For Black folks, summer means it’s officially cookout season. Whether it’s brunch or a barbecue, we know there are plenty of staples and favorites you have to include on the menu. We also know everyone has regular ingredients they don’t like to deviate from. However, consider mixing things up this season with these Black-owned food brands that can work for all your summer parties.
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Capital City Co.
Capital City Co. gives everyone a chance to enjoy the mambo sauce made famous in Washington D.C. Sure it’s made for wings, but honestly, you can use it on all your proteins or even add it to vegetables.
ReMix Waffles
If your cookout is more of a brunch, you definitely need chicken and waffles on the menu. Not everyone wants to craft their own special pancake/waffle recipe, so ReMix Waffles is ready for you to use.
Michele’s Syrup
If you’re doing pancakes or waffles, you’ll clearly need a quality syrup to go with it. There’s absolutely a difference between well made syrup and mass produced, watered-down brands.
EssieSpice
Everyone makes chicken or ribs at their cookout. What will make yours stand out is how you use these West African inspired spices and sauces.
A Dozen Cousins
Sometimes, the sides are more important than the entrees. A Dozen Cousins offers multiple varieties of rice, beans and sauces so those less adept at flavor combinations can still look good in front of their guests.
Mumgry
Nut butters work as both a spread and a sauce base. However, they can be high in sodium and sugar. Mumgry offers healthier alternatives in flavors like chocolate hazelnut, chocolate peanut butter and pistachio chocolate almond.
Trade Street Jam Co.
You can’t do nut butters without jam, so check out Trade Street Jam Co., which offers jams, sauces, cocktail mixers and baking mixes. Products include strawberry, chipotle and fig jam, smoked peach jam, raspberry hot sauce and sweet potato biscuit mix.
Pitmaster LT’s
Your chicken and ribs are only as good as your barbecue sauce. With rubs for all types of proteins and both classic and spicy sauces, Pitmaster LT’s has you covered.
Mama’s Biscuits
Biscuits are difficult — not everyone has the patience or skill to make them from scratch. Enter Mama’s Biscuits that offers both sweet and savory flavors including cinnamon vanilla cream, bacon cheddar jalapeño and classic buttermilk.
Tonya’s Cookies
Just because you’re a great cook, it doesn’t mean you’re great at baking. Avoid any awkwardness during dessert with Tonya’s Cookies pecan crisps.
Sweet Dames Artisan Confections
Between cooking, preparing the house and entertaining guests, cookouts are incredibly time consuming. Save yourself some trouble by letting Sweet Dames Artisan Confections take care of cookies and candy.
Me and the Bees Lemonade
Black folks love lemonade. Me and the Bees offers new flavors like prickly pear, ginger, mint, black cherry and classic.
Love Cork Screw
You can’t have a cookout without wine. In addition to Love Cork Screw, there are several high-profile Black-owned wine brands.
Grown Folks
If wine or cocktails aren’t your speed, go the beer and hard seltzer route with Grown Folks.
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