7 Midwest-Made Products to Bring to Your Next Tailgate

Who’s ready for football season?

Whether you’re gearing up for high school, college or pro sports, now’s the time to get your tailgate toolkit in order. We’re here to make sure your next game day gathering is a major success – and help you earn some respect from competing party hosts and your guests. Best of all, our recommended tailgate products are all made in the Midwest. (As our customers know, we love to support local brands!)

As you prep for the upcoming season, check out our roundup of winning foods and drinks for the ultimate tailgate.

1&2. Barrio Mild Salsa Roja and Queso Blanco

Voted as one of the top 10 taco stands in the United States, Barrio is known for some seriously delicious tacos, drinks and snacks. The brand’s fresh, innovative ingredients and recipes are unrivaled by bigger box brands.

If chips or tacos are on your tailgate menu, make sure to serve up some Barrio Salsa and Queso Blanco. Sure to “wow” your guests, these dips are the exact same as what you’d expect to taste at the fan-favorite Barrio restaurants, which now span six states across the U.S. They are made with premium ingredients and put unhealthy things like gluten, added sugars and artificial flavors on the sidelines. Find the Salsa in the Grocery Aisles and the Queso in the Deli Department.

3. Donkey Chips

No tailgate is complete without some crunchy tortilla chips. Family-owned-and-operated Donkey Chips bring you perfectly hand-made and seasoned chips that can be enjoyed alone or with your favorite dips and salsas. The salted or unsalted varieties combine all-natural ingredients with the finest stone ground white corn for a truly authentic taste.

You’re sure to spot these chips on our shelves, especially with the donkey mascot smiling right at you from the brand’s bright-colored bags. Located in the Chip Aisle.

4. Heinen’s and Great Lakes Brewing Co. Dortmunder Beer Brats

Everyone loves sipping on an ice-cold Great Lakes Brewing Company beer on game day, but have you tried their new brats available exclusively at Heinen’s?

Made with Great Lakes Dortmunder beer produced in Cleveland, Ohio and Heinen’s all-natural, CARE-certified pork, these brats make filling tailgating dish. Not only are they an instant crowd pleaser, but they contain premium quality, authentic flavor that can’t be beat. Throw these brats on the grill to score major points with fellow tailgaters. Located in the Meat Department.

5. Orlando Brat Rolls

We love brands with strong family history and rich traditions like Orlando Baking Company.

Known for serving up the world’s finest breads and rolls, the original bakery stems from Italy but relocated to the east side of Cleveland back in the early 1900s. After five generations in business, they continue to serve amazing products, especially their brat rolls, which perfectly pair with our Dortmunder Beer Brats, as well as other brats and hot dogs in our Meat Department. Trust us when we say, you can’t go wrong with these on your tailgate table. Located in the Bread Aisle.

6. Heinen’s Marinated Chicken Wings

If you’re a seasoned tailgater, you know you need some “finger lickin’” chicken wings.
Made from Gerber’s CARE Certified chicken (an Ohio-based company), Heinen’s Marinated Chicken Wings come in three delicious flavors: blackened, garlic pepper and, of course, buffalo. Instead of spending time and money prepping your own wings, these fresh wings come ready to heat, eat and enjoy. Located in the Meat Department.

7. Pope’s Ready-to-Drink Cocktails

Cheers to fun, spirited and easy-to-create cocktails for game day!

Whether you’re tailgating from home or the stadium parking lot, you can toast to your team with Pope’s Ready-to-Drink Cocktails, created by a Cleveland entrepreneur. They come pre-mixed with liquor and are packaged in easy-to-transport pouches. There’s no fuss, no mess, no clean-up – just delicious cocktail fun for a big W-I-N! Located in the Wine and beer Department.

Available in Mojito, Blueberry Lemonade Vodka and Whiskey Smash.