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
