Yes, you can sell food you cook at home, but you must follow specific laws and regulations which vary significantly depending on your location. These rules are in place for public health and safety and are generally known as "cottage food laws" or "food freedom acts".
Yes, you definitely can. There are a handful of things that you need to be aware of before you take the plunge into selling any food online. Some states will allow this to be done. You have to check what your cottage food law states.
The NSW Food Authority regulates domestic kitchens that only sell food to other businesses, such as cafes, restaurants and supermarkets. Like all food businesses, those based at home must comply with the relevant parts of the Food Standards Code, including: Standard 3.2.
Can I Cook at Home and Sell [ HOW ANYONE CAN DO THIS FROM HOME TODAY!]
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What is the 2 2 2 rule for food?
The 2-2-2 food rule is a simple guideline for leftover safety: get cooked food into the fridge within 2 hours, eat it within 2 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months to prevent bacteria growth, keeping it out of the temperature "danger zone" (40-140°F or 5-60°C).
Confections: Candies, fudge, toffee, and brittle — all sugar‑based and low‑risk for bacterial growth. Preserves: Jams, jellies, and fruit butters made with approved fruits. Some states require pH testing to ensure safety. Dry Goods: Granola, trail mix, popcorn, dry pasta, spice blends, and baking mixes.
Yes it's possible and yes you can do it! We did! Bake and Sell Cookies from Home: A Step-by-Step Guide. Learn how to start baking and selling cookies from your home kitchen with our bestseller recipes.
The 2-hour/4-hour rule in Australia dictates how long potentially hazardous foods (like meats, dairy, cooked rice) can safely stay between 5°C and 60°C (the "temperature danger zone") before bacterial growth becomes risky. If out for under 2 hours: it can be refrigerated or used/heated. If 2 to 4 hours: it must be used immediately and cannot be put back in the fridge. Over 4 hours: it must be thrown out. This is a cumulative time, including prep, storage, and display.
No, you don't have to get an Australian Business Number (ABN) if you're a sole trader earning under $75,000, as the threshold mainly applies to mandatory GST registration, but you probably should, because businesses paying you can withhold 47% tax from your payments without an ABN, and it makes you look more professional and helps with business name/domain registration. Getting an ABN is free and simple through the Australian Business Register (ABR).
If you have a knack for baking—or just a fine-tuned sweet tooth—you might consider selling candy, cookies, baked goods, chocolates, jams, or other sweets. Candy, chocolate, and jams have a longer shelf life than other food products, so you can make products ahead of time and store inventory.
Potatoes, onions, and pickles are budget-friendly items that can be transformed into crowd-pleasing treats. Encourage upselling by offering combo meals that include fried items, like a burger and fries or a sandwich with onion rings.
