Learn more about our local UP products
The Upper Peninsula Makers Behind Every Box
Trenary Toast
Made in the tiny town of Trenary, Michigan, the legendary Trenary Toast is twice-baked for the perfect crunch and has been a pantry staple in UP homes since 1928. Originating from the Finnish immigrant community, this hardy toast is simple, sturdy, and endlessly snackable—it’s uniquely Yooper.
Why I chose it: Trenary Toast is a conversation starter. It’s unexpected, deeply local, and pairs beautifully with cheese, jams, spreads, or dunking in coffee—exactly the kind of discovery I want people to experience for a taste of the Upper Peninsula. Featuring the Original Cinnamon-Sugar version of Trenary Toast was the obvious choice for a nostalgic Yooper treat.
Keweenaw Kitchens
Founded in 1992 with humble beginnings in Pelkie, Michigan, Keweenaw Kitchens crafts small-batch jams inspired by the flavors of the U.P, using quality ingredients and bold combinations that feel both rustic and heartwarming. Now located in Chassell, Michigan, the demand for the delicious jam has only grown while the foundation of Keweenaw Kitchens stays true to its roots.
Why I chose it: Their jams add color, creativity, and a modern twist to the box. Among all the popular variety of flavors,I selected the local favorite, raspberry, to pair with the artisanal flavors of cheese and sausage—balancing tradition with innovation, just like CharYooperie itself.
Sayklly's
A true Upper Peninsula icon, Sayklly’s Chocolates has been crafting sweet memories since 1906. Known for their old-fashioned recipes and nostalgic flavors, Sayklly’s represents generations of Michigan tradition wrapped in every bite.
Why I chose it: Sayklly’s products are more than sweet treats—they are history. Including their treats just made sense and brings an element of timeless Yooper craftsmanship and childhood nostalgia to every CharYooperie box. I am proud to feature Sayklly’s Yooper Bars, Chocolate Bars, Peanut Brittle, and Yooper Trail Mix for a variety of the U.P’s finest confections.
GT's Bees
Harvested in Negaunee, Michigan, by Garry Tollefson, GT’s Bees Honey is pure Upper Peninsula gold. What originally began as a simple beekeeping hobby to help with allergies has now, 15 years later, turned into a Yooper staple. Local, handmade, and thoughtfully produced, this honey captures the natural landscape of the UP in every drizzle.
Why I chose it: Each bottle that Garry makes is poured by hand in his own backyard. Beautifully packaged and going above and beyond, GT’s Bees ensures that I always have ample supply for every order to stay on track. I love featuring products that are as authentic as the land they come from. This honey brings warmth, flavor, and a true “taste of the North” to every box.
Northwoods Cheese Company
Founded in 2002 by Derek and Angela Thielke, this husband and wife artisan cheese company features handcrafted, shelf stable cheeses made with care, tradition, and quality ingredients— embodying the craftsmanship Wisconsin dairy is known for. With over 41 years in the speciality food industry, Northwoods Cheese Company prides themself on excellent customer service and delicious products.
Why I chose it: Cheese is the heart and soul of charcuterie. From the amazing flavors, to the fantastic variety, I am proud to feature Northwoods Cheese Company’s products. One of the most fun parts of taste testing all my products is selecting the Cheese of the Month to be featured in the CharYooperie box! All of the flavors pair beautifully with every other element in the box and elevate the entire experience.
Elliott’s Up North
A Midwest favorite, Elliott’s Up North is known for their bold, savory summer sausage—perfectly seasoned and proudly made for hearty Northwoods snacking.
Why I chose it: Every charcuterie board needs a strong anchor, and this sausage delivers. Brought by German immigrants in the 1800s, summer sausage has become a staple for gifts and grazing gatherings. It’s familiar, satisfying, and unmistakably “Up North”. Paired with cheeses, crackers, and spreads, this sausage is the perfect vehicle for charcuterie flavor.
Locally Engraved Yooper Bamboo Charcuterie Board
At the heart of the CharYooperie board box features a locally engraved bamboo charcuterie board proudly stamped with the UP—designed to be reused, displayed, and remembered long after the last bite.
Each board is locally laser-engraved by hand with the iconic shape of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, making every box unmistakably Yooper from the moment it’s opened. Crafted from durable bamboo, it’s designed to be used again and again—whether for hosting, everyday grazing, or proudly displayed.
What truly sets CharYooperie apart is that this board turns a gift into a keepsake. Long after the cheeses are enjoyed and the treats are gone, the board remains—telling a story, sparking conversation, and holding meaning.
For those who grew up in the UP or had to move away, this board represents connection, comfort, and nostalgia—a tangible piece of home delivered to their door. For those who have never been to the Upper Peninsula, it becomes an introduction to the region’s pride, craftsmanship, and culture—often the beginning of a love for a place they’ve yet to visit or long to return to.
Why I chose it:
I wanted CharYooperie to be more than a consumable gift—I wanted it to be a memorable experience. A permanent reminder of the Upper Peninsula and the story behind the region. The board ensures every box leaves a lasting impression. It celebrates the UP visually and emotionally and makes each gift feel intentional, personal, and unforgettable.
This board is the reason CharYooperie isn’t “just another gift box.”
It’s why people remember it.
And it’s why it feels like home.
The CharYooperie Promise
Every product is intentionally chosen, personally taste tested, and thoughtfully paired by me—one box at a time. I work directly with these makers because I believe in supporting local businesses and sharing the best of the North with people near and far.