by Helen Thorogood for the Fairtrade Foundation
From sun cream to marshmallows, lipstick to gin – here’s a quick rundown of some Fairtrade products you might not have come across…
1. Fairtrade Marshmallows
When was the last time you toasted a marshmallow on the BBQ? A chocolate and strawberry flavoured one at that. These marshmallows, made with Fairtrade sugar, are natural and gluten free.
Available from: Bonny Confectionery
2. Fairtrade Smoothies
Pack in five a day the fair way. Well, one of your five a day. The Natural Beverage Company flavours include Mango & Orange, Pineapple & Passionfruit and Apple and Blackcurrant – 100% natural, Fairtrade goodness in perfect summer-picnic-sized bottles.
Available from: The Natural Beverage Company
3. Fairtrade Lipstick
With shades like Raspberry Coulis, Apricot sorbet and Hot Chocolate, these lipsticks make us feel hungry! This collection of Fairtrade and organic lipsticks are bursting with 100% organic plant oils and butters including jojoba and Fairtrade shea. They boast some pretty impressive green credentials too: no chemicals, no synthetic dyes, the lipstick case is recyclable and the box is compostable. SOLD.
Available from: Odylique
4. Fairtrade Yoghurt Coated Raisins
These have got elevenses written all over them. Raisins with a creamy coating, in a handy snack pack - it’s no wonder they’re a best seller. And, if you close your eyes the yoghurt coating almost tastes like white chocolate.
Available from: Ethical Superstore
5. Fairtrade Shaving Oil and Aftershave Balm
Are your eyebrows raised? Ours were! Fair Squared have a range of shaving oils and aftershave balms, for men and women. The Fairtrade, organic ingredients include a mixture of grape seed oil, apricot, almond, olive and argan oil to relax the skin and replenish it with valuable nutrients. We’re intrigued by the women’s apricot shaving gel…
Available from: Fair Squared
6. Fairtrade Coconut Milk
We’re thinking: Thai curry, barbeque marinades, coconut sticky rice. Ma’s Fairtrade Happy Life Coconut Milk is 100% organic and sourced from small scale farmers in the heart of Sri Lanka. It’s squeezed from fresh coconuts to produce full flavoured and smooth milk.
Available from: Ethical Superstore
7. Fairtrade Gin
For those partial to a G&T, this gin made with Fairtrade spices is a real gem. (Yes we’re a bit biased, but you just take one look at that packaging!) The juniper berries that go into this gin are sourced from a nature reserve in Uzbekistan, Central Asia. If you’re not a fan of gin, Fair Spirits also do a vodka, rum, a coffee and a goji liqueur.
Available from: FAIR spirits
8. Fairtrade Beer
A sunny day. BBQ tongs in one hand, a cold Fairtrade beer in the other. (Or just the sun and the cold beer). Perfect! And definitely worth mentioning that Mongozo are award winners for their Buckwheat White Beer, which is organic, gluten free and Fairtrade.
Available from: Mongozo Beer and Little Valley Brewery
9. Fairtrade Fudge
Who else only buys fudge when they are on holiday? This is set to change now we know we’re only ever a few clicks away from this crumbly, Fairtrade sweet treat. This fudge is lovingly handmade, additive free and available online. Fairtrade ingredients include sugar, cocoa, vanilla, ginger and coffee. Could be a good Father’s Day present…
Available from: Cotswold Fudge Company and Devon Cottage Fudge Company
10. Fairtrade Sun Cream
And finally, a bit of slip slap slop, the Fairtrade way. Odylique have just launched this Fairtrade sun cream! It offers triple protection: broad spectrum UVA, UVB SPF 30 and powerful organic antioxidants to scavenge free radicals. Best of all it’s all natural and suitable for very sensitive skin. Now all we need is some sunshine. (It wouldn’t be very British not to mention the weather).
Available from: http://www.odylique.co.uk/natural-sun-screen.html
So there you have it - ten of the less well known (but no less mighty) Fairtrade products. Some, (the gin, perhaps) might be more of a special purchase, but ‘Fairtrade’ should not be a special term. All trade should be fair and we, as shoppers, have the power to make it that way.
Find out where to buy Fairtrade products.