How to Label Cottage Foods (Beginner’s Guide to Homemade Food Labels) If you're starting a home-based food business, one of the most important (and often confusing) steps is learning how to properly label your products. In this podcast episode, we break down exactly how to label cottage foods in a simple, beginner-friendly way so you can stay compliant, build trust with customers, and confidently sell your homemade products. Whether you're baking cookies, making candy, bottling sauces, or selling snacks from home, labeling is not optional—it’s required by law in most states under cottage food regulations. But don’t worry… this episode walks you through everything step-by-step in plain English (no legal jargon). We start by explaining what cottage food labeling is and why it matters. Proper labeling protects your business, informs your customers, and helps you avoid costly mistakes or fines. Then we dive into the core label requirements that most states follow. You’ll learn exactly what needs to go on your label, including: • The name of your product
• Your business name (or your name)
• The city and state where the food was made
• A full ingredient list (in descending weight order)
• Allergen disclosures (like milk, eggs, wheat, peanuts, etc.)
• Net weight or volume of the product
• Required cottage food disclaimer statements We also cover real examples of labels, so you can visualize how everything should look when placed on your packaging—whether you're using gusseted bags, jars, or wrapped baked goods like your chocolate-covered pretzel rods or cookies. One of the most valuable parts of this episode is the breakdown of common mistakes beginners make, such as forgetting allergen statements, incorrect ingredient formatting, or missing required disclaimers. Avoiding these mistakes can save you time, money, and potential headaches with local health departments. We also touch on design tips for your labels—how to make them not only compliant but also attractive and professional so your products stand out online (Amazon, Etsy, Shopify) or in-person at farmers markets. Plus, we explain how labeling can actually become a marketing tool, helping you build a recognizable brand like your existing product lines under The Brittle Box Candy Co. If you're launching or scaling a home-based food business, this episode is a must-listen. It simplifies the process, removes confusion, and gives you a clear roadmap to follow. 👉 Perfect for:
• Beginner cottage food entrepreneurs
• Home bakers and candy makers
• Etsy, Amazon, and Shopify food sellers
• Farmers market vendors
• Anyone wanting to legally sell homemade food 🎧 Tune in now and learn how to label your cottage foods the right way—so you can focus on growing your business with confidence.

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