After founder Mike developed an all-purpose salt-free seasoning following open-heart surgery in 2004, his family turned that kitchen solution into Big Axe Spice®, a Miamisburg maker of salt-free seasonings. The family began selling its blends through Whole Foods in 2015 and now ships them nationwide, with flavors ranging from the original Mega Flavor to internationally inspired blends such as Sicilian and Ethiopian berbere.
Mom’s GourmetFrom Newbury, Ohio, Mom’s Gourmet makes small-batch, grind-to-order artisan seasoning blends inspired by Patsy “Mom” Flattery’s home cooking and her daughter Sally’s creativity. The family-owned and operated company is known for animal-themed jars and no- or low-sodium blends made without MSG, preservatives, fillers, or gluten. Its products have been sold in food markets and groceries across the country for more than a decade.NEWBURY, OH
Grassia’s Italian Market Spice CoFamily-owned Grassia’s Italian Market Spice Co. has been carrying its spice-making tradition forward since 1932, across two family lines. The company is known for preparing most of its blends in-house, including no-salt recipes, and continues serving customers online and at farmers markets after closing its South Philadelphia storefront.PHILADELPHIA, PA
Pittsburgh Spice and Seasoning CompanySince 1967, Pittsburgh Spice and Seasoning Company has supplied fresh spice blends, seasonings and butcher-shop essentials to meat processors, hunters, caterers and home cooks. The family-owned Pittsburgh business develops proprietary blends—drawing on more than 800 recipes—and pairs them with sausage casings and equipment for customers making their own products. Its storefront also brings those handcrafted seasonings to local shoppers and the Murrysville Farmers Market.PITTSBURGH, PA
The Chesapeake Spice CompanyOperating since 1987, family-owned Chesapeake Spice makes spices and custom seasoning blends at manufacturing facilities on the East and West coasts. The company sources directly from growers worldwide and combines that farm-to-finished-product control with in-house culinary development, including a Culinary Center where customers can test applications. Chesapeake is BRCGS, OU Kosher, and Halal certified, and is certified by the Maryland Department of Agriculture to produce organic products.BELCAMP, MD