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Shop Iowa…A Quick List of ‘Made In Iowa’ Stuff

By Tim Martin Jan 21, 2021 | 12:23 PM

Shop local!

Before you make your next Amazon order, ask yourself…what can I buy that is made right here in my home state? I mean, the internet has brought nearly EVERYTHING to our doorsteps from anywhere around the world. However there is a certain pride you when you look at the thing you bought and see ‘Made in Iowa.’

Supporting local job, business’, and Iowa families.

Obviously not everything is made in our state, but some of those things? It’s worth maybe spending the extra bucks on.

I love Blue Bunny…they have some of the best ice creams. It’s easy to scoop, comes in a recyclable plastic tub, and when you go through the ice creams isle…you can SEE what you’re buying! Birthday Party is best…and they’re cute as hell Blue Bunny mascot is fun to see on the side of a ice cream semi on the highway. Lastly, their ‘Load’d Sundae’s’….mother of god those are good.

  • Maytag & Amana Appliances (Amana)

When I was buying a washer and dryer for my new house, you can get tossed a TON of different options. Samsung, LG, etc….those are fine…but I knew when I was searching for a pair, I wanted something made in Iowa, made with quality, and that’s exactly what I got. I’d rather buy something from a company that specializes in Washers and Dryers, than a company that also makes TV’s and cell phones originally.

Dude these knives are rad as hell…I was gifted their Tomato Knife and that thing is freakin’ amazing. I have knife block I got for a wedding present years ago, but I ALWAYS seek out my Rada Tomato knife cause it cuts like butter. I’m not being paid for endorsing them or whatever, but before you blast $300 on some Bed Bath and Beyond block, shop this place first…their prices are extremely reasonable.

I love a good potato chip, but I honestly have yet to have these! I’d write more but you probably have a better opinion about them than I do. Go out and try some local chips.

Looking to get some new windows? Get yourself Pellas, made right in Pella, IA! It’s pretty difficult to drive down the road and see a house remodel being done without the big yellow dot in the windows. My house does have newer windows, however I have no idea what brand they are…hopefully Pella.

  • Coffee shops like Sidecar Coffee (Waterloo) or Roasters (Hiawatha)

I highlight these two because they’re the most frequented for me, but seriously….support a local coffee shop. 9 outta 10 times you’re getting WAY better quality coffee, supporting local jobs, and everything they do is home roasted and home made, sometimes RIGHT in the shop. You think Starbucks cooks that food fresh in store? Probably not…it’s frozen then heated up. Also most of the coffee shops buy Iowan produced products like cream & milk…Sidecar Coffee for example? Uses Hansen’s Dairy, which is produced Hudson, IA….that’s DOUBLE the Iowa support in a single cup of coffee.

There are PLENTY of great products made right here in our home state! All it takes a little research…and yes, is it easy to just go to go and buy the same ol’ thing?…well yea…but maybe instead of buying the same old Starbucks coffee every morning, find a local coffee shop that roasts their own beans right here…you may find a new favorite.