Acadian Kitchens: Home of Ragin' Cajun and Cajun's Choice

Cajun food is a rustic combination of rich flavors and spices. These spices are the cornerstone of one of America's most unique regional cuisines. Acadian Kitchens brings Cajun flavor and cuisine to the world straight out of Lafayette, Louisiana.

Acadian Kitchens has produced Lousiana flavor since 1986. The products are derived from original recipes and contain more spice and less salt than national brands. In August 2023, the company began producing its first products out of a new location in Lafayette. The transition was meticulous, moving one production line at a time from Broussard to ensure a smooth and efficient shift to the Lafayette facility. The new location more than doubled the size of Acadian Kitchens. 

Paul Leleux, the Chief Executive Officer of Acadian Kitchens, reflects on the challenges and learning curves encountered during this move. “It’s been a constant effort to improve and adapt to the new facility. After being in our previous building for over 30 years, adjusting to a new layout required a fresh approach to efficiency,” he says.

Despite growing pains, the goal remains clear: to create more jobs in Lafayette. Historically, Lafayette has been known as an oil and gas town, but Paul sees an exciting future for the food industry. “We produce so much Cajun and Creole food in Louisiana that the food industry is becoming a significant player. People from all over the country love Cajun food,” he explains.

Cajun cuisine is a uniquely American creation, blending influences from French, Spanish, African, and other cultures that settled in Louisiana. Paul elaborates, “Cajun food is a mix of so many cultures. It’s French, Spanish, and African—all the people who came to Louisiana had a hand in making Cajun food, which is what it is today. The great thing about food is you always have room for one more person at the table.”

Growing up in New Iberia as the eldest of five children, Paul’s family gatherings were always centered around food. “We were always making a gumbo, jambalaya, or frying something. Family and friends were always around. That’s what Cajun food is—community,” he shares.

Paul encountered a universal curiosity about Cajun food through his travels for work. “Everywhere I went, people wanted to know what Cajun food was and if it was spicy. I would cook for many people, and they thought it was amazing. To me, it was just what we had for dinner every night. But when you go elsewhere, people love it,” he recalls. Acadian Kitchens has expanded its reach, shipping products nationwide and even being available in U.S. military commissaries worldwide. Their product line includes 40 items: seasonings, sauces, roux, beans, boxed dinners, and pickled items. Paul says the Ragin’ Cajun and Cajun Choice brands have become recognizable names in the market. 

Peyton White, a national sales associate for Acadian Kitchens, addresses a common misconception about Cajun food: “Most people think it is spicy, but it just depends on how heavy of a hand you have when seasoning. It’s about cooking with the correct proportions.”

“Acadian Kitchens is dedicated to educating people about true Cajun cuisine and doing so with premium ingredients that are heart-healthy and better for you,” says Peyton. Their flagship product, Ragin’ Cajun Original Cajun Seasoning, has 20% less sodium than leading competitors. The company offers a variety of seasonings, including a steak and chicken rub with about half the sodium content of the original and a hot seasoning with less sodium and more pepper for an extra kick.

“We’re making our seasoning healthier so you don’t have to worry about your cholesterol every time,” says Peyton.