Los Angeles, California, is known for many things: home of Hollywood, famous beaches, sunny weather—and now it can be known as the land of innovators. The city has become a hub for unique products designed to make our lives easier. Aided by access to technology and an R&D department largely composed of immigrants, Los Angeles-based companies have produced many successful products. Here is a list of the top five unique products worth mentioning:
- Sqirl Strawberry Rhubarb Jam
Jessica Koslow created this delicious jam after she moved to Los Angeles from New York. Her inspiration came from the fruit stands scattered around LA, which inspired her to create a spread that would highlight fresh produce. The strawberry rhubarb jam has become one of the most popular spreads in LA, winning awards and gaining recognition. Sqirl also sells other jams made from seasonal fruits, such as watermelon radish.
- Jennifer Meyer California Necklace
While many jewelry companies are located in New York, Jennifer Meyer launched her company in Los Angeles. She has received a lot of recognition for her unique designs, which feature delicate gold chains and charms with meaningful messages. Her best-selling piece is the “California Necklace”, which is engraved on a map of California on a gold pendant. She also features other state necklaces and “best friend” necklaces with two pendants.
- Ottolenghi Simple
Another product made by an immigrant to Los Angeles is this acclaimed cookbook, which has inspired many dinnertime dishes across the United States. Yotam Ottolenghi, a chef from Israel, moved to Los Angeles for a short while before moving back to his native country to begin a culinary career. However, he missed the produce in LA and returned to London, where he published this cookbook full of vegetarian recipes that have become widely acclaimed among many food critics.
- Vaca Veggie Fajitas
When Adam Fleischman opened Umami Burger in Los Angeles, he had difficulty finding a vegetarian substitute for the restaurant’s famous burger patties. However, he was inspired by his vegetarian wife to create a flavorful veggie patty that would mimic the taste of a real beef patty. His inspiration soon evolved into a company that sells veggie fajitas and other veggie products, which are now sold at over 9,000 locations across the United States.
- Compartes Chocolate California Love Bar
The California Love bar was inspired by a trip to Europe, where founder and chocolatier Constance Guilliam fell in love with the traditional European-style chocolate bars. After returning home, she began producing this chocolate bar, which has become one of California’s most popular gift items. Other unique features include its gluten-free, all-natural ingredients and decorative packaging.
