Hi, everyone! It's May, so that means it's officially Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! To celebrate, I want to introduce you to some of the AAPI-owned food and drink brands I had the honor of trying out this month. I hope you see something on this list that you'd like to try too. Let's goooo! Note: Though BuzzFeed may have received items for free, we were under no obligation to post a positive review.
Boba Bam is an authentic Taiwanese instant boba brand that was cofounded by Bob Yau and Ron Escopete. Now you can make your own boba from home in less than five minutes (and for less $$$)! It's gluten-free, vegan, caffeine-free, nut-free, and non-GMO. Just heat up an individual boba packet in the microwave or in a pot over the stove, mix with your favorite milk, stir, and enjoy. 🧋
BuzzFeed I giggled a little at the packets because they reminded me of baked beans. Rest assured, they tasted far better! The brown sugar flavor was deliciously sweet, and it mixed beautifully with my vanilla almond milk. It truly tasted like something I'd buy at a boba shop, so needless to say, I'm obsessed. If you're a boba lover who's tired of breaking the bank for one drink (or maybe you don't have a boba shop nearby), GET THIS RIGHT NOW. Just make sure you keep the packets frozen until you go to use them!
Buy a 12-pack from Costco for $10.99 .
BuzzFeed Poi Dog was founded by chef and food writer Kiki Aranita after she was forced to close her restaurant during the coronavirus pandemic. She started her sauce business to celebrate her family's Hawaiian roots. The Guava Katsu sauce was absolutely DIVINE over chicken. It was sweet, tangy, savory, and not too spicy. It made the perfect dipping sauce and marinade! Now I can't stop putting it over all my rice bowls! Aranita's store also includes a Chili Peppah Water and a Maui Lavender Ponzu sauce you may want to try.
Buy a bottle of the Guava Katsu for $16 , or buy all three sauces in a bundle for $35 .
BuzzFeed This AAPI-owned brand transforms craveable, non-nutritious foods into healthier versions of themselves (without compromising on flavor). Fun fact about the Better Bagel: It has the same amount of net carbs as two slices of banana, the same amount of sugar as one celery stalk, and the same amount of protein as four eggs.
BuzzFeed The Better Bagel has two flavors — plain and everything — so it's really all or none. I, of course, opted for the everything bagel! Though I can't say the bagel is identical to one you might get from your favorite local deli, it's still very soft and flavorful. BetterBrand doesn't skimp on the "everything" aspect, and I'm very grateful for that. It's a solid breakfast for anyone, and a great brand to keep in mind if you're looking for healthier alternatives to some of your favorite foods. Oh god, my plate looks like it's giving you a creepy smile. Don't let that deter you!
Buy a four-pack of classic or everything bagels for $16 .
BuzzFeed Nectar is a Korean American–founded hard seltzer brand whose Asian-inspired flavors have become a TikTok sensation! After having its flavors rejected by over 200 stores in Los Angeles, Nectar turned to TikTok to see if there was a market for its seltzers. Sure enough, Nectar's video went viral and put the brand on the map. Obviously I had to try these fun flavors that broke the internet, and I think you should too!
Buy a 12-pack online or at a store near you for $32.95 .
BuzzFeed Yuzu Fantastic!! Citrusy and sweet with just the right amount of tartness. I didn't expect to be wowed so much. Truly more interesting and more flavorful than your typical citrus seltzer.
BuzzFeed Asian Pear Pear-flavored seltzers are incredibly underrated. They are consistently refreshing and enjoyable! We need more!!
BuzzFeed Lychee Lychee NEEDS to be a more utilized flavor in hard seltzers (and alcoholic beverages in general)! It has a beautiful floral scent and a refreshingly fruity flavor. It's sweet without feeling too heavy or syrupy. It's truly the perfect seltzer flavor for spring and summer.
BuzzFeed Mandarin I can be a little picky about orange-flavored seltzers because they're just not my favorite. This was probably the tastiest, most authentic orange seltzer I've ever had. Clearly, I'm simping for Nectar right now.
BuzzFeed Started by twin brothers Tim and Tom Zheng, Vite Ramen is the world's first "healthy ramen." Vite Ramen pairs the convenience of instant noodles with the nutrition of a full, feel-good meal. Vite Ramen is made without deep-frying, preservatives, or tons of extra salt, and it contains 25% daily value of all 27 vitamins and minerals your body needs throughout the day. I tried this roasted soy sauce chicken flavor for lunch one day, and it was the biggest cup of instant ramen I've ever seen or had! It's a hearty portion for sure, and it's full of so much rich flavor on its own. But you could really elevate the cup into a full-fledged dinner with just a few bonus ingredients. Imagine adding your own veggies, proteins, or sauces to this thing — that's a complicated meal made simple. It's delicious with or without the fixings, but the possibilities are endless.
Buy a six-pack online for $39.99 .
BuzzFeed MingsBings was founded by chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author Ming Tsai. Tsai is also the host of the longest-running cooking show on PBS. So yeah, you may have heard of him! MingsBings are a frozen, ready-to-eat take on a Chinese street food favorite. They are plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free. The Fiesta Bing is NO JOKE. It's absolutely packed with flavor, and it cooked perfectly in the air fryer. The outside was nice and crispy, but the inside was hot and saucy. It had just the right amount of heat, and I would never have guessed it was vegan. Though some meat substitutes and plant-based "meats" can be a textural nightmare (or can taste bland), this was truly an excellent filling. I think meat eaters and non–meat eaters would all agree, MingsBings make for a great bite. They also come in other fun flavors, like Original Veggie-Filled, Buffalo Cauliflower, Cheeseburger, and Sausage & Peppers. And you can check out the line of dipping sauces if you want to elevate your MingsBings experience.
Buy a box of 12 bings online or from a retailer near you for $74.99 .
BuzzFeed Sugar Bowl Bakery , cofounded in 1984 by five brothers from Vietnam, is one of the largest minority-owned bakeries in America! The Ly brothers immigrated to the US in 1979 and pooled their money to buy a coffee shop in San Francisco, where they kept their grandmother's Viet-French recipes alive through their delicious creations. The family's shop and their baked goods quickly became a hit in the neighborhood, which inspired the brothers to sell their treats nationwide. Former president Barack Obama even recognized Sugar Bowl Bakery as a "successful immigration story."
BuzzFeed You never have to decide between a cookie and a piece of cake again! This delicate madeleine is a quick bite like a cookie, but with the soft, fluffy texture of a slice of cake. It's everything you're craving and more.
Buy from a store near you using this store locator .
BuzzFeed As Hannah Montana once said, "You get the best of both worlds." With this duet bite, you get the richness of the chocolaty brownie perfectly paired with a light, fluffy madeleine. Truly the best of both worlds, if you ask me.
Buy from a store near you using this store locator .
BuzzFeed All the sweetness and tanginess of a lemon pound cake in one small, beautiful bite!
Buy from a store near you using this store locator .
BuzzFeed Palmiers are like a perfect marriage between a flaky croissant and a sweet butter cookie. Absolutely delicious with a warm cup of breakfast tea or chai.
Buy from a store near you using this store locator .
BuzzFeed I can be a bit picky about my brownies. They need to be soft but not too spongy, and fudgy but not too dense. These brownie bites are rich and full of chocolaty goodness, but not at the expense of the texture. I guarantee just one won't be enough. Seriously, someone stop me. I've had three.
Buy from a store near you using this store locator .
BuzzFeed Yobo Soju Luxe is truly a one-of-a-kind soju! Distilled in Southern California, it's a spirit blended from rice and grapes grown in Northern California and organic wheat. Founder Carolyn Kim is thrilled to pay homage to her roots with this distinctive Korean American soju. The three best words I can think of to describe its flavor are "delicate," "velvety," and "smooth." Pour a little over ice, or blend your very own soju cocktail! It was very versatile and mixed beautifully. Cheers!
Available online starting mid-May for $39.99 .
BuzzFeed Founder Danny Taing didn't want to give up all the wonderful snacks he discovered while living in Japan, so he brought a suitcase over to the US to share the snacks with his friends and family. The snacks were a hit but couldn't be found in the States. So Taing decided to create Bokksu , a monthly subscription box of Japanese snacks curated around various cultural themes and seasonal flavors. The snacks in each box are sourced in Japan from both local and well-known makers. A new box theme is dropped every month for current and new subscribers to try out.
BuzzFeed This is the Seasons of Japan box — the first box new subscribers are sent. Look at how many wonderful snacks are packed inside this little box! It also comes with a lovely pamphlet that breaks down what each snack is, the snacks' flavors, their allergens, etc. From sweet candies to savory edamame snacks, my box was truly a treasure trove of goodies. The handmade yuzu sake candies, the mini red bean crackers, and mochi were my favorites! Food is such an incredible and intimate way to connect with another culture, so I'm beyond thrilled I learned about this box. I've loved having the opportunity to broaden my snacking horizons and sample goodies I wouldn't normally see at the store. If you're interested in Bokksu, you can subscribe on a monthly basis or opt for a 3-, 6-, or 12-month subscription plan.
Get started with a three-month plan for $44.95 a month.
BuzzFeed Founded by Farah Jesani, One Stripe Chai is a woman-owned South Asian brand that sources tea from family-owned, organic farms in Assam, India, and brings you a simple, delicious cup of chai every time. Jesani grew up in an Indian household where chai was always brewing. After leaving New York City and making a huge career change, she found herself in the middle of Portland, Oregon's coffee scene. After many disappointing coffee house chais, Jesani set out to create her own authentic and delicious chai blend. From concentrates to home blends, One Stripe Chai has something for everyone! I'm an avid lover of chai, but I'm also caffeine intolerant, meaning I really don't get to enjoy chai as often as I'd like. Now I've finally found a low-caff chai that doesn't skimp on flavor or indulgence.
Buy a 100-gram bag online for $18 .
BuzzFeed Founded by first-generation Indian American A.J. Patel, HighKey creates tasty sweets and snacks without all the added sugar. It is on a mission to eliminate 10 million pounds of sugar from the American diet by reinventing our favorite snacks.
BuzzFeed The caramel-filled bar tasted exactly like a rich, creamy candy bar. No weird aftertaste, no unappealing texture — basically a dead ringer for a candy bar (until you look at the list of ingredients)! With only 2 grams of sugar and 2 grams of net carbs per serving, I was worried it would taste more like a protein bar than a treat, but that simply wasn't the case. I think it's safe to say my sweet tooth is VERY satisfied. You can satisfy your sweet tooth with any number of candies or cookies from HighKey!
Buy a pack of 12 bars for $59.88 .
BuzzFeed Chitra Agrawal is the chef and owner of Brooklyn Delhi . In Brooklyn since 2009, Agrawal has been enriching the community with her teachings, writings, and recipes. She travels to India every year to visit family and gain more inspiration for her creations! I was able to try this pantry staple, tomato achaar, which Agrawal has expertly crafted into a smoky, rich, aromatic sauce that can be used just about however your heart desires. So far, I've had some on chicken and on a poached egg over toast. Next, I think I have to try some over a creamy mac 'n' cheese, or a slice of white pizza! It adds a perfect bite of heat to any dish.
Buy on Brooklyn Delhi's website for $12 or on Amazon for $11.99 .
BuzzFeed Founded by Ann Soh Woods, Kikori is one of the first whiskeys distilled from 100% rice and produced in Japan that's made for the US. It's also one of the first whiskey brands to be created by an Asian American woman. Kikori is running a campaign, Discover AAPI Artists Initiative, this May in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to amplify the voices of AAPI creatives. The initiative is donating $30,000 to the Asian Mental Health Collective. I had to try this unique whiskey, and what better way to honor its combination of flavors than by sipping it straight up? At 82 proof, wowza, it packs a punch! I've already consulted Kikori's website for many incredible recipes, and I can't wait to make my own expert Kikori cocktail creation (try saying that three times fast).
Buy a bottle online for $50 , or find at a store near you (price may vary).
BuzzFeed Momofuku was founded by chef David Chang in 2004, coinciding with the opening of his New York City noodle bar. If you've been wanting to elevate your home cooking with rich, authentic Asian flavors, look no further! I tried this savory seasoned salt while baking a simple chicken breast, and it sent my taste buds through the roof. Baked chicken *can* be boring, but it sure doesn't have to be! Next time, I want to use the salt when I sauté some zucchini and mushrooms. I think that'll be the perfect pairing.
Buy online for $12 , or try the bundle with spicy and tingly salt for $30 (originally $36).
BuzzFeed Founder Bala is the fourth generation from his family to join the tea industry. Bala started Vahdam to make better tea available all across the world. Most tea that is sold worldwide goes through a series of middlemen before it reaches its customers, which takes away much of the flavor and freshness. Vahdam eliminates the need for middlemen and brings fresh tea straight to your cup. Vahdam has also launched its "TEAch Me" initiative, in which the company has pledged that a minimum of 1% of its revenue will go to the children of its workers in India.
BuzzFeed Such a lovely assortment — truly any tea lover's paradise. Though I'm usually a mint tea gal, I think the hibiscus rose has to be my favorite. I mean, wow, it smelled like a fresh bouquet and tasted like springtime! There's a reason celebs like Ellen DeGeneres, Oprah Winfrey, Martha Stewart, and Drew Barrymore swear by this tea!!!
Buy the herbal tea sampler online for $17.99 .
BuzzFeed Chargel is a Japanese-founded company that provides a caffeine-free way to get pumped for your next workout. Chargel is a "gel drink," meaning it has the benefits of both a refreshing drink and a fulfilling snack. Though gel drinks are popular in Japan, this is the first of its kind to launch in the US! It's gluten-free, plant-based, caffeine-free, and free of any artificial sweeteners or colors.
BuzzFeed Chargel comes in three flavors: strawberry, white grape, and green apple. They're all very tasty, but the texture is definitely something to gear up for. It's like drinking loose Jell-O. As someone who likes Jell-O and typically any gummy or jelly candies/sweets, I was just fine with the texture. But if you're someone who may be put off by textures, this is your heads-up! Otherwise, the drinks are very refreshing! I had one before a long walk, and I can't say for certain whether or not it impacted my energy, but I had a nice, brisk walk and enjoyed the rest of my afternoon. No jitters, no racing heart, no upset stomach. For someone who avoids caffeine, Chargel is a great alternative to give a whirl. Buy a trial kit online for $14.99 .
BuzzFeed Do Anything Foods is a woman- and AAPI-owned business founded by home cooks Monica Salhotra and Allie Shanholt. The brand is all about providing unique sauces that are both delicious and nutritious.
BuzzFeed I used a recipe card that came with my kale pesto to create this tasty lunchtime salad. I threw chopped tomatoes and chicken over a bed of greens, then topped it off with the kale pesto, a drizzle of olive oil, and some shredded Parmesan cheese. The pesto was so rich and flavorful, it made me that much more excited to try out the brand's other sauces. I'm not even a kale fan, but if Do Anything Foods can make kale taste that good, it must have some more tricks up its sleeve. Healthy eating doesn't have to lack flavor or pizzazz!
Buy a set with four jars for $36 .
BuzzFeed Sugar Bliss was founded by Teresa Ging after she left her Wall Street finance career and attended Le Cordon Bleu patisserie program in Paris. Ging opened the first cupcake boutique in downtown Chicago, then expanded her business to offer catering, delivery, and a retail location. Ging has received many awards and accolades since opening her business. She was even invited to attend the signing of the executive order establishing the White House Council on Women and Girls by then-president Barack Obama.
BuzzFeed From cookies and bars to cupcakes and cake pops, Sugar Bliss is sure to keep your sweet tooth satisfied. Sugar Bliss delivers nationwide!
Check out all of its scrumptious offerings online .
BuzzFeed Founded by Prabal Chaudri, Brave Good Kind is a reinvention of modern protein snacks, featuring antibiotic-free chicken and wholesome ingredients (and a much friendlier, less chewy texture). Though jerky isn't a snack I normally go for, I still decided to give these a try because I've never sampled a chicken jerky before. I was actually pleasantly surprised. Unlike beef jerkies I've had in the past, this jerky wasn't a chore to chew. It was tender, and honestly, it tasted like teriyaki bacon. While beef jerky usually makes me feel like a dog eating a treat, this chicken jerky actually piqued my interest and made me go back for another bite.
Buy a 10-pack online for $69.99 .
BuzzFeed Founded in 2016 by pastry chef Hannah Bae, Noona's is a celebration of Asian-inspired flavors for all ice cream lovers to enjoy. When Bae noted the lack of diverse ice cream options in food stores, she decided to take matters into her own hands and create a brand that uniquely embodies Asian recipes she loves.
BuzzFeed Sooo nutty and rich. I'm not sure what I expected, but this certainly defied all expectations. Top-tier taste and texture.
Buy online for $12 .
BuzzFeed A dairy-free delight! This frozen dessert is so delicate and floral — it's like a fancy tea party on your tongue. Perfectly fragrant and refreshing.
Buy online for $9 (originally $12).
BuzzFeed I had my reservations about this one because turmeric ice cream sounded a bit too bold for me, but I'm glad I trusted Hannah Bae's ice cream expertise. Vibrant in color and taste, this surprising flavor expertly showcased the earthiness of turmeric and the sweetness of honey in every bite.
Buy online for $12 .
BuzzFeed I can't help but imagine that this is what a fluffy cloud tastes like. Oh, so dreamy. The matcha, the coconut — it was all so airy and smooth. This is ice cream bliss.
Buy online for $15 .
BuzzFeed Oh my GOODNESS, this was a taste and textural dreammm. The ice cream was both chocolaty and full of warm cinnamon flavor. The chocolate bits provided a delightful crunch. This gets a 1,000/10 in my book!
Buy online for $15 .
BuzzFeed If you don't live in New York City, I know you can't just go online and have one of these bad boys shipped to your door, but hear me out: GO TO TEA AND MILK NEXT TIME YOU'RE IN THE CITY. Tea and Milk was founded by Mathew Wong, Wilson Ng, and Kendy Ng in 2013 after the three friends realized they were unsatisfied with their jobs and wanted a change of pace. They have an expansive menu with bold tea creations, including this cocoa oolong masterpiece! Despite being a MASSIVE boba fan, I don't think I've ever had a chocolaty milk tea before. Now I'm hooked. The earthy oolong flavor mixed with the rich cocoa was such a special, hearty combination. In addition, this milk tea comes topped with Tea and Milk's homemade signature cream. Heaven in a cup! Beyond its wonderful shops in Astoria, Queens, and Chelsea, Milk and Tea also has DIY boba kits online that you don't want to miss!
BuzzFeed What you get in your kit: loose-leaf jasmine green tea, pure cane white sugar, raw boba, Milk and Tea stickers, reusable straws, oat milk, and instructions. Unlike with a packet of instant boba, you're dedicating a lot of time with this kit. If you're bored on a rainy day or in the mood for hosting a friendly tea party, this is the kit for you! It's a dedicated process, but it's such a neat experience! And you'll get about eight servings of boba out of the whole shebang.
Buy a DIY kit (also available in roasted oolong and Earl Grey) online for $40 .
BuzzFeed Founded by Krishna Kaliannan, Catalina Snacks seeks to make tasty snacks healthier and more accessible for a variety of lifestyles. At 17, Kaliannan was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and had to give up many of the snacks he had previously loved. He set out to create something that would satisfy his cravings without the added sugar and carbs. Catalina Crunch has a variety of craveworthy cookies, cereals, and mixes that are keto-friendly and packed with high-quality ingredients. I absolutely can't get enough of these sandwich cookies. I feel like I'm a kid again packing my lunch for school and sneaking an extra dessert in before my mom notices.
Buy a variety pack of cookies online for $49 (or $39 when you subscribe).
BuzzFeed Founder Ayeshah Abuelhiga, a first-generation American, started Mason Dixie in 2014 to create high-quality comfort food. The products are all homemade and use real dairy, and the breakfast sandwiches contain the only certified 100%-egg patty on the market. Beyond its breakfast sandwiches, Mason Dixie also has batches of biscuits in a variety of flavors, including Cheddar Chive and Savory Herb.
BuzzFeed Probably the best frozen breakfast sandwich I've ever had. I mean it! The biscuit didn't dry out, the meat was juicy and flavorful, and the egg didn't taste or feel like a processed piece of rubber. The biscuit is the perfect size for a quick breakfast. It wasn't heavy, yet I stayed full for many hours. If there's one thing I love, it's a biscuit, so I can't wait to try a batch of these biscuits by themselves too! I grew up mainly in the South, so I know a thing or two about a good biscuit. I'm happy to report that Mason Dixie gets my biscuit stamp of approval!
Mason Dixie is available nationwide in chains such as Whole Foods, Target , Publix, Safeway, and Costco, and you can order online through GoPuff, Instacart , and FreshDirect . Find at a store near you .
BuzzFeed Chop Chop is a better-for-you street noodle brand founded by Eugene Lin and Steve Har. These frozen noodle cups contain fresh noodles and toppings and slow-cooked broth. Its current flavor lineup includes Tom Yum, Korean BBQ, Tokyo Curry, and Penang Curry.
BuzzFeed Unlike other instant noodles I've encountered, these have to be frozen. As you can see, the cup was filled with fresh carrots and cabbage! I really liked having the added textural bonus of the fresh veggies. It made me feel like I was eating something homemade rather than just another frozen meal. Buy a box of noodle cups starting at $18 .
BuzzFeed Free + True is a line of clean, nontoxic, cruelty-free, superfood skincare products founded by licensed esthetician Tami Blake. Free + True's line of ingestible powders is made to nourish your skin and promote overall well-being. The Body Harmony powder is turmeric-infused rooibos, which helps calm the nervous system, promote healthy digestion, and support overall immunity. Just add 2 teaspoons of it to 8 ounces of hot milk/milk substitute or a smoothie. I've just started my journey with Free + True, so I can't give solid results thus far. I've been consuming mine like an afternoon tea, but I look forward to blending it into smoothies.
Buy a 6-ounce container online for $38 .
BuzzFeed Cofounded by Korean American aunt-and-nephew duo Susan and Eugene Kang, Country Archer Provisions is the number one "better for you" jerky brand in the nation! Beyond its meat sticks and beef jerkies, Country Archer Provisions also has this chef-crafted plant-based jerky made from whole slices of king oyster mushrooms. As someone who isn't a big jerky fan, I find myself sampling quite a few jerky brands on the job. I was thrilled to come across a plant-based option, and I'm happy to report that it's completely unique, innovative, and tasty!
Buy a bag for $6.99 .
BuzzFeed Founded by Irvin Gunawan, these chef-made salted egg chips and salmon skin snacks have gone from being a hit in Singapore to becoming a worldwide snack sensation (even Cardi B is a fan). These snacks contain whole-food ingredients, real duck egg yolks, and upcycled salmon skin. Though Gunawan runs the company, along with his two brothers, all the way in Singapore, you can snag a bag in many retailers across the US, including H Mart and select Costco locations. If you're in search of your next favorite savory, hearty, greasy-fingered snack, look no further!
Buy the bestseller pack, featuring a bag of salmon skin, a bag of salted egg potato chips, and a bag of salted egg cassava chips, for $27.99 .
BuzzFeed Do I have a great job or what? I'm so thankful I was able to learn about these incredible brands and the unique products they've created. Of everything I was able to try, here's a list of the top five products that stole my heart the most: 1. The Red Bean Choc Chip ice cream from Noona's
2. The palmiers from Sugar Bowl Bakery
3. The lychee-flavored hard seltzer from Nectar
4. The DIY boba from both Boba Bam and Tea and Milk
5. The Hibiscus Rose tea from Vahdam
But I can't stress enough how much I enjoyed everything I tried this month. I hope you'll join me in supporting these awesome AAPI-owned brands! Support AAPI-centered content by exploring how BuzzFeed is celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month ! Of course, the content doesn't end after May. Go follow @buzzfeedapop to keep up with our latest AAPI content year-round! PS: Love this art? Learn more about these amazing AAPI activists here . From left: Haunani Kay Trask, Rushan Abbas, Manjusha Kulkarni, Kiyoshi Kuromiya, Philip Vera Cruz, Mabel Lee, George Helm, and Edward Said
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