National Hispanic Heritage month is a fantastic time to learn about and celebrate the cultures of Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America that have brought some of our favorite sips and bites to the U.S., but the appreciation doesn’t have to end on October 15. Sure some brands might do a taco special or add a “spicy” twist to a product, but that doesn’t really do justice to the many different cultures that make up Hispanic heritage.
These Latinx-owned food and drink brands serve up cultura and flavor year-round. Whether you’re looking for ethically sourced alcohol, a sweet treat, a spicy condiment, or something bubbly and fruity, each of these companies is owned by someone proud to share their unique culture through something delicious.
Although Jarritos will always hold a special place in the heart of many Latinos, the high sugar content might not suit everyone. For that reason, Vasa Martinez chose to create a low-sugar soda with nostalgic flavors meant to bring to mind memories of Sunkist, Hawaiian Punch, and even the Mandarin flavor of Jarritos. Each can of Perfy only contains between three to four grams of sugar and is flavored using fruit juice, a blend of Stevia, monk fruit, and allulose as well as some sea salt. A 12-pack of cans costs $35.99 and can be shipped straight to your door.
Chuza is a snack brand created by Mexican immigrant Danny Schwarz with the hope of bringing authentic Mexican flavors and cultural traditions to the U.S. through food. Similar to another beloved spice blend, Chuza provides a mixture of spice and citrus tang to whatever you pour it on. In addition to a spice you can rim your margaritas with, the brand also sells dried apricots, mango, pineapple, cranberry, and others coated in the blend. Each bag ranges from $4.99 to $7.99 or you can get a spicy bundle with a bottle of the spice blend for $35.99.
Pisqueya is a hot sauce brand created by Maritza Abreu, a New York native with Dominican heritage. Abreu started Pisqueya to provide more representation for Dominican culture in the global food market. Pisqueya’s line of hot sauces come from a family recipe which serves as the basis for the three flavors: smoky hot, spicy sweet, and medium buzz. All three can be purchased in a bundle for $25.99 along with a new adobo seasoning.
Another hot sauce company bringing a taste of family, home, and cultura is Tia Lupita Foods . The creator, Hector Saldivar, named the brand after his mother, affectionately known as Tia Lupita. Her original recipe is what inspired the hot sauce brand which has since expanded its offerings into tortilla chips and salsas as well. A single bottle sells for $6.99 but you can also buy three, four, or 12- bottle packs.
Mayawell is a soda brand made from sustainably-sourced agave and founded Vicente Reyes of Oaxaca, Mexico. In addition to utilizing a plant that is native to Mexico as a sweetener, 2% of the profits made from each sale of these sodas is given to a non-profit which works to support indigenous Mexican communities and aid in reforestation in the region. The sodas include flavors like pineapple mango, pear lime, strawberry ginger, and raspberry cucumber, as well as others.
Somos is a food brand started by three friends looking to bring authentic Mexican cooking into the ready-to-eat category. Somos sells burrito bowl kits, salsas, and microwavable ready-to-eat dishes based on traditional Mexican plates such as Cauliflower tinga and picadillos, or Peacadillos as they spell it because they’re made using pea protein. Somos products can be found online on Amazon, Kroger, and through Hungryroot, as well as in some grocery stores.
Available in the U.S. as of 2006, Don Q is a Puerto Rican rum brand with a history going as far back as the 1860s. Don Q rum is named after Don Quixote, a literary character from a novel originally published in the 1600s. The brand offers its rum in gold, cristal, and 151 degrees, which has notes of vanilla, as well as a variety of flavors such as Piña (pineapple), coco (coconut), limón (lime), and pasión (passion fruit).
Flor de Maria is a chocolate CBD brand created by William Zitser. Zitser, who is from Venezuela, uses a combination of chocolate sourced Venezuela, El Salvador, as well as other Latin American countries like Ecuador. That chocolate is combined with CBD sourced in New York. Each chocolate bar contains 120mg of CBD and flavors include hibiscus, dark chocolate, and ghost pepper caramel.
Angela’s Bakery is based in Brooklyn and was founded by Angela Rosario of the Dominican Republic. Her daughter, Rosangela is the current owner and CEO of the brand. Although the bakery itself is in Brooklyn, Angela’s bakery sells its Dominican Cake Mixes nationwide. The cake mixes are based on a traditional type of Dominican cake called Bizcocho which has a moist, light texture. The cake mixes can be found on Amazon and in some Walmart locations.
Created by Cuban brothers Daniel and Antonio Caballero, Fillo’s is a brand that aims to “keep traditions fresh” by reimagining authentic food in new formats. For example, the brand offers walking tamales which puts a traditional food in a pouch and makes them suitable for on-the go eating. Fillo’s also offers Cuban Black Beans Sofrito and other sofrito varieties in a simple pouch for easy heating. You can find the products on Amazon and directly via the website.