Anderson House: Illinois Prairie Corn Chowder

Gurnee, Illinois

Born from the wide-open fields of Illinois, Anderson House’s award-winning Illinois Prairie Corn Chowder celebrates the sweetness of Midwest-grown corn blended with red bell peppers, rice, and a touch of rustic charm. Just add diced potatoes and cream for a cozy, homestyle soup that’s hearty, comforting, and deeply satisfying. Made with clean, natural ingredients and no artificial additives, this Sofi Award–winning chowder brings the warmth of the Heartland to every bowl.

Big Shoulders Coffee: Colombia Blend Coffee

Chicago, Illinois

Big Shoulders Coffee’s Colombia Blend Medium Roast (12 oz) is balanced and sweet with warm, nutty notes that make every sip smooth and satisfying. Founded by chef Tim Coonan, whose culinary roots span New York, France, Italy, and Chicago, this proudly Chicago-born, chef-driven roaster stands for fresh, no-nonsense artisan coffee crafted with purpose and precision. From humble garage beginnings to one of Chicago’s premier roasting facilities, Big Shoulders captures the city’s bold spirit in every roast—because here, coffee is more than a beverage; it’s a craft.

Fired Up Jellies and Jams: Cinnful Peach Habanero Jam

Carbondale, Illinois

Fired-Up Jellies and Jams’ Cinnful Peach Habanero Jam blends sweet, sun-ripened peaches with fiery habanero peppers and a touch of warm cinnamon for a flavor that’s both bold and irresistible. This versatile jam adds a sweet heat to pork chops, poultry, and even meatballs, while pairing beautifully with aged cheddar or beer cheese. Whether spread on a sandwich or served on a charcuterie board, it’s the perfect way to spice up any meal.

Garlic Breath Farms: Hardneck Romanian Red Hot Sauce

Elburn, Illinois

Garlic Breath Farm, located in Elburn, Illinois, is run by a husband-and-wife team passionate about farming and ready for the challenge. Their goals include offering locally grown garlic, educating others on its health benefits, creating a garlic recipe library, and keeping those dreaded vampires away. Garlic Breath Farm is a member of the Homegrown by Heroes program, which distinguishes them as a veteran-owned agricultural business. Their sauce is a collaboration with Gindo's Hot Sauce. This creamy, garlicky, and tangy hot sauce is sure to add flavor.

Kathy’s Kitchen: Sweet Salsa

Virginia, Illinois

One of Kathy’s Kitchen’s best-selling salsas, the Sweet Mild Salsa combines their classic mild recipe (with no hot peppers) and a touch of sugar for a truly mouthwatering flavor. Handcrafted by the family-owned business in Virginia, Illinois, each jar reflects decades of tradition and award-winning craftsmanship. From garden-fresh ingredients to time-honored methods, every bite showcases the care and quality that have made Kathy’s Kitchen a fair favorite since the 1960s.

Mrs. Fisher’s: Copper Kettle Caramel Corn

Rockford, Illinois

Mrs. Fisher’s Potato Chips has been a beloved part of the Rockford, Illinois community since 1932. What began in Ethel and Eugene Fisher’s home kitchen at the corner of Charles and 7th Street grew into one of the region’s most iconic snack brands. Originally named Mr. Fisher’s Potato Chips, the name was later changed to Mrs. Fisher’s after Eugene left during the Great Depression, leaving Ethel to carry the business forward with grit, determination, and her famous “Penny Chips,” small bags of broken chip pieces sold for just a cent.

Nothing Fancy Supply: Beeswax Wrap

Jacksonville, Illinois

Nothing Fancy is a Midwest-based company with a simple mission: reduce plastic waste without the fluff. Founded by Colleen—a mom of three and lifelong advocate for practical living—Nothing Fancy was born from a desire to make straightforward, sustainable choices accessible to everyday families. No fancy packaging, no overcomplicated solutions—just natural, reusable beeswax food wraps that help you make a real impact.

Riley’s Seasonings: All Purpose Seasoning

Pittsfield, Illinois

Riley's Premium Seasonings and Spices is a family-owned business in Pike County with nearly 35 years of history, originating in Mr. Riley's Farmhouse Kitchen. In 2002, they partnered with the Illinois Pork Producers to launch the award-winning "Pork Chop on a stick" at the Illinois State Fair. Known for high-quality, 100% pure spices without fillers or preservatives, Riley's seasonings enhance the flavor of meats, vegetables, and more—just sprinkle and enjoy. The All Purpose Seasoning is the perfect blend of salt, pepper, garlic, onion and herbs.

Seven Forks Farm: Fireside Blend Popcorn Kernels

Freeburg, Illinois

Family Grown Popcorn from Seven Forks Farm is proudly grown and packaged by the family on their fifth-generation farm in St. Clair County, Illinois. This bag features their delicious Fireside Popcorn Blend, offering non-GMO kernels that pop up fluffy and flavorful—perfect for stovetop, air popper, microwave, or even campfire preparation. Rooted in a love of popcorn and family tradition, Seven Forks Farm brings generations of farming experience to every bag, delivering a wholesome snack made to be shared and enjoyed together.

The Infused Olive: Tuscan Herb Olive Oil

Mount Vernon, Illinois

The Infused Olive is a small, woman-owned business born from a passion for creativity, cooking, and exceptional olive oil. What started as a simple hobby in 2019 quickly blossomed when a small bottle of infused olive oil was included in a Christmas gift box to help supplement the farm’s income. Their now famous Tuscan Herb flavor became an instant hit, and word of mouth helped the business grow rapidly.

Turasky Meats: Original, BBQ and Spicy Snack Sticks

Springfield, Illinois

Founded in 1949 in Springfield, IL, Turasky Meats began as a neighborhood slaughterhouse and has since become a successful meat processing business. They offer a variety of products, including hams, steaks, bacon, beef sticks, and co-pack snack sticks for other brands. With multiple awards, including Gold at the IFFA meat competition, Turasky Meats provides top-quality meats you won't want to miss. Their individually packaged snack sticks are perfect for lunch boxes, gym bags, road trips, or any event needing a healthy, protein packed snack.

Illinois Product Expo 

Springfield, IL

The Illinois Product Expo, hosted annually by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, highlights the best of the state’s culinary and agricultural products. The next expo will take place on March 7th and 8th, 2026, at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, where visitors can sample local foods and experience Illinois wines. Each box includes two FREE admission passes to the Illinois Product Expo—follow the link to learn more about this exciting, family-friendly celebration of Illinois flavor.