Customer Spotlight: 5 Lakes Flavor

At the heart of every great product is an even greater story—and 5 Lakes Flavor is no exception. What began as a shared culinary curiosity between friends Alisha and Elizabeth has evolved into a thriving brand that's redefining the chili crisp experience. Inspired by a jar of chili crisp discovered on a trip to Australia, the duo set out to create a version that delivered bold flavor without compromising on ingredient quality. The result? Ruby Crunch—a handcrafted, small-batch condiment that’s as versatile as it is vibrant.

5 lakes flavor ruby crunch chili oil jar on charcuterie board

With a commitment to clean ingredients, a standout visual aesthetic, and an ever-growing fan base, 5 Lakes Flavor is bringing a lighter, brighter heat to kitchens everywhere—and Wizard Labels is proud to be part of their journey.

Q: What inspired you to start 5 Lakes Flavor?

A: “At 5 Lakes Flavor, our passion is simple: to bring vibrant flavors to your table using only the finest natural and wholesome ingredients. Founded by friends Alisha and Elizabeth, our journey began with a shared love of food. While visiting family in Australia, Alisha encountered chili crisps – and brought back a jar for Elizabeth. They both fell in love with the taste and texture of chili crisps and quickly learned how versatile the condiment could be for them and their families.

While searching for replacements, it was tough to find a chili crisp that sourced high quality ingredients and healthy oils – and still had that delicious flavor and satisfying crunch. And so, we formed 5 Lakes Flavor and created a lighter, brighter, and cleaner chili crisp – Ruby Crunch!”

Q: What products do you offer, and what sets them apart?

A: "We offer two varieties of Ruby Crunch - original and spicy. Each comes in two sizes: 8oz (retail) and 32oz (food service). Ruby Crunch is different from other chili crisps in three ways:

Quality. Ruby Crunch is made with olive oil and organic, unrefined sesame oil - no refined oils. It also uses fresh garlic and freshly ground Sichuan peppercorns. It is free of preservatives and additives.
Versatility. Ruby Crunch is also suitable for every dish and every table. It features simple ingredients making it delicious on a wide range of dishes. It also has a mild heat level so everyone around the table can enjoy it.
Flavor and texture. Hand-crafted in small batches by the company founders, Ruby Crunch elevates everyday dishes with a complex flavor and a superior crunch you can feel good about."

ruby crunch chili oil drizzling on sushi

Q: How does packaging play a role in your brand’s identity?

A: “Our packaging isn’t just a container; it’s an integral part of our brand experience. We offer a premium product, and our equally premium aesthetic is a powerful customer magnet. In fact, we’ve had customers purchase multiple jars simply because they love how they look in their kitchens – a testament to the visual appeal of the crisp white font against the clear label, allowing the rich, natural red hues of our spice-infused oils to truly shine.”

Q: Which products do you order from Wizard Labels and why did you choose Wizard Labels for your labels?

A: "We order our product labels from Wizard Labels, specifically the Ultra-Clear BOPP Plastic with a clear PET liner. We chose Wizard Labels primarily because of their well-established reputation for exceptional quality. We need our labels to reflect the premium nature of our product, and Wizard Labels consistently delivers a crisp, professional finish that truly enhances our brand presentation. Beyond the quality, their outstanding customer service has been a significant factor in our continued partnership. They are responsive, helpful, and make the entire ordering process smooth and efficient."

wizard labels ultra clear bopp label material info

Q: How have our labels impacted your business?

A: "Our packaging works as a silent ambassador for our brand, communicating our values of quality, transparency, and premium aesthetics from the moment it catches a customer's or store owner’s eye. "

Q: What feedback have you received on your packaging?

A: “The feedback on our packaging has been overwhelmingly positive. Time and again, we hear about how much people love the look of it. In fact, aside from compliments on the taste, the aesthetic appeal of our packaging is the most frequent feedback we receive. Customers repeatedly tell us how ‘good’ or ‘beautiful’ it looks, which is incredibly rewarding to hear.”

Q: What challenges did you face in selecting the right label material and design?

A: "As founders coming from outside the food industry, we faced a significant learning curve when it came to packaging. We had a clear vision for a premium aesthetic to match our product quality, but we lacked the technical knowledge to bring it to life. Navigating the world of label materials and design options felt quite daunting initially. We didn't know the difference between various plastics or finishes, let alone what would best showcase our spice-infused oils and withstand the rigors of storage and handling. Thankfully, the team at Wizard Labels proved to be invaluable in guiding us through this process. They patiently explained the different material options, and helped us understand how these choices would contribute to the overall aesthetic and durability we were aiming for."

ruby crunch chili oil jars with custom clear labels

Q: What advice would you give to others choosing labels for the first time?

A: "Get a hard copy proof! Digital proofs are great for repeat orders, but get a hard copy the first time. Also, if you aren’t sure, reach out to Wizard Labels. They have great communication - they can help make sure you are getting what you want. "

Q: What’s next for 5 Lakes Flavor?

A: "The immediate focus for 5 Lakes Flavor is to build momentum around our recently launched spicy version, ensuring it reaches as many enthusiasts as possible. Alongside this, we're pursuing expansion into new regions across the United States. We believe there's a significant appetite for our premium chili crisp in various markets, and we're excited to bring our flavors to a wider audience.

Looking beyond our current product line, we're also exploring a unique and exciting collaboration with a chocolatier. We envision creating a special product that blends the rich flavors of high-quality chocolate with our signature spice infusions, offering a truly distinctive and memorable culinary experience. "

5 Lakes Flavor is more than a condiment company—it’s a bold celebration of flavor, craftsmanship, and a commitment to clean, high-quality ingredients. From their serendipitous discovery of chili crisp to the creation of their signature Ruby Crunch, Alisha and Elizabeth have built a brand that’s as intentional as it is delicious.

At Wizard Labels, we’re thrilled to support 5 Lakes Flavor with premium, crystal-clear label solutions that reflect the integrity and aesthetic of their products. As they expand into new markets and explore exciting culinary collaborations, we’re proud to be part of their journey. Here’s to a future full of vibrant flavors and continued success. Contact Us today to bring your own packaging vision to life!

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