Since 2007, the Flavor of Georgia food product contest has launched new products into success and garnered more publicity and sales for products already in the market. From rural farmers to urban businesses, successful and talented food artisans have emerged from all over Georgia to create delicacies from the abundant agricultural products our state has to offer. Over 2,225 products have entered the contest since it began.
Organized by the Department of Food Sciences and Technology at the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the contest is supported by presenting sponsor Massey Ferguson as well as the Georgia Department of Agriculture and Georgia Grown, the CAES Alumni Association, Farm Credit Associations of Georgia, Corteva Agriscience and the Georgia Agribusiness Council.
At this year’s Flavor of Georgia finale held in Athens on April 17, Sunday Dinner Gritscuits, made by Lady Belle of Stone Mountain, secured the top spot at this year’s Flavor of Georgia. The Gritscuits is a French gougeres, a cheese puff stuffed with macaroni and cheese flavored with grits, collard greens, and smoked turkey.
Lady Belle is a French-Southern fusion micro-bakery specializing in handcrafted Parisian style macarons, Belle (Signature) Macarons and savory Gritscuits.
“To me, winning means that even if the first try didn’t result in a complete win, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t continue to perfect what you know is inevitable,” said Lady Belle owner Charlette Bell. “I’m excited about the prospects for the future of Gritscuits and our vision to see it as a sought-after product in the state of Georgia and beyond.”
The 2025 winners
This year’s Flavor of Georgia winners represent all corners of the state and the best of Georgia’s diverse culinary heritage. The winners were among 37 finalists selected in 12 categories during the first round of judging in March. This year, the Flavor of Georgia recorded a record 173 products submitted.
Winners are listed by company, product name and city within the 12 competition categories.
Baked Goods: Sunday Dinner Gritscuits by Lady Belle in Stone Mountain
Barbecue Sauces and Seasonings: Georgia Sweet Peach by Oconee Gold BBQ Sauce in Statham
Beverages: Tilted Tea – Farmer’s Daughter by Jubilee Energy Company in Jackson
Cakes: Georgia Turtle Delight by Jessicakes Bakery in Covington
Condiments and Sauces: Bootlikker Thunderbird Wing Sauce by Bootlikker Hot Sauce in Jefferson
Confections: Honeycream Gelato by Honeycream in Rome
Dairy Products: Georgia Gouda by Sweet Grass Dairy in Thomasville
Honey, Syrups, Jams and Jellies: H.L. Franklin’s Hot Creamed Honey by H. L. Franklin’s Honey in Metter
Meats and Seafood: Pastured Cane Syrup Pork Sausage by White Oak Pastures in Bluffton
Miscellaneous: Chorisoy by Viva la V in Tucker
Pickled Vegetables, Relish and Salsas: Georgia Chow Chow by Jake’s Fresh Market & Cannery in White
Snack Foods: Sugar Fried Pecans by Ocmulgee Orchards in Hawkinsville
A People’s Choice Award, chosen by event attendees, went to Ocmulgee Orchards for their Sugar Fried Pecans.
The 37 finalists received a one-year Georgia Grown membership, courtesy of the Georgia Department of Agriculture. The finalists also received a personalized news release, use of the Flavor of Georgia finalist logo on their label and promotional materials, and the opportunity to present their product to a panel of food industry experts at the final judging event.
The grand prize winner was awarded an exhibit space at the Georgia Food Industry Association annual convention (a $1,500 value).
