Have You Heard About The Fresh Market?
Described as a European-style food market, it offers high-quality meals and various healthy options, creating a shopping atmosphere that feels more like a culinary destination than a chore. It’s a place where food is celebrated, from the curated aisles to the knowledgeable staff. If you are a fan of Wegmans for its vast selection and quality or Trader Joe’s for its unique, private-label finds, you may want to add The Fresh Market to your list. It beautifully bridges the gap between a conventional supermarket and a gourmet specialty shop, offering a unique blend of both worlds.
The Fresh Experience
The Fresh Market is unique and much different than your usual market store. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is intentionally crafted to slow you down and encourage discovery. Instead of being a place where you are in a rush and trying to buy everything on your shopping list, it offers you a truly rare experience. Despite the classical music that plays in the background while you shop and the beautifully decorated aisles, the imported food also contributes to its uniqueness. The warm, soft lighting and rich wood paneling are designed to feel welcoming and intimate, a stark contrast to the bright, industrial feel of many larger chains. You really feel like you’re on a trip to Europe while walking through the market, perhaps stepping into a charming Parisian fromagerie or a bustling Italian alimentari.
The variety of products and their quality keeps you away from having almost the same shopping list, with the same items you had a week before. It’s a place that inspires culinary creativity. One week you might discover a rare variety of mushroom you’ve never seen before; the next, you might find a new artisanal cheese that becomes your new favorite. It’s almost impossible to go among the shelves full of European products, locally sourced goods, and in-house specialties and not feel the need to try every one of them. This focus on discovery turns a routine errand into an exciting treasure hunt for your taste buds.
We have done some research and aim to let you know which products deserve to be bought but also the ones you should stay away from. This guide is designed to help you navigate the aisles like a seasoned regular, ensuring you get the absolute best value and experience from your visit, spending your money on the items that make The Fresh Market truly special.
Products You Should Purchase ASAP:
1. Olive Oil
If you go to The Fresh Market, you should buy the famous Bariani Extra Virgin Olive Oil. This isn’t just another bottle to cook with; it’s a finishing oil that can elevate an entire dish with just a drizzle. I assure you that you won’t regret your purchase! The rich, peppery, and slightly grassy flavor is a testament to its quality, perfect for dipping crusty bread or finishing a Caprese salad.
At the market, you can find more than 60 different types of olive oil from all around the world, but some of the most purchased ones by the customers are by far the Bariani oil. It’s made in California, cold-pressed and unfiltered, which helps preserve its high nutrients, complex flavors, and aromatic compounds that are often lost in mass-market processing. This careful production method is what gives it that signature vibrant taste.
The Bariani Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a smart choice, considering its richness in polyphenols, which help the body fight against serious diseases like cancer, heart disease, or diabetes. These powerful antioxidants are most potent in high-quality, unfiltered oils, making this a delicious investment in both your pantry and your long-term health. Ask the staff for a sample if they have one open; they’re often happy to share their passion for these exceptional products.
2. Bobo’s Stuff’d Oat Bites
These oat bites are a gluten-free dessert option and are perfect as a snack during the day. If you usually purchase gluten-free items, you know how hard it can be to find some tasty and quality products at the market. So many gluten-free snacks are either disappointingly dry, overly sugary, or have a strange, gritty texture. Bobo’s, however, are a game-changer in this category.
Trust me, you’ll adore these oat bites. They are incredibly moist, chewy, and packed with wholesome flavor, filled with deliciousness like apple pie filling or peanut butter. You cannot even imagine how delicious they are. Once you test them, you cannot live anymore without having them inside your bag on a hard and busy day. They are the perfect solution for a mid-afternoon slump, a pre-workout energy boost, or even a guilt-free dessert after dinner.
3. Pimento cheese
Have you tried pimento cheese before? If not, or if you’ve only had mass-produced versions from a plastic tub, you are in for a revelation. The Fresh Market is the best place you can get it. Their version is creamy, sharp, and tangy, with just the right amount of pimento spice, tasting homemade in the best way possible.
It’s a very tasty cheese dip that can be served with nachos, potato chips, or even as a spread on sandwiches if you are courageous enough. We highly recommend trying it on a burger, mixed into scrambled eggs, or as a decadent topping on a baked potato. It’s a versatile Southern staple that The Fresh Market has truly perfected.
Ray Berry, the owner of The Fresh Market, brought the pimento cheese recipe to the stores in 1983. The recipe was created by his family and became the store’s first own-brand item. This piece of history adds an authentic touch, making it more than just a product but a part of the store’s heritage. It represents the commitment to quality and tradition that the market was founded on.
Today, The Fresh Market has more than 1500 original products, many of which were inspired by that first successful foray into private-label branding, all centered around quality and exceptional taste.
4. Seafood
According to TripAdvisor reviews, the shop offers a wide selection of shellfish and fresh fish. This is one of the sections where The Fresh Market truly shines, often surpassing even dedicated fish markets in quality and service. You can expect to find beautiful fillets of wild-caught salmon, plump sea scallops, fresh branzino, and a variety of shrimp. A lot of clients left positive reviews about their quality: “I have had bad meat and fish from Whole Foods but NEVER had anything bad from Fresh Market. I only shop there for fish now.” This sentiment is common among loyal shoppers, who rely on the store’s consistent standards. The fishmongers are also incredibly knowledgeable and can offer cooking suggestions, de-bone a whole fish for you, or prepare fresh shrimp for your convenience.
5. Holiday specialties
During the holiday season, you can find all kinds of tasty products and specialties from around the world at The Fresh Market. The store transforms into a global festive wonderland, making it a one-stop shop for creating memorable holiday meals and traditions. For example, if you aren’t an American, during the holidays, you can find the most popular specialties from your country, bringing a comforting taste of home to your celebrations.
If you are looking for something from Italy, you can find the best panettone from the U.S. at The Fresh Market. It’s a cake that looks like bread, and it’s traditionally eaten in the morning for breakfast, often lightly toasted with butter. Panettone contains citrus peel and dried fruits, and its tall, domed shape and light, airy texture make it an impressive centerpiece. If you haven’t already tried it, make sure you try it for the next holidays. It also makes for a wonderful host gift.
Are you a German? Or have you visited the country and been missing its vibe? The Fresh Market can make you travel again to Germany, but this time just with your mind. In the Christmas period, in Germany, everybody eats cookies. Two of the most popular brands of German cookies all around the world are Lambertz Chocolates and Wicklein Cookies, both of which are staples at the market during winter. The shortbread and gingerbread in these cookies make them truly unique and are a must-have on any dessert table during Christmas. Look for the intricately decorated *Lebkuchen* (a traditional German gingerbread) for an authentic treat.
6. Bulk snack mixes
The Fresh Market sells snacks in bulk, such as nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate pretzels. This section is a paradise for snackers. You can find everything from sweet and savory trail mixes and spicy wasabi peas to yogurt-covered pretzels and an array of high-quality nuts and seeds. If you are preparing to host a party at your house or prepare for a movie night, snacks are a MUST. The best thing about selling snacks in bulk is that you can customize your bag, and you’ll be charged by the pound. This means you can get just a handful of something new to try or stock up on family favorites, all while reducing packaging waste.
7. Market meal kits
These kits are a great idea if you want to learn how to cook. They come with all the instructions you need, and the fact that they have pre-measured ingredients stops you from wasting any food. Unlike subscription services, you can grab one on a whim when you need a quick and impressive dinner solution. The recipes are often inspired by restaurant-quality dishes, like seared salmon with asparagus or gourmet steak tacos.
The kits are great because you can rapidly choose one without having to look for ingredients through the aisles of the grocery store. Everything you need, from the protein to the spices and fresh vegetables, is conveniently packaged together. This makes them perfect for a busy weeknight when you still want to eat something fresh and homemade without all the prep work.
8. Bakery Items
At the shop’s bakery, you can find specialties from all around the world, and the aroma alone is enough to draw you in. It’s important to take into consideration that all of the items are freshly baked right in the store. This commitment to in-house baking sets it apart from supermarkets that simply thaw and sell pre-made goods. By far, the most popular products are the French ones. Tarts, cakes, pies, and specialty breads can be found. The croissants are flaky and buttery, the fruit tarts are vibrant and beautiful, and the selection of gourmet cakes is perfect for any special occasion.
You should definitely spend your dollars here if you are a fan of fresh bread and not a pre-packaged one. The crusty baguettes, hearty sourdough loaves, and soft ciabatta rolls are far superior to their shelf-stable counterparts. You won’t regret it! A warm loaf from their bakery can elevate a simple soup and salad into a truly satisfying meal.
Products You Should AVOID Buying from The Fresh Market:
1. Organic red potatoes
Organic red potatoes can be found at almost every grocery store, which is why it isn’t a great idea to buy them, at a higher price, from The Fresh Market. While the quality is undoubtedly good, the premium price tag for such a basic staple isn’t justified when compared to other retailers like Aldi or even a local farmer’s market. The reason for their higher prices is the quality of their products. However, don’t be fooled! You can get the same quality for much cheaper at almost every grocery store. Save your produce budget for their more exotic or hard-to-find offerings, like heirloom tomatoes or specialty greens.
2. Gluten-free bread
You already know how hard it is to find gluten-free bread if you are dealing with allergies or suffer from celiac disease. While The Fresh Market excels with some GF snacks like Bobo’s, its selection of GF bread can be limited and pricey. Considering the variety of gluten-free options from other stores and also their good prices, the Fresh Market isn’t a great option to shop for gluten-intolerant individuals. Stores that have a larger focus on health foods, such as Whole Foods or Sprouts, typically offer a wider and more competitively priced range of brands and styles.
However, if you want to try their gluten-free bread, we recommend the brand Base Culture which is really expensive but has amazing reviews. It’s often paleo-friendly and made with clean, simple ingredients, so if it fits your specific dietary needs and budget, it might be worth the splurge for its quality.
3. Pantry basics
Sugar, flour, eggs, rice, condiments, and many others can be found in every grocery store! Don’t waste your money on buying items that can be found way cheaper in other places. Think of your shopping trip strategically: get your standard ketchup, yellow mustard, all-purpose flour, and canned beans at a conventional supermarket where they are often used as low-price “loss leaders.” The Fresh Market is great for its unique and interesting items. Those are the ones you should spend on! Focus your budget here on the things that will make your meals special—the artisanal cheeses, the prime cuts of meat, and the imported pastas.
Why shop at The Fresh Market?
As you already noticed, not every product should be purchased. A smart shopper knows where to splurge and where to save. To maintain our healthy lifestyle, we must be careful when we do our grocery shopping because our food choices directly impact our overall health. The Fresh Market makes it easier to make excellent choices by offering superior quality in its fresh departments, from the butcher counter to the vibrant produce section.
If we convinced you that you have to live at least once through The Fresh Experience, then we achieved our goal. It’s more than just shopping; it’s about reconnecting with food and finding joy in the process of creating a meal. Make sure to write us in the comment sections about everything you enjoyed while shopping at the European-style grocery store. Share your favorite discoveries or a new recipe you were inspired to try! If you are an old customer and clicked on this article just to find out what to avoid while shopping at The Market Place, let us know your top 5 products that can be found at the shop. Your tips could help other food lovers in our community!
Before leaving, check out another related article: The 6 Best Organic Grocery Stores: The Freshest Picks in the US.
