Holiday Gift Guide 2023: Try These Food Products and Businesses Created by Michigan Ross Alumni

To help simplify your holiday shopping, we’ve compiled our yearly list of great products, services, and stores owned or run by Ross School of Business alums — and this year, we have a theme: food and beverage products.

From cheese subscriptions to tasty snacks, better croutons, and even a speakeasy-style cocktail bar inside a bank vault, we hope this list will introduce you to products, services, and businesses that you and your loved ones will continue to enjoy long after the holidays are over.

Season Health

Noah Levin, MBA ’12

Season Health helps you access the food and nutrition support you need to eat well and live well.  Whether you have general health goals or a diet-related chronic condition like diabetes, Season gives you recipes and pre-made meals you will love, one-on-one support from a registered dietitian, online tools to manage your health and nutrition, and fresh food delivered to your home.

Sign up for Season Health by visiting seasonhealth.com/signup, and encourage your loved ones with a diet-related chronic condition to sign up as well.

SHOP SEASON HEALTH

I Love Cheese Subscription Service

Emily Friedberg, MBA ’09

Give the gift of cheese to that curd nerd or foodie in your life! Every month, our passionate cheesemongers hand-pick two to three great cheeses paired with fun condiments and nibbles. We also include introductions to each cheese, recipe cards, pairing suggestions, and more. Our cheese club takes members on a lighthearted exploration of regions around the United States and the world. Dive into new seasonal flavors and classic favorites.

Each month, our cheeses are chosen and cut to order. We ship our cheeses overnight around the United States via UPS or FedEx, wrapped in cheese paper to keep your orders healthy and breathing, and placed in a thermal-lined box.

SHOP I LOVE CHEESE

shelby: An Authentic Detroit Speakeasy

Tarun Kajeepeta, BBA ’10

A James Beard Award semifinalist speakeasy-style craft cocktail bar in downtown Detroit, Mich. Our work began in the spring of 2019 when we stumbled upon a former bank vault built 100 years prior. Sitting vacant for 20 years, the history of the space was palpable, and we felt compelled to restore it to its former glory with a concept to match. We feel the beauty of shelby lies in the pairing of old and new, and you'll see that in everything you experience, from the food and drinks to the artwork, decor, and ambiance.

SHOP SHELBY

Dry Goods Refillery

Daniel Garcia, MBA ’08

Dry Goods Refillery is a revolutionary, plastic-free grocery that ships across the country a carefully curated selection of small-batch, mission-based items for your kitchen, body, and home. From pantry staples to sustainable swaps and delicious treats to baking mixes, grab an assortment of eco-friendly goodness or ship a curated gift box for that special someone this holiday season.

Proud to serve our University of Michigan community. Go Blue!

SHOP DRY GOODS REFILLERY

GOODLES Mac and Cheese

Jennifer Zeszut, MBA ’99

GOODLES is the only mac and cheese to use a noodle that looks, cooks, and tastes just like a normal, delicious noodle, but contains a balanced macronutrient profile of 14g protein, 7g fiber, and 21 vitamins and minerals per serving.

GOODLES is also the only mac and cheese brand that recognizes the power of the little things — the everyday, joyful, weird moments in life that make this world a happier, tastier place. We call these “gooders,” and they are everywhere, made by and enjoyed by all of us. That means GOODLES gives you both the amazing taste you want, the good stuff you’re looking for, and a vibe that just feels right.

Use code “MICHIGANROSS” to save 20% on your first order of mac and cheese at GOODLES.com

SHOP GOODLES

Pipcorn Heirloom Snacks

Teresa Tsou, BBA ’07

Pipcorn Heirloom Snacks is a minority and women-founded “better-for-you” salty snacks brand that’s elevating everyday snacks with its staple ingredient, heirloom corn, to deliver irresistible and great-tasting snacks you can feel good about eating. Pipcorn offers four product lines: cheese balls, twists, crunchies, corn dippers, and of course, mini popcorn. Our family of Pipcorn products includes only 100% real, non-GMO ingredients, and offers less fat and calories than traditional salty snacks.

Use code “PIPROSS20” to save 20% on your first order of Pipcorn Heirloom Snacks.

SHOP PIPCORN HEIRLOOM SNACKS

JohnTom's Barbecue

Terrell Cooper, MBA ’21

John Tom Branson, our grandfather, is the inspiration behind our product. On most summer weekends, you would find John Tom "wood smoking" meat and selling barbecue dinners to loyal neighborhood customers. The locals felt his presence, but it was his secret sauce that made him a barbecue legend. John Tom's eldest grandson was usually right by his side, helping prepare each batch.

JohnTom's Barbecue was established in 2006 after years of trying to recreate a secret family recipe. Bottled in Indianapolis, the company now sells four flavors: Original, Hoosier Heat, Peppered Gold, and Sneaky Hot.

Use code “GOBLUE” at checkout for 25% off select products.

SHOP JOHNTOM'S BARBECUE

Kooshy Croutons

Jon and Matt Wachsman, BBA ’00 & BBA ’14

We're two brothers obsessed with bread. While other kids screamed for ice cream, we begged for a beautiful, crusty sourdough loaf (thanks, Mom). Now we bring that same excitement to every bag of Kooshy Croutons.

We love croutons but couldn't find one on the shelf that looked like it wasn't made in 1985. So, we decided to change that. We start with the highest quality, non-GMO ingredients like organic flour to make a delicious loaf of real sourdough bread. It then gets cut, seasoned, and baked again for that perfect crouton crunch. Say goodbye to boring, enriched white flour croutons. Plus, three of our four flavors are vegan and dairy-free, so everyone can join the party.

Looking for creative recipes for your holiday gatherings, we've got you covered! Visit https://kooshy.com/blogs/recipes for crouton-based stuffing, salad, pasta, and more.

SHOP KOOSHY CROUTONS

BUBBL'R

Brandon Muhl, BBA '04

BUBBL’R is an antioxidant sparkling water that features natural flavors and colors, no artificial sweeteners, and naturally sourced caffeine. BUBBL'R is also gluten-free, soy-free, and vegan.

Visit https://www.drinkbubblr.com/snackr/ for creative recipes to spice up your holiday meals using BUBBL'R, from buffalo chicken dip to holiday pinwheel cookies.

SHOP BUBBL'R