It’s remarkable to see the strides women have made in various industries, particularly in food and spirits. Not too long ago, women faced significant barriers such as being denied loans, owning a bank account, or obtaining credit cards due to their gender. While there’s still progress to be made, we can’t help but celebrate the remarkable businesses owned by women in the food and drinks space.
As we mark Women’s History Month in March, it’s a time to celebrate the women who have made history in their own right. Many of these women were the first in their families, communities, or niche to create their type of product or brand. As the month draws to a close, let’s continue to celebrate and support these pioneers year-round!
Your Pantry Just Got Upgraded With These Foods
It’s everything your kitchen has been missing.
Margaret Barrow, It’s NOLA
We can all agree that the worst part of eating a granola bar is the crumbs you get with each bite. It’s a delicious yet messy snack, incompatible with being on the go. That’s where BKLYN Granola comes in. Realizing the mess granola leaves behind, Margaret Barrow was inspired to create her toasted granola balls. They use only the best, organic and ethically sourced ingredients to make hand-rolled granola balls in tasty flavors like Sassy Mango Masala, Scrumptious Strawberry Banana and Luscious Cranberry Coconut, ensuring you can snack with confidence.
Desiree Pardo Morales, Tropical Fruit Box
As a traveler, one of the things I enjoy is local cuisine—including fruits native to an area. I’m sure I’m not alone in finding myself craving something once I’ve returned home that can’t be found at local grocers. That’s where Tropical Fruit Box comes in, assuring you of the highest quality fresh, juicy, and incredible tropical and exotic fruits. You can get things like Hawaiian plantains, pink pineapple, mangosteen and longans. It’s like bringing a piece of your favorite vacation spot right to your home.
Lindsay Hancock, My Better Batch
Homemade cookies are always better, but sometimes we don’t have the time. My Better Batch was created as the ultimate “mom dupe”—enabling even the busiest moms to bake wow-worthy, homemade-tasting cookies in three easy steps. Lindsay’s cookie mix cuts down the time we spend baking with simple ingredients that deliver a homemade taste. It’s not just a solution for busy moms who love to bake, it’s an exciting and enjoyable experience. The mixes include double chocolate chip, celebration, and classic sugar.
Rianna Lettini, Dusted
After quitting her full-time job, Rianna dove head first into her side business: popcorn. She realized that her favorite childhood snack was missing something and set out on a quest to fill that gap. Dusted, with its unique and tantalizing flavors like furikake, spicy all purpose seasoning, ramen and turmeric, goes beyond those ordinary flavor packs like cheddar to really give even the most ordinary kernel an elevated profile. It’s a treat that we can’t keep on our shelves, my kiddos love it!
Caroline Goldfarb And Becca Millstein, Fishwife Tinned Seafood Co
Tinned fish is making a comeback, and honestly…I’m with it. You’ll be upgrading your dips, meal times and snacks with Fishwife. Founders Caroline Goldfarb and Becca Millstein started their company in 2020, reclaiming the name that was once used to insult foul-mouthed women. (Before that, it was a 16th-century term that referred to the daughters or wives of fishermen who sold fish at the market.) Tinned fish (and seafood) is an excellent quick grab snack or dip enhancer, offering a wide variety of options to excite your taste buds. You can get smoked salmon, rainbow trout, or Atlantic salmon. Don’t forget to snag the cookbook for tasty recipes!
Auzerais Bellamy, Blondery
After tasting a pecan praline made by her mom’s church pal in her youth, Bellamy became determined to recreate that goodness. After a decade of trial and error, she succeeded with scrumptious blondies. She opened a virtual bakery, Blondery in New York, offering a tantalizing array of flavors like sweet potato, confetti birthday cake, cinnamon sugar, and red velvet. She also makes a decadent 11-layer cake and cake jars, each a unique and delightful experience.
Make Room On Your Bar Cart
Women-owned spirit brands and companies continue to shake it up in a male-dominated industry. Trust me, your bar car has been begging for these new additions.
Paige Parker, Happenstance
Happenstance is a whiskey company founded in Nashville, Tennessee. They offer a cabernet-style whiskey with a unique flavor profile, including vanilla, hazelnut, toasted oak, honey, and toffee notes. It’s easily the best-tasting whiskey you’ll ever taste. It’s fairly smooth, making it great to drink alone or as the base of your favorite cocktail.
Dr. Dawn Wade (And Hubby Stacey), West End Gin
West End Gin is the first Black-owned premium gin brand in Louisville, founded by the passionate and knowledgeable couple, Dr. Dawn and Stacey Wade. Their original gin, with its unique blend of juniper and cardamom, and the Rose Ann Edition, with its floral notes of rosebud petals and fenugreek, are a testament to their expertise. I personally enjoy a French 75 cocktail, and both editions of this gin are the perfect complement to a refined drink.
Scout Brisson, Morgan McLachlan, and Katy Perry, De Soi
We’re passionate about spirit-free options, and we’re proud that De Soi has brought on board one of the few female master distillers, Morgan McLachlan. Their team crafts high-quality sparkling non-alcoholic apéritifs infused with botanicals and adaptogens, perfect for any time. Chose a classic Aperol Spritz or spring for a Rose! They’re all delicious!
Jeri Carter, Queen’s Reward Meadery
Mississippi has many great things, including the state’s first and only meadery, Queen’s Reward Meadery, the best-kept secret in Tupelo. Mead is a honey-based wine, and after trying every bottle (and the slushies), I can confirm that every bottle is its own experience to be savored. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but if I had to, I’d go with Delta Dry Honey Riesling, RuBee Cranberry Orange, the spicy kick of Honey Habanero, and the indulgent Chocolate Covered Cherry.
Abbie Romanul (And Hubby Devin), Raising The Bar Subscription Box
What started as a personal journey, Raising The Bar became a successful movement for those who wanted to celebrate life’s special moments sans alcohol and hangovers. Yes, it’s a zero-proof cocktail experience delivered to your door monthly. Each kit contains everything you need (a spirit alternative, garnishes, bitters, glasses, etc) to whip up a delightful drink. And the best part? These cocktails are not only delicious but also healthier, allowing you to enjoy a guilt-free happy hour.