7 Asian-American Food Brands to Support Right Now
A white man has been charged with murder after six women of Asian descent were killed at massage parlors in the Atlanta area on March 16. The tragedy took place on the heels of a series of hate crimes targeting the AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) community, which have become increasingly more common amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to donating to civil rights organizations and charities, you can show your support for this community every time that you shop for food. When you're looking for pantry staples like sauces and tea, make a conscious effort to open your wallet to AAPI-owned brands and restaurants.
Below, we've compiled a list of just seven businesses that should be on your radar. Once you shop for these beloved brands, you're going to want to show your support not only today but also for years to come. Before you go, don't miss the 100 Easiest Recipes You Can Make.
Noona's Vegan Black Sesame Ice Cream
Have you tried black sesame ice cream yet? If you haven't, you're in for a treat! Described as "nutty, bitter with slight undertones of chocolate" this dairy-, gluten-, nut, and soy-free frozen dessert from Noona's Ice Cream is designed for most everyone to enjoy. Noona, which means "big sister" in Korean, was founded by Hannah Bae in 2016 in NYC out of a need for a "diverse ice cream selection at food stores." With other Asian-inspired flavors like Thai Iced Tea, Taro, and Dalgona Coffee, you're bound to find a flavor you love!
Fly by Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp
Founded in 2018 by Jing Gao, Fly by Jing sells products that are representative of the flavors you'd get in a dish from one of Chengdu's famous fly restaurants, or as Gao describes, "a soulful hole-in-the-wall" eatery. Right now, you can preorder her new 100% natural Sichuan Chili Crisp, which is guaranteed to pack some heat and numb your tongue.
Kasama Rum
If you need an excuse to restock your bar cart, Kasama Rum may give you the push you didn't know you need. This small-batch, seven-year-old rum from the Phillippines is distilled from Noble sugarcane and aged in ex-bourbon American oak barrels. With this rum, you can expect to enjoy notes of tropical fruits, including banana and pineapple, and even a hint of warming vanilla.
Bokksu Subscription Box
Imagine if you could have some of Japan's best-selling treats delivered straight to your door all in one box. Well, that's exactly what a monthly subscription to Bokksu will get you! For $49.95 a month, Bokksu hand curates snack bundles based on different cultural themes and seasonal flavors that are sourced directly from over 100-year-old family makers. Each box, which consists of 20-25 delicious Japanese snacks and tea pairings, helps support family-run businesses in Japan.
Mother-in-Law's Vegan Kimchi
You may be wondering, "Isn't kimchi inherently vegan?" Nope! Authentic kimchi is typically made with fish sauce or even bone broth. However, Mother-in-Law's Vegan Table Cut Napa Cabbage Kimchi only contains plant-based ingredients like gochugaru chile (red chili pepper flake), which gives it that desired kick of heat.
Twrl M!lk Tea
Crafted with plant-based nitro-infused milk and organic fair-trade tea, Twrl M!lk tea is ready to crack open anytime and anywhere. This brand just launched earlier this year, so it's a great time to get to know it! The cans—which come in Supreme Jasmine, Original Black, and Hojicha Roasted Green Tea flavors—clock in between 45 and 50 calories and have much less sugar than typical milk tea.
Nguyen Coffee Supply
Thanks to Nguyen Coffee Supply, you can learn how to make a traditional cup of Vietnamese coffee using a phin filter. For only $28, you can purchase an Original Phin Kit, which includes a stainless steel filter and coffee beans so you can get to brewing right in the comfort of home!
Bottom line: The AAPI community is in need of allies. Please consider donating to one or all of the following organizations:
For more, be sure to check out 50+ Black-Owned Food Brands You Can Support Right Now.
