When people think of Indianapolis, the Indy 500 and Hoosier hospitality usually come to mind. But did you know that some of the most iconic products in America got their start right here in the Circle City? From kitchen staples to automotive breakthroughs, Indy has been quietly shaping everyday life for more than a century.
Wonder Bread
In 1921, the Taggart Baking Company in Indianapolis introduced the world to Wonder Bread. Inspired by the “wonder” of hot-air balloons, the brand’s colorful logo became a household symbol of soft, sliced bread. It was one of the first breads to be sold pre-sliced—a convenience we take for granted today.
Clabber Girl Baking Powder
Although its roots are in Terre Haute, Clabber Girl found its corporate home in Indianapolis. Generations of bakers have relied on this baking powder to make biscuits, cookies, and cakes rise to perfection. If you grew up in the Midwest, chances are it was in your grandmother’s pantry.
St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail Sauce
Ask any foodie about Indy, and they’ll probably bring up St. Elmo Steak House. Since 1902, it’s been a downtown institution. But it’s their fiery shrimp cocktail sauce that really made waves. Today, you can find bottles of the spicy concoction in grocery stores nationwide, letting you take a taste of Indy home.
Allison Transmission
Born out of racing innovation, Allison Transmission became a global leader in automatic transmissions for heavy-duty vehicles. What started in Indianapolis is now powering trucks, buses, and even military vehicles worldwide.
Eli Lilly and Company
Indianapolis has been the proud headquarters of Eli Lilly since 1876. The company revolutionized medicine by being the first to mass-produce insulin in 1923, giving hope to millions living with diabetes. Today, it’s one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world—still rooted in Indy.
RCA Records & Electronics
At its peak, RCA’s massive Indianapolis plant employed thousands of Hoosiers making record players, radios, and televisions. If your parents or grandparents had an RCA TV, chances are it was made right here in town.
Real Silk Hosiery
Once a fashion must-have, Real Silk Hosiery operated a thriving factory in Indianapolis that shipped products nationwide. It put Indy on the map for style as much as sports.
Wrapping It Up
From the loaf of bread on your kitchen table to the transmissions running under the hood of trucks across the globe, Indianapolis has always been more than just a racing town. It’s a city of innovation, hard work, and creativity. The next time you enjoy a slice of Wonder Bread or see a bottle of St. Elmo’s cocktail sauce, remember—it all started right here in the Circle City. BJ
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