Last updated 1 day ago | Originally Published: May 27, 2025
Cincinnati’s culinary contributions extend far beyond its borders, offering a slice of the city’s flavor to everyone in the US. Here, we’ll introduce you to some of Queen City’s most famous food brands you can enjoy anywhere you live, allowing you to experience the taste of Cincinnati from anywhere in the USA and beyond. However, before we begin, I’d first like to mention that when most people think about food brands from the Nati, the first thing that comes to mind is chili brands, and respectfully so!
In fact, we couldn’t even write this article without mentioning Cincinnati’s most iconic chili, but there are many more brands worth listing, so we’ll be sure to get them all just for you! As a local Cincinnati food brand ourselves, we take great honor in paying homage to all the original brands that paved the way! So, before we begin, we salute and thank you for your service and contribution. Legendary brands like yours have put us on the map until the end of time!
Candy Retailer
Candy Retailer is a family-owned business based in Cincinnati, specializing in retail candy, snacks, and iconic Cincinnati brands. We offer our own line of candy, snacks, and other best-selling brands. As a proud Cincinnati-based brand, we celebrate the city’s rich food heritage while providing thousands of sweet and savory candies and snacks for all to enjoy! We ship nationwide and carry all Cincinnati food brands listed below!
Grab Our Nuts
Founded in 2020 by the same family that owns Candy Retailer, Grab Our Nuts is a Cincinnati-based brand offering various nuts, snack mixes, dried fruit, seeds, and trail mix. Our products are perfect for snacking on the go or at home, and are made with the same dedication to quality that defines the family’s other brands. Grab Our Nuts offers a wholesome, healthy option to Cincinnati’s snack scene. Click below to view all our mixes, package sizes, and prices.
Taffy Delight
Established in 2024 by the creators of Candy Retailer and Grab Our Nuts, Taffy Delight is a Cincinnati-based brand that offers over 100 flavors of saltwater taffy by the pound. Our taffy is made with high-quality ingredients and traditional methods, ensuring a delicious, nostalgic taffy that’s sweet, soft, creamy, and delicious. Taffy Delight adds a lovely, colorful touch to Cincinnati’s candy legacy, making it a must-try for saltwater taffy fans nationwide!
Busken Bakery
Busken Bakery was established in 1928 in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is famous for its baked goods, especially its yeast-raised doughnuts and cakes! This family-owned business has grown significantly from its humble beginnings and now operates several locations throughout Cincinnati. Busken Bakery is also famous for its seasonal and festive cookies, which have become a local tradition during holidays.
Cincinnati Recipe
Cincinnati Recipe offers authentic Cincinnati-style chili, a regional style distinct for its use of spices such as cinnamon and clove, often served over spaghetti or hot dogs. Established to bring this unique chili variant from local chili parlors to kitchens across America, Cincinnati Recipe provides canned chili that allows fans to enjoy this iconic brand from the comfort of their homes or wherever they might be!
Dixie Chili
Founded in 1929 by Nicholas Sarakatsannis, Dixie Chili is a family-owned business that has become a hallmark of Cincinnati’s culinary landscape. The restaurant’s signature offering, Cincinnati-style chili, is known for its unique spice blend and is traditionally served over spaghetti or as a “coney” with hot dogs. Over the decades, Dixie Chili has expanded to multiple locations, maintaining its commitment to quality and local tradition.
Doscher’s Candies
Doscher’s Candies was established in 1871 and is one of Cincinnati’s oldest candy brands. Famous for creating the world-famous French Chew, a generational, taffy-like candy millions love. The company is known for maintaining traditional methods of candy making, ensuring the same high-quality standard as those produced over a century ago. We carry all French Chew flavors, among other Dosher’s candies, here at Candy Retailer!
Frisch’s
Frisch’s was founded in 1939 in Cincinnati, Ohio, by David Frisch, who started as a single restaurant and evolved into a regional Big Boy franchise! Frisch’s became famous for its Big Boy hamburger, a double-decker burger iconic in American fast food. The restaurant chain is also known for its original and spicy Tartar Sauce, which we offer both here at Candy Retailer. With 53 locations in the US, this brand is a cornerstone of Midwestern dining culture.
Gold Star Chili
Gold Star Chili is a Cincinnati-based restaurant chain founded in 1965 by the Daoud brothers, immigrants from Jordan. Specializing in Cincinnati-style chili, the chain has grown to become one of the city’s most prominent chili establishments. Gold Star’s menu features a variety of dishes that showcase its signature chili, including spaghetti, coneys, and cheese fries. Gold Star Chili is a key contributor to spreading Cincinnati’s unique chili culture, with 60+ locations across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana!
Grippos
Grippos was founded in 1919 in Cincinnati, Ohio, and began as a simple popcorn and peanut vendor. However, it has since grown into a beloved regional snack food brand famous for its barbeque-flavored potato chips. These chips are known for their unique blend of spices that offers a sweet, spicy, and smoky taste. Alongside their flagship BBQ chips, Grippos produces a variety of snack foods, including pretzels, popcorn, and cheese nibs! You can find them all here at Candy Retailer!
Kaiser Pickles
Established in 1920, Kaiser Pickles is a family-owned business based in Cincinnati, Ohio, known for its commitment to traditional pickling methods. The company produces several pickled products, including dill pickles, sweet pickles, and relishes, using locally sourced cucumbers and a proprietary blend of spices. Kaiser Pickles serves retail and food service customers, offering flavors deeply rooted in Cincinnati’s German heritage. Click below to view all options available here in our store.
LaRosa’s Pizzeria
LaRosa’s Pizzeria was founded in 1954 by Buddy LaRosa in Cincinnati, Ohio, and has grown to become a well-loved regional pizza chain, known for its distinct recipe, featuring a sweet, tangy pizza sauce and a diverse menu that includes pasta, calzones, and salads. LaRosa’s commitment to quality ingredients and family-friendly dining experiences has helped it expand to over 63 regional locations (OH, KY, & IN), making it a cornerstone of Cincinnati’s dining scene, which you can now enjoy no matter where you live!
Montgomery Inn
Montgomery Inn is a world-famous barbecue restaurant in Cincinnati, Ohio, known especially for its ribs and signature barbecue sauce. Founded in 1951 by Ted Gregory, the “Ribs King,” Montgomery Inn has become a destination for locals and celebrities seeking classic, well-prepared barbecue. With locations including the original “Boathouse” on the Ohio River, Montgomery Inn continues to serve its famous dishes while embodying the hospitality and charm of Cincinnati. Click below to give it a try or to enjoy it again!
Papa’s Candies
Papa’s Candies specializes in handcrafted confections based on traditional recipes. Established in Cincinnati, the company is famed for its gourmet candies, which include caramels, chocolates, and seasonal specialties. Papa’s Candies uses time-honored methods to ensure superior taste and texture, appealing to candy lovers seeking artisanal quality. Their commitment to small-batch production preserves the personal touch that has been their hallmark since inception.
Skyline Chili
Founded in 1949 by Greek immigrant Nicholas Lambrinides, Skyline Chili is known for its iconic Cincinnati-style chili. This unique culinary creation is characterized by its unusual spices, such as cinnamon and chocolate, served over spaghetti or hot dogs, topped with a mound of shredded cheese. With numerous locations across several states, Skyline Chili is the official chili brand of the Cincinnati Bengals, Reds, and the Cyclones!
Worthmore Brands
Worthmore Brands was established in Cincinnati in 1918 and has a history of producing hearty soups and chili. Their canned mock turtle soup and Cincinnati-style chili are local legacies, maintaining popularity through consistent quality and nostalgic appeal. Worthmore’s commitment to tradition in its recipes and cooking methods ensures each batch meets high standards, forever securing its place in Cincinnati’s rich culinary heritage!
Join the Conversation
As we celebrate the distinctive flavors that make Cincinnati’s culinary scene so memorable, we invite you to share your favorites! Have you tried any of these iconic Cincinnati food brands? If so, share your experiences in the comments below, whether it was a memorable meal or a recent discovery, we’re eager to hear your stories and recommendations; we look forward to hearing from you!
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