As a New Jersey food writer, I might be biased when it comes to praising Jersey fare, but the culinary influence that this tiny state has across the country is impossible to ignore. Dozens of famous food brands originate right here in New Jersey, or have a unique connection to the Garden State.
New Jersey’s geographical position—sandwiched between two major cities, New York City and Philadelphia—has made it a prime location for food manufacturing throughout the last century. From milk’s favorite cookie, to 99-cent iced tea cans—colorful chocolate candies, to a breakfast meat civil war, there’s a fair share of food and beverage heavy hitters right here in Jersey.
Here are 12 of the most popular foods that can be traced back, in some way, to the state we call home.
Campbell’s Soup
Started in 1869, this Camden-based brand got its start producing canned vegetables, tomatoes, jellies, meats, and more. Today, Campbell’s is known for its canned soups, which come in iconic red-and-white packaging. The company is still headquartered in Camden today.
Ellio’s Pizza
Greek immigrants Elias Betzios, George Liolis, and Manny Tzelios founded Ellio’s Pizza in 1963 during the boom of the frozen pizza market. The signature nine-slice box of square pizzas became a popular household item for a quick meal. Today, Ellio’s is made in Lodi, New Jersey, and it remains one of the most beloved frozen pizzas on the market.
Thomas’ English Muffins
That’s right. The breakfast bread famous for its nooks and crannies was produced right here in Totowa, NJ, until the late 1990s. Although production has since moved out of state, Thomas’ English Muffins remain immensely popular within New Jersey as a source of regional pride. You’ll find the NJ staple at diners, the home kitchen table, and beyond.
Tootsie Rolls
It’s no secret that salt water taffy is a New Jersey original—specifically, an Atlantic City original—but did you know the chocolatey taffy candy, Tootsie Rolls, have a distinct Jersey connection, too? The brand originated in Chicago, but began mass production out of Hoboken in the 1930s.
M&Ms
M&Ms first hit the market in Newark in 1941, but later moved to a larger factory in Hackettstown, where approximately half of the confection’s production is still carried out today. The candy was first popularized as a chocolate alternative that won’t melt, thanks to its colorful candy shell. This helped the brand roll out an easy marketing campaign: “the milk chocolate that melts in your mouth, not in your hand.”
Arizona Tea
Despite its name, Arizona Iced Tea actually started in the New York City Metro. The 99-cent iced tea cans have been a popular beverage choice at New Jersey delis, bagel shops, and more since the 1990s. In 2024, the New Jersey connection became even more prominent when Arizona Beverage Co. opened ArizonaLand in Woodbridge Township, NJ, which offers visitors guided tours of the facility.
Hostess/Twinkies
John Schmaltz, a German immigrant, started Schmaltz Bakery in 1865 in Hoboken. Eventually, the bakery was acquired by NYC brand Continental Baking Company, who moved production of Twinkies, Hostess Cakes, Wonder Bread, and other regional favorites to Hoboken.
Manischewitz
Perhaps the most famous brand of mass-produced Kosher products in the country, Manischewitz began in Cincinnati, but eventually moved part of its production to New Jersey because of the large Jewish community within the Tri-State Area. Manischewitz revolutionized Kosher matzo by inventing a way to produce it at a mass scale. The brand’s largest plant, and corporate headquarters, was located in Newark from 2006 until 2017.
Oreos
The first Oreo cookie was produced in a factory located at the present-day Chelsea Market in Manhattan. However, the cookie’s first sale was made to a grocer in Hoboken. Homages to “milk’s favorite cookie” exist throughout the city today, including the area of 9th Ave between 15th and 16th Streets, which is fittingly called “Oreo Way.”
Joe Tea
Arizona isn’t the only iced tea brand with a New Jersey connection. Joe Tea was started in Montclair in 1998 as a locally bottled, all-natural iced tea. By the 2000s, the brand expanded its reach to the entire NYC metropolitan area, then nationwide, began selling potato chips, and by 2012, Joe Tea was available in several countries. New Jersey residents can still order old-school, home delivery—keeping the local lore alive and well.
Mallomars
This seasonal—and regional—cookie was first sold to a West Hoboken (present-day Union City) grocer in 1913. The cookie was produced by NABISCO in Hoboken and then East Hanover for decades. Today, Mallomars are produced in Toronto, but remain a regional treat right here in New Jersey.
Goya
Founded by husband-wife duo Prudencio Unanue Ortiz and Carolina Casal de Valde in New York City, Goya has long been known for the production and distribution of food products from various cuisines, including Puerto Rico, Cuba, Caribbean, Spanish, and more. For decades, Goya has been headquartered in New Jersey. Take a train into Secaucus Junction, and you just might catch a glimpse of the Goya name,
Taylor Provisions
You knew this was coming. Inventors of the Jersey-famous breakfast meat, Taylor Provisions was started by John Taylor, who unveiled his recipe for a spiced, pork-based breakfast meat in 1856. Its tangy, salty, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor profile is one of regional fame. So, is it Taylor Ham, or is it Pork Roll? The jury is still out on that one.
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
