Cottage food law
Virginia cottage food laws, in plain English.
What you can make in your home kitchen in Virginia, where you can sell it, how much you can earn and whether you need a permit. No legalese, just the facts.
Updated for 2026 · Always confirm with your state
At a Glance
Where You Can Sell
Virginia cottage food vendors are permitted to sell through the following channels:
Virginia cottage food law does not allow wholesale or indirect sales. You cannot sell to stores, restaurants, or anyone who intends to resell your products. Sales must be directly to an individual in Virginia for their personal consumption. House Bill 402 (signed April 2026, effective July 1, 2026) adds online sales and in-state delivery by mail, carrier, or third-party — but explicitly does not change the no-wholesale restriction.
Online Sales & Shipping
Since July 1, 2026 (Va. Code 3.2-5130, 2026 c.605), sales may be made anywhere, online or by phone, with delivery in person, by mail or by delivery service — to someone in Virginia, for personal use, and not to retail food establishments.
License & Permit Requirements
Annual Sales Limits
Acidified & Fermented Foods
Acidified foods include pickles, hot sauces, salsas, fermented vegetables, and other products with a pH at or below 4.6. These are regulated separately in most states.
Important Notes
Virginia removed its sales cap in 2023. Very favorable law for cottage food businesses.
Official Sources
Always verify cottage food laws directly with your state agency — laws change, and we want you selling with confidence.
Information last updated: October 11, 2026. Cottage food laws change frequently — always confirm with your state.
Ready to sell in Virginia?
Rules checked. Now open your shop.
A free Butter & Sage shop takes the orders, the payments and the pickup times, so you can stay in the kitchen. Neighbors in Virginia find you on our map and order ahead.
- A free shop with your own look
- Pre-orders with pickup or delivery times
- Your shop on the local map and the farmers market directory
- Labels with your state’s required statement filled in
More free tools
Free tools for small food businesses.
No sign-up, no catch. Use them as often as you like.
- Bread CalculatorBaker's percentages to batch size, hydration and levain.
- Cake CalculatorGuest count to cake size, or cake size to servings, with a cutting map.
- Market Prep PlannerHow much to bring to market, with a safety buffer.
- Recipe Pricing CalculatorIngredients, labor and margin to a price that pays you.
- Recipe ScalerAny recipe up or down, with smart rounding.
- Cottage Food Label MakerA compliant label for your cottage food products.
- Brand Generator & Social StudioBooth signs, labels and posts that all match.Bloom
Checking another state? All 50 are here.
Every state’s cottage food law, side by side.
