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25 AAPI-Owned Food Brands That Will Make You Rethink Your Shopping List
There's no shortage of vibrant ways Asian American and Pacific Islander people have contributed to U.S. culture: watershed moments in history, powerful cinema, podcasts with a unique point of view, awesome AAPI-owned businesses — you name it. One of the most important — and delicious! — AAPI contributions is its impact on the American culinary landscape, which ranges from AAPI flavors you might find in fine dining to the multitude of Asian takeout choices you have in your neighborhood to foods and spices at the grocery store.
Even specialty dishes that are traditionally eaten during celebrations likeLunar New Year have trickled down into regular meal options that can be adapted into food recipes for any time of year. Of course, the variety of food contributions of AAPI people is as diverse as the term AAPI — Asian American and Pacific Islander — itself, which includes people of Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander ancestry, and includes over100 languages in addition to English.
Food plays a huge role in AAPI tradition and heritage, and stands as one of the most accessible and joyful ways to share identity, culture and memory with the larger community. This list of AAPI food brands includes the works of Asian American and Pacific Islander chefs, entrepreneurs and food creators who have made delicious culinary products — including drinks, spices, sauces, desserts, meals and more — that can be accessed, bought or shipped to most places around the U.S.
This list is a valuable resource for those trying to source their own Asian-inspired recipes and AAPI food experiences at home. We also encourage you to check out local shops in your area to support small business owners.
"Yobo" is a Korean term of endearment that translates to "sweetie" or "honey," so think of Yobo Soju as a love letter from the company’s Korean American founders. While Soju can be imported from Asia, Yobo Soju is unique for its local craft: it is made from grapes from Northern California, California rice, and organic wheat, and distilled in Southern California. At 23% ABV and 36 calories an ounce, this Sojo packs a loving punch.
Combining the ancient grain Sorghum and seaweed, these savory puffs with a splash of umami flavor are a favorite for kids and adults alike. If your kids like seaweed snacks, they will love these seaweed-based puffs that have classic Asian flavors including spicy Korean BBQ and sweet chili, along with American favorites like cheese pizza and vegan ranch.
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bokksu Hello Kitty and Friends Snack Box Subscription
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bokksu Hello Kitty and Friends Snack Box Subscription
Curated by Asian American founder Danny Taing and imported from a group of trusted artisans from Japan, this Hello Kitty and Friends-themed subscription box is just too cute to pass up. It includes more than 20 snacks from Japan and special collectibles including cups, coasters, stickers and more every two months.
Savory, filling and super easy to heat up, these potato and pea samosas are a classic Indian dish that should fill every freezer. Stock up on these samosas, and don’t forget to try their entire range of entrées, naan and pizza, too. Created by an American-Indian family, this is the brand that makes homestyle Indian food accessible.
Founded by Chinese-native Lin Jiang, these nutritious oatmeals are based on breakfasts she had while growing up in Asia. It's rich with superfoods, protein and fiber in Asian flavors like chocolate chili, matcha latte, toasted black sesame, taro bubble tea and mango cream.
You could call boba tea the Asian “it” food of the last decade. While you can visit any of the Boba Guys retail stores on the West Coast, you can also try your hand at being a boba barista at home. This kit provides everything you need, including tapioca balls, organic matcha, rock sugar, a straw, teaspoon, whisk and of course, some handy instructions.
MìLà is one AAPI food brand that embraces identity, culture and coming to terms with our heritage. Founded by Chinese-American couple Jen Liao and Caleb Wang, this company gives you an easy way to experience delicious soup dumplings, Chinese noodles and even ice cream! You'll find you won't be able to stop devouring these pork soup dumplings once you give them a taste.
If you’re in a pinch and need a quick boba infusion, reach for one of these instant drink packs to have your favorite drink in hand in literally a minute! Just add milk and it will be ready to sip in 60 seconds or less. These convenient inventions are the pandemic project of three Asian Americans dads who teamed up to source the best boba from Taiwan.
Clean, keto, gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free and lower in sugar than apple chips, these sweet and toasty coconut chips hit all the right notes and health food keywords. This company — named Dang after their mom “Mama Dang” — was founded by two Thai-American brothers committed to ethical and environmentally friendly sourcing and also creates other healthy foods like bars and rice chips.
These viral spices and sauces, especially the famed Sichuan Chili Crisp, are must-tries for any Asian flavor lover. The brand’s name, Fly by Jing, references local restaurants in Chengdu, China that have food so good that they attract customers like flies. With this Triple Threat pack, you’ll also get to sample the sweet and tangy Zhong sauce and the Mala spice mix. Put all three of these sauces on noodles, pizza and even ice cream!
Go a step beyond your favorite late night snack with this low-carb, high-protein, high-fiber and plant-based ramen. It comes in all the traditional ramen flavors and has less sodium than its counterparts.
There's no way around it, beverages just taste more refreshing with bubbles! With this Moshi Mega Sampler, you can try out classic drink flavors like Matcha, Yuzu and Oolong tea with a welcome kick of carbonation.
Developed by famous chef and entrepreneur, David Chang, this Chili Crunch adds texture, flavor and heat to any dish you’re serving, from a classic entrée to a fusion favorite. It's inspired by Chinese, Korean and Mexican cuisine, and is just perfect on eggs, noodles, barbecue and sauces.
Known in Korea as the oldest alcoholic drink, this historic beverage is sure to please even your most discerning foodies. Be sure to try some of their other flavors like rice wine made with hints of elderflower and omija berries while you're at it!
Bachan means “Granny” in Japanese, and this sauce was inspired by the founder’s grandmother and her caring cooking. The Original is described as “umami-filled” and “teriyaki-ish” in flavor, and goes great with meat, noodles and veggies. While the Hot and Spicy has more of a kick You can even marinate your food before you cook or squeeze the sauce from the handy bottle on the side as you eat. There's also a gluten-free version.
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Bean & Bean Coffee Roasters Hawaii Kona Extra Fancy
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Bean & Bean Coffee Roasters Hawaii Kona Extra Fancy
The Korean-American mother-daughter team behind this company are committed to gender equality and work to bridge the gap through strong business ethics. "This is not the coffee you will find at the airport, this stuff is legit," one fan raves about the woman-owned coffee business.
If you're a Vietnamese coffee lover, these super easy pour-over kits are perfect for you. Just add hot water to the pre-filled, single-serve coffee filters for a delicious cup in record time. Don't forget to taste the delicious combination of Ceylon tea and Vietnamese coffee along with a little packet of sweet condensed milk creamer that comes with this kit.
Fila Manila is the Filipino-American food brand that raises up minority-entrepreneurs, committed to supporting immigrants and people of color. You can go for one jar, or try the amazing pack of sauces loaded with Filipino flavors including Adobo, Kare Kare, Caldereta and Spicy Adobo simmer sauces along with a sweet spiked Pineapple Rum Isla sauce. Add these sauces to protein, veggies, fried rice, noodles, or barbecue marinade—these vibrant Pinoy flavors will not disappoint.
Who can resist ice-cold Vietnamese coffee that is ready-to-drink? The company’s founder, Sahra Nguyen, a first generation entrepreneur-activist, partners with a fourth generation farmer in Vietnam’s Central Highlands to bring Robusta beans to the U.S. in an ethical (and sustainable) way that values diversity and cultural integrity. You can purchase bags of beans or these cold brew cans that come in flavors like classic black, condensed milk and coconut.
"Omsom" is a Vietnamese phrase that means "noisy and rambunctious," a dead ringer for a company that embraces bold flavors and cultural pride. Started by sisters Vanessa and Kim Pham, these noodles and sauces are super easy to make, just boil the water, cook the noodles for four minutes and add the included sauce for a delicious meal in minutes!