The 8 Best Markets in Washington!
Buying food and nutritional products that support a healthy lifestyle can be a daunting experience, so having knowledgeable and helpful people around to give advice and steer you in the right direction is a valuable service. The high-quality independent grocery markets of Washington State offer ideas and products that support individual health, community involvement, and work to make the journey toward both a little easier. Most use locally sourced products, and it’s a great way to support your community. Here are the 8 best markets in Washington State.
Bear Foods Natural Market, Chelan, WA
Open every day of the week, Bear Foods is the perfect place to go for great organic produce, local meat, gluten-free products, a nice selection of wine and beer, health and wellness products, and other specialty items. Visit Café Creperie while there, where you can sample sweet or savory creations and take home ingredients to make your own stellar dishes. Around since 1973, Bear Foods has evolved from a wholesale food market into the unique shop it is today.
Farm Fresh Market, Olympia, WA
Good and simple. That’s the motto behind Farm Fresh Market. Located in Olympia, Washington, this independent market focuses on providing healthy and wholesome foods that are non-GMO, fresh, and local. Open seven days a week, they support Washington farmers and producers and offer great products like farm-fresh dairy products, premium raw honey, organic fruits and vegetables, and grass-fed beef and pigs in the store. There are no membership fees, and a satisfaction guarantee.
Blossom Grocery, Lopez Island, WA
A member of the Independent Natural Food Retails Association, Blossom Grocery in Lopez Island, Washington, works hard to support their community by offering the best foods and household products. Big on encouraging individual health and being environmentally responsible, there is always the underlying motive to strengthen people and the local food economy. Open every day from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m., Blossom Grocery uses certified organic and fair-trade products, and is locally owned and operated.
Meyers Falls Market & Café, Kettle Falls, WA
Operating with the belief that they can “be the change they wish to see” in the world, Meyers Falls Market does everything they do in support of local organic farms, producers, and businesses. Located in Kettle Falls, Washington, Joe Petrucelli, owner of MFM, is committed to serving the area with the best and highest quality products available. He understands the connection between the land, good food, and good health, and seeks to pass that on to their customers. What began as a local market in 2002 has taken shape as the central marketplace in the area. Besides grocery items that can be purchased singly or in bulk, you’ll find a selection of locally-produced wine and beer, health and beauty items, books, and gifts seven days a week.
Rocket Market, Spokane, WA
A collaborative effort between friends and leaders in the natural and specialty food movement, Rocket Market became the outcome when its doors were opened in 1999. The goal was and continues to be serving the needs of the community by offering a focused approach to a healthy life through organic food and other locally sourced products. Using a careful selection process, Rocket Market also carries a great offering of regional and international products, bakery items that include gluten-free and vegan options, and a delightful onsite café featuring delicious items like quiches, salads, sandwiches, and soups. You can also find beautiful bouquets, join their wine club, and attend special monthly events.
Nature’s Market, Kent, WA
With the desire to be the neighborhood store with everything, Nature’s Market in Kent, Washington, is achieving the goal. Located on East Hill, Nature’s Market has been in operation for over 33 years dedicated to and serving their customers with excellent products and customer service. Featuring organic and natural foods, vitamins, dairy, fresh and frozen goods, beer, and wine, they also have many hard-to-find items. If they don’t have what you’re seeking in their 6,000-square-foot space, they’ll work hard to find it for you. They have a monthly newsletter with helpful tips for healthy living, and offer tasty recipes on their website, and advice for managing numerous conditions through maintaining a healthy diet.
Ken’s Market, Seattle, WA
Locally owned and operated, Ken’s Market in Seattle, Washington, is the place to go if you’re looking for quality and fair prices that fit your food budget. With a history that dates to the 1930’s, Ken’s Market understands what it takes to feed your family and do it in a way that inspires health. Farms and producers are selected who use practices that support sustainability, and the market carries fresh and frozen seafood that meets their rigorous standards. There’s a deli and café on site, and the produce is from local farmers with an emphasis on organic and seasonal options. They also offer international beer and wine, and baked goods from a variety of local and independent bakeries.
Paris-Madrid Grocery, Seattle, WA
The Paris-Madrid Grocery opened originally as just the Paris Grocery, a companion to the shop the Spanish Table. But when the Spanish Table closed in 2016 and many of its fresh products such as meats, paella ingredients, and wines, were moved to the Paris Grocery, the market transformed. Today, it serves up the best of both worlds. Find everything from charcuterie to chistorra and chorizo bilbao. This spot is a can’t miss.