We’re halfway through December and I am so blown away by how many insanely wonderful businesses and restaurants I’ve worked with this month already. In an effort to support all the local small businesses here, I’ve been trying to eat out more often (which celebrating my birthday the other day made that pretty easy.) I’ve also been trying to advocate for all my friends in the vegan Denver scene, by cross promoting products, projects and events. I’ve also had a blast trading food products with many of these lovely businesses, and as hard as 2020 has been, I adore the fact that we’re all out here getting creative, supporting one another and promoting the hell out of each other’s projects.
Here’s a round up of my absolute favorite people and small food businesses in the Denver area, who have lots of vegan treats to offer for the plant-based foodie in your life. Or for you to treat yourself, because you honestly deserve it, no matter what you’ve been through this year 🙂 I threw in a few other small bizzes who I’m big fans of and would love you all to support!
Nice Cream Sammies
I hadn’t had a Nice Cream Sammie in almost a year, so this gift guide was a wonderfulllll excuse to get pick up some more at Nooch. They are honestly mind-blowingly good, and it’s one of my favorite vegan treats. I literally get giddy just THINKING about the Fudgie Batter Raspberry and the Peanut Butter Chococunk ice cream sandwiches. I’m the type of person who eats ice cream in the dead of winter and I’d eat a NCS everyday, no matter how cold it is. They’ve also got a huge merch line with a “be a nice human” theme, which I can really get behind, especially this year. Check out where you can pick up some of this raw, vegan, gluten-free, organic deliciousness around Boulder/Denver here! And it’s an extra happy holiday because they’re offering 10% off orders with code willhikeforavocados.
Peaceful Rebel Vegan Cheese
Vegan cheeses have come a LONG way over the years. But a lot of the still have a long ingredient list. But good news! Peaceful Rebel is a local gem, offering delicious, easily meltable/shreddable cheese blocks with just a handful of ingredients. She’s got awesome and unique flavors like Colorado Blue, Chocolate Port Wine, Herbed Feta, Chipotle Cheddar, Smoked Gouda, and my personal fave, Whiskey Bacon. I used the classic mozzarella in these pics of Beyond Meat stuffed meatballs and Italian stuffed peppers. They’re also less expensive than most of the store-bought brands, which is an added bonus! Find them locally here or opt for local free pick-up or to be delivered.
Chica
For those of you that don’t know, I suffer from severe endometriosis, which has made my life a living hell for as long as I can remember. Initially, I stepped away from dairy, as it’s commonly a trigger for endo symptoms. So I was ELATED when I heard of this bad-ass local company with herb-infused truffles, Chica, which helps with cramping, monthly acne and mood swings. I’m going to do a full review on this one later because they were so incredible, but for now, just know that they are effing delicious, actually DO help with period issues and are a super unique gift that I would love to give to all my female friends. FYI, they do contain honey if that’s a deal breaker for you. Order all three variations of Chica here, whether it be Original Chica, Chica Glow (the one I had) and Chica Chill (the one I probably need!) Add willhikeforavos to your order and save 15% here!
Kundali Kombucha
We all know I’m an insane kombucha addict. Though one of our Covid hobbies has been messing around with our own booch brew, I still indulge in store bought brands often. And I just can’t stay away from Kundali Kombucha. First off, because the owner Kristian and his wife Julia are the sweetest people on the planet, and they just welcomed a new baby, so I am all about supporting them! It’s also a super crisp and refreshing brew, with unique flavors, extra healthy herbs and extremely low sugar. Their Harmonize is a blend of oat straw, lemon balm, green tea and damiana (a mood booster, that I’ve found actually DOES boost my vibe!). Their Awaken is rooted in hibiscus, tulsi basil, green tea and catnip (sounds weird, but catnip is actually an incredible plant herb). Get yo self some of it delivered for free, by ordering here. Add code SANTA and save 20%!
Best One Yet
OK, so I’m pretty biased on this one, because the owner of Best One Yet vegan ice cream, Helen, is one of my top five favorite people on the planet. And all her ice creams pint flavors AND her local food truck offerings are downright delightful. I’ve been known to eat a pint of her Peanut Butter Brownie in one sitting and have zero shame over it. She’s kind of a big deal, and recently began stocking in local Whole Foods, because all the flavors are amazing. Her seasonal candy cane version is currently available for the holidays, whether you’re sharing with family or sitting at home alone. Ice cream makes everything better, doesn’t it? What are you waiting for, find some now!
Kefla Organics
I’ve traded my daily cup of coffee for a Kefla Organics CBD golden milk latte or their cacao mix the past few weeks. Turns out caffeine is not my friend, but CBD definitely is! All the other CBD edibles I’ve tried have paled in comparison to the local Kefla, so I’ve been whipping up desserts using their delicious, vegan mixes and chocolates these past few weeks. The quality of their CBD is next level and that really comes through in the calming effects I feel when eating/drinking any of their goodies. Order some here and chill out 🙂
The Free Bake
Not a vegan company, I know. But Kat at The Free Bake has hustled harder than anyone I know in 2020 and her breads are the things dreams are made of. Kat is also a huge cheerleader for all other local small businesses and has been an infinite source of wisdom and support for me, as I started my own food business this year. She delivers these loaves of perfect carb heaven in Boulder and Denver, and has tons of mouth-watering treats for the non-vegans in your life, too. Her cookie mixes are all vegan though, since you add your own ingredients before baking. She’s got some more vegan/gluten-free tricks up her sleeve in 2021, so be on the lookout for that. In the meantime, order some delicious ass carbs from The Free Bake here.
LittleJohn Produce Box
This little food project has a BIG heart. I volunteered with LittleJohn Produce Boxes for most of November, assembling produce boxes for low income families and those affected by Covid. They’re a kick-ass company and are really working tirelessly to help the less fortunate of the Denver area. Their produce boxes support local farmers and distributors and are also available for general ordering with pick up locations in Denver, Boulder, Longmont and others. You get mostly organic produce for a fraction of the cost and each week has different fruit/veggie offerings. I love them so much! This is an example of their Balanced Box, but you can order any of them here.
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