Even if you don’t call Louisiana home like me, you can still bring those authentic tastes and flavors into your own kitchen. To help you bring New Orleans to you or to share with a loved one during the holiday season, I created this Ultimate Red Beans and Rice Gift Guide. Whether you’re assembling the perfect gift basket for a foodie friend or stocking your pantry, this guide has everything you need to celebrate the Monday tradition of red beans and rice wherever you are.
I’ve said it many times before, but there’s something magical about the tradition of red beans and rice. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a comforting, soulful dish that fills kitchens with the rich aromas of Louisiana, flavors that speak of home, and stories passed down through generations. Rooted in the heart of New Orleans, this tradition has a way of uniting us all, far beyond Louisiana’s borders, in the simple joy of this hearty, home-cooked meal.
As Dutch scientist Louise Fresco so beautifully put it:
“Food, in the end, in our own tradition, is something holy. It’s not about nutrients and calories. It’s about sharing. It’s about honesty. It’s about identity.”
And isn’t that exactly what red beans and rice are all about? It’s our tradition—one of strength, unity, resilience, and coming together around the table.
This year, why not carry on that tradition by sharing it as a gift? Whether it’s for the New Orleans foodie in your life or a friend who just returned from their first trip to NOLA and can’t stop talking about the flavors they fell in love with, this guide has you covered.
With these ideas, you’ll find the perfect gift for anyone who treasures the Monday tradition—or who’s ready to start their own.
PRO TIP: If you need an amazing red bean recipe, be sure to try my Monday Red Beans and Rice. It’ll make your Mondays a little more funky and a lot more tolerable! Don’t forget: you can print out the recipe card and include it in the gift. The recipe card also includes a QR code so they can scan it and it will take them directly to the page for the History of Red Beans in New Orleans, why we eat red beans and rice on a Monday, and so much more!
DISCLAIMER: I am not endorsed by any of the companies below (even though I have done work with Camellia Beans in the past and I think they still like me). I love all of these products and companies and stand behind the quality of each one. There are no affiliate links or sponsorships of any kind. I am not making any money from any of these companies for doing this whatsoever – just ask my wife: she’ll tell you! These are simply my honest recommendations.
What are the essential ingredients for the Ultimate Red Beans and Rice Gift Guide?
Red Beans:
I’ve never had a bad batch from either of these brands. In fact, in my How Do You Red Bean? interviews, when a brand is mentioned, it’s almost always one of these two. They’re legends in the red beans and rice world, and you can’t go wrong with either one.
Here’s where to find them:
- Camellia Beans: www.camelliabrand.com
- Blue Runner Foods: www.bluerunnerfoods.com
PRO TIP: Camellia Beans offers so much more than just beans. Their website is filled with gift-worthy merchandise like shirts, posters, and other goodies. I’ve picked up a few items myself over the years, and they never disappoint. If you’re looking for a unique gift for a red beans and rice enthusiast, this is the place to start!
Rice:
When it comes to rice, I’m all about supporting Louisiana brands and celebrating the incredible rice industry there. There’s just something special about the care and tradition that goes into every grain.
While it can sometimes be a challenge to find Louisiana rice outside of the state, I was thrilled to discover Supreme Rice at my local Kroger here in Michigan. Let me tell you, I’m all about Team Supreme! Their rice has been a game-changer in my kitchen, bringing that authentic Louisiana touch to every pot of red beans and rice – and every other rice dish I prepare.
Another favorite of mine, when I can order it online, is Cajun Country Rice’s Popcorn Rice. If you’ve never tried it, you’re in for a treat. It has a distinctive, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with red beans, adding a unique twist to the dish. It’s one of the best, hands down.
Here’s where you can find them:
- Supreme Rice: www.supremerice.com
- Cajun Country Rice: www.cajuncountryrice.com
Seasonings:
When it comes to seasoning my pot of red beans, I don’t hold back. A good Creole or Cajun seasoning blend is the backbone of the dish, and my two go-to favorites are Slap Ya Mama and Tony Chachere’s. These blends are probably the most popular around, and for good reason—they deliver big, bold Louisiana flavor every time. Plus, you can find them in just about any grocery store. If I’m not whipping up my own homemade blend, you can bet I’m reaching for one of these.
Here’s where to find them:
- Slap Ya Mama: www.slapyamama.com
- Tony Chachere’s: www.tonychachere.com
PRO TIP: Both brands offer more than just seasoning. Their websites are packed with fun merchandise and gift ideas—perfect for any Louisiana food lover on your list. From shirts and hats to seasonings galore, there’s something for everyone. And if you’re looking for a little inspiration in the kitchen, the Tony Chachere’s Cookbook is a must-have. It’s full of great recipes and is sure to become a favorite in your collection.
Hot Sauces:
No pot of red beans is complete without a generous splash of hot sauce—and not just any hot sauce. For me, it has to be a Louisiana-style hot sauce. The key? Vinegar. That tangy kick is one of the first ingredients, and it gives Louisiana-style hot sauce its unmistakable flavor. It’s bold without being overpowering, and the blend of vinegar, chilies (usually cayenne or tabasco), and salt is just the right balance to complement the red beans without stealing the show.
Here are two of my favorites:
- Crystal Hot Sauce: www.crystalhotsauce.com
- Louisiana Hot Sauce: www.louisianahotsauce.com
PRO TIP: Both of these iconic brands offer more than just hot sauce. Be sure to check out their merch sections for exclusive products you won’t find in stores. From sauces to shirts and more, they have plenty of options to spice up your kitchen—and your gift list.
Meats:
Here’s where the gift guide gets a little tricky—and where shipping can get expensive. If you’re planning to order authentic Louisiana meats, be sure to double-check those shipping costs before you finalize your purchase. It’s worth it for the flavor, but it’s good to know what to expect!
The essentials for a truly excellent pot of beans include:
- Smoked Sausage
- Andouille Sausage
- Tasso
- Pickled Pork (see PRO TIP below)
These meats are non-negotiable when it comes to capturing those authentic Louisiana flavors. Luckily, you can order them online from two fantastic sources:
- Manda Fine Meats: www.mandafinemeats.com
- Savoie’s Foods: www.savoiesfoods.com
PRO TIP: Want to skip the shipping costs for pickled pork? You can easily make it at home! Check out these recipe instructions and enjoy fresh, homemade pickled pork in your next pot of beans.
Where to Buy Outside of Louisiana?
No worries—if you’re shopping from outside Louisiana, you can still get your hands on all the products I’ve mentioned above. Many of these items can be ordered online, even if your local grocery store doesn’t carry them. While Amazon is an option, I prefer to shop directly from the brand’s websites. Another fantastic alternative is Cajun Grocer.
CajunGrocer.com is an online retailer specializing in Cajun and Creole food, offering everything from meats and seafood to seasonings and ready-made meals. They even carry unique items like gumbo, jambalaya, étouffée, turducken, alligator, boudin, and live crawfish. With more than 3,000 products available, they’ve got pretty much every Louisiana brand you could want, plus merchandise, gift baskets, and more.
- Cajun Grocer – www.cajungrocer.com
Speaking of gift baskets:
If you’re looking for a premade gift basket, check out Box of Care NOLA, run by a friend of the website, Jonathan Floyd. He puts together incredible baskets packed with New Orleans and Louisiana products—perfect for any food lover on your list.
- Box of Care Gift Company: www.boxofcare.com
Make Your Own Gift Basket
If you’d rather create a personalized gift, it’s easy to put one together using the products mentioned above. Start with red beans, a package of rice, and some seasonings, then add fun extras like wooden spoons, recipe cards, or even a small cast-iron pot. Finish it off with a Mardi Gras-themed ribbon for that festive Louisiana flair—it’s a thoughtful and unique gift that’s sure to impress!
My Favorite Red Beans and Rice Shirts:
You can’t go a Monday without repping your favorite comfort meal, right? And no, I’m not talking about spilling red beans down your shirt. I mean wearing gear that proudly shows off your love for the Monday tradition!
Over the years, I’ve collected some great merch to celebrate red beans and rice. One of my favorites is a Blue Runner Beans shirt I won in a contest—but unfortunately, they don’t sell their merch online. The same goes for Supreme Rice. I have a hat and shirt they sent me (which I love), but I’d definitely be excited to see more options in the future. Here’s hoping both brands consider opening online merch shops someday!
Here are a few of my favorite shirts:
- Dirty Coast ‘Monday’ – https://dirtycoast.com/products/monday-1?
- NOLA Shirt of the Month ‘Red Beans and Rice Didn’t Miss Her’ – https://nolatshirtclub.com/products/red-beans-and-rice-didnt-miss-here
- Camellia Beans ‘Raised on Red Beans’ – https://shop.camelliabrand.com/products/raised-on-red-beans-and-rice-pocket-tee
- Juniors on Hamiltion ‘Home of the $5 Red Beans’ shirt – https://www.hufftmarchand.com/merch/p/juniors-red-beans-shirt
- 1993 Appearal NOLA Tings Red Beans shirt – https://www.1993apparel.org/product/nolatings-red-beans-mondays-tee-1
- NOLA Shirt of the Month ‘Red Hot Beans and Rice’ shirt – https://nolatshirtclub.com/products/red-hot-beans-and-rice-t-shirt
PRO TIP: Don’t forget to check out some of the other items these great companies have to offer. Camellia Beans has a large selection of bean-related gear to celebrate Monday. Junior’s has an awesome hat that I love to wear that goes with the shirt. If you shop Dirty Coast, type ‘red beans and rice’ in their search bar and other items will show up.
What is the Ultimate Gift for a Red Bean Lover?
For me, the ultimate gift for any red beans and rice lover is a membership to Beanlandia and a chance to be part of the incredible Krewe of Red Beans.
What is Beanlandia?
At its heart, Beanlandia is a love letter to New Orleans—a 25,000-square-foot community center, event space, cultural museum, and music venue all rolled into one. It’s more than just a building; it’s a hub of creativity, culture, and community. Beanlandia will host a variety of programs, including live music, kids’ activities, and community-building events, offering countless ways to connect and give back.
The highlight? The Bean Museum. This one-of-a-kind museum tells the story of the Krewe of Red Beans, showcases the artistry behind their Lundi Gras parade, and features some of the most stunning bean suits crafted by Krewe members. You’ll leave with a deep appreciation for the creativity, history, and joy that this tradition brings to New Orleans.
Why Join Beanlandia?
Beanlandia was built to give back to the community, and your membership helps support its mission. The best part? You don’t have to live in New Orleans to be part of this amazing initiative. For the cost of a large coffee at Starbucks—or whatever amount you choose to give each month—you can support Beanlandia’s programs and their impact on the New Orleans community.
So, what are you waiting for? Join me—I’m a proud member!
To learn more about Beanlandia and why your membership matters, check out this link. I dive into all the details and share how your support helps preserve the vibrant culture of New Orleans and uplifts its community.
I hope you enjoyed exploring this Ultimate Red Beans and Rice Gift Guide and discovered some perfect gift ideas for the red bean food lover in your life. If you create your own gift basket, don’t forget to tag me on social media—I’d love to see what you put together!
Do you have a favorite brand of beans, rice, seasonings, or an online supplier I didn’t mention? Share it in the comments below—I’m always excited to learn about new favorites from fellow bean enthusiasts!
Eric Olsson is the food blogger of RedBeansAndEric.com. He publishes new recipes and interviews weekly. He has developed recipes and written articles for the famous Camellia brand in New Orleans, Louisiana. He has been mentioned in Louisiana Cookin‘ magazine and has had recipes featured in Taste of Home magazine – with his Creole Turkey recipe being runner up in their annual Thanksgiving recipe contest. He lives outside of Detroit, Michigan, with his wife and four children.
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