Editor’s Note: Since this story was written (2015) Holcomb Hollow has opened a commercial kitchen and only makes jam for special pop-ups. See their website for current information.
Who would imagine that jam and bread could save the world?
Holcomb Hollow, a family-operated business out of Mundelein, wants to help save the world, one delicious bite at a time.

Proprietor and mother of three, Melissa Norton, handcrafts bread, muffins, scones, biscotti, jams, jellies, pickles, preserves, and granola bars using locally sourced, organic ingredients. We’ve talked a lot about the benefits of supporting local agriculture for your family’s health, the health of the planet, and the health of your local economy. So yes, I do believe Holcomb Hollow’s Pineapple Mango Habanero Jam might change the world. Think globally and act locally!
“The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”
~ Confucius
So this is all pretty heavy stuff we’re talking about for a food purveyor; what you want to know is how it tastes! Holcomb Hollow has won 6 ribbons at the Lake County Fair for their jams. Besides their popular Pineapple Mango Habanero, they feature many equally exciting flavors like Raspberry Thyme, Nectarine Basil, and even a Beer Jelly! They even feature a Blueberry Jam that uses no sugar and is sweetened with stevia.

Holcomb Hollow’s bread, muffins, and scones are a dream-come-true for those suffering from certain allergies or sensitivities. All bread products are vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free. Flavors include zucchini, banana, pumpkin, and more. Melissa is always experimenting with unique and interesting flavors. Even my meat-eating, gluten-loving husband enjoys her carrot bread!

Start your morning with Holcomb Hollow’s double chocolate or almond biscotti that’s so good you can find it at Lauretta’s Italian Bakery & Cafe in Mundelein. Italians know biscotti. It’s gluten-free and vegan too!
Bars with Benefits gives vegans and carnivores alike 8 grams of cruelty-free protein packed with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and coconut. Who doesn’t love a good granola bar using real ingredients?
See the website for current retail locations, online ordering, and special pop-ups.
Connect with Holcomb Hollow
1059 E High St Mundelein, IL 60060 | (224) 577-9248
Facebook | Instagram |Tik Tok | Twitter
Meet other local businesses, including more about Melissa and Holcomb Hollow at MADE in Lake County!

By Loralie
Hainesville
When Loralie isn’t out exploring with her two pint-sized adventurers you’ll often find her in front of her computer plotting to take over the world (or at least Lake County.) She appreciates good friends, good food, expensive shoes and parents who make two lanes in the drop-off/pick-up line at school. Her spirit animal is The Hobbit. She invites you to join her on her quest for unique distractions, diversions and deliciousness in this county we call home.


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