One of the coolest benefits of living in today’s society is the ability to experience foods and flavors from a range of cultures, from the rich history of Dutch cheesemaking to the modern resurgence of Israeli winemaking. Every day, people around the world experiment with new foods and flavors that dazzle the senses, putting a new spin on foods that have been passed down for generations. This holiday season, give the gift of heritage with these brands that are repackaging cultural favorites in a whole new way.
Gayo Azul: Dutch And Hispanic Cheese Slices
The Netherlands and Latin America may be thousands of miles apart, but they share at least one thing in common: a love for premium cheesemaking. Gayo Azul Chili Pepper Cheese Slices draw on the heritage and ingredients of both cultures to produce a creamy, buttery cheese with a kick. This unique cultural fusion of flavor works beautifully, adding smoothness and spice to burgers and cheese boards alike. The convenient slices melt easily on sandwiches and work well diced up and paired with crackers on a holiday cheese board. Available at grocery stores nationwide. Learn more at gayoazul.com.
Tatsu Tea Matcha
People across the world enjoy matcha for its grassy flavor and gentle boost of caffeine. Tatsu Tea Matcha Performance Tea takes Japanese matcha and adds electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals to deliver energy and hydration in one sip. The drink foregoes added sugar in favor of natural sweetness from real lychee fruit, offering a lightly sweet boost of energy without the crash. Tatsu Tea works just as well as a pre-workout drink as it does a cocktail mixer, making it a fitting holiday gift for athletes, home mixologists, and matcha lovers. Find it on tatsutea.com.
Royal Hollandia: Dutch Cheese
Royal Hollandia is another brand that embodies the essence of Dutch cheesemaking. Their Mild Gouda is a sign of the enduring commitment to excellence started by a small group of Dutch dairy farmers back in 1898. Wrapped in its iconic red wax, its flavor is mild enough not to overpower its companion but creamy and rich enough to stand up on its own. Pair it with an amber ale, sliced salami, or crisp green grapes for a balanced, buttery sidekick. Make it the centerpiece of the holiday cheese board or give it as a premium stocking stuffer for the holidays. Learn more at https://www.royalhollandia.us/collections/.
Diaspora Co.: Indian Masala Chai Tea
To find a chai tea that’s rich, flavorful, and authentic, look no further than its country of origin. Diaspora Co. Masala Chai Tea & Spice Blend combines fresh Indian spices with authentic CTC black tea for a delicious beverage that’s equal parts spicy and sweet. The blend includes Diaspora’s fresh and fragrant cardamom, ginger, and fennel spices, putting a spice-forward twist on classic chai. This tea can be simmered on the stove with water or milk for a yummy tea, or even blended with berries and strained for a fruity cold brew. Check it out at diasporaco.com.
Cold-Pressed Juice: Wonder Juice
Cold-pressed juice distills all the flavor and nutrition of fresh fruit into a refreshing indulgence. Wonder Juice and its lineup of 11 flavors represent the versatility and vitality of cold-pressed juice, with a gift that’s suited for cocktails, mocktails, or straight-up refreshment. Flavors fall under three categories–Wonder Beet, Wonder Melon, and Wonder Lemon–with favorites such as Watermelon Cucumber Basil, Lemon Ginger, and Beet + Cherry representing a range of sweet, sour, and spicy. With no added water or sugar, these organic cold-pressed juices bring all-natural vitality to every occasion. Visit drinkwonderjuices.com and give the gift of refreshment for the holidays.
Manischewitz: Chanukah House Cookie Decorating Kit
The Manischewitz Chanukah House Cookie Kit is a kosher alternative to gingerbread houses that’s fitting for all families. The hands-on kit comes with edible decorations to build a blue-and-white Chanukah-themed cookie house. The yummy mix of pre-baked vanilla cookies, icing, and candy decorations fit neatly together on a plastic base for easy assembly. From classroom projects to family activities, the Chanukah House Cookie Kit is a fun way to celebrate Jewish heritage and creativity over the holidays. Available at major supermarkets and online at manischewitz.com.
Fishwife: European-Style Tinned Seafood
Fishwife is a woman-owned American brand that takes its inspiration from the European tradition of tinned seafood. The Fishwife Starter Pack is a welcome introduction to the world of tinned fish, with a curated lineup of flavorful classics and new launches. Citrusy Sardines with Preserved Lemon, Slow Smoked Mackerel with Chili Flakes, and the brand new Smoked Rainbow Trout with Red Chimichurri are but a few of the delicious flavors that come with this gift-ready set. Enjoy them on their own or in a dip or a salad for a yummy, fishy taste. Browse the collection at eatfishwife.com.
Brightland: Californian Olive Oil
California is famous for producing flavorful olive oil fueled by bright sunshine and rich soil. The Brightland Classic Minis Gift Set features four miniature bottles of Brightland’s signature extra virgin and flavored olive oils. The company crafts every bottle of oil with local ingredients grown by family farmers, offering authentic flavor from heirloom olives. This set includes flavored oils such as Lucid Lemon and Rosette Garlic, as well as extra virgin olive oils made from peppery Arbequina and Lecciana olives or grassy Arbosana and Koroneiki olives. Packaged in beautifully-designed glass bottles, the set doesn’t require any additional flair–just pop it in a stocking or wrap it in a bow! Go to brightland.co to learn more.
Iberian Table: Spanish Mediterranean Cookbook
The Iberian Table: Healthy Cooking Secrets from the Land of Longevity takes centuries-old Mediterranean wisdom and brings it into the 21st century. Inspired by Spain’s notable record of health and longevity, author and fine artist Robin Keuneke shares flavorful recipes that incorporate classic ingredients like olive oil, legumes, and yogurt in colorful new ways. The Iberian Table introduces the reader to the joy, community, and balance of the Spanish Mediterranean lifestyle. Food lovers and health enthusiasts alike are sure to find inspiration among its pages this holiday season. Available at theiberiantable.com.
Craize Everything Crackers
No dip, cheese, or charcuterie board is complete without a crunchy, flavorful cracker to go with it. Craize Everything Crackers manage a skillful blend of flavor, crunch, and clean ingredients that make them a wholesome addition to any holiday gathering. Vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and allergen-friendly, these chip-cracker hybrids are fire-griddled to lock in the flavor and crunch without excess oil or artificial ingredients. The Everything flavor is a unique fusion of sesame and poppy seeds mixed with garlic and onion that works just as good on its own as it does with a topping. Available at select stores nationwide and online at gocraize.com.
