They say you are what you eat. So if you want to BE a local, you need to EAT like a local. That means choosing as many groceries as possible with a small footprint.
In our region, it’s easy to shop local within your favorite grocery store. From local beers and farm-fresh produce to herb-infused body products, the people of Western North Carolina are proud to grow local, sell local, and buy local.
Here are just 10 of the many local foods and drinks you can find at grocery stores in Asheville.
Asheville Tea Company
They call themselves “the other craft brew”. While that would be a tough moniker for any other products to live up to, Asheville Tea Company’s farm-to-teacup blends live up to all the hype. The company partners with small, regional farmers who utilize sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices. Their Earth-friendly mission is enhanced by plant-based tea bags and compostable tea boxes. And customers keep coming back for another cup of their seasonal and year-round offerings. Steep it real with Asheville Tea!
Find Asheville Tea Company tea at: Ingles Markets and more.
Buchi Kombucha
You may have read about Buchi Kombucha in Fast Company, The Washington Post, or The New York Times. This grassroots fermentation business started with two “buchi mamas” at a farmers market in 2009. Since then, it has grown into a regional brewery whose products are found in more than 75 locations around Asheville alone. Check out the Buchi Bar at Rosetta’s Kitchen, 68 N Lexington Avenue, Asheville.
Find Buchi Kombucha in Asheville at: Earth Fare, French Broad Food Co-op, Hopey & Co, Ingles Markets, Whole Foods Markets, and more.
City Bakery Breads
City Bakery has remained independent and family owned since it began in 1999. Today, they operate two cafe locations, a wholesale bakery, and a catering division. They specialize in traditional French breads and source their products from local businesses and farms wherever possible. Pop into one of their downtown Asheville cafes for breakfast pastries or lunch sandwiches. Or find their breads in one of more than 45 area locations.
Find City Bakery breads at: Food Matters Market, French Broad Food Co-op, Ingles Markets, West Village Market & Deli, Whole Foods, and more.
Devil’s Foot Ginger Ale
Located in North Asheville, Devil’s Foot makes non-alcoholic ginger ales that are devilishly simple and fresh. They pride themselves on using fresh, all-natural, and local ingredients to create a product for Beer City that both kids and adults can enjoy. Devil’s Foot currently specializes in traditional and spicy ginger ales, as well as naturally-flavored sparkling lemonades.
Find Devil’s Foot ginger ale at: French Broad Food Co-op, and tons of local markets and restaurants in your neighborhood.
Firewalker Hot Sauce
Looking for a stocking stuffer that’ll keep your feet warm? Established in 2012, Firewalker Hot Sauce was formulated to Spread the Heat™. Their unique blend of citrus and garlic with a habanero kick is always crafted from the freshest natural ingredients in small batches. And they use no artificial preservatives, no GMOs, and no sugar. The result is a hot sauce with complex layers and depth that you don’t need to refrigerate. Try it with burgers, soups, chili, chicken, marinades, and more.
Find Firewalker Hot Sauce at: Earth Fare, French Broad Food Co-op, The Fresh Market, Harris Teeter, Hopey and Co., Ingles Markets, West Village Market & Deli, and Whole Foods Markets.
The Hop Ice Cream
Though The Hop was founded in 1978, it was in 2008 when the current owners transformed it into a regional sweet-treat powerhouse. The Hop was named by HuffPost and Domino Magazine as one of the 12 Best Ice Cream Shops in America. They’ve also been featured on the Cooking Channel show “Unique Sweets” and in VegNews as one of the best 8 Outrageous Vegan Scoops at Ice Cream Shops Nationwide. They currently operate four retail locations in Buncombe County. Or you can order online!
Find The Hop ice cream at: Earth Fare and dozens of locations around Asheville, Black Mountain, Brevard, Burnsville, Hendersonville, Hot Springs, Marshall, Mills River, Rutherfordton, and Saluda.
Laura Lynn Milk
According to Leah McGrath, Ingles Markets Corporate Dietitian, about 80% of Ingles-brand milk comes from dairy farms within 100–150 miles of Asheville. This includes local family-owned farms like English Farm in Marion and Ramsey Dairy Farm in Fairview. Because Ingles processes the milk themselves, it often takes less than 48 hours for the milk to go from the cow to the dairy case. And if freshness isn’t enough, Ingles makes sure their farmers don’t use artificial growth hormones.
Find Laura Lynn milk at: Your local Ingles Market.
Lusty Monk Mustard
Lusty Monk’s branding may verge on irreverent, but their mustards will “make your tongue believe in God,” according to one customer. The family-owned, quality-conscious company creates condiments that are fresh ground, handcrafted, and full of flavor. The course-ground “original sin” is delicious enough to tempt any mortal, while the “burn in hell” flavor will raise your temperature without raising any blisters. Find it in the refrigerator case or order it right to your door.
Find Lusty Monk mustards at: Earth Fare, French Broad Food Co-op, Fresh Market, Ingles Markets, West Village Market & Deli, Whole Foods Market, and 20 states across the U.S.
Roots Hummus
In Beer City, it’s no small feat to live up to the moniker, “the microbrew of hummus,” but that’s just what Roots does. They craft their recipes “to connect and heal people through the power of food”. Try the OG original flavor, or take your tastebuds on a trip around the world with Hot Chipotle, Thai Coconut Curry, and more. Wherever you go, rest assured that your roots will remain in the former Blue Ridge Motion Picture Studio warehouse in East Asheville, where Roots operates their 27,000-square-foot facility.
Find Roots Hummus at: Earth Fare, Food Lion, French Broad Food Co-op, The Fresh Market, Harris Teeter, Hopey & Co., Ingles, Publix, Whole Foods Markets, and more.
Smiling Hara Hempeh
If you’ve never tried hempeh, you’ll love this pre-seasoned, gluten-free, “heat and eat” cultured hemp protein. The family-owned business makes fresh batches of their product every week from their headquarters in Barnardsville. While just minutes away from consumers here, Smiling Hara distributes widely throughout the Southeast, Midwest, Mid Atlantic, and Northeast. Check out their site for quick and delicious recipes.
Find Smiling Hara Tempeh at: Earth Fare, French Broad Food Co-op, Ingles Markets, West Village Market & Deli, Whole Foods Markets, and more.
Keep Shopping Local at Specialty Markets
“Big box” supermarkets carry a large percentage of national and international products to round out their offerings. But when you shop small, you can feel great supporting local businesses while crossing unique gift items off your holiday shopping lists.
For even more locally made products for sale this holiday season, scout out a local market in your area. Here are two in Asheville:
Hopey and Co.
With a family centric atmosphere, it doesn’t take very long for even the newest shopper to feel right at home at Hopey and Co., WNC’s favorite budget-friendly grocery store.
800 Fairview Road, Asheville | (828) 255-5228
3018 US 70 W, Suite #1, Black Mountain | (828) 669-8988
West Village Market & Deli
Find fresh, local, organic produce and your favorite bulk and grocery items in the heart of West Asheville. While you’re there, check out their deli menu!
771 Haywood Road, Asheville | (828) 225-4949 | westvillagemarket.com
Ready to Sell Your Own Locally Made Products?
The list above is an introduction to the wide spectrum of locally made products available in our area. But there’s always room for the next innovative snack! Are you ready to take on your own storefront? Or do you plan to be the next specialty market in your neighborhood? Your commercial real estate agent is by your side to help you find the perfect retail space.
NAI Beverly-Hanks continually strives to be the best in the business and provide you with the expertise you need. Contact us today to speak with an NAI Beverly-Hanks commercial real estate agent about securing the perfect retail space for your Western North Carolina business.
