Cafe del Sol
With a passion for great coffee and sustainability, Stephen Dunham developed a line of coffees with a clean flavor and footprint.
Iowa City, IA
Type: Producer
Produces: Skincare
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Miles from Coop: 1
Made from organic tallow sourced from grass-fed cows in Eastern Iowa (or from the Co-op!), Gray Toad Tallow Balm is pure and natural nourishment for all skin types.
Five years ago, Sharon's son began to get red patches on his legs and she developed red, dry patches on her face. She wanted the most natural remedy without side effects that can come from lotions and creams, even organic ones. After researching, she found tallow balm and began making it from locally sourced animals.
"By the time we saw our doctor two weeks later I had to point out where the patches had been and then cleared up with the tallow balm. It has since been used by friends and family to soothe eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, saddle sores from cycling, calluses, sunburns, chapped lips and more! "

Tallow balm is a skincare product made from rendered animal fat. Gray Toad Tallow uses organic beef tallow, often sourced right from New Pi's Meat Department! Tallow's rich composition of vitamins A, D, E, and K offer unique nourishing properties for the skin, with a lipid profile that mimics our skin.
Gray Toad Tallow can be used like a traditional moisturizer. Apply a small amount to clean, dry skin and massage gently. It can also be used as a targeted treatment for dry patches, chapped lips, or as an overnight mask for intensified hydration. It is safe for use on face and body, and suitable for children.
Checkout these great products from Gray Toad Tallow
Be sure to check out these others great local producers!
With a passion for great coffee and sustainability, Stephen Dunham developed a line of coffees with a clean flavor and footprint.
Iowa City, IA
The best thing about being an apple farmer is that, unlike a ripe tomato, [an apple] doesn’t have to be picked right now. It can wait until tomorrow. It is a nice pace.”
Central City, IA
Levi's Indigenous Fruit Enterprise is known for their aronia berries, which are native to Iowa, through sustainable farming practices that work with nature.
Keota, IA
"By providing a loving and relaxing environment for our cows we are able to get remarkably consistent full-flavored raw milk."
Thorp, WI
Iowa grown herbs and lettuce, grown hydroponically by this family owned business near West Union, IA.
West Union, Iowa
Eco Lips is deeply connected with nature, applying what we know about beneficial organic ingredients to better people’s lives.
Marion, IA
In 2020, Chris James turned to coffee roasting and never looked back. His flavorful brews and charming bike deliveries with his pug Bugsy have made his brand a local favorite.
West Des Moines, Iowa
Little Deb’s Berry Farm, situated just outside of Newhall, Iowa is the pride and joy of Jeff and Deb Sindelar. Here, you'll find a vibrant mix of crops like kiwi berries, honey berries, nuts, and asparagus.
Newhall, Iowa