Minnesota direct-to-consumer guide, 2026
Preserves
Fruit jams and jellies, and fruit spreads.
Cottage Food EligibleWhat is covered and what needs a different path
What’s covered
- Fruit jams and jellies that meet the cottage limits
- Acidic fruit spreads at pH 4.6 or lower, documented
- Sales in person at home, markets, and events
Needs a different path
- Low-sugar or no-sugar spreads that exceed 0.85 water activity and 4.6 pH
- Pumpkin butter, onion jam, or other low-acid spreads
- Mailed orders, wholesale, or sales over $78,000
Three compliance steps
Verify your set
Traditional high-sugar jams reach the limit. Reduced-sugar recipes may not. Test pH and water activity for each batch.
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 | Fruit jams and jellies; pH 4.6 or lower, or water activity 0.85 or less | MDA |
| Sales tax | Jams and spreads are exempt food | MN Revenue |
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell low-sugar jam?
Only if it tests at pH 4.6 or lower or water activity 0.85 or less.
Do I need a canning class?
Tier 2 needs the approved course; Tier 1 needs the yearly MDA exam. Both cover safe canning.
Can I add pectin or lemon juice?
Yes; document the recipe and test the finished 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 or water activity test per recipe