Born from an untapped market in Lima, Ohio, in 1955, Rudolph Foods makes pork rinds and related snack foods under the Rudolph’s family namesake brand. John Rudolph started the company with smoked bacon rinds, while Mary Rudolph later developed the two-step process that became the foundation of its production. The company remains in Lima and has been making pork rinds for nearly seven decades.
Southern RecipeSince 1955, Southern Recipe has made pork rinds and cracklins, preserving a Southern snack tradition with a proprietary process developed by the founder’s wife after the original smoked-rind supply disappeared. The company still uses that two-step method and has kept its core recipes unchanged for more than 60 years, while also showing how its rinds can move from the snack bowl into recipes such as taco soup and breading.LIMA, OH
Mikesell'sSince 1910, Dayton-based Mikesell’s has made and distributed potato chips and other snack foods, beginning with founder Daniel W. Mikesell’s dried beef and sausage business before adding its distinctive Saratoga Chips. Still privately held and headquartered in Dayton, the company distributes across the Midwest while continuing to cook its chips in premium oil and develop new flavors, including its signature Puffcorn Delites.DAYTON, OH
Herr Foods IncFounded in 1946, family-owned and operated Herr Foods Inc. makes snack foods and remains headquartered in Nottingham, Pennsylvania. Its history describes growth from a small potato-chip company into a multigenerational business with manufacturing plants in Pennsylvania and Ohio; the company reports producing more than 340 snack items.PERRYOPOLIS, PA
Dieffenbach's Potato Chips, IncWhat began with Mark Dieffenbach frying potato chips on his kitchen stove in Berks County in 1964 has grown into a Pennsylvania snack maker producing kettle-cooked chips and other snacks. Still guided by the Dieffenbach family’s recipe across three generations, the company operates a 106,000-square-foot facility capable of processing more than 15 million pounds of potatoes annually. Its Uglies® brand gives cosmetically imperfect potatoes a second life while supporting hunger relief, with 10% of proceeds donated to VivaKids.WOMELSDORF, PA