Minnesota direct-to-consumer guide, 2026
Canned Goods
Home-canned pickles, fruits, and vegetables sold under the cottage law.
Cottage Food Eligible: Acidic OnlyWhat is covered and what needs a different path
What’s covered
- Pickles, vegetables, or fruits with a pH of 4.6 or lower
- Items with a water activity of 0.85 or less
- Sales in person at home, markets, and events
Needs a different path
- Low-acid canned foods (plain green beans, corn, soups, meats) with a pH above 4.6
- Foods needing refrigeration or a process you cannot document
- Shipping to customers, or selling to stores or restaurants
Three compliance steps
Test and document acidity
Measure pH with a calibrated meter or have a lab test it. Keep records. Use tested recipes. Anything above pH 4.6 needs a licensed commercial path.
Register with MDA
Register every year before selling. Sales of $7,665 or less: free Tier 1 with a yearly MDA training and exam. $7,666 to $78,000: $50 and an approved course every three years. The registration year runs April 1 to March 31.
Label it, post the sign, sell in person
Label each package with your name or business name, address or registration number, date produced, ingredients with allergens, and “These products are homemade and not subject to state inspection.” Post the same statement on a sign or your website. You or an employee must be present at the sale or delivery.
Quick reference
| Item | Rule | Regulator |
|---|---|---|
| Sales cap | $78,000 gross per calendar year per registered person | MDA |
| Registration | Tier 1 free ($7,665 or less); Tier 2 $50 per year | MDA |
| Label | Name, address or reg. number, date, ingredients, allergens, homemade statement | MDA |
| Shipping | Human food may not be shipped now; MDA says allowed from Aug 1, 2027 | MDA |
| Product limit | pH 4.6 or lower, or water activity 0.85 or less | MDA |
| Sales tax | Canned food is exempt; candy or sweetened prepared items may not be | MN Revenue |
Frequently asked questions
Can I can plain green beans for sale?
No. They are low-acid. Under the cottage law you may sell only pickled or acidic vegetables and fruits.
What about salsa?
Only if the finished product tests at pH 4.6 or lower with a documented recipe.
Do I need a process authority?
Not for the cottage exemption, but you must be able to show the acidity of each product.
Printable checklist
- Register or renew (April 1 to March 31 year)
- Finish the Tier 1 exam or Tier 2 course
- Post the homemade sign and web statement
- Track gross sales against $7,665 and $78,000
- Check city or township rules on home sales
- pH test results on file for each recipe