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Top 37 New Jerseyan Foods

Last updated on June 24, 2026

Best New Jerseyan food products

01
Spirit

Three Olives

5 ·

Three Olives is a vodka brand launched in 1998 and currently owned by Proximo Spirits. Originally associated with British vodka production, the brand became known for its wide range of flavored vodkas and its playful, modern positioning in the spirits market. In 2023, Three Olives introduced a major rebrand and reformulation, with a focus on lower-calorie, zero-sugar and gluten-free expressions across its portfolio. Its current range includes Original Vodka alongside flavors such as Cherry, Grape, Vanilla, Espresso, Loopy, Berry, Orange, Raspberry and Citrus. The Original expression is bottled at 40% ABV, while the flavored vodkas are generally bottled at 30% ABV. Three Olives is positioned as an accessible, contemporary vodka brand, with an emphasis on flavored expressions and simple mixed-drink use rather than traditional craft distilling heritage.

Awards
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold (2024)
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold (2023)
02
Beer

Kane Brewing

4.9 ·
Kane Brewing Company from Ocean Township, New Jersey, was founded in 2011 and quickly became one of the most recognizable and respected craft breweries on the East Coast of the United States. Founder Michael Kane began his journey in brewing through homebrewing experiments, and today the brewery produces more than 18,000 barrels annually. Their philosophy is based on using high-quality ingredients and insisting on freshness, with a strong focus on continuously improving quality. Their taproom offers 16 draft lines and an atmosphere that combines industrial design with a warm, communal feel. A special place is reserved for their barrel-aged stouts, which have gained loyal followers thanks to their complexity and depth of flavor. The brewery constantly balances innovation with tradition, combining classic styles with modern interpretations. Their work has been recognized on a national level, and Kane Brewing is often cited as one of the most important representatives of American craft beer on the East Coast. Through continuous development and a diverse range of beers, they have managed to attract both local visitors and beer enthusiasts from across the country. Kane Brewing is a testament to how one homebrewer’s passion can grow into a brewery that shapes the scene and sets new standards of quality.
Awards
Beer Advocate - 100 World-Class
Beer Advocate - 95 World-Class
03
Cheese

Montena Taranto Foods, Inc.

4.9 ·
Montena Taranto Foods, Inc., based in New Jersey, specializes in the production of a variety of Italian cheeses. This family-owned business incorporates traditional cheese-making methods passed down through generations. Montena Taranto Foods also focuses on distributing their products across various markets, aiming to cater to both retail and wholesale needs.
Awards
World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class (2014, 2010)
04
Cheese

Royal Hollandia

4.9 ·
Awards
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold (2021)
World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class (2022)
05
Condiment

First Field

4.9 ·
First Field is a small, family-owned company from New Jersey dedicated to producing ketchup, sauces, and jams made from fresh, locally sourced, and carefully selected ingredients. Their story begins on the farm: tomatoes are grown by trusted local farmers who practice sustainable agriculture and care deeply about soil health and environmental stewardship. The founders started in 2012 with a simple idea - crafting ketchup that truly reflects the taste of fresh, vine-ripened tomatoes, straight from their family garden. Today, First Field offers a wide range of products, including strained and crushed tomatoes, various sauces, and fruit preserves, all made with the same commitment to quality and ingredient transparency. Their ketchup is made exclusively from hand-picked, vine-ripened tomatoes - without concentrates, pastes, syrups, artificial flavors, or additives. It is kettle-cooked in small batches to preserve the natural sweetness and full-bodied flavor of the tomatoes. With only a minimal amount of sugar and salt, this ketchup relies on the clean, authentic taste of the fruit itself - making it not only delicious but also a healthier choice for the kitchen.
06
Cheese

Lioni Latticini

4.9 ·
Lioni Latticini, Inc., based in Union, New Jersey, specializes in producing mozzarella cheese. The company, which started as a small family business, has expanded to a larger scale operation focusing mainly on Italian cheeses.
Awards
World Cheese Awards - Gold (2023)
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place (2023, 2022, 2019)
07
Spirit

Sire Spirits

4.8 ·
Awards
Bartender Spirits Awards - Double Gold (2022)
The Cognac Masters - Gold (2023, 2022)
08
Cheese

Toscana Cheese Company

4.8 ·
Toscana Cheese Company is a producer of Italian-style cheeses based in Secaucus, New Jersey. They specialize in creating mozzarella cheese using traditional techniques. The company supplies its products to both retail and food service customers.
Awards
World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class (2016)
09
Cheese

A Dutch Masterpiece

4.8 ·
Awards
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold (2023, 2021)
World Cheese Awards - Gold (2024)
10
Liqueur

Creamy Creation

4.8 ·
Awards
The Liqueur Masters - Gold (2023, 2022)
The Asian Spirits Masters - Gold (2022)

Best New Jerseyan foods

01
Dessert

New Jersey Blueberry Muffins

3.9 ·

Blueberry muffins are one of the most common dessert staples found in the United States. This sweet and soft cake is a variety of the plain muffin, a baked product originating from the United Kingdom, which became popular in the 18th century. Even though it is not clear when the now-famous blueberry muffin originated, it is probable it was a product of adaptation, when the plain muffin was combined with the authentic North American wild blueberries. Further development of the blueberry muffin continued in 1916 when the tangy wild blueberries were cultivated. The first cultivated crop was grown in New Jersey, by Elisabeth White and Fredric Coville, who managed to produce plump and sweet blueberries, which then continued their path in becoming the American favorite. Even though blueberry muffins are considered to be the national muffins of the state of Minnesota, they are also traditionally associated with New Jersey, which is believed to be the home of the freshest and tastiest blueberries in the country. Blueberry muffins can be found everywhere, in delis, supermarkets, or bakeries. The Americans prefer to eat them for breakfast, dinner, or as a light snack. They come in numerous sizes, and are commonly covered with a crumbly, usually cinnamon-based topping. There is also a National Blueberry Muffin Day, celebrated annually on 11 July.

02
Sandwich

Pork Roll

3.6 ·

Although the generically named pork roll is produced by several manufacturers, most New Jerseyans demand John Taylor's original pork roll, which has been produced since 1856. Also known as Taylor Ham, it is a breakfast staple and an ideal hangover remedy, a processed pork product made with a combination of spices, salt, and preservatives that's smoked before it's sold. It can be found at almost every deli or diner in New Jersey in the form of a sandwich filled with sliced and grilled pork roll, eggs, and cheese. Although the sandwich is commonly eaten on a bagel, it can also be served on croissants or English muffins. The pork roll is so popular in New Jersey that a traditional Pork Roll Festival is held annually in its honor.

03
Potato Dish

Disco Fries

3.3 ·

Disco fries is an American side dish consisting of thick cut steak fries that are layered with brown gravy and mozzarella cheese, which can sometimes be replaced with grated American cheese. It is believed that this tasty side dish was inspired by the famous Canadian poutine. Some claim it was invented in the 1970s after a night out in the disco, while others say it only started to appear in the 1990s. Disco fries are still regularly served in New Jersey eateries, and the dish remains popular with tipsy club goers.

04
Pizza

Tomato Pie

3.1 ·

Tomato pie (New Jersey-style) is a thin-crusted dish that inverts the typical pizza's "sauce on the bottom, cheese on top" formula, and it is basically pizza in reverse. Dating back to the 19th century, this dish is derived from Sicilian pizza and is typically found in Sicilian-American communities. The ingredients are mostly the same as for the regular pizza, the only difference being that the cheese in tomato pie is added first, while the tomatoes are added on top. Ideally, the crust should be thick and crispy. Although there are many varieties of tomato pie, pizza joints in Trenton, New Jersey are said to follow the most authentic recipe.

05
Dessert

Candied Apples

3 ·

Glossy, red, and sweet, candied apples, also known as jelly apples, were invented in New Jersey in 1908, when William Kolb, a candy maker from Newark, made a syrup with melted sugar, red coloring agent, and cinnamon flavoring. He dipped some apples into the syrup and placed them on his shop's window display. As the treats were priced at a nickel a piece, they spread to the Jersey Shore and were soon adopted by traveling circuses and numerous candy shops throughout the country. The best candied apples should pair the sweetness of their thin and shiny coating with a tart and crisp varieties of apples such as Gala, Granny Smith or McIntosh. Traditionally speared on wooden sticks, the apples are synonymous with Halloween in the United States, but they have also spread internationally - in China, where candied apples are a popular street food sold by bicycle vendors, and in England, where they are a traditional snack consumed on Guy Fawkes Day. Simple, nutritious, and convenient, the only downside of this delicious dessert is getting the sticky coating off your face.

06
Sandwich type

Fat Sandwich

2.8 ·

A fat sandwich is a submarine-style sandwich variety that is characterized by being overstuffed with calorie-laden, fatty, fried ingredients such as gyro meat, chicken strips, fries, and mozzarella sticks. These supersized sandwiches originated at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, where they were originally served out of so-called Grease Trucks which were lined up on College Avenue, satiating the hunger of numerous students, mostly after a night of heavy drinking. It is believed that the first fat sandwich was invented in 1979 and was called the Fat Cat, consisting of a cheeseburger topped with french fries. Today, there are a number of variations including the Fat Darrell, the Fat Knight, the Fat Elvis, the Fat Lady, and the Fat Romano.

07
Cake

Crumb Cake

n/a ·

New Jersey crumb cake is a decadent, nostalgic bakery classic consisting of two distinct layers: a soft, moist yellow cake base and a generous streusel topping made from butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. It is beloved throughout the Garden State and beyond and known for its thick, buttery crumb topping that often rivals—or even exceeds—the height of the cake itself. The key to its signature character lies in the ratio—a true New Jersey-style crumb cake often has as much crumb as cake, if not more. The topping forms chunky, tender crumbles that are slightly crisp on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth soft inside, creating a delightful contrast with the delicate cake below. This cake traces its roots to German streuselkuchen, brought to the U.S. by immigrants and adapted in American bakeries—especially those across New Jersey and parts of New York. Over time, local bakers perfected the oversized crumb style, turning it into a staple of diners, Jewish and Italian bakeries, delis, and corner stores, often served alongside coffee for breakfast or as an anytime snack. Traditionally, the cake is baked in large sheet pans, cut into squares, and finished with a heavy dusting of powdered sugar. No frosting or glaze is necessary—the richness comes entirely from the buttery crumbs and tender cake. New Jersey crumb cake is hearty, comforting, and deeply nostalgic, often associated with childhood treats, weekend bakery runs, or casual brunch tables. It's a perfect example of how a simple formula—cake plus crumb—can become a cultural icon when executed just right.

08
Hot Dog

Italian Hot Dog

3.2 ·

Italian hot dog was invented in Newark, New Jersey and consists of large loaves of pizza bread (with a hole in the middle) which are quartered, sliced, then filled with deep-fried sausages, onions, peppers, and crispy fried potatoes that are soft in the middle. The tender pizza bread holds all of the ingredients together, soaks up some of the grease, and is typically baked by local Italian bakers, hence the name of this unique hot dog variety.

09
Cheese

Crema de Blue

3.1 ·

Crema de Blue is an American blue cheese made in New Jersey by Valley Shepherd Creamery. The cheese is made from raw Jersey cow's milk. After aging in caves for 65 days, underneath its natural rind the texture becomes creamy and semi-soft, with blue-green veining throughout the body. The flavors are full, spicy, creamy, and tart, with hints of licorice. It's recommended to serve it on a cheeseboard, where it will most likely be the most popular cheese on the plate.

10
Cheese

Havilah

n/a ·

Havilah is an American cheese hailing from New Jersey, where it's produced by Cherry Grove Farm. The cheese is made from raw cow's milk and it's left to age in caves for at least 6 months before consumption. Underneath its ash-coated earthy black rind, the texture is firm, velvety, dense, and flaky. The aromas are slightly pungent, while the flavors are fruity, citrusy, and caramel-like. It's recommended to grate Havilah over pasta dishes.

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About this ranking

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 37 New Jerseyan Foods” list until June 24, 2026, 374 ratings were recorded, of which 338 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

The initial list of top producers was compiled based on available reviews, awards, local recommendations, media and blog coverage, and consumer reviews. The list will be updated with ratings from TasteAtlas local ambassadors and TasteAtlas users.

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