Co-op Staff Picks

Updated 1/27/22
Fabulous foods and unique products handpicked by Co-op staff just for you. Updated weekly.

Woodcock Farm
Weston, Vt.
Timberdoodle Cheese

We don't recommended cheeses based on name alone. But when a cheese is perfectly balanced AND has a name as cool as Timberdoodle? Why it has Co-op staff pick all over it.

Our friends at Woodcock Farm bring us this amazing Taleggio-style, washed-rind, semi-soft cheese, with a sticky orange rind and creamy soft interior. The rind imparts much of the strong flavor to the cheese and is complemented by the smooth texture and creamy fresh flavors of the interiors.

Available At
Hanover & Lebanon— Cheese Dept.

Blue Ledge Farm
Salisbury, Vt.
Goat Milk Chevre

This morning our graphic artist and copywriter—two hardcore cheese aficionados—had a frank talk about goat cheese (this is the sort of thing we do around here), agreeing that the best ones are great as-is, no pairing needed. With that in mind, we think this local chevre is one of the best you'll ever try, with that perfect creamy-yet-crumbly texture and rich flavor.

(Cool side note: it's a favorite of one of the highly talented students in the fabulous culinary program at the Hartford Area Career & Technology Center.)

Pro Tip: If you're the cheese-and-cracker sort, choose a light cracker with mild to little flavor so it doesn't compete with the cheese. Or go with our graphic artist's recommendation—straight no chaser.

Available At
Hanover, Lebanon, White River Jct. & Co-op Market — Cheese Dept.

Neal's Yard Dairy
Shropshure Blue

At the height of Europe’s Industrial Revolution, a spirited group of working-class weavers and artisans formed the first successful consumer cooperative in England in 1844. The idea soon spread across the world, making its way to a little town in New Hampshire in 1936. There our co-op was born, one of the first in the U.S.A.

Our friends at Neal's Yard in London specialize in British-style cheeses, which we adore because this invariably reminds us of our English roots. The Shropshire Blue is hard to find, a creamy, savory cow's milk cheese with a slightly peppery blue flavor.

Available At
Hanover & Lebanon— Cheese Dept.

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Once Again
Gluten-Free Graham Cracker Sandwiches w/ Sunflower- or Peanut Butter

From our nutty friends at Once Again, a gluten free graham cracker sandwich filled with sunflower butter or peanut butter. Clearly a huge step forward in nutritious snacking! Gluten free, convenient single-serve packets are especially perfect when you need to eat on the run. Just put it in a lunch box, or toss it in your bag. No stirring or spreading needed.

Available At
Hanover & Lebanon— Grocery Dept.

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Co-op Kitchen
Mexican Street Corn

We have taken a traditional recipe of roasted corn mixed with Cotija cheese and chopped cilantro and coated it in our slightly smoky mayo sauce. Delicious hot or cold, in your favorite tacos and burritos, or as a new addition to your garden salad.

Available At
All Locations — Prepared Food Dept.

Co-op Kitchen
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

This salad is full of fresh cut vegetables, Kalamata olives, and chickpeas tossed in a light lemon vinaigrette dressing. A delicious addition to a lettuce wrap or garden salad, or as a side dish to grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp.

Available At
All Locations — Prepared Food Dept.

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Deciduous Brewing Company
Newmarket, N.H.
Mighty Glad Imperial IPA

If you like your DIPAs mild and juicy, and most people do, you're going to love this offering from our pals at Deciduous Brewing Company. To make this 8.2% ABV imperial, the brewers used a mountain of Motueka and Citra hops. The result is a smooth, satisfying, thirst-quenching brew worthy of the uber-cool name.

Available At
Hanover, Lebanon & Market

Upper Pass Brewery
South Royalton, Vt
Heretic DIPA

Most people don't tend to think of IPAs as dark and roasty, but this one is—making it the perfect DIPA for winter. Before you yell "heresy!," we urge you to give this often-overlooked style a visit.

Heretic is clean and slightly roasty up front, with a smooth body and balanced bitterness. We love that the layered flavors of citrus and pine mingle with light chocolate notes from the roast malt, making it a totally unique experience. A brew both light and dark beer lovers can agree on.

Available At
White River Jct.

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