The Most Famous Food Brands From Every State

Hawaii

Dole Food Company started with humble beginnings: the pineapple. Back in the early 1900s, a man named James Dole began to grow pineapples on 60 acres of land. Instead of exporting the fresh fruit, he packed the fruit in cans. He was wildly successful and they expanded their portfolio, growing to a multi-billion-dollar company.

Illinois

Everyone's favorite cream-filled treat was originally filled with bananas! The company only switched to the now-popular vanilla cream because banana imports slowed to a halt during World War II.

Massachusetts

Today, Ocean Spray is a huge cooperative of over 700 growers, but it started with just three Massachusetts cranberry growers in 1930. Their first product was jellied cranberry sauce, but they quickly segued into the juice market.

Missouri

This iconic blue box was invented during World War II. It was a time when meat and dairy were highly rationed, and families needed something hearty and filling. Kraft Mac and Cheese cost only 19 cents and had a shelf life of 10 months!

North Dakota

You might not know that North Dakota is one of the top producers of spring wheat, growing almost half of the country's supply along with barley, oats and durum wheat (for making pasta). So, it's no surprise that the breakfast staple, Cream of Wheat, was invented by wheat millers in Grand Forks, ND, back in 1893.

Oklahoma

The leading brand of biscotti in America is Nonni's Foods. You may also know them as their market name, La Dolce Vita or THINaddictives. Since they're made without artificial preservatives or flavors and quality ingredients, including real fruit, they make a perfect snack.

Rhode Island

This woman-owned business takes chewing gum back to its roots, importing chicle tree sap from Guatemala and making gum the old-fashioned way. Parents love Glee Gum because it doesn't contain any preservatives, sweeteners or artificial flavors.

South Dakota

The French-owned company, Bel Brands, makes many of its favorite cheeses in Brookings, South Dakota. You might recognize them from the iconic wax-covered Babybel cheese, tubs of garlicky Boursin cheese or their Laughing Cow cheese.

Tennessee

Chefs all around the country are singing the praises of Benton's Smoky Mountain Country Hams. The company follows the same family recipes established in 1947, and they're known for making some of the smokiest bacon and savory hams in the world.

Virginia

Smithfield uses such a unique curing process for their hams it's actually protected by law. The company can only produce their hams in the town of Smithfield, VA, where the humidity, airborne enzymes and air quality are perfect to flavor the ham's rind.

Wyoming

It's not surprising that the Cowboy state is flush with beef jerky! You can order Wyoming Gourmet Beef from anywhere in the country, except Alaska and Hawaii. Their gluten-free, MSG-free, nitrite-free beef sticks are some of the best in the business.