Navigating cottage food label maker requirements can be confusing. Here are practical answers to the most common questions home bakers and makers have about formatting their packaging.
How do I write an ingredient list for cottage food?
Ingredients must always be listed in descending order of predominance by weight. This means the ingredient that weighs the most in your recipe must be listed first, and the lightest ingredient goes last. Additionally, if an ingredient contains its own ingredients (known as sub-ingredients), you must list them in parentheses immediately following the item. For example: Enriched Flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), Butter (cream, salt), Sugar, Eggs. View guide to make labels
How do I calculate net weight for home baked goods?
Net weight refers to the weight of the food itself, excluding any packaging materials. To find this, you should place an empty container on a kitchen scale, hit the "tare" or "zero" button, and then add your product. State laws generally require the net weight to be displayed in both standard (ounces or pounds) and metric (grams) units. For example: Net Wt. 8 oz (227g).
Do I need a nutrition facts panel on my cottage food label?
In most states, cottage food operations are exempt from providing a standard FDA nutrition facts panel. However, if you make specific health claims on your packaging (such as "low fat," "sugar-free," or "high protein"), you forfeit that exemption and must include a full nutritional breakdown. If you make no claims, the standard ingredient list and allergen warning are usually sufficient.
What is the standard size for a homemade food sticker?
The ideal size depends entirely on your packaging, but the 2-inch square or 2-inch round label is the industry standard for most standard-sized cookies, small jam jars, and individual brownies. For larger bread loaves or 8oz coffee bags, a 2.5-inch to 3-inch square is generally preferred to ensure the ingredient text remains legible.
How do I legally declare food allergens on my packaging?
The FDA requires that you clearly identify any of the major food allergens. You can do this in two ways: either include the common name of the allergen within the ingredient list (e.g., Whey (Milk)), or place a clear "Contains:" statement immediately after the ingredient list (e.g., Contains: Wheat, Milk, Eggs, and Soy). Using a dedicated "Contains" line is generally the safest and clearest method for small businesses.