Our Favorite Detroit Startups: Foodie Edition

At Marketing Supply Co. the only thing we love more than the Detroit—and Michigan—startup scene is eating. And, of course, drinking. So when the idea came together to highlight some of our favorite Detroit, MI startups, we knew where we had to start. Just like the kitchen is the heart of the home, food is the heart of Michigan and Detroit. Oh, you thought it was automobiles? Yeah, at one time that was definitely true, but with foodie hotspots all over the state of Michigan and the city of Detroit, we reckon that food is the new Ford.

While there are so many amazing eateries, coffee shops, and the like, that we could mention, today we are going to focus on the food products that people anywhere can actually get their hands on. Now, before we get too hungry, let’s hop into the article.

Six Mouthwatering Michigan Food Startups

Banza

Banza is the only chickpea pasta that matters. The Detroit-based startup centers around its wheat pasta alternative that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. From shell to linguine, to boxed mac and cheese, this is pasta that you’ll love, and with more protein, more fiber, and fewer carbs, this pasta loves you back. You can shop Banza pasta and find recipes on www.eatbanza.com, but you can also find it at nation-wide retailers like Target and Whole Foods.

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Drought

Thirsty? Drought has you covered. The cold-pressed raw juice, which was once reserved for California soccer moms and celebs, is now available in local markets and retailers across Michigan. From the fresh produce to the pressing, Drought juices are Michigan-made. Not to mention, nearly seven years since its inception, Drought is the leading certified USDA organic juice brand in the Midwest. The range features everything from cold brew to green juice, and take it from us, once you start, you won’t be able to stop.

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Clean Planet Foods

Clean Planet Foods has a mission to change the way the world buys and eats whole proteins like chicken, turkey, and beef by delivering chef-inspired entrees to your door. The process is simple as well; choose from their wide range online, place your order, get free delivery to any U.S. address, heat and eat. Pretty genius right? Well, when one of Clean Planet Food’s founders is also the mind behind the #1 brand of fresh salsa in North America—another product of Michigan—Garden Fresh Gourmet, it should come as no surprise.

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Aunt Nee’s

Is there anything quite as addicting as chips and salsa? The answer may just be chips and homemade salsa. Aunt Nee’s makes creating fresh homemade salsa and guacamole easy and addicting with their salsa and guac mixes. But wait, there’s more, you can also buy Aunt Nee’s made-in-Detroit salsa, tortilla chips, and guacamole. You can find their salsa, chips, and mixes in grocers across Michigan. Their guacamole, on the other hand, can only be found at Detroit’s Eastern Market (along with their dope merch).

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McClary Bros.

If you’re like us, you may have never heard of Drinking Vinegars. For some context, Drinking Vinegars, or “Shrubs”, are a colonial-era drink mixer. Is your interest peaked? Yeah, ours too. Introducing McClary Bros. a metro-Detroit based startup that specializes in handcrafted small-batch Drinking Vinegars. This startup made our list because their product is both delicious and innovative (at least for this century)! So, whether you want to mix Drinking Vinegar into your next drink, salad dressing, or marinade, you can find McClary Bros. products being served/sold in over 1,000 locations in 27 states.

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McClure’s

Did you know Michigan is one of the largest cucumber growers in the United States? Knowing that it only makes sense that the McClure brothers would bring their pickle makin’ business back to where it all began for them. From pickles to relish to bloody mary mix, you can basically buy McClure products across the United States (and part of Canada) at major retailers like Walmart and Meijer. Aside from crunchy deliciousness, McClure’s pickles are also all-natural, gluten-free, and kosher.

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Now that our stomachs are growling, we’re going to finish off this post here. We could’ve added so many more Michigan-made foodie startups to this list, but we want to hear from you as well. Make sure to comment on this post with some of your favorite foodie startups, made in Michigan or not. If you’re a food startup in need of digital marketing, make sure to connect with us!