We all know that coffee and cocoa are the biggest Fair Trade products by a long shot. But the internationally-agreed Fair Trade Standards cover more than 300 raw products like quinoa, wine, and fruits and vegetables, which are growing in importance every year.
Here are 10 that may surprise you.
Organic Buckwheat & Quinoa Noodles
King Soba Noodle Culture makes the only Fairtrade certified, organic noodles on the market. The company distributes six other varieties made with amaranth, brown rice, basmati white rice and more. Read more about King Soba.
Grilled Artichokes in Vinaigrette
Artichokes are a labor-intensive crop that require hand harvesting, which is why Fairtrade is so important in ensuring that producers get a better deal. Check out More Than Fair Artichokes – available at Whole Foods Market.
Kizazi Soccer Balls
You could kick around a regular soccer ball or you could buy a Fairtrade soccer ball that gives back. For every Kizazi ball purchased, 15 percent of the profits fund microloans around the world. Plus, the ball meets Fairtrade Standards meaning that workers’ rights are respected, they receive the Fairtrade Premium for investing in their community, and the factories comply with environmental and work safety criteria. Equip your team with Kizazi here.
Cinnamon Glee Gum
It’s time to change what you chew! Look to Glee Gum for natural chewing gum without artificial flavors, sweeteners or preservatives. Glee Gum is sweetened with Fairtrade Sugar meaning that farmers are able to invest in their communities and their businesses. Read more about Glee Gum here.
Lasting Smiles Lip Balm
‘Nourish your lips while you nurture the world.’ Lasting Smiles backs up their motto with action. The company uses Fairtrade organic ingredients and supports cleft lip and cleft palate surgery for affected children in the communities where they source their ingredients. Lasting Smiles is now available in Target stores nationwide!
Red Raspberry Pizzazz Meringues
Treat yourself to indulgent gluten-free meringues. Brooklyn Cookie Company’s raspberry meringue packs a fruity punch, but they also have chocolate chip and Café Latte on offer. And keep your eyes peeled for their unique Mushroom Meringues this Fall. Read up on the Brooklyn Cookie Company here.
Perfect Fuel Energy Bites
Fuel your active lifestyle with chocolate. Perfect Fuel’s unique chocolate energy bites give you convenient clean energy that you need, whether you’re building up to your first 5K or training for a triathlon. The co-owners are athletes themselves, so they know a thing or two about what pumps you up without weighting you down. Read the story of how they founded Perfect Fuel here.
Frosted Cherry Pomegranate Toaster Pastries
Looking for something easy to pop in the toaster for breakfast, but don’t want anything overly processed? Nature’s Path has you covered with a variety of Fairtrade organic toaster pastries, including this Frosted Cherry Pomegranate flavor bomb. Learn more about Nature’s Path here.
Grower’s Cup
Technically this is coffee, which isn’t that unexpected, but Grower’s Cup’s packaging is so unique, we decided to include it in this list anyway. Simply open the top, pour in hot water, let steep, and enjoy. Perfect for camping.
Caramel Pure Cane Syrup from Tate & Lyle
It’s apple-harvest time and just the thought of caramel apples has us thinking how we can get more caramel flavor in our lives. Check out this caramel syrup and Tate & Lyle’s recipe for a Caramel Apple Soda. You can thank the Fairtrade sugar cane farmers and us later.
This Fair Trade Month try the unexpected or stick with coffee and cocoa. Either way, every purchase makes a difference for small-scale farmers and workers.