Something Special from Wisconsin connects consumers to local businesses this holiday season

Sharing holiday cheer and spreading the value of a dollar across communities, Something Special from Wisconsin offers gift and recipe ideas.

“You’re supporting local businesses from around the state when you’re shopping from the Something Special from Wisconsin program,” 73rd Alice in Dairyland Julia Nunes said. “There’s such a wide variety from handmade cutting boards to more snacky foods that add a wide variety for anyone on your shopping list.”

Something Special from Wisconsin products can be found with the oval-shaped logo with a bright red background. The sticker indicates at least half of the item’s ingredients, production, or processing came from Wisconsin.

“The Something Special from Wisconsin logo lets you know that your money is staying here to support our farmers, communities, and local economies,” Nunes said.

Among the businesses Nunes highlighted included Poppin’ Z’s Gourmet popcorn. The company offers gift boxes that are packed with popcorn collections for any occasion such as Badger or Packer game days.

“They’re just beautifully packaged,” Nunes said. “They have over 50 flavors to choose from, so it’ll be hard to narrow down which variety you choose if you’re if you’re going in the popcorn route.”

Utilizing dairy products, Cream City Caramels and Confections is another option to share something sweet during the holidays.

“These are probably the best caramels I’ve ever had in my life,” she said. “They’re made with real butter and real heavy cream, so they just melt in your mouth. They also have a craft beer assortment box, which I think would make an amazing gift for people on my Christmas list.”

Sneaking in a savory addition, Nunes said Slide Gourmet Potato Chips are not the average potato chips. They are deep-fried in canola oil with sea salt and a variety of flavors to choose from including dill pickle, honey barbecue, hot buffalo, and more.

“Gourmet Potato Chips is a company owned by women who use local, Wisconsin-grown potatoes,” she said.

Of course, cheese products are included in the Something Special from Wisconsin assortment, including Pine River cheese dips.

“They have great, award-winning cheese spreads, and they’ve been making them for four generations,” Nunes said. “One thing about these cheese spreads is you open them up, and they’re ready to go whether you set them out before a meal, or as a snack.”

Another unique company on the Something Special from Wisconson roster is Urbal Tea. Blended in Milwaukee, the company hand-blends tea in Wisconsin and packages it into organic, plant-based tea bags.

Nearly 450 companies participate in the program from meats and cheeses, sweet syrups and candies, to soaps, candles, lotions, wreaths, and more. More information can be found at somethingspecialwi.com.