8 Must-Try DC Emerging Brands

Avocado Gelato, Frozen Donuts, Vegan Snacks, Edible Cookie Dough, and so much more. Want to shop #MadeinDC? Check these entrepreneurs from Union Kitchen out. 

Frodoh Desserts

Three University of Maryland students created Frodoh, a frozen donut hole business. Simon Amato, Founder of Frodoh, pitched the idea in his entrepreneurship class after chowing down on a frozen donut on vacation. Since then, they have created #DamnDeliciousDonutsDoneDifferently with multiple delicious flavors, including Matcha, Cookies N' Cream, Banana Nut, Blueberry, and S'mores. Bring Frodoh to your next event! For more info, go to their website here and follow their Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook! 

RIPE

 Avocado-based. Vegan. Gluten-free. Refined-sugar free. Additive-free. Soy free. Nut free. Dairy free. Packed with Superfoods. RIPE's Avocado Gelato is the next big thing that all foodies must try. Made with organic Avocados, raw Maple Syrup, raw Cacao, Fava Bean protein, Himalayan Salt, Ginger, Turmeric, and Tara Gum. Each pint of creamy Avocado Gelato is packed with 17 grams of high-quality plant-based protein and is 360 calories. Definitely try the chocolate! For more information go to their website here and follow them on Instagram. 

Broodjes and Bier 

The CEO and Founder, Frim, created a modern Dutch-inspired prepared foods company four years ago and today has launched in multiple well-known coffee shops in the D.C. area. You've probably seen her premium sandwiches and unique breakfast bowls at Compass Coffee or Peet's. If you're a student, you may have noticed her brand at your campus cafe. Broodjes is on a mission to create grab-n-go food that actually tastes good, using fresh and local ingredients that have never been frozen. Currently, they serve five different sandwiches, five different bowls, and two snack boxes, but are constantly creating new items and adding seasonal flavors. Already hungry for lunch? You can find out where they are sold here. Follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook! 

The Cookie Jar

Edible Cookie Dough. Do I have to say more?! This cookie dough is egg free--which means you eat it raw! The Founder and Missouri-Native, Lindsey Larner, left her marketing job and created this delicious cookie dough business. Her signature flavors include Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Sugar Cookie Funfetti, Oatmeal Raisin, Double Chocolate MandM, and Snickerdoodle. If you are vegan or dairy free, she also has a Vegan Chocolate Chip! Her dough can be purchased in Admo, but if you aren't in the D.C. area you are in luck because she offers nationwide shipping! To find out where else you can get her cookie dough in the DMV area, go here and follow her on Instagram and Twitter! 

Revol Snax

These two entrepreneurs created dessert snack bites that are 100% plant-based. No sugar, grain free, dairy free, gluten free, and low carb. They created dessert without the guilt with delicious flavors including Double Dark Chocolate, Matcha Latte, Snickerdoodle, and Dark Chocolate Almond Butter. They haven't launched into stores yet, but keep up-to-date on their website and follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook! 

Vegetable and Butcher 

This meal subscription business began with a Vegan and a Paleo-dieter falling in love. Vegetable and Butcher delivers fresh ready-to-eat meals so you don't have to shop, prepare, cook, or clean! Their meals are primarily plant-based and loaded with vitamins, nutrients, and minerals. They provide a weekly subscription with unique breakfast, lunch, and dinner options and also have a 30-day wellness program. To sign up, go to their website, and follow them on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest! Enter code V+BLIFE at checkout to receive 15% off your first order.

Au'some Foods

Almond butter made with liquid gold? I think yes. This business created creamy Almond Butter with argan oil, the most nutritious and sought after oil in the world. Like a lot of these other products, Au'some Foods is vegan and gluten-free, using organic natural sweeteners and made in the USA. Buy their product on their website with the code "ARGAN" and get 10% off your purchase. You can find them on Amazon and follow their social accounts on Instagram and Facebook. 

Sip City 

Two D.C. young professionals created a healthy beverage that contains no preservatives or concentrates that's perfect for after working out or mixed into a cocktail. The Switchel beverage is created with fresh citrus, ginger, apple cider vinegar, and honey, which helps to keep your body feeling good while drinking delicious flavors! Founders Josie and Nikki launched with Union Kitchen and can now be found in local markets around D.C. For more information, go to their website here and follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. 

Union Kitchen is home to dozens of new food businesses and incredible entrepreneurs that are changing the way we see and enjoy food. Visit Union Kitchen's website to learn more!