Female-Founded Food Favorites
Some of my favorite pantry and fridge go-to’s are proudly founded and run by women. These are companies that encompass the global pantry, honor heritage and focus on authentic, bold and unapologetic flavor. Whether single-origin, non-GMO or locally sourced from family-owned producers—it’s not just how great things taste (and oh they’re delicious) but also how these spices, honeys, sauces and crackers got to your table. Who run the world? That’s right. Here’s my list of some of my favorite female-founded food businesses:
Lady and Larder
Twin sisters, BFF’s, and restaurant industry vets, Sarah Simms Hendrix and Boo Simms started Santa Monica’s Lady and Larder to curate the best local and American made cheese, charcuterie, beer and wine along with fresh flowers, condiments and more. For them the goal is simple. Offer the best stuff. And so they have! Their showstopping cheeseboards and gift baskets ship nationwide and now include their absolutely addictive sea salt and olive oil Lady Crackers.
Diaspora Co.
The spice of life? Founder and 3rd generation Mumbai native Sana Javeri Kadri knows. Diaspora Co. is an equitable spice company with the goal that from plant to plate, each and every spice is single-origin, sourced from small family run organic farms and bursting with flavor. From the company’s signature turmeric to chili peppers, masalas and more, Diaspora is changing the system, one palette popping spice at a time.
Mumgry
Mom’s the word. Mumgry was borne out of then-expecting founder Lilian Umurungi-Jung’s need for nourishing and energizing plant-based snacks at every stage of motherhood. The result? Some of the best nut butters around. From Chocolate Peanut Butter to Mumgry’s signature Smooth Peanut Butter, Mumgry is made out of only the good stuff— perfect for Mom’s— and everyone!
Pineapple Collaborative
Stronger together, no matter how you slice it. Pineapple Collaborative is just that— a group of amazing women who produce events, content and are purveyors of sustainably harvested small-batch pantry staples. Their olive oil and apple cider have risen to cult status for good reason— Pineapple Collaborative works with a community of female producers and growers that’s both feel-good and taste-good— now that’s something to celebrate.
Fly By Jing
Founder Jing Gao knows about hot stuff. Her line of Sichuan sauces and hot pot kits are all natural non-GMO and made in her hometown Chengdu. Her Chili Crisp has already achieved gotta-have-it status among chili aficionados and is a must on any countertop, and now her savory and succulent frozen dumplings are the newest addition the Fly family that you’re sure to gobble up.
Fishwife Tinned Seafood Co.
It’s in the can! Fishwife makes delicious ethically-sourced premium tinned seafood that’s convenient and healthy. From rainbow trout to albacore tuna to salmon, co-founders Caroline Goldfarb and Becca Millstein believe tinned fish is the true first— and best— fast food. And truly, you’ll see how quickly these pantry staples will become your go-to for snacks and meals on the fly.
Essie Spice
Savor the flavor of founder Essie Bartels sauces and spices, cause you’ll be transported back to her mother’s kitchen in Ghana. West African flavors mix with global influences in her bold versatile lineup which can be used from savory to sweet to cocktails in a flash. Try her addictive TamarindOH! Or Mango Chili Medley and start the mealtime journey to vibrant mouth-watering flavor.
Brightland Co.
Always on the sunny side. Brightland founder Aishwarya Iyer’s focus is on producing the cleanest and most …consciously made olive oils, vinegars and honeys. It’s all made in California, so you’re sure to get that golden glow by the spoonful. And just released— their newest addition to the olive oil family, Calstelvetrano that’s full of buttery flavor and gorgeous bright green color.
OmSom
Gonna be starting something. And with Omsom’s signature starter packs you will. Proud and loud Asian flavors were the inspiration for founders (and sisters) Vanessa and Kim Pham— and their starter packs are the quick and flavorful way to get your meal started in a snap. From Yuzu Misoyaki to Spicy Bulgogi to Mala Salad, Omsom’s flavor packs pack a punch— so you can cook with the best Asian flavors any day of the week.
The Qi
Founder Lisa Li believes in the power of the flower. Her organic whole flower teas are rooted in time-honored Eastern holistic healing to bring you joy, calm and bring out your inner Zen. 100% hand-picked from sustainable family-owned farms, all you have to do is pour water over the flower and watch it magically bloom back to life-and you’ll see the magic of The Qi.
Nguyen Coffee Supply
Daily grind? Founder Sahra Nguyen knows grinds, beans and coffee. Nguyen Coffee Supply focuses on single-origin robusta beans from Vietnam (and roasted in Brooklyn) with the goal of diversity, transparency, representation, and ye— a deep, rich, delicious brew. Try their Loyalty blend for a bold and nutty brew or Truegrit, their strongest blend for caffeine die-hards.
Cool Haus
Everything is awesome in the house of Coolhaus. Natasha Case and Frey Estreller founded their ice cream company with a scrappy ice cream truck at Coachella where their sweet treats were a hit and the rest is her-story. Now with pints, sandwiches, cones and cups (in both dairy and dairy-free) in a range of delectably bold flavors, Coolhaus continues to strive for positive change, diversity and dreaming big, one cone at a time.
Spring & Mulberry
From bean to bar, Spring and Mulberry founders Kathryn Shan and Sarah Bell know (and love) chocolate and have focused on bars that are plant-based, with no added sugar that are bursting with rich vibrant flavor. From classic Suhum Dark Chocolate to varieties like Mixed Berry and Mango, Urfa Chili and Black Lime—Spring and Mulberry’s wares are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. The sweet life, indeed.
