We all know the reasons for buying local.
Not only does it help keep small, family-run businesses open, but reinvesting money in your local economy keeps jobs right here in Michigan.
Keeping money in your neighborhood has economic perks for everyone who lives nearby.
It keeps stores open and business owners, well, in business. Isn’t it a great thing to have local options?
When you support a small business owner, every purchase makes a difference in that person’s life. You’re supporting a dream of business ownership, and your buying power keeps that dream going. It’s not like buying at Amazon or the big-box retailers, where all those owners see are numbers on the bottom line.
Michigan products we can’t stop raving about
Here are a few of our hands (see what we did there?)-down favorite Michigan products. Try ‘em for yourself and just see if you can stop loving them!
This family-owned company leaves the skin on when they fry their chips, giving it excellent flavor and crunch. Locally made in Traverse City, with small batches, fresh, almost all Michigan potatoes and spices. The real stars are their flavors: Michigan cherry BBQ and parmesan ranch top our list, but sea salt, pepper and onion are close on their heels.
Faygo Pop (Not soda, ya animals!)
Listen, there is just something nostalgic about over 50 flavors of pop. Take me back to Rock ‘n Rye or using some Faygo root beer for floats when we were kids. Dad’s favorite was always Moon Mist and we were pumped whenever Red Pop would make its debut at a summer BBQ. Great for any size gathering and a huge hit with the kiddos.
Cherry Republic is a Northern Michigan company that harnesses the delight of Michigan cherries in their food products. Tops on our list is their cherry salsa, with just the right balance of sweet and spicy. But you can’t go wrong with the jams, BBQ sauces, chocolate-covered cherries, wines, cookies, pie fillings or basically anything else in the entire store. If you’ve tasted any of the samples there, you know!
Yes, we fully agree that snack foods are the bomb. And it doesn't get much better than this Michigan small business that sells snack foods. A family-owned business near Detroit in Highland Township, Pop Daddy has its roots deep in bold flavors and big heart. While they started out as a flavored popcorn company, we keep going back for the seasoned pretzels. Yellow Mustard and Dill Pickle are highly addictive, and the kids rave about Cinnamon Sugar.
From its beginnings in 1933 selling nuts outside Tiger’s Stadium in Detroit, Kar’s Nuts has grown into a national snack sensation. While the company sources ingredients like nuts, seeds, and chocolate worldwide, Kar’s is committed to supporting local farmers and their communities. We are big fans of the trail mix packs to throw into school lunches.
We love supporting Michigan businesses! Tag us in your favorite - @CraftologyBrands!