Meggie
Bunky’s Hummus
This hummus is about as soft and luxurious as hummus could be. It’s a great local on-the-go addition to summer picnics and cloud-watching lunches.
Angelica
Rebbl Reishi Cold Brew
This vegan beverage energizes and lifts the spirit without any of the irritability some caffeinated beverages can cause thanks to the high content of creamy coconut milk. Sweetened with stevia, so no blood sugar chaos either!
Willy Street Co-op Spicy Collard Greens
I love heating these greens up for lunch with a slab of our Southern Fried Tofu. They are chewy, flavorful and nutritious and an excellent addition to any fried meal, as the juices are perfect for dipping as well. The spice level is moderate but definitely palatable. It’s making me hungry just talking about them!
Laura
Eden Spicy Pumpkin Seeds
Forget croutons, especially if you’re gluten-free. I prefer these to give a spicy kick to my salads! Plus, pumpkin seeds are loaded with antioxidants and are a mainstay for a healthy urogenital system. Win, win!
Kjerstin
Taste Adventure Bulk Instant Refried Black or Pinto Beans
I always keep these on hand! Super great for at home, at work, road trips, camping, or hiking. Just add hot water and grab some tortilla chips/plantain chips/crackers/sesame sticks/whatever and in two minutes you have a deliciously filling meal or snack for one or many! Pretty good on their own, these refried beans become incandescent when you top with chopped green chilies, salsa, pico de gallo, cilantro, fried or scrambled eggs, cheese, nutritional yeast... really anything. They also can make a great thickener or beanily delicious addition to soups or casseroles.
Hallie
Wisco Pop Grapefruit Soda
This is great alone, but AMAZING with vodka or tequila! Especially on a hot summer evening. Salt the rim first and it’s even fancier and more balanced. Too many though and you may lose your balance!
Colin
Border Bourbon
Incredible bourbon at this price point, very smooth, notes of sweet grain and vanilla. Great on the rocks, straight, or in a bourbon old fashioned. Available at North and West.
Pretzilla Pretzel Bun
Hands down the best pretzel bun I’ve had. Use this on burgers, bison burgers, turkey sandwiches or really anything that could benefit from a savory and salty bun. My favorite sandwich on this bun is a bison burger with muenster cheese.
Michael
Sambazon Jungle Love Energy Drink
Try as hard as I might, I am just not a morning person. To my chagrin I’m often working early in the morning. This is the only energy drink I’ve found that gives me enough of a boost to ride out my day without crashing really hard halfway through. It isn’t hard on your insides like coffee can be and it tastes great. Finally it has that delightfully short ingredient list with ingredients you’ll actually recognize as food.
Jack
Vitruvian Farms Shiitake Mushrooms
Fry these with garlic, ginger, baby bok choy. and scallions, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil dressing. Dinner is that easy.
Wishgarden Deep Lung 2 oz.
As a seasonal runner I wanted something to build up my lung strength and help with stamina and since I began using this last summer I feel those big deep breaths more often.
Bulk Taco seasoning
Ever since discovering we carry this, my tacos have gotten more experimental because I know I always have the essential seasoning to give it taco realness.
Tortilleria Zepeda Yellow Corn Tortillas 12-pack
As a lifelong flour tortilla spokesmodel, I didn’t think conversion to Team Corn was possible. Color me wrong—and that color is yellow.
Kelsey
Sassy Cow Salted Caramel Ice Cream
You have many salted caramel ice cream options to choose from. What makes this different is the saltiness—it’s not overwhelming, I promise you won’t be taking a bite of cold salt!, but it’s more noticeable than in other varieties. You really get that salty and sweet combo. Plus Sassy Cow is a great local business.
Caitlyn
Willy Street Co-op Juice Bar’s Cold Brew
Our Juice & Coffee Bars have some potent cold brew if you are looking for that extra spring in your step. They use locally roasted Just Coffee beans too.
Amy
Honey Pot Company Everyday Herbal Pantiliners
Black woman-owned, this is the only menstrual-care system out there using herbal infusion. Chemical and cruelty-free is also great, but the most magical thing of all with these particular pantiliners are that they are imbued with essential oils, including mint, which cool and refresh your Honey Pot in a way like no other!
Katie
GT’s Hibiscus Ginger Kombucha (any size)
I need my booch fizzy and not full of sugar and GT’s delivers. Hibiscus Ginger is my new favorite flavor. It has nuances of ginger and hibiscus without being overpowering. I enjoy it straight up the best but its not a bad mixer for a great summer cocktail.
Sprout Living Epic Protein
This protein-packed collagen superfood is my go-to every morning. It hits me with 15 grams of clean protein to get me going on my day. I love the added vitamins, minerals and mushrooms. No chalky aftertaste with this powder. The Raspberry Pomegranate flavor is delicous and goes down smoothly.
James
Ferndale Smoked Turkey, Sliced from the Deli
I never used to care much for turkey sandwich meat until I tried this smoked turkey! Now I use it any chance I get—for turkey and swiss sandwiches/melts, on top of a bagel with cream cheese, and even tossed into an omelet! It is a staple in my house, for sure!
Tula Hats
It’s summer, so that means sun hats are out! I love these hats because of the many different styles they offer and the fact that they come in different sizes so you can find one that actually works for you! Not only that, but the band on the inside is also super comfortable and not itchy. Try one on, you’ll have a hard time putting it back! And, if you’re like me, you’ll end up buying two before summer is over.
Grant
Giant Jones Brewing
Don’t overlook these single bottles! Giant Jones quickly became one of my favorite local brewers once I discovered them. They specialize in stronger, darker brews and bottle into the one “giant” 500ml size. Aside from every beer they put out being phenomenal, Giant Jones is certified organic, woman-owned and queer woman-operated right here in Madison. Support local beer!
Carr Valley Cranberry Chipotle Cheddar
Smoky and spicy chipotle peppers live in perfect, flavorful harmony with the subtle hint of tangy cranberries in a sharp white cheddar. What’s not to love? Available at East and North.
Milton Four Alarm Cheddar
You like cheese? You like it spicy? You’re welcome. Available at East and North.
Jess
Mont Gravet Rose
Fresh and fruit-forward dry rosé wine with lovely aromas of raspberry and blackberry and is full body and long on the palate. This rosé is a wonderful “any time” wine and a delicious aperitif. It pairs well with a wide variety of foods, as it’s refreshing, savory and well-balanced. It will accompany beautifully any salads, fish, BBQ, and white meat dishes.
Willow Creek Farms Smoked Boneless Ham Steak
Breakfast, lunch, or dinner—so many options.
Tanka Buffalo Bites
They offer unique flavor options like Cranberry and Black Pepper.
Amanda
Lotus Foods Rice Ramen Noodles
These noodles are great for making ramen soup at home. They pair well with the Willy Street Co-op in-house bone broth for a nice flavorful bowl of soup.
Wisconsin Meadows Uncured Beef Hotdogs
Their member farms are committed to producing high-quality, sustainably raised beef for Wisconsin. These hot dogs taste great, and I love them as chili cheese dogs. Also great for camping and roasting over an open fire!
Marnie
Local Arugula
The flavor profile of springtime arugula is delicious. It’s nutty, peppery, and just a little bitter. It’s a delicate yet hearty green that can be eaten raw or lightly sautéed. I like to use arugula as a salad base topped with blue cheese, toasted nuts, and a balsamic dressing or wilt it into my scrambled eggs. One of my favorite ways to eat arugula is to lay a bed of raw arugula in a bowl and top it with warm pasta and sauce. Yum!
Dustin
Oyster Mushrooms and Swiss Chard
Oyster mushrooms and Swiss chard are one of my favorite combinations! Sauté the mushrooms in olive oil with some onions, add a little garlic, lemon juice and salt and pepper, and then add the swiss chard until it’s wilted. I love putting this on a ciabatta roll with some provolone cheese.
Mourning Dove
Willy Street Co-op Juice Bar Turmeric Lemon Ginger Shot
These make a great pick-me-up in the morning, and I love that they come in glass instead of plastic. Great taken as a shot for a quick energy boost or sipped slowly for an afternoon recharge. Available at East.
Kristi Jo
Heritage Store Rosewater
Cool yourself off while fancying yourself up with the delicate scent of real roses. I use this as a toner as well as mixing it with my rose clay facial mask. So many ways to use it! A quick splash is a lovely re-freshener in the middle of a hot day too.