
Barrel + Brine
Hometown Roots & Vision
Founded in 2015 by RJ and Lindsey, Barrel + Brine has stayed true to its Western New York origins. Their commitment to the region shows in the ingredients they choose and the traditions they honor. The brand’s identity is built on celebrating local farms, the craft of fermentation, and a hands-on approach to flavor.
Because of that local focus, the raw materials they use are often sourced nearby, and their production methods favor small batches, careful hand-cutting, and traditional fermenting techniques. The “+ Brine” in their name hints at that core method — brining vegetables to awaken natural flavors, beneficial microbes, and crisp textures.
What Makes Them Unique
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Artisanal & Natural Ferments: Their sauerkraut, kimchi, and cold-packed pickles are not pasteurized; many are raw, fermented, probiotic-forward, and preservative-free.
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Bold, Clean Flavors: They lean into strong, clean tastes — you’ll find classic NY deli dill, spicy pickles, kimchi blends, and vinegary sours — always with a focus on real ingredients.
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Functional Beverages: In addition to pickles and ferments, they offer kombucha beverages, integrating fermentation into refreshing, tangy sips.
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Wholesale & Scalability: Barrel + Brine also offers wholesale, with shelf-stable and food service options, so their products reach restaurants, stores, and cafés beyond Buffalo.
Range of Products
Their product line is expansive within the fermented space. It includes:
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Fermented pickles (classic dills, spicy versions, specialty blends)
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Sauerkraut and kimchi in various flavor profiles
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Kombucha drinks (in flavors like ginger-lemon, blueberry lavender, and more)
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Fermented condiments and seasonal ferment blends depending on local produce availability
Why It Matters to FreshFix & You
Including Barrel + Brine in your FreshFix selection brings more than a jar of pickles — it brings the story of Buffalo, the health benefits of fermentation, and the spirit of local craftsmanship. When you choose their products, you’re supporting a business that values regional flavor, microbial goodness, and authenticity.
Next time you pop open a crunchy Barrel + Brine pickle or pour their kombucha, you’ll taste more than dill and spice — you’ll taste a hometown vision fermented into flavor.