50 Black-Owned Brands You Need in Your Kitchen
published about 1 hour ago
When I look around my home, the items that catch my eye are the gifts from loved ones, the perfect pieces that took forever to find, and the products with strong origin stories. For me, the latter category mostly includes decor, home essentials, and food I got from Black-owned brands.
I get to live out my passion for buying Black every day as co-CEO of Bold Xchange , an online shop for Black-owned brands. And while we have a growing home section, I get a kick out of searching high and low, in person and online, for even more great products from Black-owned brands.
Each time I pick up one of those items, be it a wine glass or the wine that goes in it, I am reminded of the story behind the brand. It’s just another reason to love the items that fill my home.
Here is a list of 50 Black-owned brands that make home decor, kitchen essentials, and grocery items you should buy now and always.
Decor
Tackussanu Senegal
Handmade items make for great home decor because in addition to being beautiful, they often tell a larger story about the makers. Tackussanu Senegal’s woven baskets and bowls are handmade by women in rural Senegal using traditional weaving techniques.
Buy : Marmite Leather Basket , $98 at Tackussanu Senegal
BLK MKT Vintage
One-of-a-kind pieces are the specialty at BLK MKT Vintage , which sells a range of Black cultural artifacts in their online shop and Brooklyn storefront. Find items like vinyl records, vintage literature, and African textiles to add a special touch to any space in your home.
Buy : The Big Ass BLK MKT Tote , $35 at BLK MKT Vintage
Crafted Glory
Hand-carved in Asheville, North Carolina, Crafted Glory ’s line of furniture and small housewares come in unique and modern shapes that make them great additions to, and conversation starters in, your home.
Buy : Rectangular Cutting Board , $55 at Crafted Glory
Bespoke Binny
Brightly colored and boldly patterned, Bespoke Binny ’s table runners, aprons, and other home decor ensure that your kitchen is bright and warm — and not only when the stove is on.
Buy : Patterned Kitchen Gloves , $38.96 at Bespoke Binny
Jungalow
Justina Blakeney originally started Jungalow in her living room in 2009, but has since grown the shop to include her designs, as well as goods from across the globe. Trays, coasters, and other tabletop items more than deserve a place in your home.
Buy : Raffia Catchall , $35 at Jungalow
xN Studio
Woven baskets and coasters are just some of the products found in xN Studio’s online shop , which sells goods produced in the U.S. and Uganda. Founder Nasozi Kakembo works with traditional artisans in the East African nation to sell their products and support their local projects. Proceeds from their Winter 2021 basket design will support children at an orphanage and primary school in Uganda.
Buy : Coral Mod Sisal Coasters , $42 at xN Studio
Goodee
A community of “socially-conscious design enthusiasts” and the brainchild of twin brothers Byron and Dexter Peart, Goodee sells sustainably made products for the modern home. Their kitchen section includes furniture, lighting, and dinnerware.
Buy : Fionia Tray , $159 at Goodee
Awkward Auntie
You might have seen some Awkward Auntie pieces at Madewell recently. The Austin-based crafter makes hand-dyed cement planters and decor pieces that add a nice touch to any kitchen.
Buy : Rose Ombre Tray , $28 at Awkward Auntie
Cleaning Products
PUR Home
Whether you need to scrub pots and pans, wash table linens, or make your floors sparkle, PUR Home has a product for you. Their plant-based, sustainably packaged cleansers are safe for kids, and are great for anyone who experiences allergic reactions from traditional cleaning products.
Buy : Laundry Detergent , $18.95 for 50 ounces at PUR Home
Good Vibes Clean
Another plant-based brand, Good Vibes Clean sells all-purpose cleaners in non-traditional scents. Cleansers in Frankincense and Myrrh, Sandalwood, and Ocean Fresh varieties were chosen to add an aromatherapeutic quality to the cleaning process.
Buy : All-Purpose Cleaner , $10 for 16 ounces at Good Vibes Clean
Tabletop and Gear
54Kibo
Filling your cabinets and shelves with items you know you’ll keep forever often requires extra effort. 54Kibo makes it simple with their self-described heirloom-quality products, including bowls, platters, napkins, placemats, and more.
Buy : Chinhoyi Spaghetti Bowl , $225 for a set of 2 at 54Kibo
Modish
What started as a line of luxe pillows has evolved into a collection of home products , including vibrant gemstone coasters that will make your table pop. They come in six colors and each coaster has a unique pattern and look.
Buy : The Persian Green Coasters , $76 for four at Modish
Lolly Lolly Ceramics
Lolly Lolly Ceramics is a small-scale ceramics studio (a team of three people!) and the team makes pieces as fast as they can, but it means that things often sell out. The trick to scoring one of these super-stylish mugs? All restock dates are listed on their Instagram bio and in email alerts (follow and sign up!).
Buy : Speckled Mug , $38 at Lolly Lolly Ceramics
Karibe
In the market for new pots and pans? Browse Karibe . Their cast iron skillets and multipurpose utensils are durable and easy to clean.
Buy : 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet , $94.99 at Karibe
Middleton Made Knives
Middleton Made Knives might just be the most gorgeous knives you’ll ever see. Every single one is handcrafted in South Carolina by bladesmith Quintin Middleton. Each knife is custom made to order.
Buy : 4-Inch Paring Knife , $100 at Middleton Made Knives
ElonWick Candle Co.
Each candle from the ElonWick Candle Co. is hand-poured with 100% soy wax that’s sourced in the United States. They use essential and fragrance oils from around the world (without any synthetic fragrances, phtalates, or parabens). The food-themed scents — like Georgia Peach and Citron + Mandarin — are some of the best.
Buy : Georgia Peach Candle , $22.50 at ElonWick Candle Co.
Estelle Colored Glass
Colored glassware can be a polarizing topic. Do you like pouring your wine into a pop of color, or would you rather bring the brightness in with other tableware? If you align with the former, take a look at Estelle Colored Glass . Their luxe glasses, decanters, and cake stands are fun and functional.
Buy : Stemless Wine Glasses , $160 for a set of 6 at Estelle Colored Glass
Raylo
If you love clear stemware but want something more unique than plain glass, browse Raylo . They sell wine glasses, tumblers, and Champagne flutes with a signature black line up the center. Seemingly simple, but it stands out.
Buy : Tina White Wine Glass , $35 for a set of 2 at Raylo
The Black Home
Neffi Walker uses dark tones and metals to make her housewares pop, which has become a signature aspect of her approach to design. Her collection of gold and matte flatware is stunning and will add a unique flair to any place setting.
Buy : Gold and Matte Handle 4-Piece Flatware Set , $32.88 at The Black Home
Linoto
Linoto is all about linen. Each piece — sheets, dinner napkins, cloth coasters, etc. — is produced with the same attention to detail as a designer dress, then washed with natural soap and shipped in plastic-free recycled packaging. They’ve thought of everything, so you can just click, shop, and know their items will be great additions to your space.
Buy : House Helper Treeless Linen Towels , from $8 at Linoto
Made by Rheal
Can you really ever have enough coasters? If you answered yes, you’ll probably change your mind once you browse Made By Rheal ’s collection. The Etsy-based brand makes coasters out of materials like marbled glass and charcoal, for a look that is equal parts luxe and earthy.
Buy : Charcoal Concrete Coaster with Gold , $28 for four at Made by Rheal
Karen Jai Home
This collection of “luxe home accessories” is distinctly modern, as evidenced by pieces like all-black flatware, metallic serving trays, and dinner plates dripping with gold paint. Use any of these items as a centerpiece on your table, in your kitchen, or on the bar cart.
Buy : Nowra Dinner Plates , $28 at Karen Jai Home
EcoVibe
Sustainable living is the name of the game at EcoVibe , a Black-owned shop that sources products for conscious living. Their kitchen section sells all sorts of finds like flatware, serving trays, tea towels, and stainless steel cocktail straws.
Buy : Reusable Straw Set , $22 for six at EcoVibe
Clean Design Home
Clean Design Home is exactly what it sounds like — a shop full of simple, durable home essentials. All the items are eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, sustainable, and hand-picked by founder Robin Wilson and her team.
Buy : 16-Piece Dinner Set , $110 at Clean Design Home
Reflektion Design
In addition to items like table runners and woven trivets, Reflektion Design sells wooden utensils, napkin rings, and mud cloth patterned mugs and cutting boards. The designs are inspired by founder Anitra Terrell’s travels to Ghana, and the fabrics are ethically sourced worldwide and all products are made in Los Angeles and Atlanta.
Buy : Dark Teal Woven Trivet , $30 at Reflektion Design
Colorfull Plates
Don’t forget about the kids! Robin Oloyede started Colorfull Plates to keep her son inspired: It was initially a response to her inability to find astronaut decor that looked like her space-loving son, but has grown into a line of plates depicting brown-skinned scientists, athletes, and other role models to keep kids excited about mealtime.
Buy : President Shaula Plate , $30 at Colorfull Plates
Little Likes Kids
With a focus on education, Little Likes Kids creates puzzles and memory games for children, all with a diverse set of illustrated characters. They turned some of their educational materials into placemats that are food-safe and easy to clean.
Buy : Little Likes Kids Placemats , $19.99 for three
Grocery
Partake Foods
Allergen-friendly cookies that taste great and can be found in your local grocer? Sign me up. Partake Foods ’ line of crunchy cookies and baking mixes uses oat and cassava flour, natural sugars, and whole foods like apples, ginger, and pumpkin. Find their cookies at a Target, Wegmans, or Trader Joe’s near you.
Buy : Partake Chocolate Chip Cookies , $6.09 at Target
Misha’s Kind Foods
Misha’s Kind Foods sells a slate of non-dairy cheeses in decadent varieties. Black Truffle, Smoked Cheddar, and a Lox flavor made with dill, capers, and roasted carrots are just begging to be smeared on a cracker or bagel. While all the cheeses are vegan, they clearly state all ingredients and other potential allergens to make sure it’s safe for everyone who takes a bite. Shop online or in stores along the West Coast.
Buy : Black Truffle Non-Dairy Cheese , $10 for 8 ounces at Misha’s Kind Foods
Essie Spice
Essie Bartel’s namesake line of spices and seasonings were born out of her love for exotic foods, which she developed growing up in Ghana. From a nutty dry rub to a tangy tamarind marinade, Essie Spice’s products are anything but ordinary. Shop her products in Whole Foods or another stockist near you.
More info : Essie Spice
A Dozen Cousins
Ibraheem Basir grew up in a diverse Brooklyn neighborhood where swapping recipes with the families next door meant sampling foods from Caribbean, Latin, and Creole cuisines. That sparked the idea for his line of nutrient-rich, microwavable bean varieties, which include Refried Pinto Beans, Cuban Black Beans, and a limited-edition nod to New Orleans red beans and rice . Shop A Dozen Cousins at your local Whole Foods.
Buy : A Dozen Cousins , $29.99 for a pack of eight 10-ounce pouches
Yolélé
The ingredient that connects all Yolélé products is fonio, an ancient grain that is popular in West African cuisine, and otherwise not so easy to find in the U.S. “Let the good times roll” is the closest translation of Yolélé, a term used in West and Central Africa to express that sentiment. Look for their pilaf blends and fonio chips at Whole Foods and Fresh Market.
Buy : Yolélé Fonio, $19.95 for three 10-ounce pouches
Iya Foods
Good products and positive impact are the top priorities at Iya Foods , which creates seasoning blends, baking mixes, and allergy-friendly flours like cassava, fonio, and tapioca. The brand works with local growers and engages in energy-efficient production practices as part of their commitment to sustainability. Browse their packaged foods on Amazon .
Buy: Iya Foods Cassava Flour, $11.96 for 1 pound
BLK & Bold Coffee
Do good with your morning cup. BLK & Bold founders Pernell Cezar and Rod Johnson started the brand to “make purpose popular.” The company pledges 5% of its profits to organizations and programs focused on ending youth homelessness and improving workforce development. Single-origin, decaf, light roast and dark, BLK & Bold Coffee sells a range of coffee blends, plus a handful of loose-leaf teas. Support their efforts when you buy a bag at your local Target .
Buy : BLK & Bold Coffee , $25.98 for two 12-ounce bags
Red Bay Coffee
Founded by food entrepreneur and artist Keba Konte in 2014, Red Bay Coffee blends reflect an intimate understanding of the coffee-making process, as well as a deep appreciation for community and culture. The San Francisco Bay Area brand eagerly claims a seat at the forefront of the coffee industry’s fourth wave: a push for quality coffee that is not only sustainably produced, but also accounts for diversity and equity in every way. They can be found at Whole Foods and other shops in California.
Buy : Red Bay Coffee Carver’s Dream , $18.99 for 12 ounces
Golde
Founder Trinity Mouzon started mixing the brand’s flagship turmeric latte blends when she experienced skin issues after moving to New York City. She and her team have since expanded the product lineup, adding superfood face masks and, most recently, a line of dietary supplements. Find them at Target or shop their site.
Buy : Golde Original Turmeric Superfood Latte Blend , $29.99 for 4.5 ounces at Target
Trade St. Jam Co.
Smoked Yellow Peach, Blueberry Lemon Basil, Sour Cherry Ginger — not your grandma’s jam flavors. Trade Street jams have very little added sugar and no preservatives, making them about as close to homestyle as you can get on the grocery shelves. Shop online or find them at a specialty shop near you.
More info : Trade Street Jam Co.
Vicky Cakes
CEO Christian Sargent took her mom’s 40-year-old recipe and turned it into a huge pancake mix business. The original Vicky Cakes recipe is vegan, using no milk powders or animal products like other popular brands. Instead, it calls for the addition of milk or buttermilk when you mix it up at home, allowing you to choose whether you want to go with traditional dairy or plant-based. They also use real food for their specialty mixes — whole blueberries and whole pecans instead of artificial bits and pieces.
Buy : Original Pancake & Waffle Mix by Vicky Cakes , $15.99 for three 4-ounce pouches
McBride Sisters
Created by two long-lost sisters who bonded over a common love of wine, the McBride Sisters lineup includes their signature collection, Black Girl Magic California wines, and She Can 12-ounce canned wines that offer a mix of their wines and spritzers. Theirs is an incredible personal story that led to an impressive slate of wines. Shop their products at Kroger, Trader Joes, Target, or your local wine shop.
Buy : McBride Sisters Sauvignon Blanc , $22 for 750 mL at Wine.com
Avec
If cocktails are more your speed, Avec will elevate your at-home bartending game. Their low-calorie, low-sugar mixers are made with real juices and botanicals in vibrant flavors like Yuzu & Lime, Hibiscus & Pomegranate, and Jalapeño & Blood Orange (margarita night, here I come!). Pre-order their collection online — it ships this month — or find them in specialty stores across New York.
Buy : Avec Carbonated Mixers , $45 for 12 8-ounce cans at Avec
Ivyees Honey
When founder Ivy Lawson — a non-honey lover — tried Jamaican honey for the first time, she was hooked. So much so that she left a 20-year corporate engineering career and moved with her sons to Jamaica to become a bee farmer. Thus, Ivyee’s was born. The brand sells a range of honey products because of its natural healing and antibacterial properties. But their edible honey blends are best-sellers, with special infusions like Hibiscus & Sorrel and Creamed Floral Ginger. Find them on Amazon or at Whole Foods.
More info : Ivyees
Zach and Zoë Sweet Bee Farm
Another honey option! Zach and Zoë Sweet Bee Farm was born out of necessity when the founders’ youngest son, Zach, developed bad seasonal allergies. They were buying lots of local honey and seeing great results. Eventually, the couple took the plunge to become full-time beekeepers.
Buy : Raw Wildflower Honey , $20 for 16 ounces at Zach and Zoë Sweet Bee Farm
Triple A Gourmet Eats
Triple A sells three varieties of Chin Chin, a West African snack consisting of baked or fried wheat flour dough. Although they taste great solo, Triple A recommends using the Chin Chin as croutons, crunchy ice cream toppings, or alongside a strong cup of coffee.
Buy : Triple A Chin Chin , $15.80 for 14 ounces
Capital City Mambo Sauce
If you know anyone from D.C., chances are you have heard of mambo sauce, a red, tangy condiment (almost like a ketchup alternative) that’s most famously considered a must-have accompaniment to chicken wings and fries. The sauce used to be one of those enigmatic regional foods, found only at local Chinese carryout restaurants. So when D.C. natives Arsha Jones and her husband Charles moved to Maryland, they started toying with a recipe, and Capital City Mambo Sauce was born.
Buy : Capital City Mambo Sauce , $11.99 for 12 ounces
Pitmaster LT
While there may be some debate about this brand’s claims that Kansas City is the “Barbecue Capital of the World,” the quality of Pitmaster LT sauce is not up for discussion. The Kansas City-style sauces come in Original or Spicy, and are free from allergens and preservatives. They also sell dry rub blends, if you want to expand beyond the sauce. Find them in a range of stores across the U.S. and Canada.
More info : Pitmaster LT , $29.95 for three 18-ounce bottles
Yummy Spoonfuls
When you’re raised to grow the food you eat, it’s tough to switch to packaged foods. So when Cameroon-born Agatha Achindu had kids of her own here in the U.S., she worked to create kid-friendly foods made with organic ingredients. Yummy Spoonfuls’ line of frozen meals and microwavable bowls can be found at a Walmart near you .
Buy : Yummy Spoonfuls Organic Chicken Sweet Potato Bites , $8.96 at Walmart
Glory Foods
Even if you’re not familiar with Glory Foods, you’ve likely passed their products on the grocery shelves. They sell a range of canned foods including fruits and beans and vegetable medleys. Unlike many other canned products on the shelf, some Glory varieties come pre-seasoned. Their canned collard greens and black-eyed peas are a major cheat code for anyone adhering to the American Southern tradition of eating both with cornbread on New Year’s Day for good luck.
More info : Glory Foods
Vegan Smart
For vegans and vegetarians who are looking to get more protein, the answer is simple: Vegan Smart’s line of protein powders and shakes. These shakes come in seven flavors and varieties, each with a protein blend that contains all the essential amino acids, plus prebiotics, vitamins, and minerals — all without allergens and artificial sweeteners.
Buy: Vegan Smart Plant Based Vegan Protein Powder , $27.99 for 22 ounces
Mama’s Biscuits
Whenever the craving strikes, pick up a pan of Mama’s Biscuits baked, ready-to-eat biscuits. They’re handmade with real butter, and none of the trans fat or preservatives. They come in sweet, savory, and vegan varieties (no butter in the vegan ones, of course).
More info : Mama’s Biscuits
Michele Foods
When you reach for the syrup, that can be black-owned, too. Michele’s Foods has been around for 36 years, but exploded in popularity last year, after backlash against a well-known syrup brand with a racially-charged face and name. Michele’s goes beyond basic syrup with flavors like Butter Pecan and Honey Creme. Find her syrups at Meijer and Kroger stores.
More info : Michele Foods
Read more : 23 Black-Owned Grocery Businesses to Shop All Year Long
Of course this list is just a starting point. Add more of your favorites in the comments below!
Danielle Deavens
Contributor
Danielle is an entrepreneur, writer, and former magazine editor living in St. Louis, MO. When she's not typing away on her laptop, she's likely cooking, posting a photo of her food on Instagram, or binge re-watching her favorite shows and movies. She is also the co-founder of Bold Xchange, an online shop for black-owned brands.
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Source : food
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