A North Carolina Gift Guide for Foodies

Supporting local food businesses and entrepreneurs from North Carolina has always been a passion of mine. I’ve had the pleasure of tasting many unique products, and while there’s still so much more to explore, here are just a few treats that I've enjoyed so far. ??

Have you tried any of these? Or do you have a must-try NC foodie gift you’d recommend? I’d especially love to hear suggestions for wines and beers, as those aren’t my usual go-to's. Share any favorites in the comments! ??

???Hot Sauces???

Sea Monster Sauces

I like to serve the Danger Berry hot sauce with cheese and crackers for guests. It has a unique and delicious mix of strawberries and habanero.

A La Brava

The Salsa Habanero is perfect to punch up foods a notch! It's pretty spicy so a little goes a long way. I love to put this on fried eggs or hash browns in the morning.

Elijah's Xtreme

I enjoy a hint of sweetness in my hot sauces, so the Pineapple-Mango Habanero was a big hit for me. I enjoy this one on grilled shrimp for some extra flavor.

??Barbeque Sauces??

Bone Suckin' Sauce

Bone Suckin's Spicy Sweet Mustard is my mustard of choice for deviled eggs. Plus, you can't go wrong with any of their BBQ sauces.

George's BBQ Sauce

The Original BBQ Sauce is a go-to for when I'm craving that vinegary Eastern NC flavor. Pulled pork + George's = delicious.

??Snacks & Sides??

Piedmont Pennies

Original Sharp Cheddar is my flavor all the way. If you haven't tried these, think half-biscuit half-cheese straw. All the cheese-lovers in my life are big fans.

1-in-6 Snacks

They have so many great chip flavors, but the Sweet Thai Chili became one of my favorites since it was released. When I'm at RDU and need a snack, I grab a bag at the WRAL Travel Store.

Mt. Olive Pickles

Most folks have heard of Mt. Olive pickles, but have you tried their new line, Majestic Picklery? I'm a big fan of the Red Wine Vinegar Bread & Butter Chips!

??Spirits??

End of Days Distillery

I love the Luna Bloom Butterfly Peaflower Gin. It's delicious and so fun to watch the color change! Definitely worth a visit to Wilmington to try their many delicious cocktails.

Chemist Spirits

The Chocolate Orange Gin Liqueur is the perfect after-dinner drink, just the right balance of flavors. Check them out if you are in Asheville, they have a really cool bar!

Broadslab Distillery

Appleshine is a corn whiskey flavored with apples and just a touch sweet. One of my favorites for sipping by the fire. And they offer tours at their distillery in Benson. (Love JoCo!)

??Dips, Spreads, & Mix-Ins??

Big Spoon Roasters

I couldn't decide between the Carrot Cake Almond & Walnut Butter and the Fiji Ginger Almond Butter so I'm going to say both. :) I enjoy these on toast or an English muffin.

Peggy Rose's Jellies

Every weekend in the summer I crave a toasted turkey sandwich with Hot Pepper Jelly, hummus and avocado. I would put this jelly on any sandwich honestly.

Heaven's Gate Orchard

Put the Caramel Apple Fruit Spread directly onto your favorite vanilla ice cream and thank me later. So delicious!

Big Delicious Brand

I recently tried the Carolina Sausage Dip and the flavor was just amazing! It reminds me of home-cooked country meals my dad made when I was growing up.

??Beverages??

Jabin Beverage Company

I have never tried anything like the Cucumber Mint--it's so refreshing and unique. The mix of sweet and sour flavors make this one of my favorites.

RSRV Collective

The Rosata is a mocktail with a mix of cherry and ginger flavors that is perfectly balanced. This one of the best nonalcoholic cocktails I've tried!

??Sweet Treats??

Kalo Foods

Their Gluten Free Ginger Snaps end up in my cart every time I go to Wegmans. Soft, sweet and just the right amount of gingery flavor.

Chapel Hill Toffee

I highly suggest trying the Pecan Toffee! This is one of my favorite crunchy sweet treats. My dad loves these too; I usually get him a box for Christmas.

I couldn't possibly list everything I've loved, so this is only a small taste! Many of these and other NC products will be in my gifts to loved ones this year. ??

If you want to sample local goodies, stop by your local farmers’ market or check out the annual Got to Be NC Festival in the spring. This is a great way to discover new flavors and support local businesses. Opinions are my own.

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