Health Food Stores in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque was voted #16 in Popular Science's "America's 50 Greenest Cities". One of the reasons it is considered green is due to the numerous health food grocery stores available. It is also expanding by adding new health food grocery stores every year. Here are a few of the local favorites.

Trader Joe's:

Being the most affordable of the health stores in Albuquerque, there is a delightful diversity of healthy and cultural foods available. A few of my favorites under $3 include Cracked Sourdough Wheat bread, Spicy California Rolls, Cheese Enchiladas, Thai Noodle Salad, Low-Carb Chocolate, Red Bliss Potato Chips, and many more. There are two locations in Albuquerque, one being on Paseo Del Norte, near Barstow and the newest location near the Uptown Center off Louisiana. They also have a great selection of wines available, including a local variety. You'll soon discover foods inspired from dishes around the world at an affordable price. If you bring in your own bags you will be entered in a raffle of $25 worth of Trader Joe's groceries.

Moñtanita Co-Op:

There are two Moñatita Co-Ops in Albuquerque. One is located in the Nob Hill shopping center and the other is located on Rio Grande, near Indian School. The Moñtanita sells major brands of natural products such as Anne's, Burt's Bees, Tom's of Maine, Kashi, Morningstar and Silk. What's innovative of them is that they also sell various lines of local products as well. You'll be able to buy organic green chile here, as well as herbal medicines used by traditional curanderas. The prices can be somewhat steep, but be sure to look out for good sales that occasionally occur. By becoming a member of the Co-Op you can help support local health food businesses and enjoy a personal discount with every purchase as well.

Whole Foods:

This is the most commercialized chain of health food stores in Albuquerque. They began to make their appearance as Wild Oats stores shut down, making way for Whole Foods, which is more or less the same exact store. There are not a lot of local selections available, only items made in their bakery or kitchens. However, you can still find all the major organic and natural brands available. Sign up for their email newsletter for the latest savings, deals and happenings in the store. Take in your own tote bags for a $0.05 discount or a donation to a local charity.

Sunflower:

The produce section at Sunflower is the best part of their store. With their weekly deals, you can stock up on organic and natural fruits and veggies for a fraction of the price of what you'd pay at a grocery store like Wal-mart. You can even go greener by using their pre-filled bins with legumes, grains, pasta, nuts and more by filling up re-usable containers. You can also fill containers with local honey, freshly made cashew butter and chocolate covered pretzels. Their slogan is "Serious Food at Silly Prices" which reigns true for fresh produce, but not so much for packaged goods. There are three locations in Albuquerque. One is on Alameda and Corrales, the second on Lomas and San Mateo, and the newest one on Academy and San Mateo.