Home-Kitchen jams and preserves

Farmers market shoppers, neighbors, gift buyers, and local cafes or gift shops where your state allows it.

You sell jars at a fixed price each, often $6 to $12 for a small jar. Gift sets, seasonal flavors and local markets help raise the average sale.

• Cooking and recipe testing
• Careful, clean food handling
• Selling at markets or online

• Cottage food rules vary widely by state. Many only allow high-acid, shelf-stable foods, and pickles, salsa and sauces are often excluded
• Check whether your state limits annual sales, requires registration or a food handler card, or bans online and shipped sales
• Labeling rules, including ingredients, allergens and a home-kitchen statement, differ by state
• Check HOA or lease rules and whether your city requires a business license
• Check whether product liability insurance is worth having, since markets often ask for it

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on equipment, jars, labels and any registration or market fees. Monthly revenue is typically around $300 to $2,500, depending on how often you sell and your prices.

Rules vary widely by state. Check which foods are allowed, whether there are annual sales limits, registration or a food handler card, and whether online or shipped sales are banned. Also check labeling, HOA or lease rules, and local business license needs.

Plan on at least about 8 hours a week as an estimate, depending on batch size and how many markets you attend. Helpful skills include cooking and recipe testing, careful, clean food handling and selling at markets or online.