The Memphis food scene is unmatched, so only selecting five locally made products to highlight in this piece was quite challenging. Whether you’re looking for sweet or savory, you can find something you’ll love in the 901. Let’s take a look at a few you must put on your to-try-ASAP list.

Bluff City Toffee’s Toffee Butter Cookies

If you’re fortunate enough to have tried one of Bluff City Toffee’s toffee varieties, you know putting those little pieces of paradise in a cookie is a fabulous idea. After going through several recipes, owner Stephanie Upshaw landed on one that is ah-maz-ing. You take a bite and think, there’s something here I can’t put my finger on. (Spoiler alert – it’s browned butter!) Snag a three-pack from her adorable storefront at 5160 Sanderlin Ave., Suite 5, in East Memphis.

STIX Ginger Dressing

Customers have raved about STIX Ginger Dressing for years. The slowdown of the pandemic gave owner Wayne Yeh the opportunity to create a way for guests to take bottles of the golden goodness home. You can now purchase a bottle (or four!) during your next visit to STIX Express Downtown or STIX Collierville, or at Cordelia’s Market. So far, I’ve found it’s perfect for elevating flavor in stir-fry, marinating meats or as a tasty dip. P.S. It’s gluten-free and only 50 calories per serving.

Grind City Brewing Company’s seasonal seltzer
Don’t get me wrong, I love craft beer. But, I really love hard seltzer. When a local brewery like Grind City Brewing Company adds one to its lineup, I am so there. Next time you visit, give their seasonal seltzer a whirl. If you are new to the seltzer game, start by including it in a flight. I’m confident you’ll be ordering up a full pour for the next round!

The Grecian Gourmet Taverna’s Red Pepper Hummus

I started making my own hummus during the pandemic, and it turned out surprisingly well. (Don’t ask about my bread-making skills.) As a result, I’m a bit of a snob when it comes to the dip; however, my concoction has nothing on The Grecian Gourmet Taverna’s Red Pepper Hummus. Enjoy it as a dip, put it on a sandwich or add it to your salad – you can’t go wrong. Buy a tub from a local grocery store like Curb Market and High Point Grocery, or from the restaurant’s grab-and-go case on South Main Street.

Imagine Vegan’s Vanilla Cake

Trust me. The vegan cake I loved for many years was discontinued, but don’t sleep on vegan cake! It’s hard for a vegan treat to survive in the barbecue capital of the world, y’all. In my quest to find a replacement, I stumbled upon Imagine Vegan. The chef was as devastated as I was about the beloved cake being no longer available, so she created a dupe. It is very similar to the original and is absolutely delicious. Get it as is or have them write a note on top if you’re celebrating something special.

Alright, enough talk. It’s time to eat and eat well. I hope you enjoy these five Memphis-made treats. I know I will!