Grassroots Natural Market

Reviews 8

ST

Stewart Pierson

When you walk in Grassroots, you cant help but ask yourself, "who the heck shops here!?" It is once of those tiny natural grocery stores that generally caters to the extremely picky, extremely wealthy, hipsters, or those looking for niche items that you wouldnt typically find at a traditional supermarket. I have actually worked in Riverside for over 2 years and passed by this area hundreds of times and had absolutely no idea it was here. The only reason I discovered it was because a friend informed me that this is one of the few places that you can buy Hyppo popsicles by the box (and significantly cheaper than at the actual Hyppo store). So, we ventured in at lunch time to find out what this place was about and I was incredibly surprised by the bustle of this place. It was quite crowded with a few of those people I expected to see (see above judgements) but overwhelmingly with individuals that I didnt expect - the average joe and even some that looked quite destitute. Now, I realize that you cant always judge a book by its cover... but you usually can. I was more than a little bit surprised by the demographics since this certainly isnt a budget-friendly shopping experience. However, on to what they offer and why to go here. The very small and compact store is stocked to the brim with natural gourmet grocery items that you likely wont find easily elsewhere. Like I said, I specifically went here for a certain item and Im sure many others do for the same reasons. They seem to have some very interesting products from alcohol to frozen items to breads, condiments, etc. It is a neat place and definitely worth a gander. The front also offers some fresh items such as juices and smoothies which smelled wonderfully fresh and aromatic but I had a hard time justifying the cost of them which, natural or not, seemed a bit high. The staff werent overly friendly which I thought was disappointing given the neighborhood market feel of the place, but neither were they rude or unhelpful. I certainly wouldnt recommend this as the place for your weekly shopping trips, but definitely check it out for specialty items like the glorious Hyppo popsicles by the box-full!

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GE

Georgia Tee

This store is ok. Its very expensive, but when u want the better things in life, they usually r. I didnt like the fact that my son and I were followed around, as though we were going to steal health food. Really? Health food? Or anything else, for that matter?, smh. This is so tiring. No one else was being followed. Stop judging ppl based on negative racial myths. I spent a few dollars, but I would have gladly spent more and returned frequently, if not for the fact that my son and I were automatically seen as criminals, who couldnt afford anything in this store, so wed steal it instead. I realize that us not returning wont hurt the bottom line of this store, but it would b nice if the owners/workers here, take our experience into account, and just become nicer, friendlier, more welcoming, to everyone, and not judge ppl on their appearances, (btw, we were both well dressed, casually, & well groomed, Im a 50+ woman, my son is in his early 20s, hardly what I would think a team of thieves would look like), or negative racial sterotyping. I guess until I find another store like this, w a better atmosphere, well stick to Fresh Farms, on University Rd, even though its much further than our Orange Park home than this Fleming island store is.

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CL

Clark W

This is one of my favourite places to shop in town, even beating out Native Sun (its a close race though!). As someone who tries to source quality, ethical ingredients their selection of organic and humane produce and meats is unbeatable. They have everything: delicious RAW MILK local cheeses, pallets of local eggs (so local they dont have a label), local honey, olives from all around the world, grains so you can try sprouting your own, fresh baked pitas, and a selection of hard-to-find vitamins, extracts and essential oils. I even found neem oil (a natural insecticide and fungicide) to spray on my garden. They have a delicious selection of fresh made sandwiches and salads (vegetarian, raw and otherwise) if you want to grab a bite to eat and walk down to the park for a picnic. Recommended: chicken pesto sandwich, VLT, indian tofu wrap, curry quinoa salad. Their service is excellent and the staff is very knowledgable about the products they sell. If you have dietary restrictions they will certainly be able to help you with them. The one downside is price, as other reviewers have said.

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A

A Private User

Fantastic! Excellent selection on food, supplements, and all kinds of lotions. Friendly and knowledgable staff. I am new to Jacksonville and was looking for a particular plant extract yesterday- I googled health stores and called several of them to compare prices. The other stores put me on hold (one even left me on the phone and forgot about me!) and did not even understand what I was looking for- Grass Roots on the other hand not only understood my needs, they were able to give me options, and were most pleasant. Prices are fair- small local businesses are not walmart bargain stores because quality costs and it is well worth it. To put it in perspective I spent way more money in Walgreens treating my condition than I did at the health food store, and not only did my wallet but my body thanked me for it. Thank you Grass Roots! I will definitely come back and with friends! Worth a drive! You drive everywhere else in Jacksonville!

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NI

Nick Ross

Produce is worse than the Publix across the street, which I thought I would never say about any store. However I really like shopping there because of amount of organic products they have and the people that work there seem to be genuine, friendly people. Unfortunately if youre going to sell organic produce you should make sure that its fresh. The last three times Ive been in there all of the potatoes (ones used for normal baked potatoes) have started to sprout, the avocados are complete mush, the tomatoes are all bruised, and the very first packet of baby Bella mushrooms had mold already on it. I like the store I really do but wish that they would step up their game in produce. Unfortunately I will still have to drive to Freshfield Farms (off University) for my produce until someone at Grassroots makes a change, and I dont mean change the produce just once a month. Sorry to be harsh but someone needs to say it.

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RA

Rachael Mong

Two words: hidden gem. Not only is the staff knowledgeable and attentive, but the selection is spot on. Youll be pretty hard pressed to find a better shop in the area, not to mention their organic smoothie/juice selection always has exactly what Im wanting, even when I dont know what I want. I highly suggest popping in either to pick up a few groceries for dinner, to check out their extensive vitamin selection, or simply to grab a healthy snack on your way back to work.

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TH

That Guy B

Great place to come to for some organic shopping. Place is cozy, service is quick, and many varieties of product to choose from when it comes to organic items such as supplements or fresh food. The prices are decent, workers are quick to help with what you need and the best part about this place is the organic healthy smoothies. The only thing about this place is that it is quiet small and it does get cramped. Overall positive shopping experience all around.

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LO

Logan Therrion

Paid over 9 bucks for a large juice yesterday. The problem is the cup had about an inch plus of foam at the top - and only about 2/3 liquid. I didnt not get what was advertised or what I paid for and at those prices, I should get the correct amount of juice. Not air space and foam. Seriously. There was a lot of foam. I didnt notice until I was enroute back to work unfortunately. Juice was ok but youre not going to get what you pay for. Buyer beware.

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