Do you need a license to sell honey in New Jersey?

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

Raw honey was exempted from the cottage food law in December 2022. Processed honey still requires a permit.

What your New Jersey 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 New Jersey: No cottage-food disclaimer applies to raw, unprocessed honey (it is a raw agricultural commodity). Standard labeling: name, address, net weight. Processed or infused honey needs a cottage food permit.

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

The official New Jersey source

These rules are set by NJ Department of Health; NJ Dept of Agriculture (apiary). This reflects their published guidance; still confirm the current details before printing.

Read the official New Jersey guidance.

Quick checklist for New Jersey

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