Andy
Belgian Endive
When the cold comes, I start braising. Endive is one of the milder members of the bitter chicory family, and even its slight bitterness melts away after half an hour in the oven in a covered pot with a wee bit of stock, some garlic and a few sprigs of thyme. Luscious and buttery, braised endive plays a lovely role on the winter plate.
Patrick
Virgil’s Zero Sugar Soda
For the most part I’ve gotten off the soda wagon in the past few years and I’ve never been that impressed with sugar-free options. Usually there’s too much stevia taste, or just a weird… feeling on my tongue. Then came Virgil’s Zero Sugar sodas. These…. are….. pretty… AMAZING! Each flavor is spot on (yes, I’ve tried them all now) and the blend of sugar-free sweeteners they use, leaves virtually no weird or stevia aftertaste. Guess I’m back to drinking sodas! Sometimes!
Angela
Shallots
The simple shallot elevates a dish—try replacing regular white or yellow onion in a recipe with equal amounts of shallot and see what I mean. Such a fantastic flavor.
Jason
Rio Star Grapefruit
My New Year’s resolution every year is to eat as many of these as possible since January is the peak of citrus season. Rio Star grapefruit is certainly unparalleled with its deep, dark red flesh and bold, sweet flavor. Enjoying one first thing in the morning with a cup of hot black coffee is an invigorating way to start your day! In my experience, anyone who claims to dislike grapefruit has never tried a Rio Star.
Amy
Flower bouquets
A serious cliché but with good reason! Make an Every Day an Amazing Day. Have you ever treated yourself? How about your crossing guard? How about your kid? How about your dad’s caregiver? Don’t be creepy about it. Just let someone know you appreciate them. That you are grateful. I’m not crying; you’re crying.
Olden Organics—All varieties of Zoodle
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!
Cate
Garden of Life mykind Organic Chewable Vegan D3 2,000 IU
A must-have in my winter wellness toolbox. Seems to help fend off the deep blues I used to experience when the days get short and devoid of much sunshine. I really love that they are vegan AND organic! These raspberry-lemon flavored chewable tablets really do seem to amount to sunshine in a bottle.
gianofer
Willy Street Co-op Juice Bar’s Green Dream with a shot of ginger
You know…I wanted to have a good day but apparently Madison Metro had other plans. My first bus was 20 minutes late, which caused me to miss my second bus. A 1.5 mile walk to work later and I was absolutely enraged! So mad I was spitting sparks. SPARKS!! No time for breakfast. No time for coffee. I’m looking at a long day and I’m not liking what I’m seeing. GRRRRRR!!!!!!! So, I decided to treat myself to a Green Dream Smoothie with a shot of Ginger. BABY! When I tell you my mood improved with the first sip, it’s the TRUTH! That **** was DELICIOUS!! I have to say, it wasn’t just the smoothie that brightened my day. Chatting with the staff while making my decision really helped turn my frown upside down. Cool people. Awesome smoothie. Day saved superhero style!
EveryDay Coconut Pure African Coconut Oil
Do children look at you and scream?! If the answer is yes, you may want to work on your skin game. I suggest Alaffia Fermented Coconut Oil. Why risk spontaneous human combustion furiously rubbing your freakishly dry hands together trying to melt solid coconut oils? WHY?! While it is solid, this stuff melts in your hands and makes applying it to the skin super easy. Don’t let the jar size fool you. Less is more. Sisters… if your hair game needs some “Get Right,” try Alaffia: Fermented Coconut Oil. Available at East and North.
Talon
Nutiva Organic Cold Pressed Hemp Oil
This is a great health product that can be used as a substitute for fish oil. It has the correct balance of Omega-3 and -6. You can also use it in making home beauty products and is great for hair and skin.
Frontier Peppermint Leaf
I like this product because it goes well with many different things, like tea or shrubs, and that you can save money by buying in bulk.
Emily
Host Defense MycoShield® Peppermint Spray
This spray is nice and minty while supporting your immune system. I use it all winter and always have some in my carry-on bag for travel!
Laura
evanhealy Rose Vetiver Day Moisturizer
evanhealy’s products are all designed to work with and enhance your skin’s natural beauty. I put this moisturizer on in the morning and am good to go for the day. It is light and breathable and smells so so nice. A little goes a long way; I’ve had my current container for over a year now!
Sam
Innovative CBD, CBD lozenges, Lemon
Tastes like a lemon drop AND works! The lemon flavor is strong enough you’re not overpowered by the CBD taste. They aren’t as big as they look in the package; about the size of a cough drop and lasts about as long too. Works incredibly well! Relieved stress on my back and calmed my nerves—all while tasting delicious!
Philip
Lime Hi Ball
Most energy drinks come packed with tons of sugar. Hi Ball has zero sugar but still gives as much caffeine (if not a little more) than a cup of coffee. Also has natural energy boosters like B-12 to get you going. Lime flavor is a nice, crisp, refreshing energy boost. If you like Klarbrunn but need a pick me up, this is for you!
Benjamin
RX Bar, Chocolate Chip
Unlike most protein bars, RX Bars have no added sugar or preservatives. I love that they are chewy and soft, and the combination of vanilla, dates, and unsweetened chocolate makes them taste like a treat. Having one of these with a cup of coffee in the morning is the best.
Leah
GT’s Cocoyo Ginger Turmeric
This non-dairy coconut yogurt is tangy and delicious! I’ve really been on a ginger kick lately, and this gives such a nice flavor that warms your insides. I like to put it in my oatmeal for a little added yum factor.
Jon
Pacific Foods Organic Oat Milk
Thinking about getting on a more plant-based diet in the new year? Oat milk is the most wonderful solution for an alt milk! I put it in my coffee, in my tea, in my baking and in my oatmeal. Oat milk has no added sugar and gets its sweetness naturally from the oats. If you’re scared to try it, my grocery friend, Mike, says that it tastes like the milk at the end of your cereal bowl. That is pretty tasty!
Willy Street Co-op Juice Bar’s Green Zinger
This is my favorite of our Juice Bar’s creations. It is delicious and refreshing. This is great pick-me-up without the caffeine or processed sugar found in most energy drinks or coffee. If you are wondering what gives it zing, it’s the ginger.
Bunky’s Falafel Mix
Falafel was popular even before meat substitutes were cool. But it is best moments after it has been cooked. This mix is more convenient and quicker than most “convenience foods,” but it is made locally with fresh and wholesome ingredients.
Rachael
Paleo Mama Magic Bars
My name is Rachael and I am addicted to sugar. I could eat it morning, noon, and night. Thing is though, processed sugars are not the best for my body! That’s were Paleo Mama and her literal magic bars come in to play. They satisfy all my cravings with a decadent bar that is out-of-this-world good!
Amanda
Casas Del Bosque Pinot Noir
Red wine is perfect for a nice cold January day and this one will warm you up. It is a perfect, drinkable wine that most enjoy. I like to bring it to gatherings and share it with friends and family. Amanda Ikens
Salpica Salsa con Queso
Looking for a low-cal snack, pair it with your favorite tortilla chips. It is also great for game days or ladies’ night!
Lori
Rishi Turmeric Ginger Tea
It is organic, fairly local, and caffeine-free. I like it served hot or cold. The flavor is a good combination of turmeric and ginger. If you add black pepper to the tea bag it helps fight inflammation because the body more easily uses it. You can buy it in bulk or in the little canister.
Dustin
Cesar’s Sharp Cheddar
This cheese is better than most sharp cheddars that are double the price!
Willy Street Co-op’s Vegan Smoky Black Bean and Sweet Potato
This tastes great and can be used in so many different ways! It’s great on top of nachos, stuffed in a bell pepper and baked, or just enjoy it on its own!
Katherine
Willy Street Co-op Fresh Spring Rolls
These spring rolls are so delicious, affordable and surprisingly filling! Special tip: if you leave them out at room temperature for 15 minutes they really soften up like they were made fresh just for you!
Abigail
Little Secrets Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Pieces
Wow, wow, wow. My favorite candy we carry. We can’t get past a week without eating at least a whole bag in Health and Wellness at East. Creamy peanut butter encased in candy coated chocolate that is totally better then the non-Fair Trade-certified options out there.
Verditas Neroli Hydrosol
Neroli is actually orange blossom, and it smells amazing! Very refreshing and a nice reminder of spring time. I love to use this toner after putting shea butter on my face in the winter time. It helps to keep my face soft and also works as a lovely aromatherapy spray.
Willy Street Co-op Juice Bar’s Hot Toddy Concentrate
I pick up a bottle of the Hot Toddy Concentrate whenever I feel remotely like a sickness is coming on. Whether I actually turn out to be sick or not, it ALWAYS makes me feel better. I mix it with hot water for ultimate coziness. A little bit goes a long way, and it is really nice to share as well.
Sara
Willy Street Co-op Juice Bar’s Berry Charger
One of my favorite smoothies of all time. The strawberry, mango, and apple blend wonderfully to create a not-too-sweet flavor with a nice kick of ginger. The jasmine tea gives a tiny caffeine boost. The flavors complement each other rather than compete to make this one fruity delight!
Wesley
Wisconsin Meadows Ground Beef
I really enjoy this product a lot due to its various applications, its flavor profile being on an all-grass diet from start to finish, its price-point is highly competitive compared to other providers and its quality.
Joe
Willow Creek Braunschweiger
Delicious way to get some healthy organ meat in your diet. The secret is Willow Creek bacon and no unwanted additives like some other brands.
Primal Kitchen Protein Bars
My favorite is the macadamia/sea salt. Grain-free portable protein snack with collagen.
