NEW YORK HEALTHFOOD STORES
Wholefoods, 95 East Houston Street, Lower East Side +1 212 420 1320
While Wholefoods has many bases in Manhattan, the Lower East Side branch is popular, for good reason. A sample of boons: a beer room, the coffee bar, an extensive salad bar (featuring a diversity of vegan options) and spacious dining room on the upper mezzanine. The large selection of grocery items also equals diversity of choice. Pick your product and your price.
Earthmatters, 177 Ludlow Steet, Lower East Side +1 212 475 4180
Packed with everything your whole body could possibly need, from organic produce, vegan snacks, a salad bar, juices, and grocery items to organic wine and beer. Upstairs is a cosy couch and table set up, and the store offers free wifi with purchases. An outside area also upstairs is the site for occasional movie nights.
Organic Avenue, 116 Suffolk St, Lower East Side (see website for other locations) +1 212 3580500
Organic Avenue are known for their quality raw foods, pressed green juices, juice fasts and elixirs in a zen-spa like space. The Coconut Mylk is consummately appreciated, while raw vegan lasagna and portobello mushroom Reuben wraps are rich and filling. The company is also environmentally invested: bring your glass juice bottle back to the counter for $2 cash back.
Lifethyme, 410 Avenue of the Americas, West Village +1 212 420 9099
“Vegan and delicious, check. Healthy, check.” Lifethyme offers raw juice and smoothies as well as prepared-on-site vegan foods and a hot (organic) buffet. Browse around to pick up gourmet vegan peanut butter, avocado oil, or try a ‘green champagne’ made by Marvin who runs the juice bar. Open till 10pm.
Integral Yoga Foods, 229 West 13th Street, West Village +1 212 243 2642
Integral Yoga Foods sits opposite the Integral Yoga Studio, so after a session, head in for their organic, natural, vegan and vegetarian foods, juice tonics and ‘heavenly’ coconut-nut balls. Also available are loose cacao nibs, whole beans, goji berries, maca powder and honey products; you can even pick up toiletries here, too. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful.
Healthfully Organic Market, 98 East 4th Street, East Village +1 212 598 0777
A ‘lifesaver’ for raw vegans, with bulk bins, unique items and supplements, plus young coconuts, vitamins, and a small selection of organic fruit and vegetables. Check out their great skin products and feel free to ask staff for any assistance – their wealth of knowledge is a valuable resource.
High Vibe, 138 East 3rd St, East Village +1 212 777 6645
Another raw vegan mecca, with ten flavors of dried kale, to raw sauerkraut and raw oreo-like cookies, to “rawmesan” sprinkle. High Vibe also stocks Tumeric Alive Elixir, perfect for a cleanse, coconut water, and raw desserts. A small store without fruits or vegetables, their speed is more vitamins, bee pollen, dry goods and supplements. They also have a book section, for extensive information on detoxification, health and nutrition, the the power of raw food.
Commodities Natural Market, 165 1st Avenue, East Village +1 212 260 2600
With organic fresh vegetables at the front, a vitamin pharmacy and a natural beauty shop at the back, Commodities is an East Village gem. Lines are practically non-existent, while healthy snacks and meal options fill the rest of the space. Word is this is the place to shop if you’re ‘knocked up.’
4th Street Food Co-Op, 58 East 4th St, East Village +1 212 674 3623
It may be small, but customers say it has some of the best fruit and vegetables in the city. More so, when you become a member, you’ll receive 20% off. A great selection of inexpensive bulk foods, (such as herbs, spices, grains, nuts and pasta) as well as refilling stations for soap, oil and vinegar. Produce is variable and seasonal, and reasonably priced for organic mostly-local fare.
Health & Harmony, 470 Hudson Street, West Village +1 212 691 3036
With a great selection of items for all food requirements, Health & Harmony are surprisingly low cost for a West Village health food store. The manager stocks an excellent array of items (including herbal teas, frozen foods, and canned food) including a competitive price on kombucha. If they don’t have something you’re looking for, they’ll order it in. But if it’s soy nut butter nutella (it exists!) look no further.
Liquiteria, 170 2nd Ave, East Village +1 212 358 0300
A fresh food and juice store conveniently located on 2nd avenue, Liquiteria opens at 7am and delivers the freshest, most fragrantly scented elixirs to East Villagers. Smoothies are ‘legit’ with bee pollen, protein and various energy supplement additions offered. Pick any sandwich and you will be pleased: customers recommend the Avocado Wrap and Zesty Tuna. If you’re unwell and need some medicine, this is where your (juice) doctor lives.
Organic Planet, 169 Bedford Avenue, Williamsburg +1 718 388 8320
A small store with a great juice bar, good quality fresh produce, and a varied selection of foodstuffs. Friendly, knowledgeable staff too, which always helps wherever an overwhelming choice of supplements are concerned.
By Sophie Ward
