Three-thirty-itis got you feeling like you need a little somethin’ somethin’? Spending up large at the vending machine? Instead of reaching for another slice of cake, or sticking your hand in a packet of crispy M&Ms, spare a thought for the healthier options out there. And, contrary to popular belief, you’ll find that a lot of health foods are not only nutritious but also delicious—hurrah!
With this in mind, we’ve compiled a hit-list of Auckland health food stores that are jam-packed with goodies to get you through the day. Check out our picks of Auckland’s best health food stores and get set to overhaul your pantry.
Scarecrow
Auckland CBD & Mt Eden
Scarecrow is your one-stop shop for all things healthy AND pretty. The inner CBD hub is not only a health food store but also a café and florist. They stock some of our fave health prods, including Little Bird granola, Daily Organics kombucha and the tastiest coconut yoghurt around. Pop in on your way to work and grab goodies for the day ahead. Treat yourself to a bouquet of flowers while you’re at it, because baby, you deserve it. In the past year Scarecrow have also opened a local artisanal food store and florist in Mount Eden. Check out their store, it's cute as a button.
Bin Inn
Browns Bay, Glenfield, Howick, Onehunga, Pukekohe, Remuera, Silverdale, Takanini & Warkworth
With over 35 stores around the country, and having been around since 1988, the team at your local Bin Inn definitely know their stuff. Each store is packed with bulk bins and lifestyle products spanning baking, organics, superfoods, special diets, international foods, snacks and goodies, health and beauty, laundry and cleaning products, homebrewing and even pet supplies. For the gluten and wheat-free among us they stock Phoenix, a lesser known (but super delicious) provider of gluten-free baking from bread and croissants to sausage rolls and lamingtons. Get in there.
Naturally Organic
Albany
The perfect health food store for those beginning a holistic lifestyle. There's fresh produce at every corner, as well as a heavenly selection of snacks and crisps. But Naturally Organic isn't just a grocery store, it's a decked-out healthy cafe too, serving beaut organic coffee on the daily. Not to mention you can shop online and have your healthy food delivered straight to ya door if you're not lucky enough to live in the hood. Winning.
Bulk Food Savings
Mt Eden
If you find yourself at Wendy’s on Dominion Road, put that burger down pronto and head to neighbouring Bulk Food Savings. Here you’ll find bulk bins (hooray!) with an impressive range of beans, pulses, grains, flours, dried fruit and nuts. Living up to its name, it really is the place to grab a bargain in Auckland—health food style. We love their shelf of non-dairy milk, including chocolate hazelnut milk. Umm yum?
Ceres Organics
Ellerslie
If you love all things Ceres Organics, then you need to get your smoothie-drinking self down to Ceres Whole Foods. The OG of Auckland health food stores has been operating since 1984 so you know you're in safe hands. At the store you’ll find more produce, grocery, skin care and bulk bin foods than you can poke a stick at. The friendly folk here know their stuff—the team includes qualified naturopaths, nutritionists and a homeopath. They understand (and relate) to your nut butter obsession. They won’t even blink an eye when you buy 10 jars of almond butter for those late night cravings.
The Source Bulk Foods
Kumeu, Milford, Mission Bay
The Source, which began across the ditch back in 2012, may not have been around for as long as its rivals but it's quickly proving its value. Head to this store for bulk wholefoods, healthy snacks and organic goodies, as well as sustainable personal and household supplies. We can't get enough of their peanut butter jelly protein bliss balls. They also whip up mouthwatering recipes so you can make the most out of everything on offer. Almond butter spelt chocolate brownies, anyone?
GoodFor Wholefoods Refillery
Ponsonby, Parnell, Takapuna, New Lynn, Stonefields
Reinventing the way us Aucklander's shop, GoodFor is exactly what the name suggests, nothin' but bulk bins and organic produce. From Spirulina powders for smoothies to an abundance of healthy grains, dried fruits and chocolate, this is the healthy food store you need in your life. Bring your own packaging and let loose on the bulk bins. FYI: They stock Little Bird Organic Macaroons, and there's even coconut oil and kombucha on tap. Curb those mid-afternoon slumps with a freeze-dried chocolate covered strawberry or three, we'll not judge. They'll even deliver anywhere in NZ so if you're outside of Auckland, Christchurch or Wellington you too have a chance to get in on this health food store's goodness.
The Cruelty-Free Shop | The Vegan Shop
Ponsonby and Grey Lynn
If you haven't popped into The Vegan Shop we recommend you do so, ASAP, it's got to be one of the best health food stores Auckland has to offer. Inside is absolutely jam-packed with vegan, organic goods. You'll find everything from animal care products to clothing and accessories, food and drink supplies, right through to homeware and beauty products.
Huckleberry
Various locations
Dotted throughout Auckland and beyond are Huckleberry. Give yourself at least an hour to wander these treasure-trove aisles. The stores are packed to the brim with all the goodies: kombucha, granola and all things coconut. Buy everything. Most also come with a resident naturopath. The Royal Oak cafe serves up some of the best organic food in Auckland making it a great place to rest and reset. Huckleberry also offer same day delivery Auckland-wide for those last-minute health food emergencies.
Commonsense Organics
Mt Eden
Perfectly stocked with organic meat, snacks and fresh produce, Commonsense Organics even supply an extensive range of natural cleaning and beauty products. You'll find all your favourite health food brands here from Fix and Fogg peanut butter to Tom and Luke snack balls. P.S. You've gotta get ya hands on some of the coconut deodorants.
Refill Nation
Titirangi
Newest kid on the block, Refill Nation, was born out of a love of home, community and whanau, and a desire to eliminate wasteful packaging in Aotearoa. Offering pantry staples, eco cleaners, pet foods and homeware, plus fresh milk and eggs, and grind-your-own coffee, this newbie is an eco-force to be reckoned with.
The Natural Health Company
Howick and Devonport
With two stores in Auckland, The Natural Health Company is a humble brand boasting an array of 100% natural products. Want to start taking a certain supplement but don't know which one has the least chemicals? Head here, they've got just about every natural supplement on the market. Not to mention delicious food, natural skincare and of course, the option to see a trained naturopath in one of the on-site clinic rooms. Who would've thought health food stores were Auckland's specialty?
Honourable Mention
Health Post
Online
Whilst not strictly a health food store, natural health store Health Post deserves a mention on any self-respecting list of Auckland's best due to its huge range of natural products which are heartily endorsed by their loyal online community. With a slew of natural health, beauty and supplements on offer, highly competitive prices and a bang on delivery service, we just can't fault these guys.
If you've got nothing in for dinner check out where to find the best healthy takeaways in Auckland.
Image credit: GoodFor, Scarecrow, Naturally Organic, Ceres Organics, GoodFor, Huckleberry, Refill Nation.