How to label homemade pie for sale
A homemade pie sells on sight, but the filling decides whether you can sell it at all. Here is what the label needs, and the one thing to check first.
What your pie label needs
- ✓Product name. The common name of the food, so a buyer knows what it is.
- ✓Net quantity. Pies are sold by count and net weight, for example one 9-inch pie, 32 oz.
- ✓Ingredient list. Every ingredient, listed heaviest-first by weight.
- ✓Allergen statement. A “Contains” line for any of the nine major allergens in your recipe.
- ✓Business name and address. Who made the food and where they can be reached.
- ✓Home-kitchen disclaimer. The cottage food sentence your state requires you to print.
Allergens to watch in pie
In pie, the allergens to watch are usually wheat, milk, egg, and sometimes tree nuts or soy, depending on the crust and filling. Your “Contains” line should reflect what is actually in your recipe, not a generic list.
Nutripane reads the allergens from your ingredients automatically, so the Contains line matches your recipe.
Do you need a Nutrition Facts panel for pie?
Cottage food pies are usually exempt from the Nutrition Facts panel, but the first question is whether your filling is shelf-stable.
Nutripane builds the Nutrition Facts panel and the ingredient, allergen, and disclaimer label from your recipe, so you are ready whether you need the panel or not.
Can you sell pie as a cottage food?
Fruit pies are usually allowed as a cottage food. Cream, custard, pumpkin, and meat pies need refrigeration and are commonly restricted or prohibited. Confirm your pie type qualifies with your state.
One thing sellers miss on pie
The crust almost always means wheat, and often milk or egg. A lattice or egg wash adds egg. List the filling fruit by name.
Questions
Can I sell homemade pies?
Fruit pies are a cottage food in many states because they are shelf-stable. Cream, custard, and pumpkin pies usually are not, because they need refrigeration. Confirm your pie type with your state before you sell, then label it properly.
What goes on a pie label?
The product name, net weight, a heaviest-first ingredient list for both crust and filling, an allergen Contains line, your business name and address, and your state's home-kitchen disclaimer.
Where to sell your pie
Where you sell decides whether you need a full Nutrition Facts panel. Here is what each channel expects.
Guides to get you started
Labeling another food?
This page is general information, not legal advice. Food labeling and cottage food rules vary by state and county and change over time. Confirm current requirements with your state's cottage food program before you sell. See your state's rules or another product.