The Inside Scoop

As some of you may know, I’m all about supporting your local farmers but there are times when you have little choice than making a run to your local grocery store. So, I’ve come up with the top organic grocery stores in the Rocket City area. I’m ranking them on variety, prices, and those stores particularly who are supporting our local farmers. Since I’m a frugal shopper and my family has some food allergies, I often shop around to multiple stores to help stay within our budget. So, if you’re picky like me, I may place some organic/natural foods at the top of my list while some others not so much. For those who are interested in knowing more about our Farmers’ Markets, check out my Blog, here

Listing of Top Organic Stores

#1 Whole Foods

Whole Foods is #1 at the top of my list due to the best organic produce and natural food in the Tennessee Valley. This is probably a no brainer as they are the biggest named grocer for organic foods in the US. I am just glad we have one here after the closing of EarthFare. While Wholefoods is on the expensive side, unfortunately for some of us who have health needs or just want to live a healthy lifestyle there is not much getting around the high cost.

As most shoppers know, Wholefoods has a huge selection of natural, non-GMO, organic foods, along with their reasonably priced healthy personal brand, 365. Throw in their Amazon Prime 10 % discount and they almost feel affordable. But let’s face it, you are going to pay for high quality foods no matter where you shop. Their self-serve salad bar, Sushi, hot bar, along with their great selection of pizzas really make Whole Foods stand apart from the other health food stores. And, if you’re a vegan, they have some incredible pizzas and vegan alternate meat at their yummy salad bar. The large variety of specialty foods, vitamins and health products also makes shopping convenient. While they actually don’t have a coffee station set up like Fresh Market, they do allow you to try certain types of coffee. From organic produce and meats, to their large selection of specific items, our local Whole Foods makes life little easier for this momma.

Website: Whole Foods

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#2 Trader Joe's

For years the people of Huntsville have begged for Trader Joe's to come in Huntsville. Well, we finally got ours which has nicely replaced Earth Fare - which many of us loved before they went bankrupted. I absolutely love their trader Joe's brand and pre-made meals. My main complaint, unlike other Trader Joe's in larger cities, this one is missing a bakery and deli with a large meat selection. On the positive side, while it is not as inexpensive as AldI, the prices here are very reasonable. I still love the produce at Sprouts and a better selection at Whole Foods. For this reason, I think most people would agree it ranks between these two awesome health food stores.

Website: Trader Joe's

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#3 Sprouts

I really love this store. Madison Alabama is so lucky to have a Sprouts. If only there was a location in Huntsville, I might have ranked them higher! Sprouts has a great selection of organics, bulk dried items, supplements, and more! Although they don’t have the large selection as Whole Foods, they are still a great store, especially when it comes to prices. Even some of their produce is cheaper than Walmart or other discount grocers. One down-side to the store is the lack of a large self-serve salad bar but at least they have a coffee station to sample some coffees before you buy.

Website: Sprouts

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#4 Fresh Market

While Fresh Market is not the cheapest by any means, they still have a great selection of organic produce. While most of their food is conventional produce they are always fresh and high quality. Their wonderful selection of snack foods and prepared salads are also high quality and especially handy if you need something fast, simple and easy to grab on the go. For those who want quality meat, Fresh Market has a terrific seafood and meat department. The display of prepared meat is large and you can be certain that it is grade “A” quality. They also have the best coffee selection and sample station which allows you to try their various free samples of their gourmet coffees. Lastly, I love the fact that I’ve never had to wait in line for a very long time as they are always quick to add more cashiers to make your shopping experience more enjoyable.

Website: Fresh Market

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#5 Oakwood Farms Market

Oakwood Farmers Market is a plant-based farmers’ market that caters to health and wellness of the community. They have a various type of local farmers, chefs, bakers, crafters, and artisans who attend their market weekly. They have their own urban farm nestled on the campus of Oakwood University; however, will invite other local farmers to come and sell at the market event. The “Friday Farmers Market” event is held every Friday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. during the April-November season. Oakwood Farms has harvested items available weekly, including their organically grown veggies, fruits, berries, and herb plants. They also have their own private labeled selection of locally distributed, jams, jellies, honey, and a nice selection of signature sauces. The farmers market has a covered pavilion, two pergolas, outdoor seating, with two beautifully landscaped fountains full of fish! Food trucks are always welcomed!

Website: Oakwood Farms Market

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#6 Costco

The superstore that has a little bit of everything is of course Costco, which happens to be ranked at #5 on my organic list. They’re located at: 1205 Memorial Pkwy NW, Huntsville, Alabama. Too bad there aren’t more Costco stores within the Valley as they make life so much easier when shopping. I couldn’t imagine not having our Costco as buying organic food in bulk has saved my family a ton of money through the years. If you ever go there, we’re the family you see with two flatbed carts, piling up the gluten-free loaves along with some last minute dinner ideas. It’s not like a farmers’ market in comparison, but they do have a pretty good selection of organics and at competitive prices! Hopefully with the popularity of organic foods, we’ll see even more organics coming soon. So far, this has been the case with Costco. I’m also rooting for them to move up my list.

Website: Costco

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#7 Kroger

A great place to find some organics at a reasonable price is Kroger. I have them ranked as #5 because every store is a bit different. If there was an updated Super Kroger store located on the South Huntsville area, they might have been ranked higher on my list.

As I created this list, Kroger ranked just average when it came to organic produce. Some Kroger stores do vary but they don’t compare to the stores I have listed above. Perhaps you may differ with me if you live in Madison as I find those Super Kroger’s has a much better selection than the ones in our Huntsville locations. Also, if you shop a lot at Kroger, those fuel points are amazing, but again, our South Parkway does not offer a pumping station thus making my fuel points useless. As for as customer service, I love Kroger’s. They always go out their way to help or order items that they do not carry in their store. If I was just ranking them on customer service alone, I would be giving them a five star.

Website: Kroger

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#8 Publix

At #7 on my list is the popular Publix. They’re a nice selection of organics but a bit more expensive than Kroger which is why I have them ranked slightly lower. I must admit, I am always impressed with the fresh quality produce and meat and it does not matter which Publix store I shopped at as they all have wonderful products. Their special sales area always are great when they have one, but rarely do they include organic products, which in my opinion is a bummer. Just like Fresh Market, their checkout is always quick, and I love how they always ask to carry out my groceries.

Website: Publix

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#9 Sam’s Club

Well, you always hear that Walmart is cheap, and who owns Sam’s Club? Our Sam’s Club is located at: 2235 National Blvd. Huntsville, AL. They have really come a long way when it comes to carrying organic products, however they don’t live up to or have the selection as Costco. Sam’s isn’t quite there when it comes to organic but maybe with the growing popularity, they’ll continue to increase their selection and varieties.

Website: Sam’s Club

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#10 ALDI

Last but definitely not least is ALDI. I know some of you may be wondering why I put them last and not higher up on my list, it is simple - Selection. That’s the only thing holding back. Although I really love this store, I wish they had more organics to choose from, especially when it comes to produce. Now, on the plus side, Aldi has incredible prices. They kind of remind me of Trader Joe’s when it comes to affordability and value. Speaking of Trader Joe’s, rumors has it that they might be looking to build in the MidCity District. I am keeping my fingers cross that this comes true!

Website: ALDI

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Any question or need further information? Send me a note.