Selling Honey in Michigan: A Beekeeper's Guide to Rules

Dr. Anya Sharma · 2026-02-16

So, you've got some amazing honey from your hives and you're thinking about selling it in Michigan. That's fantastic! But before you start labeling jars and setting up at the farmers market, there are some important rules you need to know. Navigating regulations can feel overwhelming, but don't worry—we're here to break it down for you in plain English. Think of it like preparing your hive for winter; a little upfront work prevents a lot of trouble later. Getting your honey from the hive to the customer legally and safely is the goal. Michigan, like every state, has specific requirements to protect consumers and ensure food safety. It's not about creating hurdles for small beekeepers. It's about making sure everyone enjoys your delicious product without any concerns. Let's walk through what you need to know, step by step. ### Understanding the Basic Requirements First things first, you need a license to sell honey in Michigan. If you're selling directly to consumers at places like farm stands or farmers markets, you'll typically fall under the Cottage Food Law. This law is a big help for small-scale producers. It allows you to make and sell certain low-risk foods, including honey, from your home kitchen without the need for a commercial-grade facility. However, there are limits. Your gross annual sales must be under $25,000. Your kitchen still needs to be clean and sanitary, of course. You'll also need to get your honey tested. The state requires a water activity test to ensure your honey is shelf-stable and safe. It's a simple test that many local health departments or universities can help with. The label on your jar is just as important as the honey inside. Michigan has strict labeling rules you must follow to the letter. ### Crafting the Perfect Honey Label Your label is your chance to tell your story, but it's also a legal document. Getting it wrong can mean your products get pulled from sale. Here’s exactly what needs to be on there: - The common name of the product: "Honey" is perfect. - Your business name and address (city, state, and ZIP code). - The net weight in pounds and ounces (e.g., "Net Wt. 12 oz (340g)"). - A list of ingredients. For pure honey, this is just "honey." - Any major food allergens. Honey is generally not an allergen, but if you add anything like nuts, that must be declared. You also can't make any unauthorized health claims. Saying your honey is "raw" or "unfiltered" is usually fine if it's true, but claiming it cures allergies is a no-go. The font needs to be clear and easy to read. It seems like a lot, but once you have a template, it's easy to replicate for every batch. As one seasoned Michigan beekeeper puts it, "The regulations aren't there to stop you; they're there to build trust with the person buying your honey." ### Where and How You Can Sell Under the Cottage Food Law, you have a few options for direct sales. Farmers markets are a classic and wonderful choice. You can also sell from your home or at community events. What you *cannot* do is sell wholesale to restaurants, grocery stores, or online across state lines under this law. For that, you'd need to operate from a licensed commercial kitchen, which is a whole different set of rules and inspections. Always check with your local county health department. They are your best resource and can clarify any local ordinances that might apply to you. Some counties may have additional requirements. It's always better to ask first than to be told to stop later. Keeping good records of your sales and production batches is also a smart practice, both for the state and for your own business planning. Starting to sell your honey is an exciting step. By taking the time to understand and follow Michigan's rules, you're protecting your customers, your reputation, and your beekeeping business. It's the final, crucial step in the journey from hive to home.