The Best Local Organic Food Grocery Stores

Fads come and go and so it is a good thing that eating organic food isn't just the latest hip thing to do; it is also good for you. Although many people want to shop and eat organic foods, prices at the local organic grocery store can be quite shocking for the new organic food buyer. Eventually, if you learn how to shop organic foods on sale, buy products that are in season and visit a variety of shops, it all works out in the end.

Despite the fact that I live in the suburbs, about 25 miles from the big city of Philadelphia, it is relatively easy to find organic food from local grocery stores.

Local organic grocery store #1 - Whole Foods Market

The closest Whole Foods Market to Norristown, Pennsylvania is located at 500 West Germantown Pike in the Plymouth Meeting Mall. There is another Whole Foods Market location is 821 Lancaster Avenue in Wayne, Pennsylvania near the Devon train station. Whether you are a seasoned veteran of shopping in organic grocery stores or you are new to this way of shopping and feeding your family, Whole Foods Markets offers lots of options.

What I love about Whole Foods Markets?

1. It is easy to try new products like brown rice or granola since it is packaged in smaller sizes or sold in bulk containers where shoppers have the choice to scoop as much as they need.
2. There is an excellent variety of take-out, healthy, organic meals cooked right on the premises.
3. Large selection of non-food items such as clothing, soaps, flowers and magazines or books on healthy and organic eating.

Local organic grocery store #2 - Trader Joe's

The Trader Joe's closest to Norristown is located at 171 East Swedesford Road in Wayne, Pennsylvania. The typical Trader Joe's store has a much smaller foot print than a Whole Foods Market and doesn't offer the same variety of products. However, for the price conscious consumer, Trader Joe's generally offers much better prices and good quality organic groceries in the Trader Joe's product line.

What I love about Trader Joe's?

1. Shoppers can buy fruits that are individually priced, rather than buying per pound. If you want to buy 2 organic Gala apples at 69 cents each, you can do that.
2. Large variety of Trader Joe's organic cereals where it is easy to find your favorite granola, bran or flakes.
3. A well informed group of fun employees who know the products they carry in Trader Joe's really well.

Local organic grocery store #3 - Gary's World of Wellness

Gary's, as we know it, in the neighborhood, was selling the organic, healthy lifestyle before it became vogue. Located at 4 West Mount Kirk Avenue in Eagleville, Pennsylvania, Gary's has a phenomenal array of foods and personal items to meet the needs of the organic, holistic you.

What I love about Gary's World of Wellness?

1. Compared to Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe's, Gary's World of Wellness has, by far, the greatest variety of vitamins and supplements in stock. They also sell products online from this location.
2. Gary's does not have a large variety of local organic grocery food products, but offers an excellent variety of packaged organic food products including nuts, pasta, salad dressings and my favorite - Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar for under $5.00.
3. Gary's has other fun products that appeal to the organic food buyer including books, jewelry, candles and incenses.