Walking into Earth Origins in Ocala feels less like entering a grocery store and more like stepping…read moreback into my childhood. Long before Whole Foods existed... before wellness influencers... before every grocery store suddenly discovered "organic"... my parents owned health food stores in California and New York during the 1970s and 80s, back when most Americans barely understood what a health food store was. I grew up carrying whole wheat, avocado, mayo and sprout sandwiches in my lunchbox when other kids had processed snacks and white bread. My mother was giving health and nutritional talks decades ago and still does to this day. The funny part is the kids at school loved my avocado sprout sandwiches so much that they would trade me their Twinkies for them. Twinkies were absolutely a no-no in our household, which of course made them feel like pure treasure whenever I could get my hands on one... even though I knew they were terrible for me. Healthy living wasn't a trend in our household. It was simply the way we lived. And contrary to what people think now, this knowledge is not new. Ancient cultures understood the connection between food, health, longevity and lifestyle long before modern America rediscovered it and turned it into branding. Tibet is a perfect example. Entire cultures have understood preventative wellness and intentional living for centuries. Back then, health food stores were different. They were deeply personal places. Independent. Passion-driven. Families built them around education, community, and a genuine belief in helping people live healthier lives. Then the industry began to change. During the 1980s and 90s, large corporations started buying up independent health food stores across America. Chains like GNC expanded aggressively through acquisitions, converting many small family-owned stores into standardized retail locations. In fact, GNC actually bought one of my parents' stores years ago and turned it into a GNC. Later, companies like Whole Foods, Vitamin Shoppe, and major investment groups helped transform what had once been deeply local, community-driven businesses into national chains built around scale, branding, and mass-market wellness. That's why Earth Origins still feels special to me. It still carries echoes of the old Mother Earth health food store that once existed here in Ocala. The scent in the air... the supplement aisles... the atmosphere... even the energy of the store instantly brought me back to childhood memories of standing inside my parents' stores decades ago. There's something comforting about walking into a place that still feels connected to the original spirit of the health food movement before it became mainstream. For me, Earth Origins doesn't just feel like shopping. It feels like home.

I was meaning to stop here for months after moving to the area and finally made myself go during an…read moreerrand run. I have been here several times over the years. I have shopped here so specific items and also just to browse. Since we do not have a Whole Foods or Fresh Market, and Sprouts is on the other side of town, Earth Origins is the next best thing. I have been exploring plant based products for the last couple of years and attempting the more holistic route so Earth Origins definitely assists with that. I will say, the prices are astronomical for many products but reasonable for other products. The produce department is super small, with only organic options, and not many options for vegetables or fruits. They have a small salad bar, which is measured by the pound. There is also a hot soup bar, with I think 2 options but they close that early-maybe around 5pm? There is also a deli/ seafood/ sushi counter where you can purchase a la carte items, with premade options already packaged for grab and go. They also have ramen you can order! Next is a bulk area with a huge selection of nuts, coffee, seeds, legumes, snacks, etc. I finally purchased some during my last visit. I was a little slow in figuring it out. You put the items in a bag, then tie it with a wire tag, then write the UPC code # on the tag so the cashier can type it in. There is also fresh nut butters and honey and pastries in the same area. There are aisles of dry goods, supplements, vitamins, personal care, snacks, beverages, and treats. There is also a small wine section, with a lot of local wines. Lined up against the back of the store and the last aisle are refrigerated and freezer items. I always purchase items in the area! If you join their membership, you receive special deals daily. If you bring your own bags, you receive a 5 cent discount.

I'm not sure why it took me so long to come back since my last visit in August 2022, but I'm glad I…read morefinally did! Stella's continues to impress with fresh ingredients and absolutely incredible bread. I wasn't sure since it being 2 years since I was here if they would have the breakfast I had last time. I was surprised they did have it so I ordered the Spanish Egg Breakfast, which came with arugula, chorizo, heirloom tomatoes, ciabatta toast, and a preserve. The eggs were perfectly cooked, the chorizo added a great smoky-spicy kick, and the heirloom tomatoes were sweet and juicy. The arugula balanced everything out with a slight peppery bite, and the ciabatta toast was just amazing--crispy on the outside, soft inside, and perfect with the preserve. I also had the Jamón Serrano Sandwich & split it with my bf. It was just as good as it sounds. The jamón serrano, manchego, and basil pesto were a perfect combination--savory, nutty, and herby--all sandwiched between that same incredible ciabatta. Every bite was fresh and flavorful. The atmosphere is cozy, and the service was friendly, though the wait was a little longer than expected. Still, the quality of the food made up for it. Definitely won't wait as long to return next time!

Another cute place that took us too long to check out. We were walking around for Art Walk and…read moredecided to stop in here for a glass of wine and to check what this place really is. It looks like a store from the outside but I did see someone sitting inside sipping wine so I was intrigued. As you walk in, there is a spacious seating area at the front of the store. Then it kind of transitions into a market store. There is a counter you order food at and pay for items. There is a small bar with seating next to that as well. We browsed the market items and picked up a couple of items. We went to the counter to pay and that is when I realized you can order food and drinks. If you order something that takes time to prepare, it is brought to you at a table. Since I ordered a glass of wine, I just waited there for it and went to sit. Hubs retrieved a beer from the fridge. The owner was the individual we interacted with and he was very pleasant. There was constant traffic the entire time we were there so I hope that means they will remain in business. The prices were not too crazy and it is a perfect place to have a drink and/ or gourmet snacks. I definitely want to return and try other items on the menu.

I have been going to this Key Food for years even when it was a Bravo before 2019. Soon after it…read morerebranded but I believe that it kept the same ownership with the main focus still being Hispanic Specialty Foods. Yesterday I went in and I'm always reminded of the kind courteous service that I consistently receive when I'm there. From asking for the simplest of things the employees are always so kind and considerate showing care to towards the customer. I picked up a few fresh fruits and vegetables that had tasted better than some other local groceries. This isn't new but the reminder had me writing this review thinking how much I appreciate this Key Food. Then I went to the line where they have fresh cooked foods and the aroma is so wonderful. I've bought this food before too and yes it's always delicious, fresh and tasty better than home cooked but homestyle if you know what to do! I picked up a few Venezuelan Beef empanadas, some Carne Guissada or Beef Stew! I went and looked and had seen some chicken baked and seasoned so perfectly, boy was I right! When I can home the flavors were so good and the chicken tender beyond belief I'm sorry that I didn't get a few pieces more! Show some love and stop in this store is a great place to find fresh meat, seafood, the butcher is fabulous! There are seasonings galore and such a variety of things to choose from along with fresh cooked foods of course! Department's: 1)Fresh produce 2)Meat The supermarket offers on-site butcher services for specialty cuts. 3)Deli This section offers hot food cooked fresh daily. 4)Hispanic foods The store carries a wide selection of ingredients for Hispanic foods. 5)Bakery Weekly specials : Meat and Produce *** There is an area where you can sit and eat *** Address: 1929 Southwest College Rd. Ocala, FL 34471 Phone: (352) 789-6240 Hours: Tuesday 7AM-9PM Wednesday 7AM-9PM Thursday 7AM-9PM Friday 7AM-9PM Saturday 7AM-9PM Sunday 7AM-9PM Monday 7AM-9PM

Takeout Food is delicious Friendly…read more Place is awesome and comfortable Every time I think of something Puerto Ricany to make I know I can find it here

Great customer service, clean market with friendly faces. Prices are also great. Fish is cleaned…read morewell on the spot!

Very fresh seafood and excellent service. The owners are extremely friendly. Juan Carlos…read morerecommended a Yellow Tail he had brought in the same day. I cooked it for dinner and it was great.

I have been going to Earth Fare in Ocala since it has opened ! Sometimes I go in and shop for a few…read morethings as they have products that many stores do not carry. For instance the in house homemade sourdough bread. Literally the only place that makes fresh organic sourdough bread with only a few ingredients! Plus it tastes wonderful. There are day's I'll go in and sit and eat something or meet a friend and have a casual meal and know that I can trust that my meal will be made with quality fresh ingredients and are always delicious. The meat section is great as are the other areas and there are weekly , monthly and daily specials and day's of the week where they have discounts for seniors , military, veterans, teachers and students. It's a very casual store where you can walk around freely and there is always an employee asking if you need any help finding anything. There's an abundance of different options for all different lifestyles focusing on natural and organic foods and goods focusing on health and wellness. They don't sell food that contain high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, preservatives, fats and antibiotics. Earth Fare was found in 1975 they are community focused and follow a very strict food philosophy to ensure that their products meet a high health standard. The Ocala Location has always been clean, welcoming and there they keep their customers in high regard. Phone: (352) 484-1710 Address: 2405 SW 27th Ave Ste 101, Ocala, FL 34471 Hours: Monday-Sunday: 8:00 a.m - 9:00 p.m Wheel chair accessible **** Website: Earthfare.com/weekly-ad/

So this place looked exactly how Lucky's looked when they were still open. I am not sure if this…read morewas a Lucky's in the past because when we moved to Ocala, it was Earth Fare. I had this place bookmarked but I try to stay away from College Road as much as possible. We were at a nearby store and it was evening time so I figured that would be a perfect time. The store was dead. It is huge inside. We didn't know what to expect so we just browsed the store, aisle by aisle. We started by the entrance, through the beverage section. It did not take long to notice the severely overpriced items. The meat section was not big and there was not much to select from. There was not much we were impressed with throughout the aisles but when we arrived at end of our browsing, we wound up in the bakery and deli section. That is where I shopped! I found a bleu cheese that is difficult to find. I picked up a premade chicken salad sandwich on a croissant, which was so delicious! It tasted fresh and pure. We checked out after that and the cashier was not enthusiastic. That's okay, they were not rude either. I wound up spending more than I wanted to. I might visit again if I am in the same plaza again but I do not envision myself intentionally shopping here.

First time eating here, I am extremely picky when it comes to any food besides my mamas, but I was…read more1000% impressed with the food, the atmosphere, the service, it was all just amazing! Give it a try, you won't be sorry

We needed a place to hang out while my cat got serviced…read more I found them via Yelp and took the chance. Their door advertises these hotcakes that are 1"thick. So what the heck , we ordered a 2 stack of Pineapple uoside down cake, and those were simply a woek of art. I irdered a summer salad with chicken ,fresh fruit, etc and it was soo good! So much flavor in every bite. My husband had a Huge burger. Service was awesome, food was amazing we will be back

Crazy Plantain platter - OUT OF THIS WORLD. I can not describe how delicious and massive it was.read more

From the owner: We're a Colombian food truck serving you the best artisan grilled burgers in town! As well as,…read moreColombian appetizers and goodies like Empanadas, Arepas, real fruit juice and so much more! Come visit us today! We're happy to serve you! Somos un Food truck de comida Colombiana al grill, hamburguesas artesanales, y antojitos Colombianos como empanadas, arepas, jugos de fruta y mucho más…. Estamos aqui para servirle!