How to start a home-based food business in New Jersey

Can you run a food business from home in NJ?

Yes – you can run a food business from home in NJ. A home-based food business is also known as a “cottage food” business by the government, and Cottage Food Law falls under the New Jersey Department of Health. To become a “cottage food operator”, that is, a seller of homemade food, you need a “Cottage Food Operator’s Permit”. 

How do I get a food handler permit in NJ?

To get a Cottage Food Operator’s Permit in NJ, you have to apply for it from the government. The New Jersey Department of Health’s website has a page dedicated to the process here – you can download the application here, and view more detailed instructions here. We’ll also go over the instructions in this article. 

How much does it cost to get a food handlers license in NJ?

There is an application fee of $100, which is non-refundable – however, if your application isn’t accepted, you’ll get a chance to fix it without having to pay the fee again. After getting your permit, it’ll last for two years. 

Is ServSafe required in NJ?

Yes, you need to take a food safety training course before you can sell food in NJ. Approved courses include ones made by ServSafe, and after taking an exam, 

How to start a home-based food business in New Jersey?

You can start a business in a number of different ways, but most people follow a series of steps. 

Here are the steps:

1. Figure out what foods you want to sell. Not only will this make labeling easier, there are some foods you aren’t allowed to sell as a Cottage Food Operator, and you’ll have to write out a business plan including what foods you want to sell in your application.

Foods you can sell include non-time/temperature controlled foods that don’t need refrigeration, like: 

• Baked goods, including bread, rolls, biscuits, cakes, cupcakes, pastries, and cookies;
• Candy, including brittle and toffee;
• Chocolate-covered nuts and dried fruit;
• Dried fruit;
• Dried herbs and seasonings, and mixtures thereof;
• Dried pasta
• NOTE: dried pasta recipe may not contain eggs;
• Dry baking mix;
• Fruit jams, fruit jellies, and fruit preserves;
• Fruit pies, fruit empanadas, and fruit tamales (excluding pumpkin);
• Fudge;
• Granola, cereal, and trail mix;
• Processed honey and sweet sorghum syrup
• NOTE: Raw, unprocessed honey is not a cottage food and is not subject to permit requirements;
• Nuts and nut mixtures;
• Nut butters;
• Popcorn and caramel corn;
• Roasted coffee and dried tea;
• Vinegar and mustard;
• Waffle cones and pizzelles; and
• Upon written application to the Public Health and Food Protection Program, other non-TCS food.

Foods you CANNOT sell include time/temperature-controlled foods that do need refrigeration, like: 

• Macaroni and cheese
• Cut fresh fruit
• Pumpkin pie
• Olive oil with garlic

2. Take a Food Protection Manager Certification safety course. As mentioned before, you’ll need food safety training certification as part of your application. You can take a government-approved course like one made by ServSafe.
3. Apply for your permit. You can apply here and view more detailed instructions from the government here
4. Label your foods properly. On your label, you’ll need the following information:

• The common name of the cottage food product;
• List of ingredients listed in descending order of predominance by weight;
• Statement: “Contains” then list any major food allergens;
• Cottage Food Operator’s Name, or Business name,
• Cottage Food Operator’s Permit #;
• City address and “NJ”; and
• The following statement: this food is prepared pursuant to N.J.A.C. 8:24-11 in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by the Department of Health.

You will also need to indicate it if your food contains the following major allergens: eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, sesame, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and/or wheat. 

5. Sell your food online or in-person. As long as you directly deliver your food to your customer, you can take orders in any way you like, such as using an e-commerce too like FormPay to take orders.
6. Promote your business. The last step is to let everyone know about your business. You can start by telling your friends and family, then reach more people with social media. You can also check out this article for more tips on how to promote your business. 

How do I sell food online in NJ?

In New Jersey, you can sell food online if you deliver your food to your customers. We recommend using a food e-commerce app like FormPay that can let you easily and quickly take orders from your customers. With FormPay, you can create an online menu of your food in minutes. Your customers can select and pay for the food they want to buy from you and you both get automatic confirmation messages once the transaction is complete. Food businesses such as G Sweets and Uncle Tim’s Delicacies already use FormPay with much success.

How to sell baked goods from home in NJ?

Many independent food businesses, like G Sweets and Uncle Tim’s Delicacies, have baked foods as the main part of their menu, keeping track of their many orders with a service like FormPay. 

Summary

Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to sell homemade food in New Jersey. All you have to do is submit an online application and set up a store with a tool like FormPay, 

Resources

Environmental Health | Cottage Food Operators - Home Bakers

ServSafe