What do you do when you are sad and miss home?

As Africans that have moved away from home, it can be challenging to find ways to stay connected to our roots while living abroad. Fortunately, there are several brands, some on the continent, that make it easier to bear the distance away from loved ones and familiar surroundings and experiences and for us to feel not so far removed from home and have a piece of home that soothes the soul when we may need it.

Here is a list of brands that offer a taste of home and celebrate a rich African heritage, community and culture:

““Nostalgia is a way for us to tap into the past experiences that we have and extract lessons from them.””

— Sonia Simone

1. Aduna - This UK-based company produces a range of health foods and snacks that are made with African superfoods, such as baobab and moringa. Their products are not only delicious, but also help to support small-scale farmers in Africa.

2. Kahawa 1893 - This US-based coffee company produces high-quality coffee beans that are sourced directly from farmers in East Africa. Their coffee is roasted in small batches to ensure maximum flavor and freshness.

3. Nubian Skin - This brand offers a range of skin tone lingerie and hosiery for women of color. The brand's mission is to offer undergarments that match the diverse range of skin tones found in the African diaspora. Midunu: This Ghanaian brand offers a range of artisanal chocolates inspired by African flavors, such as baobab and hibiscus.

4. Chocolatier Robert - Founded by Robert Ndongmo, a Cameroonian chocolatier, the brand offers a range of chocolate bars, truffles, and bonbons.

5. Adinkra Republic - This brand focuses on creating modern African-inspired clothing and accessories, while also telling the story of Adinkra symbols and their meanings. Be sure to check out their fabulous collection of socks.

6. Chika's Foods - Based in the UK, this Nigerian-owned brand offers a range of snacks and sauces inspired by West African cuisine, including plantain crisps and jollof rice sauce.

7. SweetKiwiUSA - Based in the US, this Nigerian owned brand offers frozen yogurt and sorbet flavors inspired by African fruits, such as baobab and mango.

8. Yswara - Based in South Africa, this brand offers a range of teas inspired by the flavors and traditions of Africa, such as rooibos and honeybush. The brand's mission is to showcase the rich tea culture of Africa and offer unique and high-quality tea blends.

9. Africa Speaks - Africa Speaks is a language school in France that offers courses in several African languages, including Bambara, Dioula, and Kinyarwanda.

10. Kahame - offers a wide variety of stylish and high-quality footwear for men and women. The brand is known for its unique designs that incorporate traditional African elements with modern fashion trends. Kahame prides itself on using locally sourced materials and supporting local communities brewing methods.

These brands not only offer unique and high-quality products, but they also help you stay connected to the rich African culture and heritage through their storytelling and use of traditional materials and techniques of making their products. By supporting these brands, Africans can celebrate their heritage in many exciting ways which can be a source of comfort for those who miss home.