A panel of judges will choose the four most creative, mouthwatering Texas-made food, beverages and home products. The grand prize winners get $50,000.
HOUSTON — Four products from the Houston area have been named finalists in H-E-B’s annual “Quest for Texas Best” contest.
The top 10 finalists will present their products and share their stories with a panel of judges on September 25. The judges will then choose their four favorites, who will win cash prizes.
- Grand prize: $50,000
- First place: $25,000
- Second place: $15,000
- Third place: $10,000
The winner earns the title “Texas Best,” while all finalists have the opportunity to be sold in H-E-B when they are fully prepared for distribution.
4 Houston-area products are finalists in H-E-B’s ‘Quest for Texas Best’
The Houston area dominated the 2025 awards.
The Pham family: Long Phung Food Products
“For more than 35 years and two generations, Long Phung has been serving up bold, delicious bites of Vietnam – one pork roll at a time. This Houston-based, family-owned brand is beloved for its ready-to-heat favorites made with quality ingredients and no artificial additives. Available in over 200 stores across North America, Long Phung makes it easy to bring a little taste of tradition and a lot of flavor to your table.”
“The Lavish Goat crafts vibrant bath and body products designed to turn everyday routines into joyful rituals. What started in Candice and Sean Wheat’s Sugar Land kitchen during the pandemic has grown into a women-led, minority-owned manufacturer producing high-quality bath bombs and menthol-infused shower steamers. Known for their colorful designs and hidden prize surprises, The Lavish Goat combines artistry, aromatherapy, and community impact-all made in Texas with heart through charitable efforts and internships for adults with Autism and Down Syndrome.”
Joann Megues: JAM-IN Crawfish Tool
Joann Megues brainstormed a simple idea to take the hassle out of crawfish boils. Her homegrown gadget is “tough, practical, and Texas through and through. From first timers to seasoned pros, peeling crawfish can be quick, easy, and nail friendly. Proudly based in Dickinson, founder Joann Meguess works with local partners to build and package each tool right here in Texas.”
Two of the other six winners are in Austin, with one each in Bryan, Boerne, Dallas and McAllen. See all 10 winners.
H-E-B has discovered more than 1,000 unique products throughout the Lone Star State over the last decade – including cookies, coffees, empanadas, pho, queso and salsas. Non-food submissions have included beauty items, toys, home goods, and household necessities.
Over the years, H-E-B has awarded nearly $2.75 million in prize money, along with marketing and mentoring support.
“Quest for Texas Best is not only designed to find the best Texas-made products, but also to empower local entrepreneurs with the resources, exposure, and mentorship they need to grow,” said James Harris, H-E-B Sr. Director of Diversity & Inclusion and Supplier Diversity. “H-E-B was once a small business, so we understand the power and potential they can have, and we cannot wait to share the winning selections with our customers.”
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