Diversity is Strength

Co-ops around the country are committed to fostering diverse and inclusive communities. Look for the orange inclusive trade signs to find brands and products that are owned by people who identify as women, Black, indigenous, people of color (POC), LGBTQIA+, persons with disabilities and veterans. We’ve compiled a list of Inclusive brands you can find at the on the shelves of the co-op below. This list will be updated as new products arrive.

A Dozen Cousins

Growing up in a melting pot of Creole, Caribbean and Latin American cooking gave Ibraheem Basir the passion to create authentic cultural recipes that are made with wholesome ingredients.

Alaffia

Alaffia was started by Founder and CEO Olowo-n’djo Tchala in Davis in 2003! Olowo-n’djo attended UC Davis and founded the company during his time there. As you may or may not know, the sales of Alaffia’s full line of body washes, soaps, lotions, shampoos, and so much more, all help to fund their many Empowerment Projects. These projects ensure that African resources empower African communities with the goal to alleviate poverty and encourage gender equality. Their many Empowerment Projects include several Education-Based Projects, Maternal Health, FGM Eradication, Eyeglasses and Environmental Sustainability.⁠ ⁠ On top of that, they are also Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certified, Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certified, and they have a Fair for Life fair trade product certification. They have also started women’s cooperatives and collectives promoting gender equality through fair wages and celebrating the traditional skills and knowledge of West African women.

ALO

When co-founder Henry Chen noticed there was a lack of good tasting aloe drinks at his grocery store, he started ALO. ALO combines real fruit and vegetable juices with aloe very pulp to serve up award-winning better-for-you beverages. ALO sources its aloe pulp from sustainable farms in Thailand.

Andean Dream

Entrepreneur, Ingrid Hirstin-Lazcano, founded Andean Dream in 2006. After developing the first quinoa cookie in her home kitchen, Ingrid saw an opportunity to improve the lives of farmers in Bolivia by creating the Andean Dream brand. She traveled to Bolivia and connected with a quinoa supplier who had obtained organic certification for 280 indigenous farming families. They became the dedicated supplier for Andean Dream. In addition to helping farmers, Ingrid saw an opportunity to improve the lives of single mothers and people with disabilities, by identifying a local manufacturer who employs these individuals, to make the Andean Dream products.

This line of Gluten/Allergen-Friendly products continues to provide food options for consumers with special dietary needs, vegans and those who are looking for high quality, nutritious products that are manufactured in a dedicated facility free from Gluten, Dairy, Eggs, Soy, Corn, and Nuts. All products are Non-GMO and Fair trade.

Cado

Cado is a family owned diary-free avocado-based ice cream. Enjoy a scoop, add some fruit or make a superfood sundae! They believe coming together with family and friends over food and drink should be a life-enhancing experience. They were inspired to create a frozen dessert that tasted just like ice cream, but with better for you ingredients. It takes dedication to establish healthy habits as a family, but the long-term benefits are significant. The Cado family hopes their products encourage and support you and your family to lead an active, balanced and rich life.

Catalina Crunch

After being diagnosed with diabetes and switching to a Keto diet, Catalina Crunch founder Krishna Kaliannan realized how much he missed the cereals and snacks he grew up with. To satisfy his cravings he created Catalina Crunch, a line of snacks and cereals without the excess sugar and empty carbs!

Caulipower

As the mom of two boys with Celiac – an autoimmune disease leaving their bodies unable to process gluten – Gail tried desperately to find nutritious, gluten-free options that weren’t filled with fat, sugar, salt and calories.

She discovered cauliflower pizza and it all tasted fine, but it looked awful, the kitchen was a disaster and it took 90 minutes just for the crust! Sure their were others in the same position, Gail left her job to create CAULIPOWER.

Coolhaus

When Natasha and Freya founded Coolhaus in 2009, they did not feel represented by any of the dessert brands on shelves… not as Millennials, not as women, and definitely not as LGBTQ+ women. They decided to be the brand––from the product to the culture––that they wanted to buy. They bought a rundown postal van masquerading as an ice cream truck on Craigslist for $2500 dollars and towed it to Coachella Music Festival using a triple A platinum membership – which included one free 200 mile tow! After debuting to the crowd of 100,000, the brand went viral.

They’re proud to have turned those scrappy origins into the top women-led ice cream company in the nation with sammies, cones, pints and cups (in dairy and dairy-free!) They remain true to the authentic origins of the brand: represent positive change, push the envelope for the future, and create high-quality ice cream and plant-based novelties for all to enjoy. They hope Coolhaus inspires the next generation of diverse founders, entrepreneurs, and creators to live out their dreams.

Dang Foods

As brothers living between NYC & Bangkok, founders Vincent and Andrew grew up eating differently. They created Dang—แดง, named after their Mom—to share uniquely Asian-American snacks with the flavors and ingredients they love. As a Certified B Corp, Dang meets rigorous standards of environmental performance and public transparency, and all of their farms follow ethical business practices.

DeeBee’s

DeeBee’s Organics founder, Dr. Dionne Laslo-Baker is a Canadian expert on the impacts of environmental toxins – especially in the food chain – on child health. A PhD medical researcher in the field of maternal-fetal toxicology, her doctorate focused on the effects of exposure to chemicals during pregnancy on fetal development. A strong proponent for the health science behind organic food, Dionne founded DeeBee’s Organics on a mission to make ‘conscious’ snacking really fun!

Dufour Pastry Kitchens

Dufour Pastry Kitchens, founded in 1985, is a women-owned business with a reputation for developing both traditional and trend-setting products has been unparalleled. Dufour products consistently win awards, receive industry accolades and garner passionate press attention. All of their products are made by hand using the freshest and finest ingredients and are shipped nation-wide frozen and ready-to-bake.

GT’s Kombucha

As the maker of the original American Kombucha, GT’s remains one of the most innovative and delicious bubbly beverage brands. As a proud Gay man, Owner GT Dave has always used his platform and resources to support the LGBT community.

The Honey Pot

Meet Beatrice Dixon, founder of plant-based personal care company The Honey Pot. After an inspiring dream and recognizing the need for all-natural feminine products, Bea started her own business using organic ingredients to give women what their bodies deserve.

Iya Foods

Born in Lagos Nigeria, Toyin Kolawole was fortunate to have a very entrepreneurial mother, who exposed her to a variety of startup businesses as a child. These experiences have paid off, as Toyin was recently selected for Forbes The Next 1000 2021. Toyin’s startup, Iya Foods, is introducing West African flavors to American palates, in the form of everyday American staples. Toyin is spicing up traditional American dishes, such as pancakes, bread and muffins, with flavorful, West African ingredients. Iya means, “Mother” in Yoruba, one of the most spoken languages in Nigeria, parts of West Africa and even Brazil. The name pays homage to mothers everywhere and reminds us of three words, “Have you eaten?” – the ultimate expression of a mother’s love. It shows love, care, community, humanity, and the world needs so much more of this.

Kirk’s

Katherine & Molly Oliver, two sisters turned CEO-moms, took over the family business in 2011. As a family in the soap making business, guiding a company that’s been in operation since 1839, they understand the responsibility behind their tag line — simple clean for generations. Kirk’s creates high quality natural products with clean, safe ingredients sourced and derived from nature.

Koia

As the co-founder of Koia, a healthy, delicious, convenient plant-based nutrition drink company, Maya French went on to be part of the 2018 Forbes 30 under 30 class. She is a fitness enthusiast and wants to spread the importance of plant based nutrition with Koia’s consumers.

Maya Kaimal

Maya Kaimal transforms vibrant traditional Indian flavors into modern culinary experiences. Inspired by heirloom family recipes, every meal, sauce and rice is thoughtfully crafted for flavorful gatherings around any table. Maya personally oversees the creation and curation of her collection, using only the highest quality ingredients to perfectly shape each and every one of our offerings.

Me & the Bees

Me & the Bees Lemonade started when founder and CEO Mikaila was just four years old. After learning all she could about bees, she adapted her Great Granny Helen’s flaxseed lemonade recipe using honey instead of sugar. Mikaila started the business at youth entrepreneurial events and outside her house. More than 10 years later the business continues to grow. A portion of the profits from each bottle goes to bee conservation.

Miyoko’s Creamery

Miyoko invented the category of artisan vegan cheese. Now she’s on a mission to revolutionize the entire dairy industry. Recognized by the United Nations as a ‘Vegan Revolutionary’ in its “The Future of Women” global initiative, Miyoko Schinner (pronounced “Me-yo-ko”) is the compassionate, phenomenally vegan founder & CEO of Miyoko’s Creamery. Miyoko’s makes 100% vegan butter, cheese, spreads, and more.

Mother-in-Law’s Gochujang

As an avid food and wine lover, founder, Lauryn Chun was inspired by the beauty of Korea’s handcrafted tradition of kimchi as a fine food that belongs in the ranks of fine fermented foods like wine, cheese and beer traditions.

Numi

Numi was founded in 1999 in Oakland, California by brother and sister Ahmed Rahim and Reem Hassani with a vision to share the transformative, healing power of tea with the world. They named their company after the steeped dried desert lime they drank in their early childhood in Baghdad, Iraq. The drink symbolizes hospitality and community (numi means “citrus” in Arabic). Creative, conscious change-makers, they have introduced little-known herbs and teas to the United States, while advancing human rights and sustainable causes around the globe.

Nutpods

When founder and CEO Madeline Haydon grew frustrated with a lack of dairy free creamer options, she turned her recipes into a business. Nutpods’ froth-friendly creamers are vegan, gluten free, and Whole 30 approved. They recently became the first business in North America to use 95% plant-based renewable materials in their packaging.

NuttZo

In desperation to find a plant-based protein source for her two adopted picky-eating sons, Danielle took to the kitchen and blended a variety of nuts and seeds to make a delicious protein source for them. Voilà, the nut and seed butter brand ‘NuttZo’ was born! NuttZo’s mission to spread health and happiness all over the world. While launching NuttZo, they created a non-profit that remains core to who they are today. Every sale of NuttZo supports Project Left Behind, helping orphaned and disadvantaged children in Peru and India.

Olivia’s Croutons

Francie Caccavo started Olivia’s in 1991 in her own kitchen with the Butter & Garlic flavor, sold in brown bags, and hand stamped with rubber stamps. So much has changed since then. Home kitchen made way for a 2000 square feet facility in Hinesburg, Vermont, then 5000 square feet on the farm, and currently a 36,000 square foot facility in Brandon, Vermont. It’s a dedicated gluten free kitchen, of course. Find gluten free croutons and stuffing in a variety of flavors on Co-op shelves.

Pipcorn

Pipcorn was born in 2012, when Jeff Martin was helping his sister, Jen move apartments. With everything packed up except a bag of tiny heirloom popcorn kernels that Jen found in the Chicago health food store where she worked, they popped batch after batch of the most delicious popcorn they’d ever had! They liked this one so much, they tracked down the Indiana farmer who grew it from his family’s heirloom seed stock. Together with Jeff’s wife, Teresa, they created a new company, Pipsnacks.

Purely Elizabeth

Elizabeth went to a holistic nutrition school, and with a simple goal, “Start a natural foods company”, Purely Elizabeth was born. Purely Elizabeth products are non-GMO project verified, certified gluten-free, certified made with organic ingredients, certified vegan, contain no artificial additives or soy, and are made with innovative, nutrient-rich ingredients that add delicious flavor and texture, like ancient grains, coconut sugar, raw virgin coconut oil, mct oil and reishi.

Radius

Radius is a better care company inspired by nature and designed with purpose for a better you & a better world. Started by an architect, Radius set out on a mission to make everyday objects that are more effective for people and more sustainable for the environment. Radius is now owned by Saskia Foley, the daughter of the founder. The Co-op sells Radius Biodegradable Silk Floss made from pure silk thread spun on small machines at the CORSEDA Fair Trade Co-op in Colombia, which supports more than 80 families.

Siete Family Foods

Meet the Garza’s, the family behind Siete Family Foods! Diagnosed with multiple debilitating autoimmune disorders as a teenager, Co-Founder and President Veronica Garza began making grain-free tortillas for her family, who had adopted a low-inflammation diet along with her. According to Garza, “I knew we had something really special when my Grandma Campos told me that my tortillas tasted better than the homemade flour tortillas she’d made for decades!”

Garza siblings Veronica, Miguel, and Aida founded Siete Family Foods because they’re “passionate about making and sharing real food, gathering together in authentic community, and advocating for healthier lifestyles among Latino families.” As a mission oriented company, the Garza’s built Siete Family Foods on 4 principles: to boldly build the leading healthy Mexican-American food brand; embody a “juntos es mejor” culture: value humility, foster diversity, love people always; operate with a family first, family second, business third attitude; and to positively impact the lives of underserved communities through education, entrepreneurship, and wellness.

Simple Mills

Simple Mills sticks to delicious, real-food ingredients that work hard for your body—and nothing artificial, ever. Founder and CEO Katlin Smith says, “Simple Mills enriches lives and bodies through simple, delicious, real foods. We strive to make healthful choices easy by offering food that tastes great in the moment and nourishes your body for the long-term.”

Tucson Tamale Co.

Sherry grew up in a loving, loud and large Mexican-American family that handed down the family tamale recipe and tamalada (tamale-making party) tradition. There was always laughter, teasing, storytelling, kids running around playing and laughing — and of course lots of tamales to share. Together with husband Todd, Tucson Tamale Co. was born. Today, this husband and wife team continue to make healthy award-winning tamales, spreading the joy one handmade tamale at a time.

World Centric

World Centric, a local AAPI-owned company, not only sells high quality certified compostable products, but they also strive to be a model of sustainability. They support grassroots organizations and nonprofits via product and monetary donations, encourage fair wages, ensure proper working conditions in their manufacturing facilities, and power their office using renewable energy.

Yolélé

Founded by Senegalese Chef Pierre Tham in 2017 he created YOLÉLÉ to help mostly women smallholder farmers in West Africa by using a native grain called fonio to help ease the economic poverty in the area. Fonio has become popular because it grows quickly while being drought resistant and cooks fast. While it has many health benefits its versatility as a crop and product has made it quite popular in the United States within the last few years.

Young G’s BBQ Sauce

After two active duty tours in Afghanistan, Iowa native Gerald Young suffered an injury and returned home. Immediately, he set out to accomplish his dream — to take his family’s barbecue sauce recipe and turn it into a business. Young G’s BBQ Sauce is tamarind-based and free of gluten and corn syrup.

Yummy Spoonfuls

Founder Agatha Achindu and Business Partner Camila Alves are moms who want the freshest, tastiest, most nutritious foods for their children. When they could not find this food in the U.S., they decided to make it themselves – and share it with other busy moms.