There is a new smell in the shop, and it is a good one 🍵
We have just introduced a range of Dragonfly Tea to our shelves and online store, including plastic-free tea bags and thoughtfully sourced blends.
From calming herbal teas to everyday brews, these are teas that smell as good as they taste.
We have also left some space on the shelf. If there is a tea you would love us to stock, we would really like to hear your suggestions.
Our March top ten best sellers are in. 🌿📊
Hand Wash takes first place this month, followed by Fragranced Non Bio Laundry Liquid and Washing Up Liquid.
It is great to see a mix of returning favourites like Salt and Pepper Cashews and a new entry from Pecan Halves.
We have also compared refill hand wash prices with supermarket options, showing how refilling can reduce single-use plastic waste while also saving money. 💚♻️
Behind the scenes of our refill system in Sheffield ♻️
This is how SESI refills arrive and are poured into our dispenser barrels, ready for customers to use in-store. It is a simple circular system, with tubs reused again and again to reduce single-use plastic waste.
You can bring any container and refill essentials like Washing Up Liquid or Laundry Detergent.
In March, the community added 614 SESI refills, bringing our 2026 total to 2600 items saved🌍
Easter chocolate has arrived at The Bare Alternative 🐣🍫
This year’s range includes Tony's Chocolonely Easter eggs, plant based treats from Happi and Mummy Meegz, and smaller goodies like Chickee Eggs and mini chocolate bars, great for egg hunts.
We select chocolate from brands improving the cocoa industry, prioritising fair pay, transparency, and long term partnerships with farmers.
#EthicalChocolate #VeganEaster #LowWasteLiving #SheffieldIndependents
Tonight's Tea-
Vanilla Comoro
By: Harney & Sons
Would drink again?
Yes, going to be a staple of my collection, so far at least.
Ira's take-
Gentle, great if you have a craving for something light and sweet.
3 words that come to mind:
Dessert, fluffy, elegant,
Flavor:
sweet vanilla cream,
Aroma:
A very, very light hint of classic cake frosting
Recommendations:
Do- serve warm to hot.
Do not- add dairy milk, the flavor gets overpowered.
Specs:
Container- metal tin, vertically rectangular.
(Available with different packaging in larger quantities).
Teabag shape- 3-sided pyramid.
Teabag material- plant-based, biodegradable, corn-derived PLA (polylactic acid) mesh.
https://www.nwfabric.com/ask/harney-and-sons-tea-bag-material-your-complete-guide-to-safety-sustainability/
#tea #lowwasteliving
Will continue to add to this as I spend more time getting to know this tea
Our February photo review. 💚 A moment to pause and look back on what has been happening in the shop over the past month.
This time it includes refreshing The Fair Alternative display with new makers and artists, Easter displays starting to come together, new Miniml branding arriving on the shelves, a huge toilet roll delivery taking over the front of the shop, and a great refill moment using a mug for red lentils. ♻️
Our January TOP 10 Best Sellers are in. 🌿📊
We are also sharing price comparisons for Non-Bio Laundry Liquid and Pumpkin Seeds, showing how refilling compares with supermarket brands. In both cases, refill prices come out cheapest, even when comparing organic refills with non-organic options.
Less plastic, less waste, and real savings. 💚♻️
Our monthly photo review is one of my favourite regular posts to make. It gives us the chance to look back on the month that has passed, take stock, and feel proud of what we have achieved together.
January included two vegan markets, our annual shop tour, Veganuary moments in the shop, and new products including Epsom Salts, Dog Chews and Cleaning Brushes. A thoughtful start to the year. 💚♻️
January impact from our refill community ♻️
In January alone, customers at The Bare Alternative helped save 1333 single use bottles and packaging items by choosing SESI refills instead of buying new. 🚫🛢️🚫
This poster will be updated all year. February’s message is a timely reminder that chocolate 🍫 is even sweeter when it is fairly traded.
A little update from us. 💚
We are currently out of stock on some items after a very busy December. We are so grateful for the support, and now that we are back into the new year routine, we are getting things back on track.
Deliveries from smaller suppliers are already arriving, with larger restocks due next week. If you need something specific, our online store shows stock levels.
Thank you for your patience and for supporting independent.
The Bare Alternative
Extra Terrestrial Ira🖖🏻🛸