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Statewide Arkadelphia Atkins Bee Branch Conway Hot Springs Little Rock North Little Rock
Statewide Food 2

10 Arkansas Food Gifts for Christmas

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Bring joy to friends and family this holiday season with Arkansas food gifts. Here are 10 of my favorite food products, all made right here in the Natural State.

1. Ralston Family Farms’ Rice

Nothing says Arkansas like rice, and Ralston Family Farms in Atkins is one of the most respected names in the industry. Their products can be found everywhere, from major retail grocery stores to smaller, local shops, but if you’re not in the mood to get out, just go to the online shop.

2. Ouachita Chocolate

Has anyone ever been disappointed in receiving delicious bean-to-bar dark chocolate for Christmas? The answer is no, and lucky for us, we have Hot Springs’ Ouachita Chocolate now available this holiday season. The company is still in its early stages, but the chocolate is divine and happens to be the perfect stocking stuffer.

3. Honey Cream Taffy

If you’re near Conway, please check out Brothers Honey Co. and get a bag or two of the Honey Cream Taffy. The slightly sweet, subtly soft honey taffy hails from Quitman and is only available at this shop. Fans of all things honey will absolutely love the product.

4. Me & McGee’s Jams & Jellies

Sorry online-only shoppers, you’ll have to go to Me & McGee Market in North Little Rock for these amazing jars of jams and jellies, but trust me, they are worth the trip. And once you arrive, it will take about 20 seconds to fall in love with the market. Truth be told, there are hundreds of amazing products to purchase, but you’d be foolish to pass on the jams and jellies. They are the best in Arkansas.

5. Wayne Plantation Sunflower Oil

I love cooking with Wayne Plantation Sunflower Oil. For an easy dinner, toss some with boiled pasta, sautéed vegetables, and a little Parmesan. It’s super easy to find around Central Arkansas but is also available online.

6. Guenther Apiary Hot Honey

We have some wonderful honey producers here in Arkansas, but Guenther Apiary is the only one I’ve personally come across that offers a hot honey. Expect a little heat, but nothing that will blow you away. Consider drizzling this honey on some freshly fried chicken wings. For those in Little Rock, it’s found at Eggshells Kitchen Co.

7. Abbi’s Teas & Things

Abbi’s Teas & Things is a cute shop in the heart of Little Rock’s Hillcrest neighborhood that carries an assortment of teas. I often find myself popping in for a quick gift, but if you’re not in the area, check out their online store.

8. Rabbit Ridge Farms’ Meats

I am no stranger to Rabbit Ridge Farms in Bee Branch. Their meats are some of the best you’ll find in Arkansas, and if you’re not in the Bee Branch area, have them shipped directly to you. Everything is fantastic, but make the chorizo your jumping-off point.

9. Juanita’s Brittle

The pride of Arkadelphia, Juanita’s has been cranking out the best brittle in Arkansas since 1974. This super sweet, delicately thin confection comes in pecan, peanut, and cashew and can be purchased in 1.5 and 3-pound signature buckets. Juanita’s is found in shops all around the state or online.

10. Red Light Roastery Coffee

Coffee is my lifeblood, and 2019 marked my personal discovery of the fabulous Red Light Roastery in Hot Springs. Visit their lovely coffeehouse or order a few pounds for the holidays.

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Kevin Shalin is a food writer living in Little Rock with his wife, Sara, and one daughter, Sydney. His oldest daughter, Natalie, is a freshman at Loyola University in Chicago. He started his own blog, The Mighty Rib, twelve years ago while living in Houston. Six months later, he began writing for Eating Our Words, a Houston Press food blog. After a year in Boston, he moved to Little Rock, where he’s been for ten years. During that time, he’s written for publications like Little Rock Soiree, Arkansas Times, AY Magazine, and The Local Palate.

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2 responses to “10 Arkansas Food Gifts for Christmas”

  1. Jennifer B. says:

    Thank you for the wonderful Article!
    -Ralston Family Farms

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