Chill Pop’s fruit pops Co-owners Elizabeth and Maggie Pryor don’t beat around the stick. They use all-natural ingredients to create sweet and refreshing frozen treats ($6 for four) with unique flavors such as coco mocha fudge, avocado mint chip and sea salt strawberry cream. “Everything is primarily made with the fruit, so it’s a thicker texture and more like a smoothie,” says Elizabeth. 3615 Superior Ave., Cleveland, 216-438-3334, chillpopshop.com
Le Cracker’s Sourdough Crackers
Using locally sourced grains and a minimalist approach to cooking, owner Kari Moore crafts the simplest combination of salt, olive oil, water and her own house-made sourdough to create the perfect crisp canvas for any charcuterie board or veggie platter. Pair the snack ($8) with options ranging from sliced cheese and apples to peanut butter and honey. “Honestly, I haven’t had anything I don’t like on a cracker,” says Moore. 216-225-6311, lecracker.com
Nosh Butters’ Almond Butter
Nosh Butters are the perfect supplement for when your oatmeal, smoothie or cookie recipe is feeling a little bland. Versatility is what co-owners Sam and Lauren Trohman had in mind when they created a variety of nut butters ($6), including their original pistachio almond butter. “Our butters are a really good way to get healthy protein, healthy fats, and they’re also super versatile,” says Sam. 773-710-0668, noshbutters.com
Pope’s Black Bean and Corn Salsa
This simple combination of corn, black beans and a handful of spices such as garlic, cumin and salt came from owner Clark Pope’s philosophy that the kitchen is your playground. His salsa makes a perfect spicy spread for late-night nachos, early-morning omelettes or workday recess. “We’re not using excessive chemicals, we’re not using flavoring agents, we don’t use concentrate,” says Pope. “That’s not how people cook.” Merchant’s Mrkt, 25001 Cedar Road, Lyndhurst, popeskitchen.com
Saucisson’s Beef Jerky
Co-owners Melissa Khoury and Penny Barend began Saucisson with a simple mission: Make beef jerky ($6) with an authentic taste. Using natural ingredients such as ginger, garlic, crushed red pepper and a touch of habanero, this no-nonsense recipe makes for a quick snack and even better beer pairing. “We joke that we cook and butcher like grandmas,” says Barend. “We try to just keep it really simple.” 5324 Fleet Ave., Cleveland, 216-303-9067, saucissoncleveland.com
