Get your organic glow on at these Toronto health food stores
When you cook for yourself, at home, you can control exactly what goes into your meal and just how healthy it is. Do your body a favour and shop at any of these Toronto health food stores, each with its own twist on wholesome, nutritious ingredients.
Westend Food Co-op
1229 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1L2Think of it as the Green Bay Packers of health food stores. When the community takes ownership, you know people are invested in making it work. This co-op is a not-for-profit health food store which began as a farmers’ market and has evolved into a social enterprise embraced and supported by the neighbourhood. So, grab a cup of ChocoSol coffee to sip on while you browse the shelves for everything to fill your pantry and fridge.
Healthy Planet Danforth Store
568 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 1R1This store first set up in 1995 on the Danforth just west of Pape, but soon expanded into nine more locations, going as far as Pickering in the east, Richmond Hill in the north and Mississauga in the west. Healthy Planet was able to do so because it didn’t just focus on healthy foods, but healthy living in general. You can find tons of great articles and useful tips on the website, or pop into a store for real time advice.
The Wholesome Market
2234 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4E 1G2When folks in the Beaches are looking for wholesome, health-conscious groceries, they wind up here. Owners Hanif and Taslim greet customers at the door to provide personal service, directions to the various departments or to take special orders. They also offer fresh takeout snacks and lunches if you need a wholesome bite on the go.
Evergreen Natural Foods
161 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON M6R 2L3With two locations in Toronto, one in Wychwood Park and another on Roncesvalles, Evergreen is in tune with a socially-conscious clientele. Their dedicated customers keep coming back because of the great selection, affordable prices and attentive, well-informed staff. Both stores are reliable sources of vitamins, supplements and frozen and bulk foods. You can also stock up on organic coffee and tea and body products.
The Sweet Potato
108 Vine Ave, Toronto, ON M6P 1V7Yes, you can buy sweet potatoes here, along with plenty of other healthy foods good for the body and soul. Owner Digs opened the doors to this shop in 2008 with just one goal in mind: to be the healthiest health food store in Toronto. His strong relationships with farmers means the emphasis is on local, natural and organic foods, with most produce coming from no more than 40 minutes away.
Baldwin Naturals-Organic Food Market
16 Baldwin St, Toronto, ON M5T 1L2The lactose-intolerant and gluten-free audience frequents this shop for its alternative products and nutritional advice. You’ll find a healthy selection of organic produce, bulk foods and herbs as well as non-toxic body care items, vitamins and supplements. The friendly neighbourhood vibe at this shop in Baldwin Village is actively cultivated by the committed staff.
Kim Natural Food
219 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON M6R 2L6Some health food stores stock their shelves with organic or healthy foods, and stop there. Qi goes a step further by employing a naturopathic doctor who’s on standby to advise customers. Many are simply satisfied with the selection of products, ranging from cosmetics to frozen meals. It’s a complete natural food destination, offering meat, dairy, seafood and more right in the heart of Roncesvalles village.
Herbs And Nutrition
572 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1K1This health food store in the heart of The Annex is inviting and roomy inside with long deep shelves and islands loaded with organic products. Store manager Ken Hur says they buy from local suppliers whenever possible to get the best deals and pass savings along to customers. Dried herbs are among the highlights. Hundreds of varieties are bagged and stored in custom- designed wooden drawers.
Goodness Me
322 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1W5This well-established chain serves healthy eaters city-wide with five strategic locations. Its original focus on bulk foods and organic groceries has expanded to include an extensive selection of vitamins, supplements and non-toxic, holistic body care products. Check out the loyalty program to get extra savings based on a point-earning system.
The Big Carrot Wholistic Dispensary
320 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 1N8Chances are you’ve at least heard of this Danforth shop — arguably the city’s best-known health food store. It lays proud claim to being Toronto’s first organic health food store, setting up shop in 1983. Since then, the store has expanded to add separate sections for beauty products, bulk items and vitamins. Plus, it is actively engaged in the community with co-ops and outreach initiatives.
