Are you wondering which food souvenirs from Florida to bring home?
Florida is a diverse state with a rich culinary heritage. From the fresh seafood of the Gulf Coast to the tropical flavors of Miami, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And when it comes to food souvenirs, Florida has plenty to offer.
In this article we’ve organized our list by the best each region has and where you can buy it
We’ve included popular tourist regions such as Key West, Miami, Orlando, the Gulf Coast, and St. Augustine, as well as some additional cities.
Here are some of the best Floridian edibles to bring back from the Sunshine State.
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South Florida
Key Lime Pie
Key lime pie is the most famous food souvenir from Key West, and for good reason. This tangy and sweet pie is made with fresh key limes and is typically served with a graham cracker crust and whipped cream.
Key limes are native to Southeast Asia, brought to Mexico and eventually grown in the Florida Keys during the 1800s, where they grew wildly popular.
Commercial production in Florida fizzled out in the 1920s after a considerable hurricane wiped out the crops, and the economic advantages waned.
The small yellow lime is imported today mainly from Mexico, but everything Key Lime is still an iconic Florida treat.
You can find key lime pie at just about any restaurant in Key West, but try a slice from Kermit’s Key Lime Shoppe, which has been serving up the best key lime pie in town since 1951.
You can purchase many Key lime products to take home at Kermit’s two locations in Key West. Or visit their retail store in Deland, Florida, located centrally in the state not far from Orlando.
To get a taste of key lime pie along with some local history, why not book the Jimmy Buffett Tour. In a small group you’ll visit the very first location of Margaritaville and enjoy that limey alcoholic beverage as part of the tour.
Book The Jimmy Buffett Tour in Key West Here
If you are a key lime pie fan and a lover of mystery then you may enjoy An Appetite for Murder. A book involving death by Key Lime Pie.
This book is the 1st in a 13 book award winning series titled Key West Food Critic Mystery.
Drop by Key West Island Books on Fleming Street in Old Town Key West or order your copy of An Appetite For Murder right here.
Cuban Coffee
Miami
Cuban coffee is a must-try for any visitor to Miami.
Miami is home to a large Cuban population, and Cuban coffee is a popular part of the city’s culture.
Cuban coffee is made with a dark roast of coffee beans. You will find it typically served with sugar already mixed in and cream on the side.
Try a cup of Cuban coffee from a local cafe like Versailles in Little Havana or Puerto Sagua in South Beach.
Grab some cuban coffee to take home from the aisle of any local grocery store such as Publix. Some popular brands are La Llave, Café Bustelo, or Café Pilon.
Get the chance to taste authentic Cuban coffee and learn about the local history and culture of the people in Little Havana on this walking tour.
Book the Little Havana Walking Tour With A Local Here
If you are back home and missing Miami’s Cuban coffee you can order some La Llave espresso pods for your Keurig here.
Central Florida
Alligator Jerky
Gator jerky is a unique souvenir that you can find at many gift shops in Florida. Gator jerky is made from alligator meat and is typically seasoned with salt, pepper, and other spices.
Buy gator jerky fresh from Florida Cracker Candy Jerky Co. in Orange City. at the 7-11, Ace Hardware, and Lil’ Sammy’s Food Mart.
Additional locations outside of Orange City also carry their jerky products. Check their website for details.
For other options you can order from home try Buffalo Bob’s Wild Game Meat Snacks Variety Pack.
With 14 different varieties of meat and flavors to sample. A great treat for an adventurous beef jerky lover. Delicious, low calorie, and a low-carb food gift for those following a keto diet.
If you are interested in an up close and personal look at live alligators, take this VIP Private Airboat Tour through the Everglades. This 60 minute private tour leaves from Kissimmee and takes you out into nature. Learn about the local Native Americans, turtles, and gator oasis in the Central Florida Everglades.
Book your VIP Private Airboat Tour Here
Orange Blossom Honey
Orlando
Florida honey is made from a variety of wildflowers and citrus blossoms, giving it a unique flavor.
Winter Park Orange Blossom Honey is made from local bees feasting on the nectar of Florida orange blossoms. It comes straight from a small grove in Central Florida right off the honeycomb and is always hand-bottled.
Winter Park Orange Blossom Honey is available through local farmer’s markets as well as Whole Foods, Fresh Markets, and health food stores.
Or try this Raw Orange Blossom Honey made by Bee Harmony.
Theme Park Treats
Orlando
Orlando is home to some of the most popular theme parks in the world, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. But Orlando is also a great place to find delicious food souvenirs.
Head to Disney Springs to find treats at Disney’s Candy Cauldron that are practically works of art.
In Walt Disney World pick up some Mickey Mouse rice crispy treats, Mickey Mouse pretzels, or even pasta shaped like mickey.
From Universal Studios bring home some fun candy with a Harry Potter theme.
Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, Sugarplums in Diagon Alley or Honeydukes in Hogsmeade Village will have chocolate frogs and Butterbeer fudge.
There is also Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans, where edible is a matter of opinion, but fun for those who like a little challenge to their palate.
Nothing screams Florida vacation louder than a good theme park treat.
Experience Orlando’s theme parks at night like never before. See the fireworks and lights from a whole new perspective in this Helicopter Night Tour over Orlando.
This tour includes multiple options and you can select your preferences.
Book the Helicopter Night Tour Over Orlando’s Theme Parks Here
Gulf Coast Cities- West Central Florida
Cuban sandwiches
Tampa
Although you can find Cubans all over the menus of Florida restaurants, if you are visiting the Tampa Bay area it’s a must.
Cuban sandwiches are made on fresh baked cuban bread and filled with ham, pork, salami, swiss, pickles, and mustard. The sandwich is then pressed to melt the cheese and create a crisp bite.
Go to Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City. Florida’s oldest restaurant has been serving their original Cuban recipe since 1915.
Named the “Best Sandwich in Florida” by Food and Wine Magazine, this iconic sandwich won’t steer you wrong.
Although a sandwich is not the most convenient souvenir to travel with, it works in a cooler on road trips. It also makes a great lunch on the airplane if you are departing on a domestic flight only serving chips.
Vegetarians and Vegans visiting the Tampa area should head down to Gulfport, near St. Pete, and visit Golden Dinosaurs for a taste of their vegan cuban sandwich.
Guava Pastries
Another classic place to grab a Cuban sandwich is La Segunda Central Bakery but be sure to add some flaky, light guava pastries to your order.
Guava and cream cheese pastelitos are the perfect food to take home from your Tampa visit. La Segunda has two locations in Tampa and one in St. Petersburg.
Siesta Key Rum
Stop by this distillery located in Sarasota, Florida. They have a beautiful tasting room where you can sample the rum. Siesta Key Rum also offers free tours of the distillery 2 to 3 times a day, seven days a week.
Take home a bottle of toasted coconut rum labeled with your favorite Siesta Key Beach lifeguard, Scooter of the Beach. This is a limited edition label, making it a very special food souvenir from Florida.
Norman Love Chocolates
Fort Myers
These gourmet chocolates are made by a renowned chocolatier originating in Fort Myers and are a great gift for any chocolate lover.
Norman Love chocolates are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and are a delicious food souvenir from Florida to bring home.
Northeast Florida
Datil Peppers
St. Augustine
The Datil pepper is a distinctive pepper variety indigenous to the St. Augustine, Florida, area, a historic city renowned as the oldest in America.
These peppers are cherished for their unique flavor profile, characterized by a sweet and mildly smoky heat.
They have become a staple in various culinary applications, especially as a key ingredient in hot sauces and related products.
When looking for this regional specialty, Minorcan Datil Pepper Products in St. Augustine is the go-to local source.
Find their products in over 15 locations in St. Augustine alone including the Visitor Information Center located on S. Castillo Drive.
They offer convenient online ordering options on their website or you can order Datil Pepper Sauce as a gift set here.
The Space Coast- Central Coastal Florida
Astronaut Ice Cream
This freeze-dried ice cream is a fun and unique souvenir that can be found in many gift shops, including those at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
On Merritt Island near Port Canaveral and Cocoa Beach, the Kennedy Space Center is a short 30 minute drive from Orlando.
Best of all, no need for a car if that was not a part of your Florida theme park adventures.
Book direct roundtrip transport to the NASA Kennedy Space Center with this tour. It will take you straight to the gate from the Orlando, International Drive, or Kissimmee area. This tour includes admission tickets.
Book Your Roundtrip transport and tickets to NASA Kennedy Space Center Here
The Panhandle- Northwest Florida
Pecans
Pensacola
The J.W. Renfroe Pecan Company has been producing pecans in Florida since the 1950’s. If you are visiting the Pensacola area make a point to stop in and sample some freshly roasted or candied pecans.
For the sweetest of food souvenirs from Florida, they’ve also got a candy kitchen filled with dozens of creamy fudge varieties, mouthwatering toffee, and authentic New Orleans style Pralines.
You can buy a variety of pecan products in person at the J.W. Renfroe Pecan Company or order from their website.
Take note they do not ship chocolate in the extreme heat of summer because they want it to get to you unmelted.
To learn more about the Florida food items discussed in this article check out this list of books about Florida.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a specific food souvenir, ask the locals where they recommend buying it.
They’ll be able to give you the best advice on where to find the freshest and most authentic products.
And when it’s time to head home, be sure to bring back some of Florida’s delicious food souvenirs to share with your friends and family.
Still looking for accommodations for your Florida vacation?
Check here to see reviews and photos of Florida hotels and stays
RESOURCES
“About Us.” Columbia Restaurant, https://www.columbiarestaurant.com/about-us. Accessed 6 Oct. 2023.
Florida Key Limes. https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/Florida_Key_Limes_18106.php. Accessed 4 Oct. 2023.
