We define local as anything grown or value-added in the state of Vermont or within 100 miles of our co-op. Local is ingrained in every aspect of what we do, and our support of local goods and vendors can be found throughout the store.

These are just a few of the ways you and the Co-op had a substantial local impact last year: 

• $10.4 million in local product sales, close to 40% of our total sales 
• 387 Vermont vendors provided goods & services 
• 93,505 pounds of local apples sold 
• $80,174 in donations to local organizations 

Learn more about our impact. 

We carry over 3,000 local products. Recently, we asked our staff and council members to share some of their favorites with us. Check out their recommendations below. Do you want to share your favorite local product with us? Please shoot us a note! 

When Mark in the produce department grows tired of fresh, organic fruits and veggies, he reaches for a Magic Spoon chocolate chip cookie. He recommends you do the same.  

Steven, who serves on our council, says, “I love the Laughing Child Farm Covington sweet potatoes because they’re deliciously sweet with no sugar added.” 

Robyn, who works her own magic with the Co-op’s social media, says, “I don’t know what kind of sorcery our bakers are doing back there, but co-op-made vegan-gluten-free muffins are magic.”  

And top pick for Robyn is, “My favorite I-Can’t-Bear-Cooking-Tonight rescue is Against the Grain pizza. The crusts are gluten/grain-free and are made with cheese baked in! Even if you love gluten, the texture and taste are superior to any pizza I’ve ever had.”  

Mary, our graphic artist, recommends Krin’s cupcakes: “I love Krin’s cupcakes, especially the German chocolate version. They’re decadent and dreamy – if you get the two-pack, make sure you have someone to share with; otherwise, you’ll be sorely tempted to eat them both yourself!”  

Bonte Bakery‘s gluten-free bread has won the hearts of our staff and shoppers alike. Monika, who works in our cheese department, says, “It is absolutely the best gluten-free product I have had the fortune to enjoy. The texture and variety of loaves put this bread above the norm.” 

Nessa, our beverage buyer, wants everyone to know about Tin Hat hard cider. A one-man show out of Roxbury, all the ciders are made in small batches from heirloom and wild-harvested apples using traditional methods and unusual varieties yielding genuinely unique flavors.  

 Higgins Hot Sauce is one of those hidden gems. Based in Woodbury and sourcing as many local ingredients as possible, they create deeply flavorful hot sauces and marinades that are out of this world. Micum in our receiving department says, “the burnt garlic is good on anything, meat, veggies, eggs – during cooking and after.” 

Looking for a sweet treat to go with your steamy cup of tea or coffee on these cold winter days? Elizabeth, our demo coordinator and all-around grocery guru, thinks you should try Comfort Cookies. “The chocolate chip coconut walnut is so good!” 

 Despite good intentions to cook wholesome meals at home, sometimes you just need something on the go. Hunger Mountain Co-op made sandwiches are just the thing. Elly, our HR assistant, says, “There are so many choices, I have to put them in rotation. But when I want something really special, I go for the Goddess Wrap.” 

And Butterfly Bakery hot sauce? “Nom nom nom,” says Elly.  

 Co-op made ginger garlic tofu. When asked about their favorite local products, this was the most widely recommended item in the store. Perfect for snacking plain or add to a meal, its wholesome deliciousness can’t be beaten.  

Thomas the Cat, whose humans work at the Co-op, recommends VT Raw chicken patties. “I love this chicken so much. I beg for at least an hour before breakfast and dinner every day. I wish the humans believed in lunch for kitties. Can someone talk to them about this?”  

Jen, who works in our front end, raves about Sherpa Foods momos. “They are AMAZING!” 

Vermont Soap Company bulk bar is another favorite for Robyn, from community relations. She reports that this soap is compatible with her very sensitive skin and the lovely scent of the oatmeal lavender variety is an added bonus. 

Monument Farms Dairy hit the mark for many on so many points: local, humanely raised animals, sustainably made, and affordable. 

Alison, who works in the front end, enthusiastically recommends Red Wagon Plants’ herb rubs and salts. “My favorite is the Chive Blossom Salt. I use it on just about everything from grilled chicken to wilted spinach. And it is FANTASTIC on scrambled eggs and goat cheese omelets with mushrooms.” She even made a special trip to Hinesburg to visit the farm where it’s made.