A few things are getting me through this month: Our Style Challenge (if you haven’t checked it out yet, it’s a GOOD one with lots of Shop Your Closet Inspiration) AND all of these new-to-me Black-owned food and drink finds!
Droolworthy Food & Drink We’re Craving From Black-Owned Shops Right Now
Our team goes in-depth about all of these fun, tasty favs below, but if we’re talking food & drink I obviously have to shout out some of the treats and wine…
These Mac’n! By Mari Macarons look heavenly. Gluten-free, vegan, and based in Philly, (yay!) but they ship nationwide. So if you know someone who could use a little pick-me-up, that would be a realllly good one.
And as soon as I run out of wine (could be any moment now) I can’t wait to try anything by the McBride Sisters. Ever since Amy mentioned their “Black Girl Magic Trio” a few weeks back, I’ve been totally intrigued, and it’s always fun to try a new wine! If you’re considering the trio too, that mini stockpile will come in handy when a trip to the liquor store (or any store for that matter) just feels like a whole thing. If you like to enjoy a glass here and there, your future self will thank you.
1. Amy’s Pick: McBride Sisters Collection Wine
Amy’s Pick: (McBride Sisters, Oakland, CA). There’s just something about Valentine’s Day (and the days surrounding) that makes me want wine, and I discovered this business owned by two sisters: “McBride Sisters has grown into what is not only the largest Black-owned wine company in the United States, but one of the most inclusive, accessible, socially aware and sustainable.” This trio is one of their best sellers and is currently on sale!
2. Scotti’s Pick: Zach & Zoe Sweet Bee Farm Honey
Scotti’s Pick: (Zach & Zoe Sweet Bee Farm, Hunterdon County, New Jersey). My mom and sister have long touted their love for raw honey…not the stuff you find in grocery stores that have had all nutrients stripped down and is basically just sugar, but the stuff that still contains vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and amino acids. Raw honey contains polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Not only has Zach & Zoe Sweet Bee Farm been listed as one of Oprah’s Favorite Things, but they have a bunch of flavors to choose from (like Lavender, Ginger-root, and raspberry) AND they have multiple recipes and ideas on their site that help you incorporate honey into your diet. I’m thinking this shrimp would be amazing, and the kids would love these no-bake chocolate chip granola bars.
3. Linzi’s Pick: Minute Mimosa Sugar Cubes
Linzi’s Pick: (Allison DeVane, Phoenix, AZ) I don’t even like Mimosas, but I still feel like I need to order these mimosa cubes. What is NOT to love about this product description: “Like a fairy godmother, you stroll by, stopping at each one to drop in a magic, flavor-infused cube. Poof! Instant mimosas (or bellinis) as the champagne dissolves the cubes. With bubbles and color and pieces of fruit floating to the top, it’s a beautiful sight.” I’m thinking of picking up a set just for fun and popping them in fancy glasses of seltzer with the kids.
4. Laura’s Pick: Sip & Sonder Coffee
Sip & Sonder Native Daughter Coffee
Laura’s Pick: (Sip & Sonder, Inglewood, CA) Leave it to the PNW girl to pick coffee, right? This one has notes of strawberry, chocolate and brown sugar. OK then. “Established in 2017, Sip & Sonder’s flagship location is the first specialty coffee house in Inglewood, California. With a coffee roaster, creative studio, and multi-purpose event space on site, Sip & Sonder is much more than your ordinary coffee shop—we are a Black women-owned innovative entrepreneurial and creative hub where coffee, community, and culture connect.” Love this brand and their mission, and I know I’ll love that brew! And get that awesome coffee mug here.
5. & 6. Kat’s Picks: LovelyEarthlings Blushing Cards + Golde Matcha Turmeric Latte Blend
LovelyEarthlings Blushing Cards + Golde Matcha Turmeric Latte Blend
Kat’s Picks: (LovelyEartlings, Louisville, KY | Golde, Brooklyn) Oftentimes when people think of February they automatically think of Valentine’s Day. And while I absolutely love the holiday and am a huge fan of love, I also think it’s important that we take a deeper look at the significance of Black History Month. A time when we can reflect on Black excellence, Black pride, and the plight that many Black people face. I personally have been attending more events this month to engage and am so thankful that opportunities to hear more stories about the many Black lives that matter within our history and today. So this month you can find me sipping tea (matcha that is) while I get all the tea from the Black influencers, speakers and leaders I follow. ps. While I know V-Day has already passed, I am in love with this Black-owned Etsy shop that has the cutest cards and prints!
7. Meredith’s Pick: Calabash Tea
Meredith’s Pick: (Calabash Tea, Washington, D.C.) After I went to England for an entire week, I decided I was going to start using the word “whilst” in regular conversation and become a tea drinker (as one does). I’ve been trying to expand my sipping horizons and let me spill some tea with y’all: Calabash Tea has an incredible selection of Black, Herbal and Green teas. In particular, the Blue Velvet Black Tea sounds AMAZING. According to reviews it has a sensual scent. (This might be the sexiest tea ever!) They also have aromatherapy, coffee, tonics, spices and more. The owner — Dr. Sunyatta Amen — says, “She had a lifelong drive to create a beautiful, safe space in gentrified communities and decolonize wellness for all our tribe members.” (I’ll cheers –with tea of of course — to that.)
8. Em’s Pick: Loretta’s Authentic Pralines
Emily’s Pick: (Loretta’s, New Orleans) These have been on my New Orleans belly list for a while (anyone else have running lists of foods they intend to eat if and when they travel to a certain region?), and it dawned on me that, during the coronavirus pandemic, I might just be able to get them shipped to my door. And whadda ya know! I love a classic pecan praline, but the peanut butter or coconut varieties sound so good, too. And she makes a king cake that ships in two sizes — with praline cream cheese filling.
9. Shana’s Pick: Mac’n by Mari
Shana’s Pick: Mac’n by Mari is based in Philadelphia, but ships nationwide. This is one of my top picks when I need to send someone a little bit of happiness. Not only are her flavors insanely inventive (the flavor of this month, for example, is Strawberry Champagne), but there are monthly subscription services AND a selection of vegan and/or gluten-free options as well! Of course, building your own box is tons of fun. She restocks completely on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, or you can always request a custom order as long as you do it in advance. (And if you are local to Philly, she does offer a Fishtown pickup.)
If you have a Black-owned food or drink business you swear by, send them our way!
Xo,
Team TME
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