These 9 Iconic Products Define North Carolina More Than Anything Else
North Carolinians are devoted individuals whose strength is backed by strong brand loyalty. But beyond that, we just have great taste! The following nine products are highly consumed by those living in North Carolina – and with good reason. Eight of them were born here in the Tar Heel State, and the ninth product… well, it’s just special. Take a look. How many of these have you consumed lately?
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Created in 1917 in Salisbury, North Carolina, Cheerwine is as much a North Carolina staple is as the air that we breathe.
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Founded in Charlotte in 1977, Bojangles was a hit from day one. Within a year, the fast food restaurant had begun franchising.
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Krispy Kreme rose from a small side-door operation in Winston-Salem that began in 1937, to a national glazed sensation within a matter of years.
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First manufactured in 1905 in Selma, the topical ointment was begun by the Richardson-Vicks company.
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One of the best selling hot sauces in America was born right here in the Tar Heel State at a bar-b-que stand in Winston-Salem.
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It was introduced by a pharmacist in New Bern in 1893 as Brad's Drink. By 1898, it had become so popular, large scale production was begun and the name changed to Pepsi-Cola.
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Although the Goodys company was sold in 2012 to Prestige Brands, this powder-based headache and pain reliever was invented and first manufactured in 1932 in Winston-Salem.
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Mt. Olive Pickles was a bit of an accidental company. Originally, the company's mission was to package cucumbers for other companies to pickle, but the model was soon overturned in favor of taking on the whole process of making pickles, from start to finish. The company was founded in 1926 in Mt. Olive, North Carolina, where it remains to this day.
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It goes perfect with grits and eggs, or pan fried and on a sandwich at lunch. Liver mush is predominantly found in Western North Carolina, but is also quite common in the central part of the state.
Know of another product born in the Carolinas? Post it in the comments!
And for more North Carolina state pride, read: 11 Crazy Traditions You’ll Only Get If You’re From North Carolina.
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