Minnesota direct-to-consumer guide, 2026
Nuts & Seeds
Raw and dry-roasted nuts, seeds, and trail mixes.
Cottage Food EligibleWhat is covered and what needs a different path
What’s covered
- Raw or dry-roasted nuts and seeds, sealed and labeled
- Trail mixes with dry shelf-stable ingredients
- Sales in person at home, markets, and events
Needs a different path
- Seed sold for planting (MDA Seed Program)
- Nut butters needing refrigeration or with added water
- Mailed orders, wholesale, or sales over $78,000
Three compliance steps
Declare allergens
Tree nuts, peanuts, and sesame must be declared by name. Mixes must list every ingredient.
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 |
| Candied or coated nuts | Candy, taxable at 6.875% | MN Revenue |
| Seed for planting | Seed labeling and permit rules | MDA Seed Program |
Frequently asked questions
Is peanut a tree nut?
No. Peanuts and tree nuts are separate allergens and each must be declared.
Are candied nuts taxable?
Yes. Minnesota Revenue lists beer nuts and coated items as candy.
Can I sell sunflower seeds for planting?
That is a seed law matter. Contact the MDA Seed Program.
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
- Allergens declared by name