Michigan direct-to-consumer compliance guide, 2026
Vinegars
Vinegar and flavored vinegars are cottage foods; drinking vinegars and sauces are not.
Cottage Food Eligible- $50,000Annual gross sales cap
- 4%Typical minimum vinegar acidity
- FlavoredVinegars allowed
- No saucesHot sauce, dressings excluded
YesWhat's covered
- Vinegar and flavored vinegars
- Vinegar-based cottage products on the allowed list
- In-state sales including online
- Cottage-labeled products
NoNeeds a different path
- Hot sauce, barbecue sauce, ketchup, mustard
- Salad dressings
- Shrubs and drinking vinegars (beverages)
- Kombucha and other fermented drinks
Three compliance steps
- A
Stay with vinegar
Only vinegar and flavored vinegars are listed as allowed condiments.
- B
Avoid beverage uses
Drinking vinegars and shrubs are beverages, which are not cottage foods.
- C
Label and sell
Use cottage statement, ingredients, net volume and allergens.
Quick reference
| Item | Rule | Regulator |
|---|---|---|
| Vinegar | Allowed | MDARD |
| Flavored vinegar | Allowed | MDARD |
| Sauces and dressings | Not allowed | MDARD |
| Drinking vinegar | Beverage: not allowed | MDARD |
| Fermented products | Not allowed | MDARD |
| Label | Cottage statement, ingredients, net volume | MDARD |
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell hot sauce made with vinegar?
No.
Can I sell shrubs?
No, they are beverages.
What acidity should vinegar have?
FDA guidance has treated 4% as the minimum; confirm with MDARD.
Printable checklist
- Confirm product is vinegar
- Check acidity
- Avoid beverage claims
- Print cottage label
- Track sales
- Store properly
- Keep batch records