With Vermont’s deep agricultural roots and emphasis on locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, it’s not surprising that there are many foods Vermont is known for.
Vermont’s dairy, apple, and maple industries dominate many of the foods on this list. These are all industries where Vermont is among the biggest producers in the U.S.
You’ll find some of the eleven foods on this list in other New England states, but in most cases, they originate or are most popular in Vermont.
Without a doubt, the #1 food Vermont is known for is maple syrup! Vermont maple syrup accounts for 40% of the United State’s production. The cool, moist climate of Vermont is ideal for maple trees, and the state has a large population of sugar maple trees, which are the primary source of sap used to make syrup. Vermont restaurants make ample use of this iconic ingredient by using it in a variety of dishes and drinks.
With nearly 700 dairy farms, it’s unsurprising that Vermont is known for its cheese! Cabot Creamery, a dairy cooperative based in Vermont, produces a number of cheeses including cheddar and Monterey jack. You’ll also find a number of artisanal cheese makers in the state including Jasper Hill Farm, Vermont Creamery, Grafton Village Cheese Company, and Shelburne Farms.
The 9 Best Foods to Try in Vermont01 of 09. Maple Syrup. FrankvandenBergh / Getty Images. … 02 of 09. Cheddar Cheese. Kim Knox Beckius. … 03 of 09. Heirloom Apples. Josh Fiedler Photography / Getty Images. … 05 of 09. Cider Doughnuts. bhofack2 / Getty Images. … 08 of 09. Wood-Fired Bread. Courtesy of The Wilburton. … 09 of 09. Lamb.
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01 of 09. Maple Syrup. FrankvandenBergh / Getty Images. …
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02 of 09. Cheddar Cheese. Kim Knox Beckius. …
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03 of 09. Heirloom Apples. Josh Fiedler Photography / Getty Images. …
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05 of 09. Cider Doughnuts. bhofack2 / Getty Images. …
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08 of 09. Wood-Fired Bread. Courtesy of The Wilburton. …
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09 of 09. Lamb.
Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream
While not a specific food per se, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream is definitely a brand of food Vermont is known for. The company has been making unique ice cream flavors since 1978. It’s best known for mixing large dessert chunks into its ice cream flavors. Some of the company’s most popular flavors include Cherry Garcia, Half Baked, Phish Food, Americone Dream, and Chunky Monkey.
If it’s summertime, then it’s also Maple Creemee time in Vermont. You read that right – “creemee” as opposed to “creamy” refers to a soft specialty ice cream that’s – you guessed it – maple-flavored. It’s a treat that combines two of Vermont’s biggest agricultural industries, dairy and maple syrup, into one delicious treat.
Fall in Vermont and all of New England, for that matter, means apple cider donut time. These small cake-like donuts come out only once a year and are typically available at farmer’s markets, local specialty stores, or apple orchards. Apples and apple cider are also popular foods this time of year, but apple cider donuts are a particular treat.
A dish that’s popular in Vermont is boiled dinner. This one-pot meal consists of various root vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, turnips, and onions, as well as cabbage and a cut of meat, such as corned beef or ham. The ingredients are simmered together in a large pot or Dutch oven with enough water or broth to cover everything until the meat is tender and the vegetables are fully cooked. The resulting broth is often served as a soup, and the meat and vegetables are served as the main course.
Vermont has a large population of deer, and venison is a popular meat in the state. It’s often prepared in stews, chilis, and other hearty dishes.
Traditional Vermont Foods – What to Eat in Vermont
FAQ
What food is Vermont best known for?
What is Vermont’s signature food?
What is Vermont best known for?
What fruit is Vermont famous for?
What food is popular in Vermont?
Some popular Vermont dishes include maple-glazed ham, apple cider donuts, and cheddar cheese soup. Vermont is also known for its farm-to-table cuisine, which features locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce. What Food Is Famous In Burlington, VT? Burlington is known for its farm-to-table restaurants that serve locally sourced food.
What is Vermont’s best cheese?
Cheddar is far from the only cheese produced by the 50-plus cheesemakers along the Vermont Cheese Trail, but sharp white cheddar is the state’s choicest dairy product. Like maple, cheddar is omnipresent in Vermont, and you’ll have opportunities not just to sample it, but to become a connoisseur.
What are the best things to do in Vermont?
Some best things to do in Vermont include visiting farmers’ markets and trying farm-to-table restaurants at Church Street Marketplace in Burlington. Vermont is famous for its locally-sourced, farm-to-table cuisine that showcases the state’s natural bounty. From creamy cheeses to sweet maple syrup, Vermont’s food scene is a must-try for any foodie.
Is Vermont a good place to eat?
Vermont foods are renowned for their locally grown, raised, and foraged ingredients. The state’s been doing farm-to-table before farm-to-table was a thing, taking advantage of the many small farms and wilderness of the state’s beautiful countryside. You won’t find many chain restaurants here.