Seven Iconic Michigan-made Food Brands
Michigan is home to many companies that produce tasty foods and treats. Many are local favorites, but these seven Michigan brands have a national following, and are still produced in The Mitten State.
Kellogg’s – The Kellogg’s company was founded in Battle Creek in 1906. The headquarters is still there today, in the town known as Cereal City. It got its start producing Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, but it is also the maker of famous breakfast foods such as Pop Tarts and Eggo Waffles. Each year Battle Creek hosts a Cereal Festival featuring the World’s Longest Breakfast Table.
Bettermade Potato Chips – Bettermade Potato Chips are made in Detroit, and are legendary throughout Michigan. You can find them on store shelves in Ohio and Illinois too. Even though they aren’t distributed nationally, people from all over the country order the chips from Bettermade’s online store. They’re a favorite of homesick Michiganders living elsewhere, who are looking for a taste of home.
Faygo Beverages, Inc. – They started making Faygo Pop in Detroit in 1907. Vanilla Creme Soda, RedPop and Rock ‘N Rye are just three of their 50 famous flavors. The pop can be found all over the country and parts of Canada as well.
Domino’s Pizza and Little Caesars – The second and third largest national pizza chains both got their start in Michigan. Domino’s first opened in 1960 and is headquartered in Ann Arbor. Little Caesars is headquartered in Detroit. The chain opened a year earlier, in 1959.
Vernor’s Ginger Ale – Probably Michigan’s oldest famous brand, Vernor’s was invented by a pharmacist in Detroit right after the Civil War. Today it’s owned by the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, but it’s still considered a Michigan classic. A true Michigander will tell you that besides having a delicious taste it will cure whatever ails you, including stomach aches and hangovers.
Gerber – In 1927, Dorothy Gerber invented the iconic baby food after her pediatrician recommended she serve strained, solid foods to her seven-month-old daughter. Soon her husband started producing the baby food at his canning factory in Fremont. Now owned by Nestle, Gerber baby food is still produced in Fremont.
Vlasic Pickles – Vlasic got its start in Detroit in 1937. Today the company is owned by Campbell Soup Company, but the pickles are produced in Imlay City, using Michigan grown cucumbers.
