What changed with Texas SB 541?

It added refrigerated foods (except meat and seafood), raised the sales limit and set up wholesale through registered cottage food vendors.

Do I need a permit to sell cheesecake in Texas?

You need a free DSHS registration for refrigerated foods.

Can I sell meals with meat?

No. Meat, poultry and seafood are not allowed.

Can my city require a permit?

No. Local governments cannot require cottage food permits.

How to Sell Food From Home in Texas (2026)

Verified October 26, 2026 from official Texas sources.

The short answer: Since September 1, 2025 (Senate Bill 541), Texas home cooks can sell most foods, including refrigerated foods like cheesecake, but not meat, poultry or seafood. Shelf-stable foods need no license. Refrigerated foods require a free registration with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

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Can I sell home-cooked meals in Texas?

Not meat dishes. Texas cottage food operations can sell refrigerated (time and temperature control for safety) foods, except meat, meat products, poultry, seafood, fish, shellfish, ice, low-acid canned goods and products with CBD or THC.

Do I need a license?

Shelf-stable foods: no license or registration.
Refrigerated foods: you must register on the DSHS Online Licensing Registry.
Cities and counties cannot require their own cottage food permits.

Registering also lets you use a DSHS identification number on labels instead of your home address.

How much can I sell?

Up to $150,000 a year, adjusted for inflation.

Where and how you can sell

Refrigerated foods: directly to the customer only, stored and delivered at a safe temperature.
Shelf-stable foods: directly to customers, or wholesale to registered cottage food vendors.

Label requirements

Labels include your operation's name and the production date. Refrigerated foods must also carry this statement on the label, invoice or receipt:

SAFE HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS: To prevent illness from bacteria, keep this food refrigerated or frozen until the food is prepared for consumption.

How to get started

Decide whether you will sell refrigerated foods.
If yes, register on the DSHS Online Licensing Registry.
Make labels with the production date and any required statements.
Apply on Chef Next Door and set up your menu.

Official sources

Texas DSHS: Cottage Food Production

FAQ

What changed with Texas SB 541?: It added refrigerated foods (except meat and seafood), raised the sales limit and set up wholesale through registered cottage food vendors.
Do I need a permit to sell cheesecake in Texas?: You need a free DSHS registration for refrigerated foods.
Can I sell meals with meat?: No. Meat, poultry and seafood are not allowed.
Can my city require a permit?: No. Local governments cannot require cottage food permits.

Ready to sell in Texas?

iPhone app coming soon.

Book a 15-minute call

Related: Permits by state · Oklahoma · Arizona · Florida

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and can differ by city and county. Confirm with your state or local health or agriculture department before you sell.