The 33 Best Food Gifts of 2023

The 33 Best Food Gifts of 2023

Whether shopping for a dedicated home chef or someone who's more practical, food gifts are a thoughtful way to stock their pantry or fridge with specialty items that show your affection. Plus, nothing goes to waste when you opt for an edible gift. 

“The best gourmet gifts are those that show care regarding the recipient's tastes and preferences,” says Elisa Lyew, the chef and owner of Elisa's Love Bites, a gluten-free bakery in NYC. “Do they love cheese? Are they vegan? Do they love a particular merchant? Do they have any food allergies? This should be the starting point when giving a personalized, thoughtful edible gift.”

To find the best food gifts, we researched eclectic options to suit any craving. In addition to Lyew, we also spoke with Sarah Bridenstine, a professional baker and chef who runs the blog Baking Kneads, for her expert insight on finding the best food gifts. From dessert sauces that can satiate a bonafide sweet tooth to herb starter kits that can last for years, we collected a range of unique food gifts so you can skip the search and start shopping.

Shito sauce, a condiment commonly used across Ghana, is a savory flavor made from a seafood base, herbs, tomatoes, hot peppers, and caramelized onions. Perteet and Fred Spencer launched Ayo in 2020 to help celebrate West African flavors, and the brand also sells a pepper sauce and a variety of ready-to-eat meals if you want to add to your gift. 

Price at time of publish: $9

Ayo West african foods in the news

  • Married to the Business - and Each Other

    Married to the Business - and Each Other

    Hear from the founders of Ayo West African Foods as they discuss the pros and cons of being married and in business together, and how you can move through the rough patches.
  • Ayo Foods partners with Chicago Bulls star Ayo Dosunmu

    Ayo Foods partners with Chicago Bulls star Ayo Dosunmu

    A Chicago Bulls star is looking to share a taste of his heritage, and he's partnering with a Chicago company that happens to share his name.

    A Chicago Bulls star is looking to share a taste of his heritage, and he's partnering with a Chicago company that happens to share his name.

  • AYO Partners with Chef Zoe Adjonyoh in West African Frozen Entree Debut.

    AYO Partners with Chef Zoe Adjonyoh in West African Frozen Entree Debut.

    AYO Foods, the Chicago-based producer and marketer of West African frozen food products and hot sauces, is bringing the flavors of Chef Zoe Adjonyoh to grocery stores in the United States through a new partnership announced on May 10.

    As chef, writer, entrepreneur and founder of Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen, Adjonyoh has been pioneering modern West African food in global supper clubs, at her namesake restaurant, pop-ups, street food stalls and special events since 2010. The culinary artist’s acclaimed cookbook, republished and released in 2021, earned a spot on The New York Times Best Cookbooks of 2021 List.

  • ‘Top Chef’ Finalist Eric Adjepong Brings West African Dishes to the Grocery Store

    ‘Top Chef’ Finalist Eric Adjepong Brings West African Dishes to the Grocery Store

    Fans of Top Chef will undoubtedly be familiar with chef Eric Adjepong, a much-beloved contestant on seasons 16 and 17. As a Ghanaian-American, he was the show’s first contestant to truly highlight West African foods and flavors.

    His passion for his cultural heritage was infectious, and so it comes as no surprise that he is partnering with AYO foods, a line of frozen, pre-made West African dishes like Jollof Rice and Puff Puff that launched last year and can be found in Whole Foods and Kroger stores.