by Ben Becker, Newsletter Writer
Sometimes it is comforting to know that a trip to the grocery store will come with no surprises. Knowing exactly what you want and where to find it makes checking off your grocery list as efficient as it can possibly be. However, sometimes you just want something new to toss into your cart. Perhaps your usual standards just need a touch of the experimental. It could be that a New Year’s resolution or life goal has posed a challenge to your shopping standard.
With changes in lifestyle, culture, and taste, trends are always shifting and evolving. Product trends are also subject to supply chain changes and fluctuations as manufacturers endeavor to supply something novel or the cravings of consumers move on to something new. Natural and organic foods have long been an area for innovation. Many other categories of food that were once niche are becoming increasingly mainstream. Gluten-free, once a concern for those with serious allergies, is now a commonplace line on the food label. It is not only these trends shaping your grocery shopping experience from what you may have seen before. The rise of local growers and entrepreneurs here in Wisconsin are also creating opportunities to enjoy never-before-seen homegrown goods. As the world continues to turn and we begin to enter a potentially post-pandemic landscape, there will be a great number of trends to keep an eye on.
Packaged Goods
Starting at the center of our stores, we can see that many packaged goods are seeing their day in the sun. Among popular center store product trends are keto products. As ketogenic diets continue to be of interest, consumers will be interested to find products low in, or free of, carbohydrates. There are several keto alternative products that they can enjoy. One great brand that fits the bill is Evolved. This maker of organic snacks boasts a low carb take on an old favorite. With chocolate butter cups in flavors such as hazelnut and almond, you can indulge with peace of mind knowing that these delights are vegan, paleo, gluten-free, and have no added sugar. Ketogenic products aren’t just a great alternative option for snacks though. You can also start your day with a keto pancake or waffle mix from Birch Benders. Popping a few of these into your toaster will break your fast with no grains or dairy, but plenty of protein. If your paleolithic diet has left you a longing for bread, Birch Benders also offers mixes. You can even blend in bananas if you are looking for an added flavor.
With more walkable weather in season, Willy Street Co-op shoppers are getting outside and active. This makes it a great time to stop in for a quick protein or energy bar. Clif and Luna bars remain an excellent go-to for that quick energy boost. Other health-conscious shoppers are undoubtedly on the lookout for one of our many tea varieties, especially green. In addition to a subdued energy boost from this drink's moderate caffeine levels, green tea may also improve blood flow, lower cholesterol, and prevent cell damage thanks to antioxidants such as EGCG. If you are just looking for a quick and easy box of bagged tea, be sure to seek out the Equal Exchange brand to ensure your beverage is Fair Trade. If you are a serious connoisseur, then be sure to browse our selection of loose leaf varieties.
If shelf stability and convenience is what you are looking for, you’ll be interested in picking up a few packs of ramen. If you have long enjoyed this easy to make noodle soup, you’ll want to expand your repertoire by experimenting with the craft flavors recipes that Mike’s Mighty Good has to offer. Other convenient snacking could satisfy your salt tooth with a pack of grass-fed jerky. If meat is not your bag, you may still enjoy a taste of Kentucky with Louisville Vegan Jerky. They offer familiar flavors such as Smoked Black Pepper and Smoky Carolina Barbeque, but you may be surprised by others such as the Maple Bacon or Buffalo Dill. Made from textured soy protein and natural flavors, these non-GMO treats are all cruelty-free. If you want a crisp vegetable snack, take a break from the potato with seaweed snacks or veggie chips. Barb’s Cheese Puffs are always a fun way to get a big crunch. For a rich addition to your snack bowl that is full of surprises, you might try Quinn’s Pretzels. These gluten-free bites contain a filling of almond butter or peanut butter.
Frozen
Taking a stroll down to the frozen aisle, you might find a few must-have items both new and old. Trending here are fruit juices both in single and multiple servings. You can also enjoy the convenience of frozen single-serving meals. Especially easy ones are the acai bowls or Nature’s Path Waffles. Don’t forget to grab a frozen dessert as well. If the berry season has yet to fully bloom, a bag of blueberries from Cascadian Farms could make a fitting alternative. These treats will likely pair well with some of your favorite fermented items.
If you’re looking for a light, easy breakfast, you’ll likely want to pick up plain yogurt to dunk those frozen fruits into. The lower sugar content might be just what you want, whether your favorite is Siggi’s, the Greek Gods, or Brown Cow. You might also be seeking an alternative to dairy for the start of your day. If that's the case, you’re sure to find some great options of plant-based varieties, such as the coconut milk yogurt from So Delicious.
Yogurt alone is not your only option when looking for probiotic rich options. Other refrigerated tonics that are great for your gut health include kombucha. In addition to the many bottled flavors from GT’s, I recommend trying a can of Forage Kombucha from just down the road in Fitchburg. This brand has some rather refreshing flavors such as Tropical, Ginger, and Raspberry. For other fermented fare, you may also be seeking out a bottle of kefir from Kalona Supernatural, due to its immune boosting probiotics.
Another great immune boosting tonic can be found in the Rebbl Elixirs, along with the Matcha Latte, or Maca Cold Brew. If you prefer to make your own coffee, you’ll probably still need creamer from Organic Valley or Califia Farms. However, a dairy-free option might suit you better as well. For a newer, yet very popular non-dairy alternative, skip the almond milk in favor of oat milk. This product is less resource intensive than the almond option, as it uses less water to produce.
Bulk
If you are shopping center store, you’ll want to know a few things about our unique offerings. Buying in bulk continues to be a great way to get all kinds of dry products such as rice, flour, pasta, and spices. Buying in bulk is a great way to save money, and to purchase an amount specific to your needs. You can also commit to reducing your plastic dependence by choosing to load up your bulk purchases in paper bags.
Grab & Go/Prepared Foods
If you’re looking for the ultimate convenience of Grab & Go or other Prepared Foods, May is a great time to pick up new or returning items. Seasonality will be a big feature in these vernal months. As winter has begun to loosen its grip, you might have noticed the return of carrot bread to our shelves. Perfect for springtime are Willy Street Co-op’s own shortcakes, which should make an appearance as berries become available. As always, our Prepared Foods department is also working hard to give locally produced products center stage. If you are vegetarian, vegan, or just a tofu dish enthusiast, you’ll find ample opportunity to enjoy offerings featuring fare from the Simple Soyman (formerly known as Bountiful Bean). This brand can be found in our Red Curry Tofu, Southern Fried Tofu, and Marinated Baked Tofu, if you are scanning the hot bar. These soy delicacies are not only without any animal products, but are gluten- and GMO-free as well. Knowing that we can source these soy ingredients close to home has long been a point of pride for our Prepared Foods department. Says Prepared Foods Category Manager Dustin Skelley, “It’s cool that we are able to buy direct from a factory like that. We are really lucky to have a local soy producer of vegetarian proteins.”
Simple Soyman isn’t the only local product that has incorporated prepared foods. All of our house-made baked goods are made with flour processed at Meadowlark Community Mill. Meadowlark Organics has taken on the Lonesome Stone legacy, starting production in Ridgeway, Wisconsin just last year. In addition to providing an excellent organic product, Meadowlark is dedicated to building demand for regionally grown grain. As part of the Artisan Grain Collaborative, they partner with bakers, chefs, and farmers to create a more equitable economy and resilient agricultural landscapes.
Meat
The dedication to strengthening local and regional supply chains is something sorely needed as the national and global chains continue to face product shortages and logistical issues. Here in Wisconsin, this has been an ongoing issue for years within our meat industry, as a limited number of processors has continued to create a bottleneck in the supply line. While state legislation has made a small amount of funding available to combat this problem in recent months, it is a small cry from what is necessary to effectively mitigate this issue. For those of us with carnivorous inclinations, this will continue to be bad news as our Wisconsin farmers and producers will remain challenged in getting the meat to the market. Fortunately, the Co-op is finding new ways to satisfy your protein cravings. Our Meat department is now carrying a new assortment of jerky brands. For a new take on this old favorite, seek out KRAVE, with flavors such as Chili Lime and Black Cherry. This brand boasts 100% grass-fed beef, no artificial flavors, and minimal processing.
You might also enjoy a more artisanal take from Country Archer Provisions. Their line includes not only grass-fed beef, but natural turkey and antibiotic-free pork.
Bodycare
With sunny days ahead, there is no time to waste before stocking up on many of the General Merchandise items you will need to get outside this year. Our bodycare buyers are always on the lookout for new brands, and have sourced sunscreen and insect repellent products you will need as summer approaches. Plastic-free body-care products, including new plastic free sunscreen brands, have also become popular. You can learn more about these Earth and Human friendly products by checking out the April Reader article on them by our General Merchandise Category Manager Sara Berg. If caring for yourself through spring coughs and colds has got you down, you’ll be happy to find new supplements to help you out. Keep an eye out in the supplement aisle for new multivitamins. You can even ditch your pills and switch to new gummy forms for apple cider vinegar and probiotics.
Gardening Goods
If you haven’t already, don’t wait to grab all you will need to make your garden green this year. We continue to offer a number of heirloom seeds from Seed Savers Exchange. This non-profit organization based right here in the midwest continues to preserve unique and traditional varieties that offer unique flavors you just won't find with hybrids. If you want to accelerate your growing season now that frost warnings are behind you, you can also find plant starts from West Star Organics and Voss Organics. You can find these starters ready to pick up through the end of May. For your convenience you can also find potting soil and compost from organic brands like West Star and Purple Cow, to give your budding garden all the nutrients you need. If toiling in the earth isn’t your idea of a good time, you can also find houseplants ready to bring green into your home.
For some, nothing says spring like planting flowers or growing heirloom tomatoes in your backyard. For others, your perfect May afternoon might be a walk through your neighborhood with a quick stop at the Co-op for refreshment. Wherever your interest lies, your Co-op has a number of new and popular items to brighten your day this season.