottage-eligible; unusual low-sugar or savory chutney recipes should be pH-verified before selling.

B

Complete the cottage requirements

Food-safety course, then label with the home-kitchen disclaimer, ingredients, and allergens if applicable.

C

Sell through any authorized channel

Direct, online, in-state shipped, and wholesale (non-TCS) are all available with no DOH permit or inspection.

Quick Reference

Sales ChannelRequirementNotes
Standard jam/jelly, direct saleCottage course + labelClassic cottage-eligible item
Fruit butterCottage course + labelConfirm sugar/acid ratio is standard
Savory chutney/relishCottage course + label if pH-verified high-acidOtherwise treat as canned-goods risk category
Wholesale to a storeCottage course + label, non-TCS onlyAct 195 (2025) opened this channel

Frequently Asked Questions

Are jams and jellies cottage-eligible in Hawaii?
Yes, they're one of the classic cottage food categories, requiring just the food-safety course and proper labeling.
What about a low-acid mango chutney?
If it isn't verified as high-acid/shelf-stable, treat it like the higher-risk canned goods category and consider a licensed facility.
Do I need a specific permit number on my preserve label?
No — Hawaii issues no cottage permit number; just include the required home-kitchen disclaimer and ingredient/allergen info.
Can I wholesale my jam to a local store?
Yes, non-TCS preserves may be wholesaled under Act 195.

Printable Checklist