Take your taste buds on a tour of the valley, where local chefs, brewers, and makers turn everyday ingredients into extraordinary bites and sips. From handcrafted cheeses and bold salsas to small-batch vodkas, inventive wines, and inventive craft beers, the flavors here are as creative and surprising as the people behind them. Discover Eau Claire's homegrown food and drink creations below!
Disclaimer: You won’t spot every one of these products on national shelves, and that’s kind of the point. Eau Claire keeps the good stuff close to home. Keep scrolling to see select products' retail locations!
Photo: Silver Spring Foods
Silver Spring Foods
Eau Claire has been spicing up the condiments aisle since 1929, thanks to Silver Spring Foods. Famous for their horseradish, mustards, and sauces, this family-owned company packs bold flavor into every jar. From the classic horseradish that wakes up your sandwich to award-winning mustards like Beer ’n Brat, their products bring a taste of Eau Claire to tables nationwide. Or while you're in Eau Claire, get a taste of these mustards and other condiments on brats and hot dogs at Eau Claire Express games. Locally grown, sustainably farmed, and full of personality, Silver Spring Foods proudly takes the title of #1 Largest Grower and Processor of Horseradish in the world.
Shop for Silver Spring Products at Walmart, Instacart, and more. Learn about where to find products here.
Chip Magnet
Once you’ve tried Chip Magnet Salsa, your chips won’t know what hit them, because these jars are literal chip magnets! Born in a home kitchen in 2011, this Eau Claire favorite has grown into a local legend, handcrafting salsas and relishes that pull you back for one more bite. From tangy Cilantro Lime to the wildly fun Hot Mess, every flavor is packed with fresh, bold, and addictive ingredients. Non-GMO and locally inspired, each jar is ready to make your chips, tacos, and snacks impossible to resist.
Shop for Chip Magnet salsas at Walmart, Amazon, Woodman's Markets, Whole Foods Markets, and more.
Photo: Rump's Butcher Shoppe
Water Street Deli
What began as a cozy eatery in 2009 on Eau Claire’s historic Water Street has evolved into a local legend. Water Street Mediterranean Deli Foods now crafts some of the most crave-worthy pita chips and hummus in the Midwest, all made with a secret Middle Eastern family recipe passed down through generations.
Their pita chips, available in Original and Garlic Salt, are golden, crispy, and perfect for dipping. The hummus lineup is equally impressive, featuring flavors like Roasted Red Pepper, Spicy, Greek Olive, Pine Nut, Avocado, and the new Royal Hummus. Each batch is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, ensuring a taste that’s both authentic and unforgettable.
While the original deli closed its doors in 2017, the spirit of Water Street Deli lives on through their products, which are now available in grocery and health food stores across the Midwest.
Shop for Water Street Deli products at Festival Foods, Woodman's Markets, Kowalski's Markets, Jerry's Foods, Kwik Trip, Hy-Vee, Piggly Wiggly, Sendik's Food Market, Cub Foods, Super One Foods, and many more.
Rump's Butcher Shoppe
Rump’s Butcher Shoppe in Altoona is where meat lovers come to get serious about flavor. From perfectly marbled steaks to house-made sausages and specialty cuts, every item is carefully sourced and packed with local pride. The staff knows their craft and loves sharing tips, pairing suggestions, or even a tasting sample or two. Stop in, stock up, and see why Rump’s is the spot locals trust to turn any meal into a truly memorable feast.
Photo: House of Gouda
House of Gouda
At House of Gouda, it’s all about celebrating Wisconsin’s most iconic treasure: cheese. And not just any cheese — we’re talking award-winning Marieke Gouda, made in Thorp, Wisconsin. This stuff is the real deal: crafted by Dutch cheesemaker Marieke Penterman using fresh, farmstead milk and a whole lot of passion. Step inside House of Gouda and you’ll find rows of creamy, dreamy goudas in every flavor imaginable, from classic and aged to smoky, spicy, and downright irresistible. You can sample before you buy, snag a custom charcuterie board for your next get-together, or just build your own snack stash that would make any Wisconsinite proud.
Shop for Marieke Gouda products at Sprouts Farmers Markets, Tom Thumb Food Stores, Whole Foods, Festival Foods, Hy-Vee, and many more.
Farmers Markets
If you want to taste Eau Claire in a single bite, there’s no better place to start than the Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market. Nestled in Phoenix Park from spring through fall, this market is a full-on sensory experience: colorful produce, fresh-baked breads, handmade cheeses, and stunning flower arrangements that match the seasons. Grab a latte, wander the stalls, and chat with the farmers, bakers, and makers who put Eau Claire on the map for flavor.
But the local goodness doesn’t stop at the city limits. Just a short drive away, the Osseo Farmers Market brings small-town charm and big flavor. From sweet honey to garden-fresh veggies and handcrafted treats, it’s a cozy corner of the valley. For a touch of country charm, check out the market at Sandy Acres. This laid-back market mixes pasture-raised meats, farm-fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade finds. It’s not just shopping—it’s a little taste of home, grown and made right here in the valley.
Photo: River Bend Winery
Locally-Grown Wines
Wisconsin's not just about hops. Our valley knows how to make a splash with wine and spirits, too, with rich soil and landscaping for prime grape growing. At Infinity Beverages Winery & Distillery, every sip is an experience, from their signature Solace and Mystique wines to small-batch vodkas and whiskeys. Pop in for a tasting and linger over a glass, or find a bottle available at select stores.
In the Town of Wheaton, River Bend Winery & Distillery pairs stunning vineyard views with handcrafted wines and spirits that make it hard to leave the patio. Throw in live music, food trucks, and a laid-back and homey atmosphere, and you’ve got the perfect place to sip, savor, and soak in the valley’s charm. Click here to locate retail locations around Wisconsin.
For more local wineries that produce and distribute their own wines, click here.
Craft Breweries
Eau Claire’s beer scene is full of personality, flavor, and creativity, where every pint tells a local story. From hazy IPAs to smooth lagers and everything in between, our breweries are crafting beers you won’t forget.
Downtown’s The Brewing Projekt is where bold flavors meet even bolder energy. Known for its eye-catching cans and inventive brews, from milkshake IPAs to fruited sours, this spot is as much about creativity as it is about hops. Sip a seasonal release on their riverside patio, catch a local band, and toast to Eau Claire’s effortlessly cool spirit.
Just a short drive away, Leinie Lodge in Chippewa Falls blends Wisconsin brewing tradition with refreshing innovation. Tour the iconic Leinenkugel’s facility, sample classics and limited-edition brews, and soak in the laid-back Northwoods charm that keeps fans coming back. Click here to find Leinie's beers throughout the country.
For a cozy neighborhood vibe, Northwoods Brewpub in Osseo serves up small-batch beers crafted right on-site. From creative seasonal releases to approachable favorites, their brews pair perfectly with hearty pub fare, making it a local favorite for casual nights out or a fun taste-test adventure.
Click here to discover even more breweries producing their own unique beverages.
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery
Just a short drive from Eau Claire, in the heart of Dairyland, sits Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, the place where cheese curds reach legendary status. Founded in 1910 by a small group of farmers, this cooperative has grown into a cheese-loving haven supported by hundreds of local dairy families. Every day, fresh cheddar curds hit the shelves, squeaky, salty, and impossible to resist. And if curds alone aren’t enough, there’s deep-fried goodness, gooey grilled cheese sandwiches, hearty soups, and ice cream that tastes like a sweet little Wisconsin dream. At the Menomonie location, you can even peek through the cheesemaking window and watch the magic happen. You'll often times find the famous Ellsworth cheese curds on menus across the Midwest. Plan your visit to the Menomonie location here.
Bonus! Chippewa River Distillery
Trumie's vodka, crafted at the Chippewa River Distillery, gives vodka a whole new meaning. This distillery creates flavors for every season, all fruity, fresh, or earthy. There's literally a unique choice for every type of cocktail!