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Kentucky · Direct-to-Consumer Compliance

Coffee & Tea

Dry tea blends fit the cottage path; roasting and drinks need extra checks

Verify Before You Sell
DriedDried herbs and spices are on the cottage list
VerifyConfirm roasted coffee is on your approved product list
Hot = taxBrewed drinks are taxable prepared food
LabelFDA name, ingredient and allergen rules

What's Covered / Needs a Different Path

What's Covered

  • Dry tea blends made from listed dried herbs and spices, once approved on your registration
  • Packaged coffee roasted in a permitted facility
  • Correctly labeled dry products

Needs a Different Path

  • Brewed, cold-brew or bottled drinks (see Beverages)
  • Blends sold with health or supplement claims (see Supplements)
  • Any product not listed on your approved registration

Compliance Steps

A

Confirm eligibility

Ask the Food Safety Branch whether coffee or tea appears on your DFS-250 list, or whether a permitted roaster is needed.

B

Register or permit

Use a home-based processor registration for approved dry blends, or a food processing permit for roasting.

C

Label and tax

Show name, ingredients by weight and allergens. Collect tax on brewed drinks.

Quick Reference

ItemRuleRegulator
Dry tea blendsCottage eligible if made of listed dried herbs and spicesCHFS Food Safety Branch
Roasted coffeeConfirm approval or use a permitted kitchenCHFS
Brewed drinksPrepared food; taxableKY Dept. of Revenue
Health claimsTurns a blend into a supplementFDA

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell tea at a market?

Dry approved blends yes; brewed cups need a temporary food permit.

Do I need to grow the herbs?

No. Home-based processors need not grow ingredients.

Is loose coffee taxed?

Food ingredients are generally exempt; brewed drinks are taxable.

Printable Checklist