10 Tasty Holiday Gifts from Cleveland’s Central Kitchen

It’s the holiday season, but this year, you won’t be watching people fight their way into stores for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Clevelanders are resilient, and we’ve found ways to shop for presents — for ourselves and for others — while remaining socially distant. Check out the top 10 must-try products from Central Kitchen and click through to purchase a memorable and meaningful gift.

1. Guardian Beverage Co. Cold Brew

This smooth cold brew is my go-to pick-me-up when I have virtual meeting fatigue. Cold brew carries more of a kick than your typical cup of coffee. It’s the perfect present for that relative that always complains you make coffee too weak, packaged up in a sleek beer bottle with the iconic guardians of transportation insignia.

2. Health Junkie Elderberry Syrup

We’re in the thick of cold and flu season. A shot of elderberry syrup a day may keep the doctor away, as they say. This vitamin-rich syrup is all natural: no BS. Plus, it comes in fun and tasty flavors like “sassy cinnamon.” From flu fighter, to cocktail ingredient, this syrup is a family favorite.

3. Wonderlab’s Doozy Pots Plant-Based Gelato

This woman-led sustainable business will give you chills with their delicious gelato. A blend of hemp and oat milks make Doozy Pots a treat without the guilt trip: ethical suppliers and containers made from 32% post-consumer recycled fibers.

4. Pope’s Kitchen Bloody Mary Mix

There are no rules when it comes to how many Bloody Marys you enjoy during your Sunday brunch at home. Clark Pope was one the first members of Central Kitchen, and now he’s a household name. Let’s be honest — when you buy that two-pack of Bloody Mary mixes, you’re keeping both for yourself.

5. Bold Pickin’s Pickles

These pickles are the quintessential pairing for literally any sandwich, but actually though, I’ll eat them straight out of the jar and even serve them at parties. Their spicy bread and butter pickles really elevate any snack or meal.

6. Killik Hot Sauce

This hot sauce packs a satisfying—and healthy—punch. After a family tragedy, Michael Killik decided to shake up the hot sauce world with a lower-in-salt, fermented pepper sauce that you can add to well...everything. A unique and delicious addition to any stocking!

7. PUR Spices Original Harissa

PUR Spices was birthed from the idea you shouldn’t always have to wonder, “What the hell is actually in my food?” This hot chili pepper paste is a Tunisian staple that has made its way into the hearts of food lovers around the world, myself included.

8. Montana Girl Mustard

Kelley Smiley brought her talents to Cleveland from Montana, and we’re lucky to have her. This sweet and spicy mustard mixed into a potato salad will make you feel like you’re on a spring picnic in the dead of winter. If the recipe calls for mustard, consider Montana Girl.

9. Gourmet Firehouse Salsa

These alarmingly tasty fruit salsas are dynamite with tortilla chips. They started producing their mango habanero salsa at Central Kitchen back in 2017 and we knew it was going to be a hit. Now with pineapple habanero and mandarin orange varieties, they’re one of my favorite gifts for my culinarily-inclined friends.

10. Olive Cleveland Single Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oils

From the Mediterranean to the West Side Market, who can get enough of Olive Cleveland’s products? I know I can’t. Pair this EVOO with Olive Cleveland’s balsamic vinegar for a salad. Or add some fresh herbs for dipping bread.

Central Kitchen

Central Kitchen is committed to helping craft food businesses thrive; our talented entrepreneurs have created over 400 products from our kitchen. When you join, you’re entering into a family of people who really get it — from the “I think I might have a product” phase all the way to the “I can’t keep up with how many orders I have” phase. We can’t wait to hear about your product ideas!