Best Local Artisan Food Products In LA

Before the mass production and mechanization of processing food, most things people owned and consumed were made by hand. It was a simpler time where quality trumped quantity. Today, there is a renewed interest in the kind of care that can only be produced in small batches. More people are learning about the importance of food that is sustainable and made with healthy, local ingredients and events such as Artisanal LA has largely influenced the LA movement. In addition, emerging home delivery services like Good Eggs LA is making it even easier to make healthy choices and support local. We've rounded up a few LA favorites that are contributing to a better future for our food.

Almond Milk LA
Farmshop
225 26th Street, Ste 25
Santa Monica, CA 90402
(310) 566-2400
www.almondmilkla.com

Arguably the most delicious and nutritious in town, Almond Milk LA makes raw, organic, non-GMO almond milk housed in reusable glass bottles. This nutritious goodness contains no preservatives or additives and is made with almonds from Yemetz Family Farms, a local organic farm that has produced raw, unpasteurized organic almonds for over three decades. The honey and cacao flavors are heaven sent. Visit www.almondmilkla.com for additional retail locations in LA or to order online.

Lindy & Grundy
801 North Fairfax Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 951-0804
www.lindyandgrundy.com

This sustainable butcher shop is a meat lovers utopia and one of the few spots in LA showcasing the art of old world butchering techniques. They are big believers in supporting small family farms and utilizing whole animals that they hand butcher at the shop. Elbow grease and care is evident in the meat displayed in the shops cases; nothing but locally sourced and responsibly raised beef, pork, chicken, and lamb that is free of antibiotics or hormones. It's truly a thing of beauty. Lindy & Grundy also offer delivery west of the shop to Malibu and down to the South Bay. Call the shop to inquire on service to your area.

The Humble Cup by Baristamia
Available at TAZA: A Social Coffee House
11 W. Huntington Drive
Arcadia, CA. 91007
(626) 538-2233
www.thehumblecup.com

This delightful invention erases the negative connation associated with "instant coffee" and enables access to quality caffeine wherever life may take you. It was made in LA by barista Leon Li, who, in partnership with local coffee roasters, actualized a stroke of genius. The result is a brilliant single serving of roasted ground coffee in a delivery system made with 100% biodegradable materials. To use, simply open the packet, tear the top off the filter, and attach the "arms" to a cup. Add hot water and voila, a gourmet quality pour-over for one is served. Thanks to these guys, you'll never have to settle for bad airplane coffee again. The Humble Cup is available for purchase in five and 12 packs.

Meiji Tofu
16440 S. Western Ave
Gardena, CA 90247
(310) 538-0403
www.meijitofu.com

Every morning for well over 30 years, non-GMO tofu is handmade fresh in this quaint tofu factory, offering what is regarded as the best soybean goodness in America. Their tofu products are full of taste, nutrition, and texture that puts store bought brands to shame. They offer less than 10 varieties, with the basket of Zaru Tofu and Supreme Soft Tofu being crowd favorites. Come take a bite out of one of these soybean clouds and taste the difference that fresh makes. If you can't make it to the shop, visit their website for other retail locations in the city that carry their products.

ChocoVivo
12469 W. Washington Blvd.
Culver City, CA. 90066
(310) 845-6259
www.chocovivo.com

Experience chocolate the way the Aztecs and Mayans did; stone ground with a mano and metate using whole cacao nibs and whole spices. You'll only find dark chocolate here, sans milk powder, soy lecithin or additional cacao butter. The result is chocolate that is simple, pure, and exponentially delicious.

Paragon Jams
www.paragonjams.com

Paragon Jams is a cottage food operation that makes unique small-batch jams in a home kitchen located in Culver City. Organic and local is the name of the game here, resulting in clean and interesting flavor combinations that pair well with all food of all types.

Take the Pear Tarragon Jam for example. It combines organic D'Anjou pears, organic tarragon sprigs that creates a subtle anise depth to the jam that is fantastic on pastry, cheese, pork, and as a marinade for fish. Include a few different flavors of these jams to wake up your next meal.

Kombucha Dog
Available at Locali
5825 Franklin Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(213) 614-9900
www.kombuchadog.com

Charged with a mission to make the best Kombucha available whilst finding homes for homeless dogs, Kombucha Dog was born. The first thing you'll notice is the artfully shot photographs of beautiful canines featured on the label of every bottle. They're not just for show, these are actual LA based rescue dogs in need of adoption (so far, their website reports 20 of the 29 dogs featured have found homes).

And what about the inside of the bottle? It's filled with nothing but raw, undiluted, additive-free fermented tea that is made with organic ingredients. This is full-strength kombucha with quality you can taste and feel, resulting in a naturally carbonated drink that is chock full of antioxidants and probiotics. For additional LA locations and to learn more about the dogs up for adoption, visit their website.

Z Confections
Joan's On Third
8350 West 3rd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 219-5090
www.zconfections.com

There aren't many things that compare to family recipes that are passed on from generation to generation. Especially when they come with a label warning you of their highly addictive nature. Case in point: Z Confections Salted Caramel Corn. These kernels are coated thick with flavor for a delicious taste. They are offered in a variety of signature and seasonal flavors, such as Orange Cardamom and Pumpkin Spice. Be sure to check out their website for additional LA locations or to purchase online.

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Joy Bitonio has the phrase "Joie de Vivre" tattooed on her shoulder, a reminder to enjoy life every single day. She has a voracious appetite for fun, adventure, food, good cocktails and works out like a madwoman to keep it all together. Check out her other articles on CBS L.A. She also covers fitness on Examiner. Follow her on Twitter.