News from the Beer Department! We recently brought in Hinterland’s seasonal “Maple Bock”, from Green Bay, Wisconsin. Wisconsin is known for their great craft-beer industry, and Hinterland promises to be no exception. read more

By Claire Kruesel, Wellness Buyer

When I'm looking for an herbal supplement, Eclectic Institute is usually my first choice. Their products are unique in that the plant matter is fresh freeze-dried, which preserves activity of enzymes and other active constituents. It also qualifies Eclectic's products as “raw”. read more

When it comes to reasons for eating well, heart health sits near the top of the list. It all starts with food shopping, of course—by filling your cart with heart-healthy foods at your co-op, you can help lower your risk of heart disease, including heart attack and stroke. Here’s what to bring home. read more

The newest addition to our refrigerated section, Eat Pasty Vegan Cookie Dough, is creating quite a stir. Why?

1. It is Vegan.
2. They are a partner of Fair Trade and the product is free of GMO's and preservatives. They also use organic chocolate chips, applesauce, evaporated cane juice and light brown sugar.
3. There is a gluten-free option - gluten-free chocolate chip. We also carry the peanut butter chocolate and oatmeal raisin chocolate chip doughs.

After looking at the visual feast that is Eat Pastry's website, we like what the creators of this product have to say about the enjoyment of their product. They say, "Eat Freely, peacefully and most importantly, eat happily."

Visit the company's website, facebook or twitter

No wonder that Cheddar is the most popular cheese in the world! It is equally at home on an appetizer plate, with fancy crackers and fine wine, or between a couple of slices of hearty bread. It is the go-to cheese for casseroles and enchiladas, and - because you can find it in a strength to suit your preferences - it is as versatile as they come. read more

The following is an excerpt from a letter we recently received from Alaffia. We hope your read about the good work Alaffia is doing in Togo, made a reality by your purchases of their shea butter cooperative products in our body care section. The story of Alaffia is a great one to help celebrate the International Year of Cooperatives.

Dear Friends of Alaffia,

It is my hope that this recap of my recent visit to Togo finds you and your family in good health.  I also would like to wish you a happy new year. It has been a week now since Rose, our girls and I returned from a six-week visit with our cooperative in Togo, and I still find myself disoriented and having difficulties adjusting to speaking and writing in English.  This return has been one of the most emotionally difficult ones as well. I cannot stop seeing the faces of the disadvantaged people that I encountered and those that our efforts have touched. In the following paragraphs, I would like to share with you some highlights of the activities that Rose and I participated in during the past six weeks. read more

Our staff are stars! Our commercial will air on abc5 in January, February and March.

Bronwyn introduces us to a new wine, we welcomed a new local chicken producer and we uploaded Lea's Top 12 for 2012, which is currently published in the Field Journal.

By Lea Vogl, Wellness Manager

Spectrum Organic Flax oil is a great source of omega-3s and supports hormonal health and a healthy cholesterol.  Today I spoke to a representative from Spectrum and found out some exciting information. The organic oils are grown, pressed and filtered right here in Iowa! read more

Think that only corn and soybeans grow in Iowa?  As it turns out, we have a great climate for hops, too!  Check out the latest product, an IPA, from Madhouse Brewing Company, out of Newton, IA…it’s made with 100% Iowa grown Centennial and Cascade hops!  It is newly available at Wheatsfield in the upper right-hand corner of our beer cooler.  Crack one open and see what you think!