Do you need a license to sell honey in Iowa?

In most cases you can sell pure honey from your own bees in Iowa without a food license.

Cottage food (Iowa Code §137F.20). Direct-to-consumer honey exempt; wholesale/resale needs a Home Food Processing license.

What your Iowa honey label must include

Start with the federal basics that apply in every state:

  • The word "Honey" (you can name the floral source, like "Wildflower Honey", if it is the main source)
  • Net weight in both US and metric, in the bottom 30 percent of the front label
  • Your name and address
  • No ingredient list is needed for pure honey; add one the moment you add anything

Then, for Iowa: "This product was produced at a residential property that is exempt from state licensing and inspection." Plus producer name/address and allergen statement.

For the full federal rules, including when a nutrition panel is required, see our honey labeling requirements guide.

The official Iowa source

These rules are set by Iowa Dept of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing (DIAL). This reflects their published guidance; still confirm the current details before printing.

Read the official Iowa guidance.

Quick checklist for Iowa

  • The word "Honey"
  • Net weight in US and metric, bottom 30 percent of the front
  • Your name and address
  • The Iowa statement or disclaimer described above
  • Optional but recommended: "Do not feed honey to infants under one year of age"