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1. Mad Maiden Shrub Honey Ginger or Cranberry Shrub

I love the label and it’s local! Drinking vinegars are still employed for their valuable digestive properties. It’s thought that they help with losing weight and remedying fatigue, and they are consumed daily by many across Asia. —Jess

2. Donkey Chips Salted Tortilla Chips

These local tortilla chips stand up to any dip—salsa, guacamole, bean dip, hummus, you name it. A perfect chip. —Caitlyn

3. Italian Sweet Peppers

The best sweet pepper! That’s it, plain and simple. A secret of farmers and co-op staff for years, these peppers are the sweetest we carry. I never buy bell peppers when these are in season. They freeze great, so you can enjoy them in January too! —Max

4. Lakefront Brewery Riverwest Stein Amber Lager

The rich malt and caramel flavor on this beer is amazing! I would like to branch out and try other beers but this one is too perfect and I keep coming back to it. If you like ambers you’ve got to try this beer. —Benjamin

5. Forage Kombucha Peach Kombucha

The perfect amount of kombucha for one person, in a can! I love drinking this stuff. It is light but flavorful and not too “vinegar-y.” People who don’t think they like kombucha may like this one! Even better that it is locally made, and peach is such a unique flavor for kombucha. YUM. —Abigail

6. Maple Valley Cooperative Dark & Robust Organic Maple Syrup in Bulk

This maple syrup is awesome because it’s local, tastes better than sugar in everything, and you can use a mason jar to save on wasteful packaging. Try mixing with some tahini for a nut-free apple dip! —Mourning DOve

7. Willy Street Co-op Zucchini Bread

Perfectly moist and not too sweet. Delicious quick snack or breakfast. —Liz

8. Four Elements LOOK, NO X MA! Cream

This cream really works! It’s so soothing; reduces redness and itchiness. I like having a natural product to help my skin. And supporting a local business is an added bonus. —Thayer

9. Madame Chu Ginger Garlic Sauce

I cook. A lot. This sauce is so good that I have four jars in my fridge. I add it to sauces, use it for a really easy stir fry, and marinate meats in it. Every time Josie is in the store to sample, she gives me more ideas…and I buy another jar. —Dan

10. Cedar Teeth Pizza

These are my current fave frozen pizza. The crusts on these are SO GOOD. If you’re looking for a little something more unique than your typical frozen pizza, give these a try! I also like that they are made by a small business in Milwaukee. The classic Cheesus Crust is my go-to: I like the simple nature of a cheese pizza, but if I’m feeling it, I’ll add pickled jalapeños or banana peppers. —Melissa

11. American Wine Project Ancestral Pet Nat

If you haven’t tried a pet nat (short for pétillant naturel), this is a great choice to give this unique style a try! Produced in Mineral Point from grapes sourced in the Midwest by a very talented winemaker, this naturally effervescent, funky wine is great for those who enjoy the unique flavors of sour beers. Chill and enjoy on a warm day! —Nick

12. Willy Street Co-op Garlic Lovers Pasta Salad

By far the best salad we sell at East. —Assaf

13. Stoney River Soap Co. Soap Bars

Stoney River’s soap bars are handmade in small batches with ingredients like non-GMO olive oil and honey. They all have a natural, subtle scent and look pretty in a soap dish. Stoney River is also woman-owned and locally made in Oxford, Wisconsin. —Caitlyn

14. Rishi Teas

This locally prepared tea is full of flavor and they all smell amazing! My favorite changes with the season. This tea is so fresh that I find myself using less, and it can be reused for a second cup. Treat yourself; your tea mug will enjoy it too! —Amanda

15. Chocolate Shoppe Zanzibar Chocolate Ice Cream

If you’re a fan of chocolate ice cream but have never had this particular flavor by Chocolate Shoppe, you are SERIOUSLY missing out! Regular chocolate ice cream doesn’t even compare to this stuff. Zanzibar is on a whole new level of chocolate and once you have it, you’ll have a hard time ever going back. —James

16. Banzo Falafel Mix

It is local, it is already made and ready to be cooked. I have baked it and fried it—it’s great both ways. It is tasty in a pita or I like to fry it in smaller bites to add to a salad. MMMMMMM! —Amanda

17. Willy Street Co-op Potato Corn Chowder

Big fan of this soup. This might be my favorite soup that is on the menu in fall. Was really surprised the first time I had this and realized it was vegan, too! —Nicholas

18. Taste Republic Gluten-Free Tortellini

Are you now gluten-free and haven’t had tortellini for longer than you remember?! Don’t despair, Madison-based pasta company Taste Republic has your salvation! This tortellini is delicious and holds together well (gluten-free people will know what I’m talking about); maybe it’s because I’ve been gluten-free for a while, but I can’t even tell the difference between this and regular tortellini! My favorite meal lately has been to toss this with our house-made parsley pesto, some ripe heirloom tomatoes, avocado, and some shredded Sartori cheese on—YUM! —Laura

19. Mango Man Salsa

I LOVE THIS SALSA! I have yet to find something I don’t like it with. I use it as marinade for chicken, shrimp or pork. Especially great when making pulled pork! I use it for sauce over everything, even rice and beans. I have even used it over greens as a salad dressing! Spicy, tangy, slightly sweet, and full of flavor. —Hallie

20. LuSa Organics Garden Shampoo & Shaving Bar

I personally love the garden scent. I have been using this shampoo bar for 4+ years and love it. My hair smells good, feels good, and my hair stylist tells me my hair feels so healthy. It is easy to use, made from organic ingredients, and helps eliminate plastic waste. LuSa Organics is based out of Viroquo, Wisconsin, making it a very local company, too! —Meghan

21. Willy Street Co-op Pumpkin Bars

These bars are awesome—love the kick of ginger with the rich frosting on top. Can’t believe these are made without gluten! —Nicholas

22. Origin Breads Granola

It is by far the best granola. It’s like Grandma OriginBreads whipped up their special granola from scratch, just for you. The toasty coconut and almonds are buttery-rich. The turmeric is a pleasant and unexpected surprise. Best of all the magic ingredient to tie it all up in a bow is the sesame seeds. Wowzers. I see most people purchasing the Maple Pecan variety, which I’m sure is also amazing, if you like pecans. —Amy

23. Olden Organics Veggie Noodles

Worth rotating into your meals. They have substance of their own, and while they don’t replace the texture and flavor of pasta, they create a flavorful vehicle for sauce transport. Reduce your pasta intake with vegetables! —Amy

24. Fizzeology Kickapoo Curtido

Refreshing and local with a slight spicy kick, this stuff has become one of my new favorites to have atop Tres Foods Papusas for lunch. It also goes great on multiple other things, but I’m especially digging that combo—some cheese melted over the papusa and slices of avocado with a heaping pile of curtido on top! —Laura

25. Pasqual’s Cantina Original Southwest Tortilla Chips

So dang good! With dip, without dip. So much flavor!!! —Amanda

26. Willy Street Co-op Veggie Cream Cheese

Our Production Kitchen makes an amazing cream cheese that has large chunks of veggies so that your toast or bagel has a bit of fresh crunch in the morning! —Kristina

27.Driftless Provisions Saucisson Sec

This locally-made, shelf-stable line of salamis make the perfect addition to any charcuterie board. Slice them on-the-bias about 1/4 inch thick and allow them to come up to room temperature to fully appreciate the funky flavors and unique spice blends of each salami. —Nick

28. Dreamfarm Organic Fresh Goat Cheese

The Dreamfarm Organic Fresh Goat Cheese has the perfect texture and flavor for a variety of use. I like to eat it fresh as a spread and I also makes phyllo dough fingers filled with both the plain flavor and the Italian blend. Highly recommended! Flavors may vary by store. —Assaf

29. Olympia Granola Bars

This Milwaukee-made granola bar is made with locally sourced ingredients that are packed with protein and fiber. They were a nice thing to have hiking in The Porkies. The Espresso Almond Chocolate are particularly bussing! —Amy

30. Madison Sourdough Pepitas Polenta Batard

The unique combination of pumpkin seeds and cornmeal give this bread a wonderful and hearty texture. It’s absolutely delicious pan toasted with some butter and it can take a quotidian breakfast into the realm of gourmet. —Benjamin

31. Willow Creek George’s Kielbasa

I like grilled brats as much as the next Wisconsinite, but if I had to choose between a brat or this kielbasa on a bun, I choose the kielbasa every time. It is slightly more seasoned than a traditional brat, with lots of garlic and pepper to cut through any toppings you may wish to add. I recommend not par-boiling these before grilling; they will cook fast and crisp up better when placed on the grill raw. —Nick

32. Rushing Waters Lemon Dill Smoked Salmon

I like everything by Rushing Waters, but this is my favorite item they make. The smoked salmon portions are super versatile. Flake them and add them to an omelet, on top of a bagel, or mix with cream cheese for a dip or spread, or reheat them for a quick dinner option. Flavors vary by store. —Nick

33. Local Heirloom Tomatoes

When tomatoes are not in season locally, I usually don’t bother to eat them. The wait is worth it—local heirloom tomatoes are so flavorful and juicy, just like they should be. At my house, it’s constant caprese salads, BLTs (or in my case, Tempeh Lettuce Tomato), and tomato slices on everything. —Melissa

34. Rishi Tea Loose Leaf Tea

Whether it’s spring, summer, winter or fall, Rishi Tea has something perfect for them all! Their loose leaf tea is conveniently portioned into 4 oz resealable bags, which helps keep the tea fresh when storing it at home or in the office. And when you purchase Rishi Tea, you help support a local business that is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. —Sara

35. Just Coffee Half Caff

If you’re like me and are a bit caffeine sensitive and prefer the buzz more of tea than coffee (but love the coffee flavor and still want a bump!!!), this might be the perfect roast for you. It’s also a truly delicious roast—smooth and malty and made by a super-cool Fair-Trade, organic company right here in Madison! —Laura

36. Red Barn Family Farms Sweet Rita Mexican-Style Manchego

Mexican-style Manchego is a semi-soft cow’s milk cheese similar to Monterey Jack, different from Spanish Manchego, an aged sheep’s milk cheese from La Mancha. Great on its own or with Mexican dishes, with a smooth texture and a bright, tangy flavor. —Matt

37. Door County Peaches

Local peaches grown on a small farm—I just gotta support that! It sure helps that they’re sweet and juicy, too. —Brendon


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