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: 

• $11.4 million in local product sales, close to 40% of our total sales 
• 362 Vermont vendors provided goods & services 
• $91,187 in donations to local organizations 

Learn more about our impact. 

We carry over 3,000 local products. Recently, we asked our staff 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.  

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 yields genuinely unique flavors. She also loves Fable Farm, a farm-based winery that blends wild and cultivated apples into something truly special.  

Andrea, who works in Food Services, shared her favorite indulgent food splurge: La Panciata focaccia with d’Affinios Le Fromager. “Let the cheese come to room temperature for maximum spreadability. The funkiness of the cheese with the earthy rosemary of the focaccia just make the taste buds dance.” 

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.  

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

Alison, our Member Services Assistant, 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.   

Clean Cause yerba mate energy drinks are a refreshing alternative to coffee for a pick me up. Megan from the kitchen says “Tasty town!” Extra bonus: 50% of net profits go to supporting addiction recovery efforts.  

Jess, our Graphic Designer, loves Carrier Roasting’s Snapchilled Coffee. “Hits the spot in the morning, waking me right up.” She gets one every day. 

Bon Temps Gourmet Smoked Nuts are “The best spiced nuts ever. Tasty and crunchy!” – Gabriella, Front End 

Rhianna, our Front End manager, loves von Trapp pilsner. She says, “It’s worth staying thirsty for!”

Co-op Made desserts. Co-op chocolate cake is wonderful, killer! Cheesecakes are amazing! Lemon, pumpkin … carrot cake is one of the best we’ve ever had. Brownies are fabulous! In-house baking is doing a fantastic job! 

We also got a shout out for the almond cake – it’s gluten free! 

Other things people love include:  

• Sweet Alchemy cupcakes: It’s so hard to find vegan pastries, and they have such good variety! 
• Hissho Sushi: Avocado rolls, veggie rolls … fresh, delicious, egg-free and gluten-free! 
• Flack Family Farm Kimchi: Great flavor, and delicious veggies. 
• Strafford ice cream! 
• Peaceful Harvest mushrooms 
• Jasper Hill cheese 
• 802 Coffee 

Some non-local favorites are:  

• Horseradish spread in the meat cooler 
• Deep River jalapeno chips 
• Lao Bun frozen dumplings 
• Dr. Bronner’s golden milk chai chocolate bar – The best of Dr. Bronner’s chocolate! 
• Dried Mango: Tastes great, no added sugar!  
• Cholula: Not too spicy and super flavorful. 
• Dr. Tung’s floss: It’s thicker than most and works great!