10 Michigan Snacks That Bring Back Every Local’s Childhood Memories
Growing up in Michigan meant more than just lakes and cold winters. It meant snacking on treats that felt like home, no matter where you went.
I want to share the foods that made every Michigan kid smile, the ones that still make us nostalgic today.
1. Better Made Potato Chips
Nothing beats ripping open that red bag after school and hearing that satisfying crunch. Better Made chips have been a Detroit staple since 1930, and every Michigan kid knows the taste.
I remember trading sandwiches just to get a handful from a friend’s lunch. The salty, crispy perfection never gets old, and the rainbow chip flavor remains a local legend that outsiders just don’t understand.
2. Faygo Pop
Every corner store in Michigan stocked these brightly colored bottles, and picking your flavor felt like the biggest decision of the day. Rock & Rye and Redpop were my go-to choices that I’d sip slowly to make them last.
Faygo has been bottled in Detroit since 1907, making it older than most of our grandparents. The affordability meant I could grab one with my allowance and still have change left over for candy.
3. Sanders Hot Fudge
Sunday nights meant ice cream sundaes, and Sanders hot fudge turned ordinary vanilla into pure magic. The thick, rich chocolate would harden slightly on cold ice cream, creating that perfect shell we all loved.
Fred Sanders opened his first store in Detroit back in 1875. I still keep a jar in my pantry because some childhood traditions deserve to continue into adulthood, no matter how old you get.
4. Koegel’s Hot Dogs
Summer cookouts weren’t complete without these snappy franks sizzling on the grill. That natural casing snap when you bite into one is something I can still hear in my memory, even years later.
Koegel’s has been making hot dogs in Flint since 1916, perfecting the recipe through generations. I watched my dad grill dozens of these at every family gathering, and now I do the same for my own kids.
5. Buddy’s Detroit-Style Pizza
Square slices with cheese baked right to the edges created that crispy, caramelized crust I craved constantly. Buddy’s invented Detroit-style pizza in 1946, and every birthday party I attended served these rectangular beauties.
The thick, airy dough and the way the sauce went on top made it different from any other pizza. I’d always fight my siblings for the corner pieces because those edges were pure golden perfection.
6. Jiffy Mix
Baking with Mom meant reaching for those little blue and white boxes from Chelsea, Michigan. Jiffy mixes have been around since 1930, making homemade treats easy for busy families like ours.
I learned to bake using these simple instructions, and the smell of corn muffins in the oven still brings me back to Saturday mornings. The affordable price meant we could bake often without breaking the family budget.
7. Zingerman’s Brownies
Ann Arbor’s famous deli created brownies so rich and fudgy that they felt like a special occasion treat. My parents would bring them home after trips to the deli, and I’d savor every chocolatey bite slowly.
Founded in 1982, Zingerman’s became a Michigan institution quickly. These weren’t your average brownies; they were dense, intensely chocolate, and had a shiny top that crackled perfectly when you cut into them with a knife.
8. McClure’s Pickles
Detroit’s McClure family started selling their spicy, garlicky pickles at Eastern Market in 2006, and they quickly became legendary. I’d crunch through an entire jar during summer, loving the vinegary kick and the satisfying snap of each bite.
The brine was so good that I’d drink it straight from the jar when no one was looking. These pickles had more flavor than any store brand, making every sandwich infinitely better with just one slice.
9. Germack Pistachio Company Nuts
Eastern Market trips meant stopping at Germack for fresh roasted nuts that filled the air with amazing aromas. Founded in 1924, this Detroit institution sold pistachios, cashews, and peanuts by the pound in paper bags.
I’d snack on warm, salty pistachios the entire car ride home, my fingers stained red from the shells. The quality and freshness made these nuts taste completely different from anything in grocery stores across the state.
10. Hudsonville Ice Cream
West Michigan’s favorite ice cream brand has been churning out creamy flavors since 1895. My freezer always had at least one carton, and I loved trying their seasonal flavors that changed throughout the year.
The rich, dense texture made it taste homemade, and flavors like Mackinac Island Fudge connected perfectly to other Michigan treats. Every spoonful reminded me why supporting local dairies mattered to our community and tasted better too.
