North Carolina Foods We Love

Battle Tested Craft Barbecue Sauce

January 28, 2023 19:20 - 33 minutes - 22.5 MB

Battle Tested Craft Barbecue Sauce in Raleigh, North Carolina is veteran-owned and makes healthier barbecue sauces that don't sacrifice flavor. Their original sauce has a rich history, dating back to the 1920s, and was passed down through generations in a family recipe written on a 3x5 index card. Not only is it disruptively delicious, but it also supports a good cause - a portion of the profits goes toward helping veterans in need. Tune in to this episode to hear the sauce's unbelievable st...

Bone Suckin' Sauce

January 06, 2023 15:36 - 26 minutes - 17 MB

Nationally recognized, award-winning Bone Suckin' Sauce is made in Raleigh, North Carolina. This family-owned and operated business has won the NC Battle of the Sauces and World Championship and has even been featured in Newsweek magazine and the New York Times. They know what they're doing when making delicious BBQ sauces and mustard. Listen to this episode to hear how the Ford family started in produce and expanded into the sauce business, the origin of the name, how the sauce was created...

Blunt Pretzels

December 20, 2022 17:30 - 24 minutes - 17.3 MB

Blunt Pretzels makes locally-sourced, German-style pretzels in Asheville, North Carolina. Their pretzels are "knot" like the soft pretzels you're used to eating. They believe their pretzels are better because of the unique, local, organic ingredients they use, and they cross their pretzels instead of twisting them. Listen to this episode to hear how the founder went from making apple strudels to pretzels just to pay his rent, learn about the origin of pretzels and how they're eaten in Germa...

OMGoodness Pimento Cheese

December 06, 2022 21:09 - 32 minutes - 20.7 MB

OMGoodness Pimento Cheese is a family-owned business located in Wilson, North Carolina. The Flowers family goes straight from work every night to make this unique product together by hand while listening to their favorite songs. OMGoodness Pimento Cheese is smoother and creamier than most, so people who say "they don't like pimento cheese" love this! Listen to this episode to hear how a desire to go on a mission trip helped start this faith-focused business, learn about pimento cheese and t...

Ginny O's Gourmet Cheese Straws

November 11, 2022 20:46 - 31 minutes - 20.4 MB

Ginny O’s cheese straws are baked with all-natural ingredients in North Carolina. These cheese straws have a unique “o” shape representing their Oakview origin, where they first appeared in the 1850s. This passed-down family recipe doesn't use preservatives and only contains hand-shredded cheese. Because of their uniqueness and freshness, Ginny O's has been featured in Oprah's Magazine and been on Air Force One. Listen to this episode to hear how Founder Ginny Jonhson went from directing air...

Wicked Crisps

October 26, 2022 19:23 - 33 minutes - 19.5 MB

Wicked Crisps makes "Deliciously Deceptive Nutrition" baked chips in Greensboro, North Carolina. Their crisps have no artificial additives or preservatives, no trans-fats - just wicked good nutrition! They don't sacrifice flavor, and Justin felt guilt-free after diving into a bag of their Roasted Garlic and Asiago Cheese crisps. Listen to this episode to hear about how Founder Phil Kosak went from Frito Lay, where he helped invent Cool Ranch Doritos, to shipping Wicked Crisps to Isreal and h...

DJ's Pickles

September 22, 2022 16:18 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MB

DJ's Pickles makes small-batch, hand-made artisan-style pickles in Asheville, North Carolina. Their "fresh and fabulous" pickles are produced using hand-picked local pickles and high-quality ingredients. Listen to this episode to hear how Founder, Don Paleno, went from Professional Chef to Chief Pickling Officer, his entrepreneurial journey in the food industry, how the pickles are made, how to grow cucumbers and the perfect time to pick them, crazy pickling stories, products offered, where ...

1Eatz

September 08, 2022 20:40 - 20 minutes - 13.2 MB

1Eatz out of North Carolina is on a mission to cut down on meal prep and cooking time so that healthy, home-cooked meals can be enjoyed without the hassle! They offer five healthy meal kit options full of vegetables, herbs, seasonings, and butter. All you have to do is open the pack, mix it with your eggs or meat, and it adds great flavor and is ready to eat within minutes! Listen to this egg-citing episode to hear how founder, Sana Siddiqui, went from bio-engineer to business owner, work-li...

UnbelievaBuns

August 22, 2022 21:06 - 27 minutes - 19 MB

Is UnbelievaBuns the world's healthiest bread? This local company bakes their high protein, low carb bread, and buns in Charlotte, North Carolina. But it's not just healthy, it tastes good too! Listen to this episode to learn about these un-bun-lievable buns. You'll hear the origin story, what makes these buns so healthy, how they are made, how they fit into your healthy lifestyle, a live taste test with Bright Leaf Hot Dogs, recipes, where to buy them, and more! Don't forget to subscribe an...

Olive Oil Grove

August 09, 2022 18:47 - 30 minutes - 22.5 MB

From grove to table! The Olive Oil Grove company provides world-class olive oil to North Carolina. This husband and wife team imports some of the best olives from Spain (half of the world's olive oil production). They're on a mission to change and educate people on how olive oil should taste and be used with food. Listen to this episode to tour an olive grove in Spain, hear about their founding story, how olives are grown, learn about the different types of olives, how to avoid olive oil fra...

Rising Smoke Sauceworks

July 26, 2022 16:35 - 25 minutes - 16.7 MB

Rising Smoke Sauceworks is a small family-owned company based in North Carolina that develops unique hot sauces, BBQ sauces, and blends using smoked and roasted ingredients. Rising has won an astonishing 55 awards in their first four years from competitions such as the National Fiery Foods Show in New Mexico, Zest Fest in Texas, the New York City Hot Sauce Expo, and the International Flave Awards. Listen to this episode if you love to talk hot sauce! You'll hear about their origin story, Mik...

Saucy Company

June 23, 2022 15:00 - 35 minutes - 45 MB

Did you know that 20% of the population has issues digesting garlic and/or onions? And that it's almost impossible to find a salsa without onions? Mark Offerman, aka Mr. Saucy, Owner of the Saucy Company based out of Wilmington, North Carolina, makes onion-free and garlic-free salsa. Mark is changing the salsa game and is sharing his healthy, unique salsa with the people of North Carolina. Listen to this episode to hear his story, why his nickname is Mr. Saucy, learn about FODMAP diets, reci...

KLG Candies, LLC - Chapel Hill Toffee

June 01, 2022 16:45 - 24 minutes - 31 MB

KLG Candies LLC was started in Karen's kitchen in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. In 2006, after years of perfecting her secret family recipe for toffee, Karen decided to turn her favorite hobby into a business. That year, Chapel Hill Toffee made its retail debut at Southern Season, a specialty foods market in the heart of Chapel Hill. It's been a North Carolina favorite ever since. Karen's son Mark, who is now the President, joined KLG back in 2008 and we interviewed him for this episode! He s...

Piedmont Pennies

May 11, 2022 14:11 - 26 minutes - 34.4 MB

Anytime is Penny time! Piedmont Pennies, a locally woman-owned business in Charlotte, North Carolina, is always cheesin! They make delicious pennies, oven-baked cheese snacks with simple, local ingredients, and a lot of love. Listen to this episode to hear about the origin story, Grandbetty's famous recipe, what's a penny, tips for business owners, ingredients, where to buy, and perfect pairings! Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review! www.piedmontpennies.com

Royal Cheesecake & Varieties

April 27, 2022 15:29 - 30 minutes - 38.1 MB

Royal Cheesecake and Varieties is a family-owned and family-run business out of North Carolina. They provide decadent desserts like fresh, homemade cheesecake, cupcakes, cookies, and pudding to the Triangle area. Listen to this episode to hear about their origin story, faith journey, what it means to be grandma-certified, tips for working with family, and for a special announcement. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! www.rcvcakes.com

Big Delicious Brand

April 12, 2022 16:57 - 25 minutes - 31.5 MB

Big Delicious Brand, a local business in North Carolina, provides award-winning dips and spreads with a southern flair! They make good hearty food in small batches -- so you don't have to. Look for the Big Delicious gold star and grab some today for your next party, tailgate, or... whatever strikes your fancy! Listen to this episode to hear Founder Jim Millican's story about how he developed his QVC "Big Find" Winner sausage dip, his fascinating entrepreneurial journey full of food innovatio...

Cloister Honey

March 21, 2022 17:59 - 30 minutes - 38.2 MB

Cloister Honey makes unBEElievable honey out of Charlotte, North Carolina. Founders Joanne and Randall have won several top awards from Southern Living, Our State Magazine, and Charlotte Magazine. Their gourmet honey is so sweet and delicious, and they offer a wide variety of flavors. Everything from cinnamon to ghost pepper to sourwood. Listen to this episode to hear about their story, how honey is made, and how bees are surprisingly intelligent. Plus, how to properly remove a bee stinger i...

Raleigh Biscuit Company

March 01, 2022 18:07 - 32 minutes - 44.4 MB

The Raleigh Biscuit Company is all about embracing its inner biscuit. You'll have to listen to this episode to find out what that means. The ingredients and flavors of RBC's biscuits, jams, butter, gravy, and biscammiches are inspired and sourced from different areas of North Carolina. They collaborate with other local small businesses and entrepreneurs to make this happen. This conversation with Founder Victoria was fun, and we hope you enjoy it! Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a rev...

The Redneck BBQ Lab Sawse

February 09, 2022 19:01 - 30 minutes - 38.4 MB

The Redneck BBQ Lab in Benson, North Carolina, has great BBQ and BBQ sauce down to a science. They serve competition-style BBQ and are now sharing their award-winning Sawses with you. Listen to this episode to hear Jerry, the Chief Redneck in Charge at the Redneck BBQ Lab, share the founding story, why he got into the sauce business, what different types of sauces he offers, tips for smoking meat, and more! Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review! www.rblprovision.com

Sunshine Energy

January 12, 2022 19:11 - 30 minutes - 40.9 MB

Sunshine’s feel-good energy beverages are made in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and give you the perfect boost to brighten your day. Their energy drinks and sparkling energy waters are full of vitamins, electrolytes, and natural caffeine. Sunshine is a refreshing alternative to coffee that hydrates and replenishes the body and mind. One can of Sunshine has 70 mg of caffeine from organic green coffee beans, which is no more than your average cup of coffee. Listen to this episode to learn abo...

Cheerwine

December 16, 2021 17:40 - 26 minutes - 35.3 MB

Cheerwine is a fizzy wild cherry soft drink that has been made in Salisbury, North Carolina, for more than a century. Grab a glass of this unique, delicious southern soda, listen to this podcast episode, and hear about Cheerwine's founding story, the origin of the name, recipes, hacks, products, and more. Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review! www.cheerwine.com

America's Best Nut Company

November 10, 2021 20:47 - 31 minutes - 38.7 MB

America's Best Nut Company roasts their peanuts in a former fire station located in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Their goal is to create a company dedicated to delivering the highest quality, best tasting peanut products and to provide unparalleled customer service. Founders, Jack Lawrence, and Besty Owens have been doing this since 2003 with their Virginia-type gourmet peanuts. Listen to this episode to hear about their origin story, how to grow peanuts and how to roast peanuts, product lin...

House-Autry Mills

October 20, 2021 18:42 - 22 minutes - 29.4 MB

House-Autry has been bringing southern flavor to the table from Johnston County, North Carolina since 1812. You'll find their flavorful products in many households being used to make delicious fried chicken, hush puppies, grits, and even cornbread. Listen to this episode to hear about their heritage, millstones, product line, cooking tips, and more. Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review! www.house-autry.com

Cackalacky

October 01, 2021 14:56 - 39 minutes - 55.3 MB

Cackalacky makes the stuff they like for the people you love. This homegrown North Carolina specialty foods company offers everything from sauces to pepper powder to coffee to peanuts. Listen to this episode to hear about their campfire story, company song, recipes, products, and collaborations with other popular North Carolina brands. Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review! www.cackalacky.com

The Dirty South BBQ

September 08, 2021 19:45 - 28 minutes - 36.7 MB

The Dirty South BBQ is a North Carolina company that makes everything from rubs to seasonings to hot sauces. You can put their flavor-packed products on everything from waffles to chicken and, of course, BBQ. Listen to this mouth-watering episode and hear how this company started and continues to make great products that grill masters and pitmasters love all across the United States. Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review!

Mt. Olive Pickles

August 16, 2021 14:28 - 28 minutes - 26.2 MB

Mt. Olive Pickles are the most popular pickles in the country, and they're made right here in North Carolina. Join us as we take a journey down Cucumber and Vine to learn more about their history, products, the power of pickle juice, and how they became such a big dill! Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review! www.mtolivepickles.com

North Carolina Foods We Love

Episodes