It’s not always easy to find the funds to support charitable causes, especially during a cost of living crisis. But, there is a way to support some incredible initiatives without having to spend any additional money, simply by being a little more considered in your existing purchases.
There are a whole host of food and drink brands that have strong ethical practices and charity partnerships, so you could support a cause that’s close to your heart just by buying a certain packet of crisps, chocolate bar or can of beer. We’ve rounded up some of our fave food and drink brands that give back, so you can keep your cupboards and fridges well-stocked and do some good at the same time.
Howdah
Spice up your snack time by grabbing a bag of Howdah. With flavours like Tandoor Chilli chips, Masala Dippers flatbread bites and Onion Bhaji crescents, these vegan Indian snacks not only taste good, they do good. For every pack sold, a school meal is donated to a child in need in India through Howdah’s charity partner Akshaya Patra.
Big Hug Brewing
Founded by friends Matt, Dan and Chris, Big Hug Brewing is all about good beers and giving back. The biz supports a number of initiatives including Only A Pavement Away (which helps those experiencing homelessness get into the hospitality industry, by donating 10p from every can of Pave The Way IPA that’s sold) and youth homelessness organisation YMCA Downs Link Group (by donating £5 from every keg of Second Chance IPA).
Endangered Brewing
Endangered Brewing, founded by partners Alexandra and Delphi, raises awareness of endangered species by featuring different animals on their cans and they support conservation work by donating 10% of the sales from their craft beers to the Born Free Foundation. As well as being named after each animal, like the Red Panda Radler and the African Wild Dog Lager, the labels on the beers feature original artwork by renowned wildlife artist Marc Allante, with Endangered Brewing’s ultimate goal being to remove the animals from the cans completely when the species are no longer considered endangered.
Montezuma’s
After a trip to South America where they spent time on a cocoa plantation, Helen and Simon set up chocolate biz Montezuma’s on their return to the UK in 2000. In addition to using ethically sourced cocoa and eco-friendly packaging for its bars, buttons, and truffles, the Montezuma’s team raises money for Children On The Edge, a charity that helps the world’s most marginalised children with education and support, by offering micro-donations on online orders and running an annual fundraising week each year.
Elephant Gin
Do good with your G&T by making it with Elephant Gin. The B Corp gin brand is helping protect African elephants through the Elephant Gin Foundation. Either 15% of bottle profits or 2% of revenue (whichever is highest) goes toward supporting various conservation projects, such anti-poaching with the Big Life Foundation’s Ranger Club, an elephant orphanage with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and super tusker protection with The Big Life Foundation’s Wildlife Warrior program.
Lubanzi Wines
Lubanzi Wines, which produces a range of varieties in South Africa’s Swartland, has a big social conscience. The brand invests 50% of its net profits back into the people who work in South Africa’s vineyards through the Pebble Project, which helps improve access to education and healthcare. It’s also Fair For Life Fair Trade Certified, B Corp Certified, Climate Neutral Certified and part of 1% for the Planet, so buying these bottles and cans really does do good.
Uhuru
Whether you’re a rum drinker or a whisky fan, you can do some good with your tipple of choice thanks to Uhuru. The spirits brand created by the co-founder of Youngs Spirits, which produces an XO golden rum and a blended malt scotch whisky, donates 10% of its net profits to African wildlife conservation charity Tusk.