Resources

Guides for UK home chefs

Plain-English guides to starting and running a home food business in the UK — registration, hygiene, allergen labelling, pricing, and finding your first customers.

Getting started

How to Start a Home Food Business in the UK (2026 Guide)

Everything you need to legally and confidently start selling home-cooked food in the UK — registration, hygiene rating, allergen labelling, insurance, and what it actually costs to start.

·12 min read
Compliance

Is It Legal to Sell Food from Home in the UK?

Yes, it's legal — provided you register with your local council, follow food hygiene standards, and label allergens correctly. Here's exactly what's required.

·6 min read
Getting started

How to Register a Food Business with Your Local Council (UK Step-by-Step)

Free, online, 15 minutes — but must be done at least 28 days before you start trading. Here's exactly what to fill in, and what happens after you submit.

·7 min read
Compliance

Food Hygiene Rating for Home Kitchens (UK Guide)

Your hygiene rating is awarded after a free council inspection — same scheme as a restaurant, same scale, same expectations. Here's exactly how to earn a 4 or 5 from your home kitchen.

·9 min read
Compliance

Natasha's Law for Home Cooks (UK Allergen Labelling Guide)

Natasha's Law applies to anything you batch-cook and pack before the customer orders. Here's what to label, when, and how — plus what changes if you cook to order.

·7 min read
Compliance

Food Business Insurance for Home Chefs (UK Guide)

Two policies matter: public liability and product liability. £60–150 a year covers most home cooks. Here's what to buy, what to avoid, and why your home insurance won't catch you.

·7 min read

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