From Easy Entertaining to Fast Healthy Meals on The Go, Check out the new Earth Fare in Orlando!
Have you heard of Earth Fare? Until recently, I had never heard of this Asheville, North Carolina based grocery store chain. After a tour of their newest location in Downtown Orlando, I’m happy to share the 9+ things I liked about shopping at Earth Fare.
I was invited to the opening of their new urban location on the corner of Orange Avenue and Gore Street and was surprised to learn they’re one of the largest natural and organic retailers in the country, with over 50 locations across 10 states in the Southeast, mid-Atlantic and Midwest. They’ve been around since 1975 and their Food Philosophy is one we can all stand behind. Clean, healthy products to help you lead a happier, healthier, longer life.
1. No Need To Read Labels.
If you hate reading labels to figure out whether products are good for you or not, Earth Fare does the research for you. They have an official “boot list” of ingredients that are not allowed in any products sold in the store. Buy with confidence knowing healthy ingredients in, and bad ingredients out equal 100% clean food. All products adhere to their strict “Food Philosophy”. They are free of added hormones, antibiotics, artificial fats and trans-fats, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, artificial preservatives, bleached or bromated flour, artificial colors or flavors. Earth Fare also offers more than 1,000 private brand food products sourced using only non-GMO ingredients.
2. Easy Entertaining.
You know entertaining must be easy and tasty. When it’s good for you, it’s even better. I found hundreds of grab and go options to put together a beautiful party table with minimal or no cooking involved. Get some olives and pickled veggies at the Antipasti and Olive Bar. Grab some pre-cut veggies and fruits for a colorful crudite platter. A wide variety of cheeses and charcuterie create a beautiful board.
Hors d’oeuvre style appetizers like bacon wrapped grilled apple and sea bass spring rolls, ready to be popped in the oven.
Lastly, make a stop at the bakery for scrumptious mini desserts and cookies by the pound and voila! You’re ready to party!
3. Fast, Healthy & Tasty on the Go.
Lunch, Dinner, and Picnics on the run? The variety of prepared foods in the “Orlando Kitchen” including an organic salad bar, hot food bar, pizza station, and sandwiches made to order offered some delicious options.
I loved their signature chicken salad, made with oven-roasted chicken free of antibiotics, hormones or steroids. Available in 5 varieties: the Curry and Cranberry Pecan were perfect on Earth Fare’s multigrain pita crackers or place in a bibb lettuce cup for carb free option. Here’s my tips to create an epic picnic which you can easily do at Earth Fare.
Old World European pizza using organic flour with a thin, crispy crust is made to order. They offer the convenience of a “Call ahead Pizza Hotline” (407) 723-4467. You can also get a “Take and Bake” for $6 daily!
The ready to go single portions of proteins in the Meat & Seafood section are a great choice for a quick dinner. Thaw it out on your drive home and pop in the oven when you get home.
4. Every Diet Welcome.
I expect plenty of plant-based options from a store focused on healthy eats. What I didn’t expect was so many tasty choices in the prepared foods sections and products to please every dietary need: Gluten Free, Plant Based, Vegan, Keto, Paleo, you name it. This makes entertaining easy.
The vegan “Everything Cookie Sandwich” is yumtastic even for a non-vegan. Cookies by the Pound also offer gluten free and vegan options.
5. Lots of Cheeses.
Their selection of fine cheeses was impressive. Putting together a varied cheese board is easy with creamy, soft-ripened treats, salty, crunchy, crisp and aged selections, as well as organic, grass-fed and vegetarian-friendly choices. Don’t miss the 24 month aged Parmegiano Reggiano.
6. Buy in Bulk.
Being able to buy a variety of items in bulk is not only convenient, it reduces waste as you buy what you need. I appreciated that most items were in dispensers you don’t put your hands in. The selection is extensive with over 177 natural and organic bulk food items available, from candy (the carrot cake caramels were fun!), nuts, seeds, flour, grains, beans, trail mixes, and granola to tea, spices, and herbs.
I haven’t seen a Liquid Bulk section like this at other stores. You can get Mediterranean Extra Virgin Olive Oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, shoyu soy sauce, and blue agave. Plus, various options of local honey in “The Beehive” and fresh made nut butters.
7. It’s Not Just Food That’s Good For You.
Wellness and beauty products at Earth Fare are good for you too. Hundreds of products for skin care and pampering, all cruelty-free and never tested on animals, with no artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners. Products that are good for the earth ultimately make you feel better. Essential oils and fresh sugar scrubs are perfect for a spa at home party.
8. Get It Delivered.
The Orlando location also offers same-day grocery delivery powered by Instacart. Enjoy your first three deliveries free using the code “Healthy Delivered”. That’s convenient.
9. Unique Urban Location.
The Earth Fare urban format is unique to the Downtown Orlando location. At the Heirloom Café and Juice Bar you’ll find made-to-order juices, smoothies and coffee. Juice Happy Hour is offered 2pm – 5pm Daily, $1 off all juices & smoothies (12oz or larger).
Stay awhile and enjoy wine and local beer on tap in the lounge area or as you stroll down the aisles.
Covered complimentary garage parking is attached for much easier access than anticipated anywhere downtown. Earth Fare is at the corner of Orange and Gore in the Novel Lucerne complex. It’s the 14th location in Florida and second in the area. Lake Nona store opened in 2018.
In 2017, Earth Fare challenged Americans to take control of their health through their food choices and “Live Longer With Earth Fare®.” You can learn more about their fresh approach to improving lives through a healthier lifestyle at www.earthfare.com. Sign up for Healthy Rewards, the in-store loyalty program to get access to the store’s best deals and earn points towards discounts with every visit.
Earth Fare in now one of my recommended Markets in Orlando.
Have you shopped at Earth Fare? Share your favorite things about Earth Fare in comments.
I hope you’re inspired to get together with friends and celebrate life. If you do, please share your photos and tag @goepicurista and#MakeSomedayHappen on Instagram and Facebook.
Cheers!
Go Epicurista
Disclosure: I was an invited media guest for promotional purposes by some of the establishments mentioned. I have also visited several times on my own. As always, all opinions are my own. I only share with you products and experiences I love to inspire you to get together with family and friends, celebrate life and go #MakeSomedayHappen one delicious bite, sip and trip at a time! You can read more about my guidelines in my disclosure policy. Cheers!
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