The health food train has hit Charlotte in a big way, and we’re totally on board. Especially with the dawn of the New Year, we’re all feeling ready to bring a few healthier options into our lives. Whatever type of eating you’re interested in, from local, to organic, raw, vegan, or grain-free, the city’s health food stores offer up a wide array of foodie options.
Continue reading to learn where you can find all the best health food options in the city, from produce to gourmet packaged foods and freshly prepared healthy lunch choices.
Earl’s Grocery
When the owners of Charlotte restaurant Carpe Diem opened a market in historic Elizabeth, the Queen City got a lot tastier. Earl’s Grocery specializes in carrying the best curated and most niche foods in the area. Each item in the store is handpicked by Earl’s chefs or owners with both quality and ethical sourcing in mind. The best part? Earl’s also offers prepared foods, so once you work your taste buds into a tizzy imagining how good all the items you put into your cart will taste, you can immediately gorge on some duck leg confit, Moroccan cauliflower and carrots, kale slaw, and many other mouthwatering dishes.
www.earlsgrocery.com
Healthy Home Market
Here, you can find gluten-free and other specialty diet foods, organic and local produce, supplements and vitamins, and all-natural meat and dairy products. Because the folks at Healthy Home Market understand that some of its customers might have a dietary vice or two, they also offer locally brewed beers on draft. Neat, huh?
healthyhomemkt.com
Berrybrook Farm Natural Foods
Berrybrook snags a spot on our list for being among the most ethical, local, and generally awesome health food stores in Charlotte. Not only do they carry your standard gluten-free, dairy-free, and organic products, but they also stock all-natural, ethically-tested health and beauty products. They even have all-natural pet food! And don’t even get us started on their quaint, old-school exterior. Grab a fresh juice or a freshly prepared vegan sandwich on your way through.
www.berrybrookfarm.com
Simpson’s Produce
Technically, Simpson’s specializes in organic and local produce, which is not, strictly speaking, health food. However, you foodies out there already know the myriad health benefits of eating locally and organically, so we’re going to assume you’ll forgive us this small stretch of terminology, especially because Simpson’s is great. Since 1941, Simpson’s Produce has been a family owned and operated establishment working to connect area farmers with consumers. After eating some of the fresh produce they make available, you’ll definitely feel like you’re getting the better end of the deal.
www.facebook.com/simpsonsproduce
Natural Marketplace
Step over the threshold of Natural Marketplace within the Arboretum Shopping Center and bask in row after row of supplements, vitamins, and natural foods. Although the size of Marketplace can’t begin to compete with Earthfare or similar chain stores, we like it because it is independently-owned and staffed by knowledgeable people who will go above and beyond to help you identify then find exactly what you need.
www.rtpmarketplacenc.com
