Female Founded Food Brands We Love

The artisan food community is a wonderful mix of people of different cultures and backgrounds and in honor of Women’s History Month, I’d like to share a few of our favorite females in the artisan food industry.

These female-founded companies are only a small sampling of the ones we fell in love with this past year and only the tip of the iceberg for a larger movement of women in food. 

We hope you enjoy finding out more about them and get out and support their journeys. You won’t be disappointed!

Date Lady

Colleen Sundlie’s path to starting Date Lady is definitely unique. After moving to the United Arab Emirates for her husband’s job with a new baby in tow she was able to spend time exploring their new home. Noticing the way dates permeated the culture of their new home she was drawn to it in the markets and shops. After picking up date syrup at a local market and trying it as a substitute for sugar in baking and a topping for lots of dishes such as pancakes and oatmeal.

Thankfully for the rest of us, Colleen brought her love of dates and date syrup back to the US with her. Looking for a sugar substitute I came across Date Lady online and it has become our go-to for so many items. The offerings have expanded to both sweet and savory options, but keep the sweet fruit at the center of everything. This is the only BBQ sauce we buy and the chocolate spread is perfect for ice cream sundaes, special pancake breakfasts, and our churro stuffed donuts.

Products we love: Pure Date Syrup, Chocolate Spread, BBQ sauce, Sweet Chili Sauce 

Seed + Mill

If you have ever dreamed of starting a fun business with your best friends you are going to love the story of Seed + Mill. Coming from three different countries serendipity brought together Lisa, Rachel, and Monica in New York City in 2015. They instantly bonded over their love of food and nourishing their families and friends with great food.

That passion led to the founding of Seed + Mill on the values of connection, global flavors, and joy. You will feel all of those values come to life in each product they make. If you have never tried halva Seed + Mill should be your introduction to this classic sesame confection. The halva is only one of the delicious items they offer. Tahini, seasoning blends, and even tahini ice cream if you get to visit them in person at Chelsea Market in NYC.

Products we love: Cocoa Nibs Halva, Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Halva, Organic Tahini, Za’tar Spice Blend

Coconut Whisk

Living in Minnesota for 12 years we were blessed with a great community of food artisans and farmers’ markets. Right about the time we were moving to the east coast in 2018 I started hearing about a vegan and gluten-free baking mix called Coconut Whisk. 

Before even trying a bite of any of their products, I was in love with this brand. After discovering the founder Bella online how could you not be? She is inspiring and relatable and her passion for being a positive force in the world pulls you in. I had the chance to ask Bella for a few words of wisdom . . .

“To all those aspiring entrepreneurs out there… it might seem overwhelming in the beginning but reach out for help and plug yourself into the community. Be proactive and build a quality network full of go-getters, movers, shakers, and doers. It will change everything for you and your business.”

How could you not love Bella and Coconut Whisk? And of course, their baking mixes are delicious and making eating a little bit better that much easier. Their mug cakes might say two servings, but I always keep them for my own special treat. And the kids love the chocolate chip cookies.

Bella just announced another exciting chapter of their journey. They will be opening a new cafe in Minneapolis focused on vegan food and providing a space for other makers, especially those BIPOC and womxn, to showcase their work.

Products we love: Chocolate Chip Mug Cake, Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix, Vegan Pancakes & Waffles Mix

Brooklyn Delhi

Family recipes and India’s culinary traditions inspired Brooklyn Delhi founder Chitra Agrawal to bring a taste of her culture to NYC. Launched in 2014 with achaar, often referred to as Indian pickle, but that description doesn’t do it justice. With a complex flavor profile that adds a spicy, sour, sweet, and savory kick to anything. We love enjoying it on eggs, stirred into shakshuka, and atop a bowl of noodles.

Achaar was only the beginning. You can now get curry ketchup and mustard, simmer sauces for some of your favorite Indian dishes, hot sauce, and mango chutney. And if you need any recipe inspiration look no further than founder Chitra’s cookbook and her extensive background teaching, writing about, and serving Indian home cooking.

Products we love: Tomato Achaar, Mango Chutney, Vegan Tikka Masala Simmer Sauce

Young Lion’s Brewery

Female founders in the food industry make up only a small portion of food entrepreneurs. Females in the beverage industry are even rarer. Jennifer Newman was always passionate about craft beer, but bringing her own brews to life would require collaboration with a larger team. 

A fully operational brewery is a huge investment of time and money. With that in mind, Jennifer brought on four fellow founders to get Young Lion Brewery going. Then she did a national search to find a brewmaster to bring the vision to life and since then it has been full speed ahead. This business is a true celebration of collaboration and passion. You can enjoy a mix of classics like IPAs and pilsners as well as limited edition brews such as sours all made with the same care. 

Unfortunately, they only ship in NY state right now so you will need to make a trip to Canandaigua in the Finger Lakes to visit their taproom, but it is well worth the visit. And the area is home to plenty of wineries, breweries, and top-notch food options to create the perfect foodie itinerary. 

Products we love: Barrel-Aged Blonde Ale, Citrose, Pilsner

Being a female founder in the food world is a hard task, but these women are bringing unmatched passion and talent to what they are doing and are thrilled to support their journeys. These are only a few of the phenomenal women in the artisan food and beverage world . . . I can’t wait to keep adding to the list!