Minnesota direct-to-consumer guide, 2026
Dried Goods
Dried fruit, beans, pasta, and dry mixes in sealed packages.
Cottage Food EligibleWhat is covered and what needs a different path
What’s covered
- Dried beans, lentils, rice blends, and dry soup mixes
- Dried fruit and vegetables that reach 0.85 water activity or less
- Fresh pasta that is fully dried and shelf stable
Needs a different path
- Jerky or any meat product
- Anything that needs refrigeration or is not fully dried
- Shipping, wholesale, or sales over $78,000
Three compliance steps
Prove it is dry
Document drying time and temperature and test water activity. Home dehydrated foods that stay moist are not covered.
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 |
| Dried fruit | Taxable as candy if it has added sweeteners | MN Revenue |
| Dry mixes | Exempt food; allergen labeling applies | MN Revenue, FDA |
Frequently asked questions
Is dried fruit taxable?
Dried fruit with sweeteners is on Minnesota Revenue’s list of candy, which is taxable. Plain dried fruit is exempt food.
Do I need allergen labels?
Yes. Cottage food labels must list ingredients and possible allergens.
Can I sell jerky?
No. Meat falls under inspection rules; see the Meats guide.
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
- Water activity record per product