As the holiday season approaches there are a myriad of great options to support entrepreneurs and the local economy by buying local. Artisan food products make great gifts that appreciated and unique. As an added bonus, you are likely to turn your recipients on to new products, helping spread the word on buying local.
Candy’s and Chocolates
Whether your tastes run from decadent fine dark chocolates, to fun and colorful taffy, Utah’s producers have something for everyone.
A sampling of Utah’s world renowned chocolate makers would make an excellent gift for the fine chocolate lovers in your life
- Amano Artisan Chocolate
- Solstice Chocolate
- Durci Chocolate
- Chocolate Conspiracy
- Millcreek Cacao Roasters
A number of other candy makers make fantastic mixes of chocolates, candies, toffee, fudge and other indulgencies
- Fernwood Candy
- Cavanaugh's Chocolates
- Mrs. Calls
- V Chocolates
- Hatch Family Chocolates
- Condies Candies
- Chocolot
- Alvey’s Chocolates
- Sir Walter Candy
If fine caramels are more your style, these folks have you covered
Last, but not least these candy makers will fulfill some of the other sweet tooth cravings
- Sweet Candy Company - famous orange sticks, taffy, cinamon bears and more
- Sweet Creek Candy - handmade hard candy
- Taffy Town - taffy in a huge variety of flavors
Fine Spirits
The last few years have seen huge growth in fine spirits and distilleries in Utah. These spirits are distilled by true craftsman and have become know around the world as some of the finest.
High West Whiskey has become world renowned for their fine whisky and bourbon. Waterpocket Distillery is doing some interesting and unique things with their rum and liquer, including a new cocoa rum. In South Salt Lake, Sugarhouse Distillery makes all their whisky, vodka and other spirits 100% onsite. Beehive Distilling’s Gin is some of the finest available. And in Eden, Utah, New World Distilling makes a unique agave spirit. How about giving a taste of the Old West with Outlaw Distillery or Porter’s Whiskey.
If wine is more your style, Utah’s producers have you covered there as well. Finally, the cider from Mountain West Cider makes not only a great gift, but a fine holiday beverage.
Check these out, and more on our Distilleries page.
Salsas and Sauces
As every Utahn knows, Fry Sauce is our best kept secret – and makes a great gfit for out of state friends and family who aren’t familiar with our local staple.
How about some raspberry salsa make from Bear River Raspberries? Honey and Jam make a great gift – and Utah is home of many fine producers – so much to choose from.
Some more unique ideas: Handcrafted spicy chili sauce from Chili Beak; Unrefined ancient sea salt from Real Salt; a unique goat milk based caramel sauce from Four Country Gals; Gourmet Spice Blends from Aimee’s Home Cookin’; Handcrafted small batch hot sauce from YardBarkin; Spicy dill pickles from Yee Haw Pickle Company.
Browse more options in our Condiments and Sauces section
Snacks
Since calories don’t’ count during the holidays, go ahead and stock on some local snacks – great for guests and gift giving.
PopArt makes some of the most interesting gourmet popcorn around. Utah Honey Corn is like caramel corn, but better – make with real Utah honey; Smoked nuts from Terrapin Station are as delicious as they sound; Gourmet jerky and meat snacks are always appreciated; GoBacon offers a unique take a jerky. Fine charcuterie makes a great gift - and you with Utah producers you have many options for fine cheese and salami.
Give the gift of local this holiday season – and let us know in the comments what your favorite ideas are!