12 Alabama brands that are pantry must-haves

Ask a dozen Alabamians what belongs in their pantry, and you will likely get a dozen different answers. While we may disagree on the best recipes, there is no denying that certain Alabama foods are absolute non-negotiables for local cooks.

We recently checked in with followers of This is Alabama to find out which homegrown brands they refuse to live without. From iconic breakfast meats to staple seasonings, the consensus is clear: if it is made in Alabama, it deserves a spot on your shelf.

Sweet and Savory Staples

If you are looking to stock up, look no further than these reader-verified favorites:

• Golden Eagle Syrup: A Fayette institution that has been sweetening Alabama kitchens for nearly 100 years.

• Red Diamond Coffee and Tea: Starting in Birmingham in 1906, this Moody-based powerhouse remains a go-to for coffee and iced tea lovers across the nation.

• Dale’s Seasoning: What began as a house marinade at a Birmingham restaurant in 1946 has evolved into a national pantry essential for meat lovers everywhere, as detailed in our previous coverage.

• John’s Famous Slaw Dressing: A true hidden gem, this tangy dressing originated in 1944 and made the jump to retail bottles in 1990.

• Grapico: This caffeine-free grape soda from the Buffalo Rock Company has been a Southern favorite for over a century.

• Kelley Foods Products: Established in 1957, this Elba-based brand continues to deliver high-quality, smokey sausage to kitchens across the South.

• Wickles Pickles: Using a 90-year-old family recipe, these zesty pickles have become a modern household name.

• Sneaky Pete’s Sauce: You no longer have to visit the Birmingham hot dog chain to enjoy their signature tangy flavor—it is now available at your local grocery store.

• Conecuh Sausage: Recently crowned the most iconic breakfast food in Alabama, this Evergreen-invented, Andalusia-made classic is a must-have for any hearty Southern breakfast.

• ALAGA Syrup Company: Operating out of their original 1906 Montgomery location, they have spent over a century perfecting their syrup for pancakes and waffles alike.

• Sister Schubert’s: Born from a 1989 church bake sale, these famous yeast and dinner rolls are now a nationwide staple.

• Milo’s Famous Sweet Tea: Hailed as last year's “most loved homegrown brand,” this Bessemer-headquartered tea has been a Birmingham-born favorite since 1946.

Whether you are a lifelong resident or a recent fan of Alabama’s culinary scene, filling your pantry with these brands is the best way to support local tradition. See the full discussion over on the This is Alabama Facebook page.