How to Sell Baked Goods at Farmers Markets

Can You Sell Homemade Baked Goods at a Farmers Market?

Yes, in most states. Thanks to cottage food laws, home bakers can legally sell certain baked goods made in their home kitchen without a commercial license. However, the rules vary significantly by state.

Before You Start

Check your state's cottage food laws. Some states have sales caps ($25K-$75K/year), labeling requirements, and restrictions on what you can sell. View cottage food laws by state →

What Baked Goods Can You Sell?

Most cottage food laws allow "non-potentially hazardous" baked goods — items that don't require refrigeration. Common allowed items include:

Breads — Sourdough, sandwich loaves, rolls, bagels
Cookies & Bars — Chocolate chip, brownies, lemon bars
Cakes & Cupcakes — Without cream cheese or custard fillings
Pies — Fruit pies (not cream or custard)
Muffins & Scones — Blueberry, banana nut, cinnamon
Biscotti & Granola — Shelf-stable snacks

Usually NOT allowed: Cream pies, cheesecakes, custards, anything requiring refrigeration, and in some states, items with fresh fruit toppings.

How to Get Started: Step by Step

1. Research Your State's Laws

Every state has different cottage food regulations. Key things to check:

Annual sales limit (ranges from $25,000 to unlimited)
Required permits or registrations
Labeling requirements
Where you're allowed to sell (farmers markets, online, etc.)

2. Find Markets That Accept Home Bakers

Not all farmers markets accept cottage food vendors. When searching on CropCart Markets, look for markets that list "Baked Goods" in their product categories. Contact the market manager before applying to confirm they accept home-kitchen products.

Search Markets by Products

3. Create Your Product Line

Start focused. The most successful home bakers at farmers markets specialize in 2-3 signature items rather than offering everything. Consider:

What sells well — Bread, cookies, and muffins are consistent sellers
Your specialty — What do friends always ask you to make?
Profit margins — Factor in ingredients, time, and packaging
Shelf life — Products should last through market day

4. Price Your Products

Home bakers often underprice. A good formula:

(Ingredient Cost × 3) + Labor + Packaging = Minimum Price

Then compare to local bakeries and adjust based on your market

Typical farmers market prices for home-baked goods:

Artisan bread loaf: $6-12
Cookies (per cookie or pack of 6): $2-3 each or $10-15/pack
Muffins: $3-5 each
Whole pies: $18-30
Cinnamon rolls: $4-6 each

5. Set Up Your Booth

Your booth presentation matters. Essentials include:

Table and tablecloth (check market requirements)
Display stands and baskets
Price signs (large and readable)
Cash box and card reader (Square, Venmo, etc.)
Bags or boxes for purchases
Business cards
Required labeling on all products

Labeling Requirements

Most states require cottage food products to include:

Name and address of the producer
Name of the product
Ingredients list (in descending order by weight)
Allergen warnings (wheat, eggs, dairy, nuts, etc.)
Net weight or count
"Made in a home kitchen" or similar disclaimer

Tips from Successful Home Bakers

Bake fresh — Bake the day before or morning of market for the freshest products
Offer samples — Cut cookies or bread into bite-sized pieces (check local health rules)
Build regulars — Remember names, offer "next week" specials
Take pre-orders — Let customers order ahead for guaranteed availability
Bring business cards — For custom orders and catering inquiries

Ready to Start?

The best way to start is to visit your local farmers market as a customer first. Talk to existing bakers, ask about the application process, and get a feel for what sells. Then, when you're ready, find your market on CropCart and apply.