A major goal of a locavore is to eat foods grown closer to home. Processed foods don't normally says where their ingredients came from. Processed food producers might not even be able to say where their food comes from as it is make up of comingled commodities from around the world.
Chocolate, coffee and tea is all foreign import. If you are going to buy these, then buy based on quality and price. There is no particular advantage to the environment from buying locally processed foods, especially when the main ingredient
must be imported.
That said, local processors may have more opportunity, but not the obligation, to buy from local growers than if they were a producer in, say, Chicago.
EditChips
Nana's Cocina Prince William County, Va. Made by Abuelita, who also makes tortillas and burritos.
Route 11 Potato Chips.
Easy to find in any grocery store. Made in Mount Jackson, Virginia, not sure where they get their potatoes or oil. While I still haven't figure out where their ingredients come from, they are aggressive recyclers use some of their byproducts for horse and cow feed for local farmers
$150 for a wholesale order from
Southern Harvest.
EditBaked Good Mixes
Byrd Mill Virginia
EditAppetizers, Dips, Variety, Sauces, Etc.
The Chile Man Loudon county grower and processor of salsas and other chile sauces.
Amar's Processed locally in Alexandria, but probably imported ingredients, no specific info on website.
Gunther's Gourmet Groceries Locally processed, but ingredients of unknown origin. Many of the items they sell *could* have ingredients that have been sourced locally.
Montebello Kitchens These guys are unusual in that they state which ingredients are local. For example, the Apple BBQ sauce uses local apples, but not local tomatoes.