Stu’ffy Puffs is now at Miles Farmers Market

By Laura Briedis

If only the shelves at Miles Farmers Market could talk.

In stark contrast to most grocery stores jam-packed with national brands, here local companies, and farmers, take center stage—all with interesting backstories.

Its newest product, Stu’ffy Puffs, is no exception. Made in Northeast Ohio, these lightly caramel-flavored corn puffs were developed by Kathleen Craider, a biology teacher who taught a unit on macromolecules by making these tasty snacks in the classroom as a science lesson. As she made the puffs, she discussed the food science and chemistry of the recipe. Eventually, at the urging of her students, and her husband who works in the food service industry, Kathleen decided to add flavors to her recipe and in 2022 took her product to market.

Last year, Kathleen retired from teaching to work full-time making Stu’ffy Puffs.

Available in five flavors—including classic and spicy caramel, cheddar, cinnamon and peanut butter—the gluten-free corn puffs are made in a prep kitchen and manufacturing facility in Brook Park—coincidentally owned by a former student from the school Kathleen taught at for 30 years.

“We make 250 pounds of puffs in each production run and then package them within minutes to seal in freshness,” Kathleen says, noting they have a one-year shelf life.

“This snack appeals to both young and old, as there are no kernels so they don’t get stuck in your teeth,” she says. “And they melt in your mouth, so they are a safe snack for children.”

In addition to supporting a local company when buying Stu’ffy Puffs, a portion of the profits is donated to the ALS Association.

Miles Farmers Market is located at 28560 Miles Road, in Solon. For details, call 440-248-5222 or visit MilesFarmersMarket.com.