Michigan direct-to-consumer compliance guide, 2026

Baked Goods

Breads, cookies, cakes and shelf-stable pies from a home kitchen, now sellable online.

Cottage Food Eligible

YesWhat's covered

  • Breads, cookies, cakes (including wedding and celebration cakes), muffins and quick breads
  • Baked fruit pies and shelf-stable pies, with butter, lard or shortening crusts
  • Breads with shredded hard cheese, dried herbs, spices, nuts or dried fruit baked in
  • Sales direct, by internet or mail order inside Michigan, and via third-party delivery

NoNeeds a different path

  • Custard, pumpkin, banana cream, lemon meringue pies and cheesecake
  • Cream cheese frosting or any glaze needing refrigeration
  • Breads with fresh or frozen vegetables, soft cheese or large cheese chunks
  • Wholesale, consignment, resale by restaurants, or shipping out of state

Three compliance steps

  1. A

    Check the recipe against MDARD's list

    Only foods safe at room temperature qualify. Buttercream must be commercial shelf-stable or one of the two tested recipes MDARD names, used exactly.

  2. B

    Label every package

    Business name and address, product name, ingredients by weight, net weight, federal allergens, and the 11-point inspection statement. Optional MSU Product Center registration lets a phone and registration number replace your address.

  3. C

    Sell in Michigan and track the cap

    Keep a running total of gross sales. For online orders, give buyers a way to interact with you before the sale. Stay at or under the cap.

Quick reference

ItemRuleRegulator
Breads, cookies, cakesAllowed; no license, registration or inspectionMDARD
PiesBaked fruit and shelf-stable pies allowed; refrigerated fillings prohibitedMDARD
ButtercreamCommercial shelf-stable, or K-State MF3544 or Texas Come and Bake It recipe unchangedMDARD
Gross sales cap$50,000; $75,000 for $250+ per unit; inflation adjustments allowed after Oct 1, 2026MDARD / Food Law
Label statementMade in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by the Michigan department of agriculture and rural development, 11-point contrasting typeMDARD
Sales taxUnprepared bakery food is exempt; items sold with utensils or for immediate eating are taxableMI Treasury

Frequently asked questions

Do I need food safety training?

No. Michigan does not require it, but MSU Extension offers a free MDARD-funded online course.

Can I sell cakes through a delivery app?

Yes, inside Michigan, if buyers can interact with you before the sale. Wholesale and consignment remain prohibited.

What happens if I pass the cap?

You then need an MDARD food establishment license and a licensed kitchen for further sales.

Printable checklist