2018 Quest for Texas Best Winners
Congrats, 2018 Quest Winners & Finalists!
For the last five years, H-E-B has set out on a quest to find the best in Texas – the best local products made by Texans! From the Panhandle to the Rio Grande Valley, from West Texas to Beaumont, the H-E-B Primo Picks: “Quest for Texas Best,” is an open call for locally-owned, small food and beverage suppliers to have their items considered for placement on H-E-B shelves. Find out more about our 2018 Winners & Finalists below!
2018 Quest For Texas Best Winners
Grand Prize
$25,000 & a brand-new Toyota Tundra
mmmpanadas
Austin
mmmpanadas is a locally-owned, artisan empanada-maker that focuses on fresh ingredients and unexpected flavor combinations.
First Place
$20,000
Chef Rey's Frozen Cheesecake
Sugar Land
Chef Rey’s Gourmet Cheesecakes contain a unique blend of high-quality ingredients that make all seven flavors perfectly smooth and velvety.
Second Place
$15,000
Bellefontaine
Houston
Paris-native Lucienne insures that every single scoop of her Bellefontaine Ice Cream is hand-filled with real, fresh, local ingredients.
Third Place
$10,000
Pennymade
Austin
Inspired by the taste buds of a toddler, Pennymade Biscuits contain all-natural ingredients and come ready-to-bake.
2018 Quest For Texas Best Finalists
1885 Coffee Co
San Antonio
1885 Coffee Co.’s single origin blend was created by a Honduran coffee-lover for those who appreciate quality, consistency, and affordability.
38 Pecans
Austin
38 Pecans is a 3rd-generation Texas pecan grower and the only company in the U.S. that manufactures Seasoned Pecan Meal.
Afia Foods
Austin
Specializing in more than just Mediterranean cuisine, Afia is a family-owned business inspired by traditional recipes, and benefits refugees in need.
Barbecue Wife
Austin
Barbecue Wife’s 3-ingredient handcrafted cocktail mixers are inspired by the authenticity and spirit of the Texas barbecue community.
Bellville Meat Market
Bellville
Established in 1981, the Bellville Meat Market produces summer sausage containing no fillers, no water, and never use meat substitutes.
Bernard's Gourmet Foods
McKinney
Texas roots and culinary travels influenced Bernard's Gourmet Foods to create these roasted salsas that are the perfect addition to elevate any cuisine.
Big Little Fudge
Montgomery
One bite of Big Little Fudge and you’ll see that they’ve got more flavor per square inch than a Texas mile.
Cappadona Ranch
Linn
Born in the backyard of their family ranch, Cappadona Mesquite Beans have been milled to sweet perfection since 2013.
Collin Street Bakery
Corsicana
Only locally sourced, native pecans are used at Collin Street Bakery, which has been family owned and operated since 1896.
Deanan Gourmet Popcorn
Wylie
Family owned and operated since 1979, Deanan Gourmet Popcorn boasts classic popcorn flavors and superior quality.
Deep River Specialty Foods
San Antonio
Deep River Specialty Foods has produced a variety of beer mustards that are fresh, diverse, and locally grown since 1992.
Loving Libbie
Austin
Libbie's famous Green Chile Mac and Cheese is rich, creamy, made with wholesome ingredients and supports children undergoing cancer treatment.
Mad Hectic Foods
Houston
Mad Hectic Foods Oatmeal Mixes are high in nutrients and perfect for those who have a busy lifestyle, but desire healthy and creative meals.
Maika Foods
Hughes Springs
Innovative vegan food company Maika prides itself on locally sourced and produced artisan plant-based products.
Mirth Soup
Waco
Mirth Soups aim to spread happiness with these restaurant-quality soups that come fully prepared, boasting unique and delicious flavor combinations.
Nuts and Cows
Mission
Snack manufacturer Nuts and Cows produces their gourmet pecan butter to satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthier way.
Pretty Thai
Austin
Originating in a food truck, Pretty Thai sauces are simple and versatile while being free of all preservatives, fillers, stabilizers, and colorings.
Sing and Shout Foods
Round Rock
Sing and Shout Foods created an all-natural salsa recipe that began as the answer to make ends meet for a new growing church in 2007.
Texas Black Gold Garlic
San Antonio
Black Gold Garlic is on a mission to support the healthy growth and prosperity of Texas communities by keeping practices local and quality high.
Tiny House Coffee
Buda
A trip to Nicaragua inspired Tiny House Coffee to dream big by thinking small with their delicious cold brew.
Tio Pelon's Salsita
San Antonio
Starting with $20 and some hope, Tio Pelon’s Salsita hot sauces have a delicious, unique flavor and support the arts and culture foundations in the community.