Bright Lights and Merry Nights with Something Special from Wisconsin™

Something Special from Wisconsin (SSfW ) members certify that at least 50% of the value of the product or service is attributable to Wisconsin ingredients, production, or processing activities. Since 1983, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has administered this program to showcase Wisconsin companies.

More than 450 companies offer a wide selection of handcrafted signature pieces, agricultural goods and products, agritourism destinations, and so much more. From the Northwoods to the coast of Lake Michigan, the sandy central region, and everywhere in between, there is something special for everyone. You can enjoy Bright Lights and Merry Nights with Something Special from Wisconsin this holiday season as I feature 35 SSfW companies on social media and media outlets around the state! A small sampling of these wonderfully Wisconsin companies includes Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese; Starla's Seasonings, Dips & Mixes; Emmanuel's Mix; Barracks BBQ, LLC; Buzzshack Apiaries; Turners Ridge Wood Workz; Hickory Road Natural Products; Little Bull Falls Soap Works; and CRACKnola.

Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese crafts award-winning Mascarpone and Chocolate Mascarpone using fresh milk from their family farm in Waterloo, Wisconsin. Their rich, creamy Mascarpone offers a smooth texture and delicate flavor ideal for both sweet and savory applications. From crops to cows, cheese to the consumer, they take pride in quality, sustainable, and authentic Wisconsin cheesemaking! You can find them at Woodman’s, Whole Foods, Metcalfe Market, Lake Mills Market, or online at cravecheese.com.

Starla's Seasonings, Dips & Mixes is a female-owned and Wisconsin family-run small business. Starla’s seasoning mixes can be used to make easy dips or added to chicken, beef, pork, seafood, vegetables, potatoes, fries, popcorn, pretzels, burgers, and more! Her sweet mixes are great for fruit dips, cheesecakes, desserts, breakfast treats, and creative snacks. All dip mixes and seasonings have No MSG and are gluten-free, excluding the Garlic & Herb Beer Bread Mix. Find Starla’s Seasonings, Dips & Mixes online at starlaseasonings.com.

Emmanuel’s Mix was born in 2008 in a quiet Milwaukee kitchen, where Jacqulyn Tucker, a Montessori teacher, sought to create a unique snack for her son to share with his friends. Her signature glaze—a masterclass in the addictive balance of sweet and salty—transformed a simple blend of cereals, pretzels, and mammoth pecans into a local sensation. Today, the mix has moved from the kitchen counter to the suite levels of the Fiserv Forum and the shelves of Outpost Natural Foods in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the surrounding area. You can also find them online at emmanuelsmix.com, Potawatomi Bingo Casino Provisions stores, and other locations in the Milwaukee area.

Barracks BBQ, LLC is a veteran-owned Wisconsin barbecue company co-founded by Antony “Tony” Kamps and Chase Baker in Mukwonago, Wisconsin. Their flavor-forward sauces enhance smoked meats and backyard grilling without overpowering the food. At the 2026 American Royal World Series of Barbecue Sauce Contest, their Blazin’ Battle sauce ranked 13th of 94 Hot Sauce entries, while Smokin’ Soldier placed 21st of 158 Mild Sauce entries! Blazin’ Battle combines cayenne and chipotle for medium-to-hot heat, and Smokin’ Soldier delivers smoky, mild-to-medium flavor. Both sauces complement ribs, pulled pork, chicken, burgers, and wings! Shop all their offerings at barracksbbqllc.com.

Buzzshack Apiaries is a small, family-owned business specializing in handcrafted honey and beeswax products made with quality ingredients and plenty of care. Their 16-ounce Wildflower Honey is pure, delicious honey with a naturally rich flavor that comes straight from our bees. The Cinnamon Creamed Honey combines smooth, creamy honey with warm cinnamon for a delicious spread that’s perfect on toast, biscuits, apples, or enjoyed by the spoonful! Find them at the West Allis Farmers Market, Zinn’s on the Square, Barcelona MKE, Busia’s XOXO, Maxilyn House Collective, Huckelberry Collective, and Etsy!

Woodworking isn’t just a business at Turners Ridge Wood Workz, it’s what owner David Pehl loves. What began as a hobby in high school grew into a business built on craftsmanship, creativity, and a commitment to quality. Today, David designs and builds handcrafted furniture, charcuterie boards, cutting boards, keepsake boxes, home décor, and personalized gifts that are made to be enjoyed for years to come. Customers can purchase these intentionally created and hand-crafted items by ordering online at turnersridgewoodworkz.com, emailing Turners Ridge Wood Workz, or attending one of their shows.

What started small has grown into a tallow company built around understanding the ingredient, controlling the process, and making products that proudly display the Hickory Road Natural Products name. Hickory Road Natural Products started by learning the ingredient first—where it comes from, how it behaves, and the way it is handled affects the finished tallow. That curiosity continues to be a central part of their businesses. They believe people deserve to know more about the products they use. They can be found at numerous locations across Wisconsin and online at hickoryroadnp.com.

Little Bull Falls Soap Works proudly turns agricultural ingredients into products families love. Handmade in Wisconsin since 2003, they create goat milk soaps, lotions, body care products, and soy wax candles using quality ingredients and small-batch craftsmanship. They are passionate about supporting agriculture, local manufacturing, and rural businesses while providing products that help customers care for themselves and their homes naturally. Find their soaps, lotions, candles, and more at their store in Rothschild, Wisconsin, in participating retailers, and their website littlebullfallssoapworks.com.

CRACKnola makes delicious gluten-free, glyphosate-free, dairy-free, nut-free, allergy-friendly granola with no refined sugar additives or preservatives. Their products are locally made in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, using eight simple ingredients that are mostly locally sourced. Every batch is made by hand and designed to create healthy, great tasting granola. They also make custom bags branded for individual businesses, the perfect gift for the holiday season! Order yours online at cracknola.com, find them at farmers markets around Oshkosh, and at Sweet Jules Bakes.

Visit somethingspecialwi.com to explore hundreds of Wisconsin businesses of all types and sizes! Enjoy Bright Lights and Merry Nights with Something Special from Wisconsin™ this holiday season!