Specialty foods haven’t exactly aligned with the ethos of low-footprint ingredient sourcing or local buying. (After all, beluga caviar is hard to find this side of the globe.)

But lately, gourmet has taken on a new meaning that nods to natural principles. Modern gourmet pays homage to centuries-old production methods, sourcing ingredients as sustainably and as close to manufacturing as possible and infusing products with clean, thought-provoking flavors. As a result, natural consumers have taken interest in the gourmet market. Specialty food sales reached a record $88.3 billion in 2013, according to a report spearheaded by the Specialty Food Association. Plus, sales of gourmet foods by natural products retailers experienced 23.2 percent growth between 2011 and 2013.

In Natural Foods Merchandiser’s gourmet guide, flavor is paramount. But the following products also support your store’s mission: Many of these brands are made in America, feature USDA Organic ingredients and come to life via small, hand-made batches using tenets valuable to natural shoppers. Put simply, these products are born from passion. We’re thrilled to share them with you.

Photography by Jen Olson; food styling by Nicole Dominic-Pelletier

To see product information, roll your mouse over the red circles on each photo. 

Appetizers

Sauces, salts, oils and vinegars

Tea and cookies

Chocolate