Minnesota direct-to-consumer guide, 2026
Herbs & Spices
Dried herbs, spice blends, and fresh-cut herbs.
Cottage Food Eligible (Dried)What is covered and what needs a different path
What’s covered
- Dried culinary herbs and spice blends in sealed packages
- Fresh herbs you grow, sold as produce
- Seasoning blends made from dry, shelf-stable ingredients
Needs a different path
- Products sold with medicinal claims (supplement or drug rules)
- Herbs infused in oil or garlic-in-oil products
- Shipping or wholesale of cottage food
Three compliance steps
Dry thoroughly and skip claims
Dry herbs to the 0.85 limit and label as food. Avoid disease or treatment claims.
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 |
| Fresh herbs | Farm product; generally excluded from licensing | MDA |
| Herbal supplements | Taxable dietary supplements | MN Revenue |
Frequently asked questions
Can I say my turmeric blend reduces inflammation?
No. That is a health claim and can make it an unapproved drug.
Are spices taxed?
Spices are exempt food. Items sold as herbal supplements are taxed.
Can I sell fresh herb bunches?
Yes as a farm product, with the same produce handling care as other vegetables.
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
- No health claims in any listing