Regional snacks for gifts?

Question

I will be in DC next month.  Whenever I travel, I try to bring back some regional favorite snacks or candies as souvenirs for my friends and for stocking stuffers at Christmas.  What non-perishable snack or candy goodies should I seek out in DC?  Last year I found potato chips flavored with Old Bay seasoning which were a huge hit.  Other suggestions?  Thanks in advance!

Answer

Since OP stated regional, not just DC, I'll throw out the obvious of VA peanuts (you can get them flavored with Old Bay but why? ;-)) Also, there are "made in DC" toasted chickpeas that I picked up at Whole Foods recently. I'm not saying they're traditional to the area but they are made here and tasty and come in small snack-size packets. I don't know about DC proper, but here in northern VA, I find local wine stores often carry locally made snack products, including chocolates.

Answer

Virginia peanuts!

Answer

Berger cookies. Hard Times Chili Mix (highly recommend).

Answer

DC? Pork.

Answer

I don't think that Green Hat gin does mini bottles - but if there's room for larger/pricier food gifts, that would be my recommendation.

Answer

Yuengling Beer

Answer

Wye River crab seasoned popcorn (also crab. cheese and caramel combo) Otterbein's sugar cookies Goetze's caramel creams and cow tales (yes, it's spelled tales)

Answer

I always buy my travel gifts for people from local grocery stores. The items are cheaper than the tourist traps and you can find some really terrific things to bring home if you invest the time twisting boxes around to read the label and see where the things are from. There is a Whole Foods up on P (I think) that has a really solid selection of DC, MD, and VA products (all mixed in with the other stuff but you'll know what is from there because you won't recognize the label or the brand!) I live in Hawaii so I can't bring anything that needs to be coddled. I've brought back seasoned chicken breading, sweet potato pancake mix, peanuts, local roast coffees, chocolates and candies. Have fun!

Answer

Our local Harris-Teeter has a nice rack by the front door of locally made products -- barbecue sauces, hot sauces, chips, etc. You should be able to find some good stuff right in the grocery store. Depending on your giftees' tastes, Virginia wine and/or hard cider might be very much appreciated.

Answer

if liquor is in the mix, Sloop Betty vodka is distilled in maryland and uses maryland ingredients. it won the gold best in show vodka at the 2012 New York World Wine and Spirits Competition and was awarded 94 points by the tasting panel magazine. and, if it matters, it's certified kosher. and a honey-flavored version has recently been released. i haven't tried the honey version, yet, but i have enjoyed the straight vodka. http://www.sloopbetty.com/

Answer

Can of Old Bay seasoning.

Answer

Thank you everyone! These suggestions are amazing! Now I have a huge selection to choose from, there is something for each person on my list, and for me too. :-)

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Regional snacks for gifts?

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