Michigan Food Companies—It’s Gotten Ridiculous. When you go online and look up “Michigan Food,” the same names repeatedly pop up: Faygo Pop, Better Made Chips, and Vernors Ginger Ale. While these are fine examples of Michigan foods that we love, that list is far from complete.
Don’t Overlook Our Own Michigan Brands
In our effort to be eclectic, we offer these ten outstanding yet typically overlooked Michigan food companies, each with its own specialties that are not to be missed. Be sure to take a look the next time you’re out shopping.
#1 Brede Foods – Detroit
If you use horseradish, there is a fair chance you have one of Brede Foods’ products in your refrigerator. Known first for its horseradish, Brede Foods also has an award-winning cocktail sauce. They also have mustard, grilling, and tartar sauces. They offer a private label service for those who wish to market their own special recipe. Brede’s also offers Orthodox Union Kosher Certification.
Brede Foods is family-owned and operated and has been since its founding in 1923. In 1923, Edwin Brede began distributing sauces and condiments to major food manufacturers. As the Great Depression of the ’30s took its toll on the economy, he turned to food manufacturing to supplement his income. Brede, Inc. originally sat on Cobo Hall’s site in downtown Detroit, Michigan.
#2 Sea Fare Foods – Detroit
Sea Fare Foods was established in 1959 by Solomon Abraham Lincoln Sack, known affectionately to his friends and family as Linc. Lincoln’s father, William, had served as a ‘jobber’ in the herring trade throughout Lincoln’s childhood and teens. A jobber was basically jargon for working as a wholesale distributor. Willy would travel to Scotland for the year to monitor his suppliers and work with buyers for the rest of the year in New York. He would eventually lose his business when several buyers did not repay the credit lent to them.
Sea Fare Foods was born in Detroit, Michigan. The original plant was at Fort and Green streets, in front of the railroad tracks, which was how the fish was delivered then. They are known for their creamed herring, smoked trout, and lox under Ma Cohen’s brand.
#3 Sanders & Morley Candy Makers – Clinton Township
Morley Candy Company, or Morley Candy Makers, is a confectioner based in Clinton Township, Michigan. Founded in 1919, the company is famous for its peanut butter blocks and assorted chocolates. Morley Candy owns and markets the Sanders Confectionery line, which is famous for its Bumpy Cakes, sundae toppings, and ice cream, particularly in and around Detroit, Michigan. Michigan schoolchildren often sell Morley Candy for school fundraisers.
One notable story is that President Bush stopped by the candy factory on his way to a fundraiser to purchase their famous fudge sundae topping.
#4 Downey’s Original Potato Chips – Waterford
This is a hometown favorite for me. Since 1984 this little potato chip company has been producing its famous kettle chips in Waterford. Unlike most kettle chips, this unique chip is light and has a great flavor from its peanut oil blend. Downey’s Chips use locally grown Michigan potatoes cooked and hand-seasoned daily. Hard to find. Look for them in gourmet groceries.
If you’re near Waterford, you can stop in their retail store and purchase their slightly burned chips in bulk.
#5 Country Smokehouse – Almont
The Country Smoke House started in 1988 by processing deer from their garage in the tiny town of Almont, Michigan. The Country Smoke House turned into a viable business in 1991 when a “deer shop” was constructed north of Almont on M-53. The processing plant and retail shop are a short drive south of I-69.
In the new facility, deer processing and homemade venison sausage and jerky were offered to customers. Today, Country Smoke House is the largest deer processor in Michigan, attributing it to the popularity of homemade smoked sausages and jerky. Today, Country Smoke House continues to grow and has become a Michigan destination. Tourists worldwide stop by for a picture with their giant 20-foot tall steer, smoking BBQ cabin, and rustic log cabin store. It’s one of the Michigan food companies that is turning into its own destination.
#6 Jiffy Mix – Chelsea Michigan
Established in 1901, the Chelsea Milling Company started as a traditional flour mill. By the 1930s, the mill expanded into other products in the baking mix market. Their first was the “JIFFY” Mix. Today, “JIFFY” is the market share leader in retail prepared muffin mixes. In addition to our retail products, we produce mixes for the Foodservice and Institutional markets. When the JIFFY mix was introduced, it was marketed to make biscuits that were “so easy even a man could do it.”
The Chelsea Milling Company’s corn muffin mix is its most popular product accounting for over 90% of the company’s retail sales. Interestingly the company spends no money on advertising. The company is noted for its local sourcing of Michigan products.
#7 Kars Nuts – Madison Heights
Kar’s Nuts was founded in 1933 by Sue Kar. She roasted peanuts in her home and sold them outside of Detroit’s Tiger Stadium. Kar’s Nuts makes a full line of confections using nuts and candy. Their products can be found at local party stores, clubs, and snack vending machines.
According to Food-Drink Magazine, the company renovated its logo and rebranded most of its popular trail mix packaging to tap into its hometown pride. “We wanted to pay homage to our Detroit roots,” said Bob Bryan, vice president of marketing. “We’re American-made in Detroit.”
#8 – Woodward Avenue Chili – Michigan’s Only Canned Chili
Woodward Avenue Chili was founded by brothers Phil and Giovanni during Michigan’s polar vortex of 2014. Their goal was to create a high-quality, delicious chili to help Michiganders through harsh winters. Their chili can be found in major Michigan retailers like Kroger, Meijer, and Walmart, as well as specialty stores like Westborn Market. It is also available online through their website and Amazon. For more details, recipes, and purchasing options, visit Woodward Chili’s official website.
#9 – Pioneer Sugar
Pioneer Sugar is part of Michigan Sugar Company, which was founded in 1906 and is Michigan’s only remaining sugar company. The company originated from the sugarbeet industry’s growth in the late 1800s after Michigan’s lumber industry declined. Now one of the largest sugar producers in the U.S., Michigan Sugar operates under the slogan “Locally Grown. Locally Owned,” and its Pioneer Sugar brand reflects over a century of local farming and production. For more details, visit Michigan Sugar’s official site.
#10 – Aunt Mids Produce Company
Aunt Mid’s Produce Company, based in Detroit, Michigan, has been a prominent player in the fresh produce industry since its founding. Focused initially on spinach, it has expanded into a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and salads. The Riggio family, who acquired the company in 1984, emphasizes freshness and quality, processing food for both retail and food service. They have also introduced an organic line and continue to innovate with fresh-cut produce and custom packaging. For more details, visit Aunt Mid’s Produce.
Related Michigan Food Companies Stories
- Michigan Foodie – 8 Unique Michigan Foods
- Michigan’s Oldest Coney Island Restaurant
- Conagra Brands Buys Pinnacle Foods
- Michigan Ingredient Food – Veggie Chili
- Vlasic – It’s Michigan’s Pickle
