Nature Mart
2080 Hillhurst Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 660-0052

I have a secret weapon against my 7-11 addiction. I go to Nature Mart on Hillhurst instead. I know that I can walk in there and pick whatever snack my heart desires and it won’t be bad for me. The food at Nature Mart is organic and free of icky stuff like preservatives, white sugar and pesticides. I figure I’m doing my body a favor by choosing a Synergy kombucha drink and some dried ginger trail mix instead of a Big Gulp and Oreos. Actually, after re-reading that sentence, I realize it’s pretty much a no-brainer, my love for Big Gulps notwithstanding.

Nature Mart is pretty much an old school health food store. The type of place my Meemaw used to drag me when I was growing up. You know, slightly messy with bins of raw nuts and yogurt covered raisins. The only difference is this place is full of young tattooed people instead of little old Texas ladies with matching prairie skirts. It’s stuffed full of healthy foods and, although there doesn’t really seem to be a method to how the shelves are stocked, Nature Mart is a joy to shop. Be prepared to wander the aisles a bit and to find many other things you need while you’re at it.

You can find everything from goji berries to Pirate’s Booty here. If you can’t find it anywhere else, Nature Mart probably has it. This place saved two of my favorite recipes. After searching Trader Joe’s, Albertson’s and Von’s for sugar-free shredded coconut and a polenta tube, I found both at Nature Mart (not for the same recipe, although coconut and polenta could be surprisingly good together). It’s also the only place I know that carries granola that’s not full of sugar. This makes my morning yogurt a yummy treat instead of a boring obligation.

Be sure to check out the bulk bins next door, as they really do save you money. Also, try dropping by Nature Mart for a healthy lunch. They have pre-prepared veggie wraps and salads in the refrigerated section and they are all fresh and yummy. Nature Mart does have it’s own parking lot but it’s always busy. I recommend parking on Ambrose or Hillhurst to avoid the crazy. You wouldn’t want to start your organic shopping experience all stressed out. Bring your own bag and, more importantly, bring an open mind. Go ahead, try the acai juice. It’s no Big Gulp but then again, that’s the point, isn’t it?

photo by maebmij via flickr

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