11 North Carolina Foods You Might Be Saying Wrong

Food traditions in North Carolina reflect a blend of Southern, Appalachian, and coastal influences. Many dishes, brands, and ingredients carry names rooted in local history or cultural heritage. For visitors and sometimes even for residents, pronunciation can become an unexpected challenge.

Knowing how to say these names correctly comes in handy at restaurants, local markets, and during conversations with longtime North Carolinians about food. Here are eleven North Carolina foods or food-related names that are often mispronounced, along with the locally accepted way to say them.

1. Cheerwine

When a server asks if you want something sweet to drink, locals might suggest Cheerwine, pronounced “CHEER-wine.” This cherry-flavored soft drink has been a North Carolina staple since its creation in Salisbury in 1917. Despite the name, there is no alcohol in Cheerwine, but its deep red color and bubbly sweetness often spark curiosity among newcomers.

Visitors sometimes accidentally call it “chair-wine” or add a French twist, but sticking to the cheerful “CHEER” and straightforward “wine” will get you a friendly nod. The brand’s long history connects generations, and it is often paired with barbecue or served at community gatherings. For many North Carolinians, Cheerwine is a nostalgic symbol of home, especially when enjoyed ice-cold on a hot summer day.

2. Livermush

People either light up or look puzzled when livermush is mentioned, but in western North Carolina, asking for “LIV-ermush” is a breakfast routine. Made from pork liver, head meat, and cornmeal, this savory loaf gets sliced, fried, and often tucked inside a biscuit for a hearty start to the day. The name is spoken as a single word, without any pause or emphasis on the second syllable.

First-timers sometimes try saying “liver-mush” with an awkward pause, but locals never break the word apart. Recipes are closely guarded and vary by county, and annual festivals celebrate livermush’s unique place in the state’s food landscape. This dish is more than a curiosity; it’s a point of regional pride that connects communities across generations.

3. Mt. Olive Pickles

Some visitors trip over this familiar pickle brand, but the correct way to order is “Mount Olive,” matching the town’s name. The company was founded in the small community of Mount Olive in 1926, and today its products fill grocery shelves across the region. Mispronunciations such as “Mont Olive” are common, but locals always use the full, clear “Mount.”

These pickles are part of family cookouts and roadside burger stands alike. The brand’s connection to its hometown is celebrated during annual pickle festivals, drawing crowds for tastings and tours. Knowing the right pronunciation when asking for Mt. Olive pickles shows respect for a beloved North Carolina institution and avoids confusion at the deli counter.

4. Bojangles’

Ask North Carolinians where to get a biscuit, and many will point to Bojangles’, pronounced “BO-jangles” with emphasis on the first syllable. This fast-food chain, founded in Charlotte in 1977, is famous for its chicken, biscuits, and sweet tea. Visitors sometimes attempt a French-sounding “boh-ZHAHN-gles,” but the local version keeps it simple and upbeat.

Bojangles’ locations are gathering places in towns both large and small. Whether you’re ordering Cajun chicken or a country ham biscuit, saying the name right helps you blend in. The restaurant’s quirky history and distinctive yellow-and-red branding make it an unmistakable part of North Carolina’s food landscape.

5. Moravian Cookies

Moravian cookies, pronounced “mo-RAY-vee-an,” offer a glimpse into Winston-Salem’s European heritage. These wafer-thin spice cookies, often in festive tins, originate from the Moravian community that settled in the area in the 18th century. The mispronunciation “mor-AV-ee-an” is fairly common among visitors unfamiliar with the region’s history.

Locals take pride in these cookies, especially during holiday seasons when bakeries line their shelves with classic flavors like ginger and sugar. Each bite reflects centuries-old recipes handed down through generations. Pronouncing “Moravian” the North Carolina way connects you to a tradition that predates statehood and continues to delight families throughout the area.

6. Calabash Seafood

Seafood fans may hear about “Calabash” style frying, but knowing it’s pronounced “CAL-uh-bash” helps at coastal restaurants. Named after the small town near the South Carolina border, Calabash’s signature is a light cornmeal batter that lets fresh shrimp, fish, and oysters take center stage. Tourists occasionally say “cuh-LAY-bash,” which can draw a gentle correction from servers.

The community’s seafood shacks are famous up and down the coast, and many families schedule trips just for this local specialty. Calabash is sometimes called “The Seafood Capital of the World” due to its enduring popularity. Getting the pronunciation right is a small step in joining a longstanding tradition of shore dinners and family gatherings by the water.

7. Krispy Kreme

Many doughnut lovers are surprised to learn that Krispy Kreme’s correct pronunciation is “KRIS-pee KREEM,” not “crispy cream.” Founded in Winston-Salem in 1937, this brand is known for its soft, airy glazed doughnuts and the signature “Hot Now” sign. The unique spelling often leads to creative guesses from out-of-towners.

North Carolinians are quick to celebrate their connection to this international brand, and lines often form around the block when the hot light flashes. Krispy Kreme’s history is intertwined with local culture, making correct pronunciation a subtle nod to tradition. Whether at a drive-thru or a holiday party, asking for “KRIS-pee KREEM” brings a smile and often an extra doughnut sample.

8. Brunswick Stew

Brunswick stew has stirred debates about its origins, but in North Carolina, it’s pronounced “BRUNZ-wick.” This thick, savory dish blends chicken or pork with tomatoes, corn, and lima beans, simmered until the flavors meld. Some visitors mistakenly use “BRUNS-wick,” but the local way softens the middle for a smooth sound.

Stew suppers and barbecue fundraisers across the state serve up generous bowls, especially during cooler months. Recipes vary by county, reflecting family traditions and a spirit of sharing. The stew’s name is a subtle detail, but saying it correctly signals you’re in tune with the local dining culture and hospitality found throughout North Carolina.

9. Neese’s Sausage

At breakfast tables in North Carolina, Neese’s Sausage is a familiar sight, but the correct pronunciation is “NEE-suhs.” Founded in Greensboro in 1917, Neese’s has built a loyal following for its fresh, flavorful pork sausage. Visitors sometimes guess “Nees” or “Ness,” but locals stick to the family name’s unique ending.

Neese’s products are staples for Sunday breakfasts and holiday meals. The company’s red-and-white packaging is instantly recognizable to those who grew up in the area. Asking for Neese’s the local way signals you’re part of the breakfast tradition cherished by generations of North Carolinians.

10. Cackalacky Sauce

The playful name “Cackalacky” first catches the eye on bottles of tangy, spicy sauce. Locals pronounce it “CACK-a-lacky,” with energy and rhythm that match the sauce’s bold flavor. Common mistakes include stressing the wrong syllable or drawing out the middle, but the fun, punchy pronunciation is part of its identity.

Cackalacky Sauce often appears at cookouts and is a favorite companion for grilled meats. It’s also used as a nickname for the state itself, adding an extra layer of local flavor. Knowing how to say “Cackalacky” correctly is its own rite of passage for barbecue lovers and festival-goers throughout North Carolina.

11. Aydlett (as in Aydlett Oysters)

Few names trip up newcomers quite like Aydlett, pronounced “ADD-lit.” This small Currituck County community is known for its briny oysters and scenic waterfronts. Many assume it should be said “Aid-let,” but locals and seafood purveyors always use the short, crisp version.

Aydlett oysters are featured at local seafood festivals and on menus along the Outer Banks. The town’s unique pronunciation often surprises visitors, but using it correctly quickly reveals you as someone who appreciates regional traditions. Saying “ADD-lit” not only helps you order oysters but also connects you to a hidden gem of North Carolina’s maritime culture.