Do you need a license to sell honey in Minnesota?

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

Honey from your own hives with nothing added is exempt as a "product of the farm or garden", no registration. Cottage food law is Minn. Stat. 28A.152.

What your Minnesota 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 Minnesota: None for pure honey (it is outside cottage food). The cottage-food disclaimer "These products are homemade and not subject to state inspection." applies only if you add ingredients.

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

The official Minnesota source

These rules are set by Minnesota Department of Agriculture. This reflects their published guidance; still confirm the current details before printing.

Read the official Minnesota guidance.

Quick checklist for Minnesota

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