Mississippi direct-to-consumer compliance, guide 6 of 24

Coffee & Tea

Roasted coffee and blended tea are not named on the cottage food list.

Confirm With MSDH
Not listedon MSDH cottage List 1
MSDHdecides the permit route
FDAfederal food labeling applies
$35,000cap if MSDH treats it as cottage

What is covered

  • Resale of coffee or tea packaged by a licensed source in its original package
  • Dried spices and dry mixes that are on the cottage list
  • Products MSDH confirms in writing

Needs a different path

  • Roasting or blending sold as a cottage food without confirmation
  • Ready-to-drink coffee, cold brew or tea (see Beverages)
  • Dairy-containing mixes

Three compliance steps

  1. A

    Describe the product

    Say whether you roast, blend, or only repackage. Roasting and blending are processing steps.

  2. B

    Ask MSDH

    Coffee and tea are not on List 1. Ask MSDH in writing whether your product is cottage or needs a permit.

  3. C

    Label and register

    Use federal allergen and net-weight labeling, and register for sales tax.

Quick reference

ItemRuleRegulator
Roasted coffeeNot on cottage List 1; get an MSDH answer before sellingMSDH
Blended teaNot on cottage List 1; dried spices and dry mixes areMSDH
Repackaged retail goodsOriginal licensed packaging may be resold; confirm retail permit needsMSDH
Cold brew or bottled teaBeverage rules apply; see Beverages posterMSDH / FDA
LabelingName, net weight, ingredients, allergens, maker addressFDA
Sales taxTaxable except qualifying food at certified marketsMS DOR

Common questions

Is roasted coffee a cottage food in Mississippi?

It is not named on MSDH's list, so do not assume it is. Get MSDH's answer in writing.

Can I sell loose-leaf tea blends?

Blends are not named either. Single dried herbs may fit the dried spice category, so ask MSDH.

Why no firm answer?

Only the published cottage list was verified; MSDH has the final say on unlisted items.

Printable checklist