RovR Coolers
Since 2016, Boulder- based RovR has been “bringing the good vibes outside” with durable coolers featuring accessories like attachable cutting boards and cup holders. “We wanted to bring the same innovative design and features at a more accessible price point and size,” says marketing director Kyle Rajaniemi about the brand’s CoolR 25. “Because sometimes you just don’t need a camp-weekend’s worth of vibes when you’re just hanging at Wash Park on a Sunday afternoon.” Find yours at local REI stores and rovrproducts.com.
Rocky Mountain Soda
Soda is making a bubbly comeback from the forbidden-foods list, as innovative companies find ways to make the fizzing drink healthier. Rocky Mountain Soda uses sparkling Colorado water, vegan cane sugar, natural flavor extracts, and non-GMO citric acid. Flavors like South Park Sarsaparilla and Evergreen Elderberry are inspired by Colorado. “Memorial Day to Labor Day is soda season, and there’s no better time to enjoy a cold one,” says founder Moose Koons. Find at rockymountainsoda.com.
Cheluna Brewing Company
A cold beer from the award-winning brewery at Stanley Marketplace is just what the doctor ordered. Cheluna owner Javier Pérez, an ER physician at the Denver VA, knows that sometimes what’s good for your soul is good for your stomach too. As the first Latin-owned and -operated craft brewery in Colorado, Cheluna honors its roots with a selection of Mexican-style beers that offer both refreshment and cultural pride. Plus, says Pérez, “Any of our award winning chelas are available for take away in 32-ounce crowler cans.” Find at cheluna.com.
Blackbelly Market
Boulder’s award-winning Michelin Green Star restaurant is now serving Denverites the best breakfast burritos, sandwiches, and cuts of meat from its outpost on Tennyson Street. Hearty sandwiches like the Little Piggy and turkey club make for great to-go food and are big enough to share. “Our Little Piggy sandwich embodies what is most unique and delicious at Blackbelly,” says chef Hosea Rosenberg. “Each layer of meat was made by us—capicola, soppressata, and ham, all carefully crafted in house by our butchers. You won’t find an italian sandwich made with more TLC anywhere else.” The store also offers a mini marketplace of locally made goods like housemade pickles, fresh-squeezed juices, bacon jam, and giant chocolate chip cookies so good, you won’t want to share. Find at blackbelly.com.
Denver Chip Company
Using Idaho Russet potatoes, which result in a larger chip and richer flavor, these guys do everything by hand, from selecting to slicing, seasoning, and packaging. The chips are cooked in heart-healthy canola oil and contain no preservatives, trans fats, MSG, GMOs, or gluten. “Our flavors include the original, with hints of onion and garlic, and sweet and spicy with a kiss of habanero that will sneak up on you,” says founder Dylan McSweeney. Find at local markets like Curtis Park Deli.
Redcamper
Every batch of Deliciousness jam is hand-chopped, zested, pitted, squeezed, stirred, and jarred. The tasty options include Pueblo Chile Peach, Colorado Whiskey Peach, and the Cherry Fig Mostarda, which founder Maura Gramzinski says is “a very special flavor of sour cherries, figs, mustard powder, seeds, red chili pepper flakes, black pepper, and cacao nibs that won us our very first Good Food Award.” Since then, the brand’s added more Good Food Awards, a state fair blue ribbon, and quite a few shout outs. Find at local markets and redcamper.com.
34 Degrees
Named for the latitude of Sydney, Australia, where founder Craig Lieberman studied, 34 Degrees brings the thin, crispy crackers he loved from Down Under to Colorado. Now backed by Fresca Foods, the brand offers flavors like cracked pepper, seeded, gluten-free, and original. Find at local markets and 34-degrees.com.
