When you think of local food, you might picture farmer’s markets or artisanal cheese shops. But local packaged goods offer a whole new world of flavour. Our area may not be a manufacturing powerhouse, but it’s a hotspot for food entrepreneurship. Let’s dive into some standout local packaged goods that you need to try.
Pickle Perfection: Knockout Pickles
Opportunity Knocks is more than just a local organisation; it’s a beacon of hope and flavour. Their flagship product, Knockout Pickles, is a testament to this.
- Flavour Variety: Classic, deli-style, spicy, and bread & butter.
- Production: 10 five-gallon buckets and 120 jars monthly.
- Availability: Found at The Sugar Beet, Alpine Food Shop, and soon at Jewel in River Forest.
These pickles aren’t just pickles—they’re a community effort, supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. If you’re craving a crunchy bite with a purpose, look no further.
Jerky Joy: Jilly’s Jerky
Ever wanted to recreate a family recipe? Jilly’s Jerky does just that. Jill Evans LaPenna has revived her dad’s jerky recipe, crafting it into four distinct flavours:
- Original
- Cayenne Tang
- Chipotle Crush
- Habanero Heat
Initially, LaPenna and her husband Anthony made jerky in their local kitchen. As demand grew, they partnered with a Michigan-based USDA-approved facility to meet retail standards. This means you can now enjoy their high-quality jerky from stores far and wide.
Beer Bliss: Kinslagher Brewing Company
Kinslagher Brewing Company is a local gem in the beer scene. Owner Keith Huizinga offers two standout brews:
- Chicago Common: A rye lager with an earthy, piney twist.
- Prohibition Pilsner: A drier, hoppier American-style pilsner.
Both beers are available locally and represent the rich, historical brewing traditions of the region. Whether you’re enjoying a Chicago Common or a Prohibition Pilsner, you’re tasting local heritage in every sip.
Giardiniera Greatness: Hank’s Giardiniera
When Hank Tibensky shifted his Italian Beef stand from NYC to retail, he brought his renowned Giardiniera with him. This garden-in-a-bottle mix is now available:
- Mild and Hot Variants
- Retail Footprint: Sprouts across 24 states and local stores like Carnivore.
Hank’s Giardiniera combines tangy, spicy flavours with a touch of local charm. It’s a versatile condiment perfect for any meal.
Sweet Treats: Silverland Bakery
Silverland Bakery started from a simple desire to turn a family recipe into a thriving business. Athena Uslander and Lisa Silverman’s brownie recipe has evolved into:
- Brownies, Bars, and Cookies
- Special Diet Options: Vegan, gluten-free, keto, and sugar-free.
- Nationwide Shipping
From supplying private-label brownies to Olive Garden to thriving during the pandemic with a Forest Park storefront, Silverland Bakery offers delectable treats with a personal touch.
Local Legends: Turano Bread and Ferrara
No roundup of local packaged goods would be complete without these two giants:
- Turano Bread: Nearly 60 years of baking excellence, with classic Italian recipes. Visit Mamma Susi’s Bake Shop on Roosevelt Road for a fresh loaf.
- Ferrara: A 115-year-old confectionery powerhouse, featuring beloved brands like Jelly Belly, Nerds, and SweetTARTS. The Ferrara Pan Factory Outlet Store in Forest Park is a must-visit.
Why Local Packaged Goods Matter
Supporting local packaged goods is about more than just great flavour. It’s about:
- Community Impact: Many local brands support meaningful causes and provide local jobs.
- Unique Flavours: These products often offer distinctive tastes you won’t find in mass-produced items.
- Quality Assurance: Local businesses often maintain high standards of quality and craftsmanship.
By choosing local packaged goods, you’re not only treating yourself to high-quality products but also supporting your community.
Conclusion: Taste the Local Difference
From pickles and jerky to beer and giardiniera, our area is rich with local packaged goods that offer something special. Next time you’re shopping, look out for these local favourites. They’re more than just products—they’re a celebration of local talent and community spirit.
For more details on these local packaged goods and where to find them, check out these links:
Links for Further Reading:
- Opportunity Knocks Opportunity Knocks
- Jilly’s Jerky Jilly’s Jerky
- Kinslagher Brewing Company Kinslagher Brewing
- Hank’s Giardiniera Hank’s Giardiniera
- Silverland Bakery Silverland Bakery
- Turano Bread Turano Bread
- Ferrara Ferrara
