20 Latino Brands That Are Clearly Superior To All Others
There are certain brands that you just can’t imagine your life or childhood without. We did some digging on the company’s history and you’ll be surprised to learn which brands are Latino through and through, and which have just been adopted by our culture as our own.
Read on and decide for yourself which products will be a part of your own kids’ childhoods.
1. Goya
You knew we’d start here. Goya is the largest Latino-owned food company in the United States. Founded by Spanish immigrants, Goya began as a staple in NYC Latino homes in the 1930’s. Now it belongs everywhere.
2. Chupa Chups
The story goes that Catalonian Enric Bernat knew the world needed a “sweet with a fork” and Chupa Chups were born and are extremely popular in Mexico. So yes, we invented lollipops. Naturally.
3. HERDEZ®
You can’t live without their Salsa Casera in your pantry and on all your tacos, and that’s because it’s Mexico’s No. 1 salsa brand. Any other brand is just fronting.
4. Pelon Pelo Rico
Let’s talk candy. Originally from Guadalajara, the brand now exists under the Hershey Company’s Lorena brand, and is like taking a hit of sugar.
5. Marinela’s Gansito
Founded in Mexico in 1954, the strawberry filled Gansito snack cake was one of the first introduced, and is still the favorite around the US and Latin America. We cannot forget Pingüinos, Choco Roles or Submarinos, though.
6. Fabuloso
We grew up with the smell of Fabuloso on Saturday mornings, and while it actually isn’t the best cleaner, we’re here for the *smell* of a clean house. Also, it’s impossible to find out who began this brand, but it is now owned by Colgate-Palmolive.
7. Mistolín
Owned by Dicarina Panamá, this brand is Latino through and through, and there really is no Fabuloso vs Mistolín debate. Your mom uses them both, but probably is all about the pine scent.
8. Modelo
Grupo Modelo started out in 1925 in Tacuba, Mexico. Today it exports all across the world and also gave us Coronas, Estrellas and Pacífico cervezas. ???? ???? ????
9. Patrón
Guys, Patrón has been around long before Pitbull. It was founded in 1492 in Mexico and is a staple in every household.
10. Café Bustelo
After a night of Patrón, you wake up to Cuban coffee, and it looks like this. Gregorio Menendez Bustelo moved from Cuba to the U.S. in 1917 where he founded the company.
11. Vero Mango
It’s like a mango covered in Tajín, except it’s actually tamarindo flavored candy covered in Tajín. This is Mexican through and through. #health
12. Tajín
Speaking of, Empresas Tajín company is based out of Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico and they have replaced table pepper. The spice is una mezcla of chile peppers, lime and salt, basically and it goes on fruit, beer, and like, all your meals.
13. de la Rosa mazapán
This Mexican brand has been giving us mazapán, japones and pandinos for 70 years now. Mazapán isn’t just for weddings in my house.
14. Juanita’s Foods
In 1946, George De La Torre and Albert Guerrero established the Harbor Canning Company in California. Just a few years later, they realize that Albert’s wife, Ruth, makes a mean menudo and decide to ship it to supermarkets. Today they are the largest producer of Menudo and their motto is “To enjoy Mexican food is to enjoy life.” Brava.
15. La Victoria
You lived off this in college. La Victoria is owned by Mexican familia La Bacas, who founded the company in 1917 and aim to keep bringing traditional Mexican flavors to cans and grocery stores nationwide.
16. Beautyblender
Bet you didn’t know that America’s favorite makeup applicator was founded by celebrity makeup artist Rea Ann Silva. So don’t go for the knock offs and support the badassery of this Mexican, Irish and Portuguese boss.
17. Tres Flores
Your mom has 100 percent smeared this jasmine and chrysanthemum pomade in your hair before ballet recitals, or you’ve seen your dad use this for the perfect mustache. You’ll be shooketh to learn that this is actually a French brand, and has only been owned by Latino culture.
18. Teta Harper
Speaking of Latinas owning the beauty game, Teta Harper Skincare is owned by Colombian health advocate, Teta Harper. After her stepfather was diagnosed with skin cancer, she made it her mission to offer people a safer, entirely chemical-free line you can feel good using.
19. Hija de tu Madre
How can you not support a company that has a bedazzled, sequined Lady of Guadalupe on denim jackets? Owner Patty Delgado uses her brand to create a fashion identity that is uniquely Latinx: “We are ni de aqui, ni de alla.”
P.S.- You’ll find Frida Kahlo denim jackets here, too.
20. Vaporú
OK, this one isn’t Latino owned, but it’s definitely Latino appropriated. That’s just because we truly see the magical healing properties unlike all these other muggles.
Notice any needed corrections? Please email us at corrections@wearemitu.com
