When you think about supporting local businesses at your grocery store of choice, you might know to reach for some of the more obvious Ohio-made products like Marzetti Salad Dressings, Snowville Creamery Milk or White Castle sliders in the freezer section — but there’s actually a whole lot more to be found if you know what to look for.
For the past three and a half years, CU food critic Miriam Bowers Abbott has logged over sixty entries into our “Ohio’s Own” series, which focuses on an individual product or set of products from an food maker located somewhere within the great state of Ohio. That includes granola from Beechwood, gelato from Cincinnati and chocolate bars from Athens.
Below, you’ll find twelve of the most interesting foodie finds from around the state of Ohio that have been featured thus far. And if you have any suggestions to add to the list of items for Miriam to try in the future, share them in the comments section below!
1. “McRib”-Style Pork Patties
That’s right… if you’re craving a McRib sandwich from McDonald’s, you can DIY at home with the A to Z BBQ Flavored Rib Shaped Pork Patties. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
2. Meat Spice/Rub
If those McRibs aren’t spicy enough on their own, you can kick them up a notch — or kick up any other foods a notch too — with some Big Axe Spice from Dayton. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
3. Cashew Butter
Cashews have always been one of the most luxurious of nuts — or as Miriam puts it — “the cadillac of nuts”. You can get your fix in spreadable form thanks to Crazy Richard. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
4. Microgreens
If what you crave is something a little bit healthier, look no further than Swainway Farms. This Clintonville-based produce maker has some delicious microgreens in store for you. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
5. Chicken Noodle Soup
Whether you have a cold or its just cold weather, chicken noodle soup always hits the spot. Instead of reaching for the red-and-white can, check out Gillie’s or Bessie’s next time. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
6. Sriracha Pickles
Sriracha has been all the rage for the past few years, flavoring many foods that don’t make sense (Pringles? What?). But Sriracha pairs perfectly with pickles, and Two Daughters has got them ready for you. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
7. Kale Chips
No, the kale fad is not quite over just yet. If you want to work this leafy green into your diet in more of a snack form, you should check out these crispy chips from Green Field Farms in Wooster. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
8. Bacon Salsa
Speaking of fads… can we all just agree that bacon is here to stay? Waynesville-based Seasonal Selections has got your fix in salsa form, ready for chip dipping action. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
9. Pierogis
These Eastern European dumplings are more common in Northeast Ohio, but Pierogi Mountain here in Columbus has a wide variety to choose from when looking for a local fix. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
10. Egg Nog
Of course, Egg Nog is tougher to find when its not in season, but when the holidays arrive, you can find a local version from Wooster’s Hartzler Dairy in stores in Central Ohio. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
11. Sauerkraut
If you’re craving sauerkraut but want to keep it local, look no further than Krazy Kraut. This Columbus food maker has a half dozen great flavors to choose from. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
12. Cheese Curds
Cheese Curds are typically associated with either Wisconsin or Canadian Poutine. That doesn’t stop Blue Jacket Dairy from making an Ohio version that’s worth seeking out. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO