Retail legal with licensing in California. License and inspection required for off-site retail. Herd shares are allowed under California Department of Food and Agriculture policy.
Because retail sales are legal, you may be able to find raw milk on the shelf at health food stores, co-ops, and some independent groceries. Look for an "unpasteurized" label and a state license. Open the live directory of California dairies to see which licensed producers serve your area, since many also offer farm pickup at a lower price.
Retail legal with licensing in California. License and inspection required for off-site retail. Herd shares are allowed under California Department of Food and Agriculture policy.
Where can I buy raw milk in California?
In California the legal channels are: retail in licensed grocery stores, on-farm pickup, herd shares or cow shares. Use the farm-to-door directory filtered to California to find working dairies near you.
How many farms sell raw milk in California?
As of 2026-06-11, 623 farms in California list raw milk on farm-to-door, including 77 with a delivery or shipping path. See the full list at farm-to-door.com/raw-milk/california.
Are herd shares legal in California?
Yes. Herd shares are recognized in California. The buyer purchases an ownership interest in the herd, then pays a monthly boarding fee for the milk they receive.
Can I bring raw milk into California from another state?
Federal law prohibits selling raw milk across state lines for human consumption, but does not prohibit possession or personal consumption. You may legally bring raw milk you bought in a legal state into California for your own use. You may not legally resell it.
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