Must-Try Food Products from Hawai`i (that you may not have heard of)
When you think of Hawai`i’s cuisine, you may envision a bounty of exotic tropical fruit...or you may picture the now-ubiquitous poke bowl. Or, you may think of poi and loco moco. Those are all available in abundance, to be sure, but Hawai`i also boasts a wide variety of readymade food and drink products made from locally grown ingredients. These items are a delicious way to taste Hawai`i, and give a boost to agriculture in our island state. Here are just a few of our favorites:
- Maui Fruit Jewels - These artisan candies are packed with flavor, and no wonder - each one consists of more than 50% locally grown fruit. Their confections include flavors like Ginger Pineapple, Passion Fruit (Liliko`i), Papaya and Coconut, each more delicious than the last. Maui Fruit Jewels truly live up to their name, and are they make a lovely host or hostess gift.
Photo courtesy of Maui Fruit Jewels
Voyaging Foods Chocolate Lava cookies - These gluten-free cookies are made using taro flour - the ancient starch of Hawai`i that also happens to be nutrient packed and celiac friendly. Rich and decadent, these treats let you enjoy taro in a whole new way.
Photo courtesy of Voyaging Foods
- Kunoa Cattle Beef Bar - We love Kunoa Cattle’s visionary approach to sustainable ranching in Hawai`i. Their cattle are raised on pasture, are rotationally grazed, and are processed in facilities powered by renewable energy. Kunoa Cattle Beef Bars are an all-natural, protein-rich snack that supports responsible agriculture in Hawai`i.
Photo courtesy of Kunoa Cattle
- Lonohana Estate Chocolate - Hawai`i is the only state in the US where cacao can be grown, and we have a burgeoning community of chocolate makers. Our favorite is Lonohana Estate, which is a true “tree to bar” grower and maker of amazing chocolate. Their chocolate is the best we’ve tasted; our favorite is the Big Island Dark 73%, which features just two ingredients: Big Island cacao and organic cane sugar.
Photo courtesy of Lonohana Estate Chocolate
- Hawaiian Ola noni products - We can’t help but include ourselves on this list! We use organic noni (Hawai`i’s superfood) as the base for our delicious and good-for-you sparkling drinks. Noni has many health benefits, including being a potent anti-inflammatory, and our sparkling beverages are an easy way to take advantage. Available in caffeine-free and energy varieties.
The best thing about these products - aside from being delicious - is that every time you purchase them, you’re supporting a small business that is having a positive environmental impact for Hawai`i. It’s a win for everyone!