Michigan direct-to-consumer compliance guide, 2026
Nuts & Seeds
Coated, roasted and ground nuts qualify; allergen labeling is the main risk.
Cottage Food Eligible- $50,000Annual gross sales cap
- Nut buttersFrom ground nuts allowed
- AllergensPeanut, tree nut, sesame
- No raw sproutsExcluded
YesWhat's covered
- Coated or uncoated nuts, including chocolate-covered nuts
- Peanut, almond and similar nut butters made from ground nuts
- Granola and trail mixes with allowed ingredients
- Seeds sold as food
NoNeeds a different path
- Raw seed sprouts
- Nut milks and other beverages
- Nut products requiring refrigeration
- Seed sold for planting: MDARD seed program rules
Three compliance steps
- A
Check each ingredient
Nuts and nut butters are allowed. Added items such as dairy or fresh fruit can disqualify a mix.
- B
Label allergens prominently
Peanut, tree nut and sesame must be named under federal allergen rules.
- C
Separate planting seed
Selling seed for planting falls under the MDARD Seed Program, not cottage rules.
Quick reference
| Item | Rule | Regulator |
|---|---|---|
| Coated or uncoated nuts | Allowed | MDARD |
| Nut butters | Allowed when made from ground nuts | MDARD |
| Raw seed sprouts | Not allowed | MDARD |
| Nut milks | Beverage: not allowed as cottage food | MDARD |
| Planting seed | Subject to MDARD seed program | MDARD |
| Allergen labeling | Federal allergen labeling | FDA |
Frequently asked questions
Can I roast peanuts at home and sell them?
Yes, as a cottage food with proper labeling and allergen statement.
Can I sell almond milk?
No, beverages are not allowed under the cottage exemption.
What about seeds for gardeners?
See MDARD's seed program.
Printable checklist
- List all nut and seed allergens
- Confirm no refrigerated ingredients
- Print cottage statement
- Keep roasting records
- Track gross sales
- Separate planting seed sales
- Use in-state sales only