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Whenever my sister comes over from California, our first activity is heading to the supermarket as a team. We find ourselves amidst an ocean of buttermilk choices and overflowing shelves of various items. cheese straws , and Cheerwine Let her know: You've returned to the South.
A few ultra-local specialties that we can only come across at our neighborhood Food Lion include Carolina Treet and Neese's Additional Sage Country Sausage However, this is a list of items that you can be sure to find in almost any Southern grocery store.
Cheese Straws
Cheese straws aren’t merely found in Southern grocery stores; they form an integral part of what these establishments offer. Disregard the fruits, dairy products, and eggs—take me directly to the snack section instead. Amidst this array of treats, I examine the assortment of cheese straws—which, similar to pimento cheese, serves as a signature offering whose different types can reveal quite a bit about local culture.
No two cheese straws are alike, each batch brings fresh excitement. Although you have the option to create them yourself at home, I prefer heading over to an unpredictable Southern grocer to sample something novel.
Buttermilk
It isn’t set in stone, but more often than not, if you search buttermilk In non-Southern regions, you might struggle to find buttermilk in the dairy section. However, in the Southern states, locating this ingredient is effortless, with multiple brands typically available for selection.
As we have more choices now, you can opt for either low-fat or whole buttermilk, and all Southern folks understand that using whole buttermilk yields the best results in traditional dishes such as buttermilk biscuits , cornbread , and more.
Blue Bell Ice Cream
Blue Bell might be Texas-based , however, you can find it throughout the southern region and at Southern grocery stores. We would suggest trying their traditional chocolate and vanilla flavors for an authentic experience. Ice Cream Cake , however, regional favorites such as Pecan Pralines and Cream and Buttered Pecan are available all year round and cannot be found elsewhere.
The Best Mayonnaise
More than just one or two of our beloved mayonnaise brands can be exclusively found in the Southern region. Naturally, there's Duke’s , initially created in South Carolina, has expanded to be available in numerous grocery stores nationwide. Even niche brands such as Bama (produced by C.F. Sauer, the same firm behind Duke’s distribution), which were once exclusive to the Southern region, have become accessible. Blue Plate Mayonnaise is likewise a beloved local specialty, tracing its roots back to New Orleans.
Sister Schubert’s Dinner Rolls
That's why we have this system in place. Cinnamon Roll Casserole demands for Sister Schubert’s—they’re just the finest frozen rolls available out there. Patricia "Sister" Schubert gained fame for her Parker House rolls , she sold her house, opened a bakery, and finally perfected a recipe for distributing frozen versions more widely. Although Sister Schubert’s rolls are available nationwide in theory, they are practically ubiquitous in most southern supermarkets.
Cheerwine
This rich, fizzy, cherry-flavored cola Has been beloved by North Carolinians since 1917, this drink has spread outside the state but remains quintessentially Carolina. You can spot its distinctive burgundy packaging on store shelves, and it's also available on draft at Southern fast-food joints like Cookout .
Camellia Beans
Located in Texas and grown domestically within the U.S., Camellia Beans serve as a go-to Southern essential for dried beans, lentils, and peas. Although these can be found in numerous regular supermarkets across the country, you'll probably discover a superior variety exclusively at Southern grocery stores.
Seek out their red beans, black-eyed peas, and cannellini beans displayed in their recognizable clear packaging—a valuable advantage as it allows you to assess the quality of the beans prior to purchasing.
Self-Rising Cornmeal Mix
Regardless of whether you're quickly preparing something in the skillet or baking muffins, Martha White’s Self-Rising Cornmeal Mix Is among the top choices for speedy cornbread. However, because cornbread isn't as widely enjoyed beyond the southern states, you may struggle to find this specific item except at grocery stores and markets specialized in Southern cuisine.
MoonPies
Did you know that MoonPies The story goes that this iconic treat was created by a traveling salesman. Supposedly, after a Kentucky coal miner requested a "snack as large as the moon" from a Chattanooga bakery, their salesman came up with the now-familiar sweet, circular snack. Nothing embodies Southern charm quite like a MoonPie—and you can find these delights almost anywhere groceries are sold.
Steen's Syrup
Steen's produces pure cane syrup and molasses from Abbeville, Louisiana. Its recognizable yellow packaging can be found in most southern grocery stores, but it's increasingly appearing on additional shelves daily.
Pimiento Cheese
Whether you're serving pimiento cheese As an appetizer for dipping or as a spread on sandwiches, there’s no doubt about its popularity in the South. This is evident from the multiple types of prepackaged pimento cheese commonly available in Southern grocery stores alongside refrigerated pickles and cured meats.
McKenzie's (Frozen) Creamed Corn
In the Southern region, you have the option to purchase creamed corn both in frozen and canned forms. McKenzie’sFrozen Creamed Corn is shaped like little corncobs. It resembles packaged sausage meat at first glance, but let us assure you—it's actually a vegetable.
Golden Flake Potato Chips
Golden Flake Originally hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, this brand continues to have an impact stretching as far south as Texas and as far north as Maryland, even though it is now distributed by Utz. Known for their ultra-thin, irresistibly crisp, and surprisingly flaky potato chips, they also offer pork rinds and various local snack favorites throughout Southern grocery stores.
Read the initial article on Southern Living
