Both visitors and residents of Orlando alike can be overwhelmed by the food choices and options available around the city. With dozens of grocery stores, supermarkets, and Farmer’s markets taking place year round, there’s an abundance of both regional and exotic food at your disposal. If you’re looking for organic food, you’ll need a strategy to locate only the freshest produce and goods. Here’s where to shop for organic food in Orlando:
Chamberlin’s Natural Food Market
1114 N. John Young Parkway, Kissimmee/7600 Dr. Phillips Boulevard
Whether you’re in need of a sandwich for lunch, or just want to stock up on the weekly grocery shopping, Chamberlin’s offers something for all tastes. The store has been ‘Orlando’s Natural Resource’ since 1935, and continues to offer tasty bakery items, herbal teas, and fresh organic produce; it’s actually a local chain with locations in Altamonte Springs, Oviedo, and Winter Park, but the stores on John Young Parkway and Dr. Philips Boulevard are the easiest to get to if you’re in the Disney/Kissimmee area.
Organic Place Market
1246 S. John Young Parkway, Kissimmee
If you’re looking for a large selection of organic supplements, nutrition bars, and healthy snacks along with your weekly grocery shopping, head over to this locally owned store for some great choices. The café here is also worth a visit; daily specials include a spicy curried chicken with rice, vegetable soup, and roasted potatoes. The store is a short drive from Disney parks in Kissimmee, and the juice and smoothie bar are the perfect reason to head out on a hot Orlando afternoon.
Whole Foods Market
1989 Aloma Avenue, Winter Park
Despite Orlando’s large vegetarian and vegan community, there is only one Whole Foods Market in the city. It sits at the northeast side of Orlando in Winter Park, and offers an abundance of fresh produce, a large deli, and plenty of meat cheese, and organic wines. A second Whole Foods store is slated to open in Spring 2008 in the Dr. Phillips area, which will be a much shorter drive for those in the Disney area. Head to Whole Foods for all the basics, including spices, beauty products, and household items.
Publix Supermarket
841 Cypress Parkway/3227 S. John Young Parkway
Publix offers a large selection of organic produce and dry goods, and two locations in Kissimmee are a short drive from the Disney area. Head here for the organic bakery when you need a treat, or pick up some organic ice cream from the frozen section. This is also a great spot to get your microwaveable meals if you’re short on time.
OrlandoOrganics.com
If you need your organic groceries in a hurry, you also have an option for home delivery. OrlandoOrganics.com offers organic produce on a subscription basis where you’ll get the latest crops delivered right to your door. You can place your order online, and just pick the number and types of bags you need. Each bag contains between 8-15 lbs+ of an assortment of produce, and it’s one of the most convenient ways to make the most of organic produce of the season. Call (407) 522-1502 for more information.
From local grocery stores to national chains, there are a number of places around Orlando that sell organic food. You’ll also find plenty of choices at the local Farmer’s market in Lake Eola, Winter Park, and Kissimmee each week. Whether you’re just visiting or are a local resident, head to any of these spots to stock up on quality natural food.
