What are your favorite organic grocery stores?
There is a point when you might start to think that maybe there are some advantages to shopping organically, and you would be right. The decision to switch to organic food is often driven by a desire for a healthier lifestyle and a more sustainable way of eating. And indeed, there are numerous scientifically supported benefits. A few of its well-documented perks include reducing your exposure to pesticide residues, which has been linked to a lower risk of metabolic syndrome, certain birth defects, and even some types of infertility. The core principle of organic farming—avoiding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides—means the food on your plate is cleaner. This is why we want to present you with some of the best organic grocery stores, so you can be fully prepared and confident next time you need to stock your pantry with high-quality, wholesome foods.
One thing is undeniably true: organic food is more popular than ever before, reflecting a major shift in consumer awareness and preference. A recent survey from May 2023 found that 6% of the total food sales in the United States are organic food, a figure that has steadily climbed over the past decade. This growth indicates that what was once a niche market is now a mainstream movement. However, the truth is that not all stores that offer organic products are equal. They can vary dramatically in terms of price, selection, quality, and overall mission. This is why it is better to know beforehand where to go if you want to shop organic, ensuring your experience is both affordable and satisfying.
We want to help you navigate this growing marketplace, and this is why we made a list of the best organic grocery stores in the country. Our selection is based on several key factors, including the breadth and depth of their organic offerings, the quality and affordability of their private-label brands, and the overall shopping experience they provide. These chains not only sell the highest-quality products certified by the USDA but also offer a large variety to choose from, making it easier than ever to integrate organic eating into your daily life.
1. Kroger
With a massive presence in 35 states and almost 2,800 stores open, Kroger is one of America’s most accessible grocery giants. People love Kroger and know it for its consistently innovative approach to the grocery experience. This place is the first grocer that said, “It is time for more than produce,” and this is how it created the now-classic design of a modern supermarket that also has a full-service meat counter and an in-store bakery. This history of innovation continues today with their robust digital coupon program and seamless online ordering for pickup or delivery.
In terms of what you can find at Kroger and what makes it one of the best organic grocery stores, the selection is truly vast. We want to mention that they have a large selection of organic frozen items, fresh meat and poultry, a wide array of produce, countless pantry items, and freshly baked goods. The produce section, in particular, often features a large, clearly marked area dedicated solely to organic fruits and vegetables, making it easy to find everything from organic bananas and avocados to seasonal greens and berries.
The store also has an incredibly popular and well-regarded private label named Simple Truth Organic that, you guessed it, is all about high-quality, affordable organic food. What is awesome is that the prices are kept competitive, making organic options accessible so most people can afford to buy these items without straining their budgets. According to Kroger, these items are made without over 101 artificial preservatives and ingredients, and are produced without chemical fertilizers, sewage sludge, or irradiation. We also need to mention that they have zero artificial preservatives, are non-GMO, and are 100% produced by certified organic growers and handlers.
However, while the Simple Truth brand offers fantastic value and is often featured in weekly sales, remember that even if the food at Kroger is accessible, you can sometimes find other places, such as the discount-focused Aldi or the unique Trader Joe’s, that have much better everyday low prices on certain organic staples. It’s always wise to compare prices on the items you buy most frequently.
2. Costco
This is definitely one of the biggest and most beloved American retailers, and it is probably the best place to stop if you want discounted cookware, a new blender, household supplies, or anything else in bulk. It’s a treasure trove for savvy shoppers. But would you have guessed that behind the giant pallets of paper towels and electronics, Costco is also one of the best organic grocery stores in the nation? It has quietly become a powerhouse in the organic food sector.
Yes, next time you go shopping here, don’t forget to navigate beyond the electronics and visit the grocery aisles, which have an ever-expanding selection of organic items. Many shoppers are surprised to find the sheer volume and variety available. From organic meats like chicken and ground beef and artisan bread to essential pantry items like olive oil, maple syrup, and quinoa, the signature brand, Kirkland Signature Organic, has everything you might be looking for, often at a fraction of the per-unit price you’d find elsewhere.
As we already said, Costco is the most suitable place to buy in bulk, and this also applies to its organic items. This strategy is especially effective when you want to purchase more expensive items, such as organic grass-fed meat, high-quality nut butters, or large containers of extra-virgin olive oil. You can hunt for the best discounts and stock up, which can lead to significant savings over time. Just be sure you have adequate pantry and freezer space to store your haul before you commit to a purchase.
3. Target
Electronics, stylish and affordable clothes, trendy home decor, and a huge range of beauty products can all be found at Target, but recently, the retailer has made a significant push into the grocery space, allowing you to get all of your groceries, including a wide array of organic options. With 1,956 stores all across the country, it is easy to say that its convenience and growing selection make Target one of the biggest and most convenient organic grocery stores for busy families.
What is interesting and notable about Target is that it is among the first mass-market grocers in the U.S. that were certified by the USDA as organic produce retailers. This certification is not easy to obtain and means that their handling and sourcing processes for fresh organic produce meet strict federal guidelines, giving consumers an extra layer of confidence in the quality and integrity of their food.
Good & Gather is the flagship private brand of this store, and it has an extensive sub-line of organic items that were produced without using prohibited fertilizers, synthetic pesticides, or GMOs. Popular items include organic milk, snacks for kids like fruit pouches and crackers, pasta, sauces, and frozen fruits and vegetables. It is also good to know that all of these items comply with the rigorous standards of the USDA’s National Organic Program requirements.
Considering that Target is now a true one-stop shop that also has a robust selection of organic items, this makes it one of the best organic grocery stores where you can find anything from meat and dairy to baked goods and produce. The added convenience of their Drive Up and Order Pickup services means you can get your organic grocery shopping done without even leaving your car.
4. Trader Joe’s
If you are looking for unique and delightful organic items that are not going to break the bank, then look no further because Trader Joe’s, with all of its charming, nautically-themed storefronts that you can find all over the country, is here for you. It has cultivated a loyal following for its combination of value, quality, and discovery.
At this point, this is one of the best and most beloved organic grocery stores in the US, and you can find a treasure trove of organic items that fit any budget. The organic label here is not just a formality; it’s a core part of their brand identity. All of the items have been vetted and tested by the staff, and their branded products are made without any GMOs, MSG, artificial flavors, or synthetic preservatives. This internal tasting panel process ensures that new products meet a high standard for quality and taste before they hit the shelves.
Trader Joe’s is one of the first mainstream organic grocery stores, and their history in the space runs deep. Their first-ever private-label product, released in the 1970s, was an unfiltered organic apple juice. The item rapidly grew in popularity, and this initial success led the brand to release more unique and affordable organic products, building the foundation for the store we know today.
Right now, Trader Joe’s says that more than 20% of their sales consist of organic products, and the numbers just keep on growing as they introduce new and exciting items. From organic wines and cage-free eggs to grass-fed meat, artisan bread, and a world of canned and frozen foods—you can find anything you want here. All of them are in line with the strict standards of the National Organic Program, ensuring you’re getting authentic organic quality with every purchase.
5. Aldi
You’ve definitely heard of Aldi, as it is a quite popular and rapidly expanding store that has some of the most competitive prices for organic products, especially if we were to compare them to premium markets like Whole Foods or even other value-oriented stores like Trader Joe’s or Walmart. Their no-frills approach is a major draw for budget-conscious shoppers.
The main reason Aldi can sell their products at such good prices is that the vast majority of their inventory is from a private label, with their organic line called Simply Nature. This model allows them to have significantly lower prices compared to most of the stores that carry national brands. These internally branded Simply Nature goods are not only certified organic or natural and non-GMO, but they are also made with a simplified ingredient list. They include less than 125 components, purposefully excluding things like artificial colors, high fructose corn syrup, partially hydrogenated oils (trans fats), nitrates, and others.
Also, the Simply Nature line covers a wide variety of items, so you can find almost everything you need for your weekly shopping at Aldi for incredible prices. The selection includes staples like organic milk, grass-fed beef, produce, snacks, coffee, and even baking mixes. Don’t forget to check out the “Aldi Finds” aisle, a rotating selection of specialty items that often includes unique, limited-time organic products.
6. MOM’s Organic Market
MOM’s has a fascinating origin story. At first, this used to be a home delivery service specializing in organic food, founded in a garage with an initial investment of just $100. Next, it turned into a mail order for produce, and in the end, it transformed into the beloved brick-and-mortar storefront that those who are looking for the highest quality organic products love today. It’s a true grassroots success story.
MOM’s Organic Market is only found on the East Coast in Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Massachusetts, and DC. But this limited geographic footprint didn’t stop this retailer from becoming famous and building a fiercely loyal customer base. It is pretty usual for the fans of this store to be compared to members of a cult, but things are not just radical. This loyalty stems from the store’s unwavering commitment to its founding purpose: to protect and restore the environment.
The core values of MOM’s Organic Market are no ego, gratitude, courage, helping others, acceptance, and purpose. These aren’t just words on a wall; they are principles that guide every business decision. Besides the 100% certified organic produce that it sells, this retailer gets its energy from renewable sources like wind and solar power and is also deeply engaged in many local partnerships and extensive in-store recycling programs for everything from shoes to batteries.
Since this is one of the best and most dedicated organic grocery stores, you can choose from a wide selection of items that meet the strictest standards. From organic craft beer and wine to local eggs and specialty pantry items, all of them follow USDA organic standards and also respect the company’s own rigorous sustainability requirements. This is a place where you can shop with a clear conscience, knowing your purchase supports a healthier planet.
If you consider yourself a person who cares about the environment, one thing you can do that you are not already doing is to use reusable bags each time you go shopping. This simple habit significantly reduces plastic waste. These are some cool reusable bags that you can easily purchase from Amazon for a fair price: BeeGreen Sea Turtle Gifts Shopping Bags Foldable Reusable Grocery Bags 6 Pack
You should also read: 12 Easy Ways To Receive Gift Cards for Free
