Made in Raleigh. Yep, that sure has a nice ring to it. From clothing and accessories, to snacks and other fun finds, we’ve collected 18 things homegrown in the 919.
While some of these brands have branched out beyond our city, one thing’s for sure — there’s some major inspo happening around these parts.
Food
1in6 Snacks
You might recognize Carolina Kettle, Rustic Roots, Memaw’s, or Pine State Popcorn from this Raleigh-based company. In addition to creating delicious treats, 1in6 works toward eliminating food insecurity for the one in six Americans who don’t know where their next meal will come from.
Bone Suckin’ Sauce
Raleighite Phil Ford developed this tasty Western NC-style sauce in 1987. The company’s Bone Suckin’ line has expanded to include more sauce variations, dry rubs, hot honey, and more.
Nons Pinching Salts
These salts have a unique blend of spices and herbs to make excellent seasonings. Their ingredients are locally sourced, and the Tenebroso flavor, made with Carolina Reaper peppers, received an honorable mention in the Our State Made in NC awards. Psst... this would be a great local holiday gift for your favorite foodie.
Clothing
Feelgoodz
Slip into some vegan + eco-friendly flip flops, knitwear, and scarves from this brand headquartered in the 919. This natural rubber footwear really lives up to its name.
House of Swank
This graphic T-shirt, hoodie, and nearly anything else biz creates fun — and often NC-themed — designs right here in the City of Oaks. You can find this creative store vending shirts and more at local festivals + events and online.
Raleigh Denim Workshop
These bespoke jeans are crafted in a downtown Raleigh workshop and are even signed by the folks that make them. Visit the store at 319 W. Martin St. to browse some trusty, high-quality blues.
Music
Clay Aiken
Aiken was the runner-up to Ruben Studdard on season two of “American Idol.” In addition to his six albums and acting experience, he has had a brief political career in NC.
Scotty McCreery
Also seen on “American Idol,” McCreery won the 10th season of the show. The NC State alum has released five albums and is a member of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest citizen honor in NC.
Fun finds
Barcodes
UPC codes, which create barcodes, was invented by Raleighite George Laurer. He created a handheld wand to scan these codes that you can now find in any store. Laurer received the Raleigh Inventor of the Year award in 1976.
Beulah Louise Henry’s inventions
Henry, known as “Lady Edison,” was a prolific inventor in the 1920s and patented items like the vacuum-sealed ice cream freezer. She was born in Raleigh and created a new sewing machine, an umbrella with interchangeable covers, a clock to help children learn how to tell time, and over 100 more inventions.
Shopping
Burt’s Bees
This nationally recognized lip balm + beeswax business is headquartered in Durham’s American Tobacco Campus. Fun fact: Burt’s Bees collaborated with ice cream shop Two Roosters to create flavors inspired by their sweet selections.
Murphy’s Naturals
Send mosquitoes and other insects away with plant-powered products from this Raleigh-based company. This organic biz is B Corp certified and its products are sold across the country.
Shibumi Shade
Visit any beach and you’re sure to see dozens of these teal and navy shades. These shades started here in Raleigh and are available at various retailers in town.
The Woobles
These crochet kits are everywhere, and they started right here in the Triangle. More than friendly for beginners, learn how to create a variety of animals, Harry Potter characters, Pac Man icons, and more.
Candy
Escazu Chocolate
This micro-batch chocolate maker has been serving sweets since 2008. Fun fact: Raleigh residing YouTuber + influencer Safiya Nygaard collaborated with Escazu for a limited-time collection.
Videri Chocolate
The folks at Videri make hand-crafted artisan chocolate with no fillers, and the factory is free of allergens like tree nuts, peanuts, soy, gluten, and eggs. Plus, Videri also roasts coffee as Black and White and serves it out of the storefront in the Warehouse District.
Drinks
Cherry Bounce
This sweet cocktail is a NC secret, made with muddled cherries, bourbon, and a couple mixology staples. According to Great Raleigh Trolley, Raleigh founding father Joel Lane served NC politicians an evening of cherry bounces, and they subsequently chose his land for the now-state capital.
Slingshot Coffee Co.
Founder Jenny Bonchak created this national cold brew coffee biz in Raleigh. Now, Bonchak’s joe can be found in Jeni’s Ice Creams stores in an affogato for an energizing sweet treat.
What did we miss? If you know an invention that’s not on the list, let us know using this survey.
