Guide · Selling from home
Can I sell pickles & fermented foods from home in Pennsylvania?
Yes, with limits — Pennsylvania allows some pickles & fermented foods but prohibits others.
PDA allows acid, acidified, and fermented foods (e.g., pickles, sauerkraut, kimchi, salsa) only if lab testing shows a finished equilibrium pH of 4.6 or below. Products between pH 4.2 and 4.6 need Process Authority approval, and batch pH records are required.
On Pennsylvania's allowed list
- Acid, acidified, and fermented foods with a lab-tested pH of 4.6 or below (e.g., pickles, sauerkraut, kimchi, salsa, hot sauces, BBQ sauce)
- Acidic or fermented beverages with a pH of 4.6 or below (e.g., root beer, lemonade, lemon ice tea, kombucha)
PDA Application Packet — Limited Food Establishments (Rev 10-2024), pp. 11–16 · Verified 2026-09-25
On Pennsylvania's prohibited list
- Low-acid canned foods and beverages (e.g., most soups, gravies, un-pickled vegetables, fruits in syrup)
PDA Application Packet — Limited Food Establishments (Rev 10-2024), pp. 8–15 · Verified 2026-09-25
Status is derived from Pennsylvania's official allowed and prohibited foods lists. Even when a food is allowed, you still must meet that state's permit, labeling, and sales-channel rules.
Read the full Pennsylvania cottage food page or see the Pickles & Fermented Foods category across states.