Approved Cottage Foods

CFOs are not allowed to manufacture potentially hazardous foods, acidified foods, or low acid canned food products that would support the growth of botulism if not properly prepared. CDPH will consider additions to the list four (4) times per calendar year (see form 8764 at bottom). 

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has established a list of currently approved food products (PDF 360 KB) that may qualify to be manufactured or repackaged by CFOs. As of March 10, 2023, the current list includes the below.  

See the full list of currently approved food products (CDPH, March 10, 2023) (PDF 360 KB) for examples and specifics. 

Some of the categories below have info sheets and presentations authored by this website in 2014. 

Baked Goods Without Cream, Custard, or Meat Fillings
Candy and Confections

• Baked Goods Info Sheet (UCANR, 2014) (PDF 692 KB)
• Baked Goods PowerPoint (UCANR, 2014) (PDF 341 KB)

Extracts Containing at Least 70 Proof or 35% Food-Grade for Human Consumption Ethanol/Alcohol

Dried, Dehydrated, and Freeze-Dried Foods

• Drying Fruits and Vegetables Info Sheet (UCANR, 2014) (PDF 1 MB)
• Drying Fruits and Vegetables PowerPoint (UCANR, 2014) (PDF 1 MB)

Frostings, Icings, Fondants, and Gum Pastes that do not Contain Eggs, Cream, or Cream Cheese

Honey and Sorghum Syrups

• Honey Info Sheet (UCANR, 2014) (PDF 1.1 MB)
• Honey PowerPoint (UCANR, 2014) (PDF 810 KB)

Fruit Butters, Jams, Jellies that Comply with Part 150 of Title 21 of The Code of Federal Regulations

• Fruit Butters, Jam, Jellies, Preserves Info Sheet (UCANR, 2014) (PDF 953 KB)
• Cottage Food Operator's Handbook: Making and Preserving Fruit:
  Butters, Jellies, Preserves,and Jams (UCANR, 2014) (PDF 516 KB)

Nuts, Nut Mixes, and Nut Butters

• Tree Nuts Info Sheet (UCANR, 2014) (PDF 719 KB)
• Nuts:  Safe Methods for Consumers to Handle, Store, and Enjoy Almonds, Chestnuts, Pecans, Pistachios, and Walnuts (UCANR Pub 8406, 2010) PDF 4.76 MB)
• Tree Nuts PowerPoint (UCANR, 2014) (PDF 442 KB)

Powdered Drink Mixes Made from Manufactured Ingredients

Vinegar and Mustards

• Vinegar Info Sheet (UCANR, 2014) (PDF 684 KB)
• Vinegar PowerPoint (UCANR, 2014 (PDF 449 KB

Forms and Email Contact

• How to Add a Food to the Approved Cottage Food List (CDPH) (PDF 294 KB)
• Request to Add a Food to the Approved Cottage Food List (CDPH 8764) (PDF 163 KB)
• Please submit all cottage food questions and issues to FDBRetail@cdph.ca.gov.

Pickled products, acidified foods such as chutneys and salsas, foods containing meat, and any food that requires refrigeration are NOT approved cottage foods in California.