During the holiday shopping season, the best Black Friday deals and hot toys tend to steal the spotlight. But why not kick it local, too? Michigan made food and drink options are grade-A gift ideas that are a bit different and delicious.
We rounded up short list of our favorite Michigan made food and drink products. These treats would please even the pickiest person on your list.
And the best part is that you’re supporting the local economy and local companies. Consider it a bit more Small Business Saturday style – and a little less Amazon.
So c’mon and browse through our hometown picks. Just be sure to bring your appetite!
Dave’s Sweet Tooth Toffee
Simple ingredients – butter, sugar, hand chopped almonds and real milk chocolate – come together to form a delicious confection. Dave’s Sweet Tooth toffee is perfectly textured and addictively fun to eat. Available online and all over the metro Detroit area, the signature mason jar, weighing in at one and a half pounds, would make a super stocking stuffer.
Better Made Chocolate Covered Potato Chips
There are few companies in Detroit with Better Made’s history. Since 1930, Better Made has been producing some of the best potato chips around. The quintessential Detroit snack food enrobed in luscious milk chocolate is a match made in heaven. Packaged in a special commemorative tin container, there’s no need for gift wrapping.
McClure’s
With their great grandmother’s recipe, the owners started McClure’s back in 2006. Since then, business has boomed. Aside from pickles, the company offers potato chips, Bloody Mary mix, relish and more.
Bon Bon Bon
This Hamtramck-based chocolatier offers dozens of unique chocolate bites – including Hazel-What?, Creme Brulee, Cookie Butter, Boston Cooler and more. Stop by the Hamtramck store to sample The Hot Mess, molten chocolate inside of a chocolate shell.
Chazzano Coffee
Your morning coffee ritual will never be the same. Frank Lanzkron-Tamarazo hand roasts every batch of beans that he sells. And we’re not joking when we say Frank’s coffee will knock you off your feet. Starbucks will be a distant memory and McDonalds will seem like a cruel joke after the first sip of Chazzano coffee hits your lips. Available by the pound or larger sizes, the coffee drinker in your life will be eternally grateful. Oh, and don’t forget a shiny new French press to ensure a proper brew every time.
Beau Bien Fine Foods
For kids and adults alike, peanut butter (or whatever nut butter you like) and jelly is the childhood comfort food par excellence. Yet grape, strawberry and raspberry can strike boredom on the palates of many. Noelle Lothamer and Molly O’Meara are creating fascinating, mouth-watering small-batch fruit preserves and jams. Peach chipotle, roasted strawberry rhubarb and pear rosemary compote are just a few of the varieties. Made with mostly local or regional produce, Beau Bien’s preserves make PB&J exciting again. And for parents with adventurous children, these jams are the perfect introduction to handcrafted foods.
What’s your fave Michigan made food and drink? Tell us in comments – and be sure to try out our trio of Michigan-style recipes, too.
This post was originally published in 2011 and is updated regularly.
