Local Indie Groceries

It's only natural

By Kristen Humbert

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Sustainable food is not just for the treehuggers anymore, and the big guys have noticed. Corporate conglomerates are quick to swallow every national trend, potentially chewing them up and spitting out sales with a sleek new logo and half the quality that the consumer deserves.

The natural food market has been one such piece of recent mashed-up meat. But even in metropolises like Boston, there are still some down-home, independent, natural food meccas in which quality, personalization and serving the community's needs are what's really for dinner.

Cambridge Naturals

Walk through the doors of Cambridge Naturals and instantly get transported to a magical land of unicorns and rainbows. Gurgling melodies drift from inconspicuous speakers and a sense of calm hushes clientele.

More like the Zen superstore of the Boston health food scene, Cambridge Naturals sells everything from Fair Trade scarves to aromatherapy candles, from shampoo to shoes, and also maintains a small grocery section.

Staff are eager to help and very knowledgeable about their merchandise, especially the extensive vitamin and supplement collection.

[23 White St., Porter Sq., Cambridge. 617.492.4452. cambridgenaturals.com]

City Feed and Supply

Nestled among the colorful homes in Jamaica Plain's Stony Brook neighborhood is City Feed and Supply. With its large front windows and wooden interior, City Feed is reminiscent of a general store from yesteryear.

And while City Feed does offer some less-than-natural foods (like sodas), the focus is mainly on the organic, the fairly traded and the local. Their wooden shelves are filled with everything from organic cocoa powder to natural stain removers. There is even a glass case offering chilled local cheeses.

But what really stands out about this shop is its in-house café, serving Fair Trade coffee and tea, and sandwiches featuring local ingredients. You can park your tuchus inside on one of a few wooden chairs and nosh on a veggie BLT, or you can leave with groceries in one hand and a Fair Trade chai latte in the other—well-fed either way.

[66A Boylston St., Jamaica Plain. 617.524.1657. cityfeedandsupply.com]

Harvest Co-op

Offering one of the largest selections of organic and local products, Harvest Co-op feeds the natural needs of its nearby residents. Substance takes over for style here, as Harvest looks a little unkempt with tile floors and dingy overhead lighting, but don't let this dissuade you.

The Co-op has a large section featuring locally grown, seasonal, organic produce and also maintains a loyal following due to its row of bulk spices, herbs, coffees, teas and granolas.

[581 Mass. Ave., Central Sq., Cambridge. 617.661.1580. harvestcoop.com]

Oh Naturale

There is only one store in Boston's spaghetti haven devoted entirely to the conscious consumer. Oh Naturale opened in July, satisfying a much needed North End natural food niche.

Oh Naturale is not your granola-uncle's food store. With its small size and sleek metal shelves, it seems upscale in its simplicity. Toss in the price tag-less products, and it begins to reek of snazzy boutique.

But don't let this keep you from stopping by—the prices are reasonable, the staff is very welcoming and the still-growing store eagerly takes suggestions for future merchandise.

And while the store doesn't offer produce, Oh Naturale isn't limited to only organic pasta and sauces. Customers can also find yerba maté bottled teas, Annie's mac & cheese and an assortment of other foods, vitamins and home products.

[28 Parmenter St., North End, Boston. 617.227.1123]