Sunny Summer Must-Haves

By:

For many of us, summertime is go time. Warm weather means heading outdoors for fun in the sun — whether that’s gardening, biking, hiking, or boating. Wherever the season takes you, gear up for your adventures at the co-op with these handpicked products. Let’s go!

Hydration

Great Hydrating Beverages: Banana Water, Switchel, and Corpse Reviver Drink

Don’t forget beverages on those hot summer days. For “old school” refreshment, try a local Hobby Farmer switchel, a tangy drink traditionally offered to farmers out working in the fields.

For a modern take on hydrating drinks, Corpse Reviver makes a sparkling electrolyte beverage that has magnesium, potassium, turmeric, and zinc. Lively flavor combos include Guava Rose, Prickly Pear and Botanical.

Another refreshing new option is organic banana water from Woodstock with options like strawberry-banana, blueberry-banana, and chocolate-banana. Staying hydrated has never been easier, or tastier!

Protein

Protein Lemonade, Grand Rose Protein Drink, and a Beef Stick on a Yellow Background

If you’re a fan of tart drinks and want to add more protein to your diet, consider trying Lumen protein lemonade. It has 16 grams of collagen protein per can, in flavors including mango-chili.

Another option is locally made Grand Rose, a functional beverage with a citrus-yerba flavor that contains plant protein, creatine, turmeric, and yerba mate.

For a portable protein snack, you can’t go wrong with a classic beef stick. Peterson Craft Meats beef sticks are made from local, rotationally grazed beef. Each stick is 2 ounces (twice as big as most of the others on the shelf), with 11 grams of protein to power you through your adventure.

Snacks

Snacks for Summer Include Trail Mix, Dried Fruit, and Sahale Nut Blends

When you’re looking for delicious trail mix, the co-op is a natural choice. Find traditional Super Snax trail mix in the bulk aisle. Fill up a clean, lightweight container from home to reduce packaging. It’s ready to toss in a backpack for your next outing!

More snack ideas: Sahale prepackaged nuts and fruit blends and Solely fruit strips and dried fruit mixes in a variety of flavors.

Sun Care

Reef-Safe Sunscreen, Refreshing Hydrosol, and Prodigal Sun on a Yellow Background

Sun protection is a must on those endless summer days. The co-op has options for all ages, from mineral-based blends for kids to reef- and lake-safe options that help keep water clean. For protection without the chalky feel, Badger mineral sunscreen has an ultra-sheer version with a lighter texture and feel than most mineral sunscreens.

Post-sun, Vika’s Essentials Prodigal Sun oil blend counters dryness and helps moisturize skin, while Pranarom’s lavender hydrosol cools and soothes skin after a long day outdoors.

Bug Protection

Pranarom Outdoor Defense Items and After Bite Eraser

Don’t let insects drive you nuts this summer. Grab Pranarom’s Defense Spray for people and bug sticks for your yard or campsite. And if they get to you first, Pranarom’s After-Bite Eraser soothes bites to makes the rest of your hike a bit more comfortable.

Summer Treats

ChunkChunk Ice Cream Bars and Sandwiches and 20-Mile Custard on a Yellow Background

After a day of summer adventures, cool off and indulge with a sweet treat. Local ChunkChunk ice cream sandwiches and bars are handcrafted using local ingredients, including Larry Schultz eggs, Baker’s Field flour, and Kalona milk and cream. There’s also creamy, delicious local 20-Mile custard, made in Wisconsin from cream and eggs from local farms, with flavors like maple-bourbon-pecan and chocolate chip cookie dough.

Wherever your outings take you this season, go forth prepared with drinks, snacks, sunscreen, and more from the co-op. Here’s to summer adventures!

See great recipes for summertime, including grilling recipes and no-cook food ideas, too!