Dumpy old school supermarket on Hastings, just W of Nanaimo. This place has been around for decades. Parking is available on Hastings, as well as the side streets. The place is dirty and old, but don't let that scare you. The place has expanded over the years, so it takes up a few storefronts, joined haphazardly by some interior doorways with ramps. Fresh food on 1 side, and boxed goods on the other. What surprised me is that they also have a hot food section. Good for grabbing a quick meal, though I didn't try. Pricing is very reasonable. Quite a bit less than the big chains I might say. Nice and basic and does a great job serving the neighbourhood. read more

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I've been a couple of times to Donald's Market and its been a good experience! Tons of options to choose from. For an independent, locally-owned business, I felt it was quite expansive and could be a place to get all your groceries from. I also love the fact that they focus on local suppliers to fill their shelves. Quite busy in there, but it goes to show what a staple it is for people in the area. Can't forget about the hidden gem where there's take-out chinese food. The portions are veryyy generous and super delicious. Even has a drink stand-area at the front of the store with a ton of options to choose from; although I haven't tried it yet, the drinks look pretty delicious. Overall, great store to get things from and very reasonable prices, just don't go at peak times because it'll be swamped! read more

Local produce, local breads, local diary*, they have always some version of local and organics available. Along with some seasonal specialty fruits and veggies. I haven't purchased any meats, however they have everything one would need from offals to steaks. They do have a very large local sausage/deli (frozen) too. Donalds is like a Whole Foods without the markup with it's variety. I really appreciate the variety of chocolates they have. read more

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Donald's on East Hastings at Nanaimo has most organic natural foods that are found at the large organic store in Vancouver, for a distinctly lower price. I found the prices to be 25% lower, by price checking at the larger organic supermarket on the same day. read more

Purchased the item in the photo on July 24th, opened the cardboard package immediately prior to cooking them on July 25th to find the item as shown in the photo. Emailed Donald's customer service that same evening and as of August 1st have yet to get any response from Donald's. Be warned that Donald's sells products well beyond their best before date, check your packages carefully when shopping at Donald's. read more

Donald's Market - a pie wrapped in plastic - Grocery Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Sadly experienced antiBlack racism in a customer service encounter at a recent visit. This has tarnished many years of excellent service. Like most I count on the great selection and fair prices of a local grocery. Donald's has always been a neighbourhood treasure having expanded their size and selection over the years. Unfortunately racism, antiBlack racism, like pregnancy is Not something that you can just be "a little bit". Fellow shoppers 'be an ally' if this isn't your lived experience. Speak up when you see Black customers harassed or followed. We have the same right to shop with dignity and ease. As for Donald's- do better. There are MANY staff that have not behaved in this way but now this is at the front of my mind. Worried that more unfair treatment will come as a result of speaking up (cause yes that happens too). read more

This is probably one of the reasons when you are going along Hastings going Eastbound (driving) where there is considerable traffic, and this is probably one of the reasons! This place can be busy at any point of the day and for good reason, you may find a deal, if not that you are shopping for fresh produce to take home, one way or another, you'll find something here that you may want to take home. At the same time it is a weird store, as it feels like it's mashed up from 3 totally different stores at one time. The front is loaded up with fresh fruits and vegetables and certain sales, on the day we were there they showed two seperate strawberry sales, $2 for 2 small bins, while for the bigger organic bins which were more than double the size were $5, decisions, decisions. So we decided to walk in to see what else was in store, this place really has it all, from the far left side where there is a cooked 'take-out' section for Chinese food that I would usually see in the back of T&T, they have isles upon isles of dried and canned stuff, in the back, as usual, milk, and and isle for yogurt's and cheeses. I find the produce is clearly labelled, from organic to non-organic, the prices are very fair here, to sometimes cheap, they have deals on some over ripe stuff at times. I find they carry some very good bread, from a Bread Affair, to Terra Breads to Calabria, and from this I can tell you they carry good name brand goods of other products as well. Just know that at anytime, this place can be a zoo, you have been warned, as it feels like the whole neighbourhood comes out at certain 'prime-times' to shop, but if your wanting to stay away from the big box supermarket's, and still wanting to save some money but wanting some good groceries, you won't go wrong coming here. read more

Donald's Market - Grocery Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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I'm surprised there are​ not more reviews for this gem. I first discovered it 18 years ago when I found the very same, exact coffee from UF here for a fraction of the price. Since then, I began stopping by here every time I drive down Hastings. It's a pretty down to earth place here. Just very sincere service from the family members of the business. This location has a BBQ meat stand as well in case you are craving for it but too lazy to drive down to Chinatown. The veggies and fruits are fresh enough for the price. Just consume them within a week and you'll be fine. But the coffee, wow! read more

Argh!!! I love this Donald's !! I find almost everything I need there. Plenty of gluten free items, lots of meals, snacks and treats. You just never feel like you're getting ripped off. Local produce, organics and just an overall great variety. Heck, there's even a loose leaf Tea shop in the front! http://www.donaldsmarket.com/tea.htm and a Chinese food take out counter, (which I cannot eat any of, boo-hoo for me.) Cons: It's a bit tight, so take your tolerance vitamin. Also, do NOT shop on Sunday late in the afternoon because just about everyone waits until the weekend is over to pick up what they need for the week. *Bonus* one of the managers is also gluten intolerant so you can be sure to find plenty of G-free merch. read more

Donald's Market - Grocery Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

For years and years and years, I would transit or drive past this store dismissing it as "just another Asian produce store." I finally went under my naturopath's recommendation as the store carried an assortment of gluten-free goodies. I went and, to my delight, I was impressed in so many ways! First, they have killer produce specials. My favorite is the cauliflower heads going for $3 if you buy two heads (one would cost $1.69); I bought only one because two would be too many but two would be ideal for a larger family. I also bought a bag of Japanese cucumbers (there had to be at least 14 in there) for $2.49. Second, the gluten-free vegan soups (Pacific Natural Foods brand) go for $3.49 at regular price, $2.99 on sale; about the same price as Whole Foods but without the longer commute. On the same gluten-free note, they are finally carrying Glutenall brands of bread, including my favorite Buckwheat loaf! Third, frequent flyer sales. Daiya cheese (vegan) would go for $4.99 at Superstore. On sale at Donald's, I got to try it for $3.49. In the store, they have a Chinese food takeout counter. Not for me, but if you are into that sort of thing go for it. I love the fact they have an in-store tea bar as well. I haven't patronized the tea bar yet but I will eventually. read more

Donald's Market - Donald's Market has a fantastic produce selection! - Grocery Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Several locations in the lower mainland and each is very uniquely different. This location is very busy and I think the largest of the three. Great selection of produce and unique products you normally wouldn't find in a market this size, like Stevia soda. I'm a fan and if in the area I make sure to stop in. read more

Donald's Market - Sample summer tropical fruit and not your average sized avocado! - Grocery Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

I love this market, it's a neighborhood gem. The huge selection of fresh produce, and the best of the standard food brands with a heavy mix of healthy alternative brands and options make this place a one stop food shopping destination. I can get everything I need and want here. Additionally there are unusual and delicious international food items to explore and eat. I rarely need to shop at Safeway or other limited brand corporate food markets because Donald's market in my neighborhood. The small hot tray area sells above average quality Chinese food by the pound. There is also a specialty loose leaf tea shop in house. The staff is always friendly, efficient and helpful. Carmen the register clerk always salutes you by name. She has memorized most of the regular shoppers and always greets us like a dear friend. That's one more reason to enjoy this amazing food store. read more

For the last 8 months I have been so disappointed every time I get up to a new cashier it's somebody in training they are not helpful they do not know what to answer they leave me asking questions Saturday while I was waiting for a replacement product the customer behind me started shaming me for the eggs being broken and tbe cashier let me be harassed I won't go back read more

I find they're cheaper in price on foods that are typically expensive in the larger chain grocery stores. For example, tofu, vegan alternatives, etc., are way cheaper than big stores. Then some other items are more expensive, which is expected in a smaller grocery. One of my favourite places to go! read more

Very good place to get locally grown fruit and vegetables at really good prices. Like going to farmers markets without going to the farms. I love how it is set up so unliked the big box grocery stores. It is more like the Asian markets locally and like the vendors from my days living in Europe. Always stop here as part of several stops along E. Hastings to buy ingredients to complete our meals. I buy my western ingredients here. Chinese stores don't stock sweet basil or flat leaf parsley. Great location with easy access to free parking. Prices are not always cheapest nor veggies the best. But, that's the fun and joy of SHOPPING for fresh grocery. read more

Donald's Market - Great prices on local produce - Grocery Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

I had heard about Donald's for awhile. Apparently one of the cashiers is kinda famous for remembering the names of all her customers - over 4,000 of them and counting. I don't know if I was in her lineup; they say hers is always the longest, and mine wasn't too bad. Donald's is much bigger than your average corner grocery. The produce section is wonderful, with local product clearly identified. They also have good bakery and meat aisles, and all the necessities you might need at the last minute. Given the neighbourhood, I wasn't surprised to see quite a few organic and specialty foods in the mix. And it wasn't all that expensive either, given good prices on produce and several in-store specials. This is the kind of neighbourhood market that whispers to me, "If you lived here, you could shop here all the time!" read more

Donald's Market - Grocery Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Really great grocery store with a mix of items for sale. Possibly some of the freshest produce outside of specialty shops and farmers' markets in Vancouver proper. Highly recommended. They also have a membership program where they take money off your bill after a certain number of visits! read more

Excellent selection of speciality groceries, if you can't find it at this Donald's location... it probably doesn't exist or isn't allowed in canada. This location is huge and is always fully stocked even during the busy holiday times! It looks like they started off with 1 store and then slowly took over the 4 to the right side of it to make one giant store. On the far left side of the store there is a small Chinese "to-go" food area (has been shut down once for health and safety reasons) not sure what happened there but it was years ago and I have never gotten sick from eating their food. They have the best chow main and sweet and sour pork! The middle section is anything from pasta noodles (organic, brown rice, gluten free and white pasta) to paper towels, tooth paste and chips. Then you have a full selection of every fruit and vegetable known to man with usually a organic alternative available. They carry a lot of gluten free and vegan baking ingredients too for all my veggie heads! Terra breads has a partnership with this location as well, you can find the best breads here. read more

One of my favorite stores. Good quality foods such as organic. Best Chinese food I've ever had. Recommend to anyone. They just need free parking. read more

Bonus star for accepting Amex, who would've thought in the hood... Just picked up the best cookies in Vancou ver across the street at Platform 7. And what better way to balance this out with juicy Driscoll raspberries for $4.95. DM is wider than it looks, and fresh all around. The meat is on the left, and coffee beans in aisle 13, last one far right, go figure. Even 49th Parallel is here, as well as 20 other brands: by far best selection for a neighbourhood. Good service with a real, abundant staff. read more

Donald's Market - Grocery Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Everyone once in a while I get on these health kicks and I'm like totally good and healthy! Guess I was feeling that way this weekend, so I went to Donald's Market and stocked up on some fresh fruits and veggies for my latest juicing binge! Funny thing is the last time I came to Donald's market I gorged myself on 3 pieces of Church's Chicken before loading up on my fruits and veggies! Haha Ok... So I like Donald's Market. I think they bring in fresh fruits and veggies and they sell them for a low to reasonable price. The store is well organized and the staff is very task orientated. Donald's Market has a huge array of products... they even have a Chinese Food deli. When I'm in my health mode Donald's Market gets my business!!! read more

Donald's Market - Grocery Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

I used to buy chines food from take out counter. Now prices have gone up a lot. Food is often very greasy and over cooked.

COVID-19 ALERT: I like the friendly staff and the good selection of organics but I'm disappointed with how Donald's is adapting to the pandemic. A worker, without a mask. who wanted the space I was occupying, stood on top of me with their face inches from my face in order to move me on. I can't recall when someone last invaded my personal space to persuade me like that, try it on me during a pandemic with uncovered face holes and I'm going to light my hair on fire. I don't appreciate being treated like cattle in a store in my hood and having my health put at risk. Bad reckless management in my opinion. Donald's did not respond to my concerns so I thought I should bring them here. If you are not going to attempt to social distance or mask up your employees then you are not helping our community get through this challenging period. I feel bad for the cashiers, they have a tough job at the best of times and they look like sitting ducks in there during the pandemic working for a team that only seem to care about the increased profit they have made from the pandemic and not about the health and safety of workers and customers. If they cared they would be asking people to mask up and would be practising social distances in their very cramped store. They seem to think public health orders are a joke or don't apply to them. I would rather eat dirt than buy my food here in the future. read more

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All they need is a member's card and I'm set! I pretty much grew up eating Donald's food, but after moving its hard to find a local grocery store that is quite the same. The closest thing I have to Donald's now is Safeway, but I much rather help out Vancouver's independent business owners. The owners are such nice people too! I've heard stories about them helping out stray dogs and homeless people. This is what being socially responsible is about! Not many businesses are like this nowadays. Catering to your customers, helping the community and doing good deeds! Good job Donald's! read more

Yeah! Donald's! This is where I do my grocery shopping if I am taking the bus and don't plan on buying more than I can comfortably carry. Up until a month ago they had the most amazing produce I'd seen in all of Vancouverland. Last time I went, it took me awhile to find an onion that wasn't oozing something, bruised, or partially naked. (I'm ridiculously picky about produce) But I'm sure it'll get better. OH, and they sell Purple Potatoes! (YES, they are even purple on THE INSIDE. I highly recommend making mashed potatoes with them.) and I've seen them selling sugarcane from time to time. Maybe this is normal, but to me it is weirdly fantastic. I love that they carry Island Farms dairy products. These are the best! And a large variety of veg/soy products for all the vegetarians out there! If you wander down the cleaning products aisle, you'll notice that they carry many many enviro friendly products and way fewer big name brands. Nice. There is also a section at the entrance where you can get hot and ready food to go, such as chow mein and egg rolls and other things like that. The chow mein is awesome! I love the egg rolls too. My mom always brings me home a takeout box of these when she comes over for a visit. read more

Donald's is the best. I grew up in Dunbar and when I moved to Mount Pleasant, I missed my neighbourhood Stongs Market so, so much. I recently moved to Hastings Sunrise, and I'm all, "Stongs who?" Donald, whoever he is, is my main man. I feel like he "gets" me, you know? Like he sees me coming and sends someone to restock the Tofurkey section, put some local fresh fruit on sale, and package up those wonderful $1 bags of peppers before I walk through the door. Their prices are better than just about any other grocery store I've been to. You want organics? Donald's has it. You want all natural, planet friendly everythings? Donald's. You want Tofurkey (which my meat-loving friend Jordan once called the fillet mignon of veggie meat) and it seems like almost nowhere in the city has it? Donald's does. You want super cheap Chinese takeout on your way out the door? Yeah man, I do too. My one complaint is that their cheese and olive selections are lacking a little. I like to have company over and put out those stupidly expensive cheeses and a nice selection of olives. However, being that this is in East Van, you can walk less than a block and find an Italian market that will fulfill those needs. And they do have a good selection of vegan cheese alternatives (I mostly eat vegan, except when I'm out or entertaining company). Donald, I love you. Oh, and their green plastic bags are probably the sturdiest plastic bags in the universe. I feel bad not bringing a reusable bag when I come here, but I collect their plastic bags like a fiend. It's the only plastic bag I trust to carry my cat's atomic waste without risking it hitting my precious floor. Anyway... read more

Donald's Market is officially (yes, OFFICIALLY) my new favourite grocery store. I don't live in the area, but sometimes I actually go out of my way to grocery shop here. I look forward to it with schoolgirlish glee. I skip down the sidewalk with flounce and cheer, tossing a coin to the down-on-his-luck scruffster who is invariably sitting at the end of the produce row outside the store. The produce selection is unmatched by any other store I've visited in town. Importantly, it is also reasonably priced. There is good signage around produce origin, which I appreciate, and the quality is consistently good. There is incredible selection for just about everything else, too. It's a larger store than the other neighbourhood grocery shops, and it's packed full of things to purchase. What I like about this Donald's is that they actually have everything - you don't need to stop at another store for paper goods or cleaning agents or specialty products of any kind. Sales on items I buy are common. I found the cheapest Earth Balance in the city here when it was on sale for $3.99 per 454g tub recently. You can't even get it that cheap wholesale. Well, you can, but barely, and you have to buy so many of them! Also, another observation: friendly clientele. There are often annoying people standing around doing nothing in produce, blocking your way, but everyone else is cheerful and friendly, obviously just as happy to be shopping here as you are. I've had conversations with other shoppers in the checkout line more than once. read more

Where is the frequent buyers program?! This is literally the only place I shop and since I eat like a rabbit, it seems to be the right place! Everything! They have it! The only thing I am missing is the bulk section nuts. I would like to choose the amount of almonds I buy and not have it prepackaged. Aside from no bulk section this place is the shit. And I am going to give it 5 stars anyway. read more

Like the others have said, the space is tight in here. The lines are huge. The deep fried goods in the display scare me. At first, so did the meat (until I went home and made the chicken and ground beef! Yum. Don't do the steaks though). Parking is at a premium, and when you can't find a spot, Hastings street isn't exactly easy for maneuvering around on. But you find a side street and deal with it; or you sneak in front of Campagnolo Roma for 5, reassuring yourself that you're their biggest fan (and Yelp reviewer, I might add) and you just go for it. They have organic everything that isn't always cheap compared to Safeway's non-organic. (Well, duh). Loads of fruit and veg. Delectable baguettes and bread which is tough to avoid even for the non-gluten intolerant crowd who have a sneaking suspicion that they just might be gluten-intolerant, anyway. (Thx. for that, RZ). Then you get to the front of the line (finally) and realize that you forgot your bags, but bags are free. And you pay your bill wondering why you ever visited that Whole Paycheque place the day before. You happily skip back to your car, knowing that you'll return soon. ***Note***-If you're a self-professed West side gal/guy, do give it a go; you won't be disappointed. And check out Red Wagon or Campagnolo Roma while in the 'hood. Two of my fave places where you get to eat other people's purchases from Donald's! read more

What can I say - I use this place for my restaurant. Committed to local and organic. And olive oil - great selection with the right price. read more

OK, so I'm grumpy. I've shopped at Donald's a zillion times and it's always a compromise experience, but today the purple potatoes were mouldy, they don't carry my Valley Pride organic milk in 1L carton, the Field Roast veggie sausages (BEST KIND) were not dated, I got ticked off at the amount of plastic tape they use to wrap the ORGANIC produce, and god help me, they've hired a staff person who wears huge earlobe stretchers. It is your privilege to stretch your earlobes at home on your own time, but if you need to show up to work going LOOK HOW FAR I CAN OPEN MY EARLOBES you should go back home and play with them alone. You shouldn't be in customer service if you have such a strong need to make people uncomfortable. Donald's sells whatever will sell in this neighbourhood but they don't really have an organic mindset, as shown by the plastic tape on the organic produce thing. See, us organic types are trying to save the planet, not choke it up with plastic tape. Yup, I get that people try to pull a fast one, but I don't get why Choices and Urban Fare don't have to do this; they sell both types of produce too. Donald's cashiers are probably the hardest working people in town; it's often cold in there and they're probably not having fun, but they are pleasant enough and awesomely efficient. AND they will help to pack your groceries in your own bags because they are focussed on speed and want to get you out of there. I DO NOT like the aggressively friendly cashier; much prefer the ones who are understated and focussed. Do I LIKE Donald's? Often, not really. But I can get most of the groceries I need, even if the dating is a bit questionable at times and the store chaotic. Groceries are a necessity, and the job gets done here. read more

For how small it is, it sure carries all my favorite products! This market helps me eat organic and vegetarian and I don't have to search for hours to find my favorite organic brands, yay! Their produce is way better than across the street (even though I got much love for Dollar Groceries) and I recently found out their bulk quinoa is the cheapest in town! They usually have great organic specials and deals that rotate throughout the week so you never know what you're gonna get. I usually go here first for my produce and their specials and then head across the street for packaged and bulk goods (minus the quinoa). I recommend you do the same. read more

Donald's Market is what a market should be. It is fresh, funky, and has stuff you don't need but want to get. No it won't have your favorite cereal for on sale for $2.98 but it has imported cheese, pastes, and breads. If you want flavour and new kinds of foods this is a great start. It has a Granville Island feel to it and of course there is the organic, for the organics and even a hot food food counter for quick meals. AND...allegedly, there will be a new one @ New Westminster Quay! read more

This place is absolutely the best grocery store in Vancouver. They have EVERYTHING that you want at an actually affordable price. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce? Check. Interesting Gluten-Free Pasta? Check. FREAKIN AMAZING LOOSE LEAF TEA BAR? CHECK! Seriously, this place is redonk (rediculous). They have a great selection of pretty much anything, and to top it off they even carry JJ Bean Coffee and 49th Parallel as well! The management definitely caters to everyone. and the cashiers are polite and fast. Theres one there that knows pretty much every customer by name. The lines can get pretty huge, and space is tight, but that gives the place character. Come check it out, you wont be dissappointed by the "East Side Whole Foods". Love Donalds! read more

I finally made it to Donald's on Hastings!! And WOW what a packed little store it is!! It has a huge variety of foods, goods and even a little hot food selection. I believe this is the only location that has a hot food section - and wow is it good. It's true that they say that each Donald's has its own flavour catering to their neighbourhoods and that idea in itself is just pure awesomeness to me. It is mind boggling to figure out how they could fit so many kinds of produce in this little gem of a place. They have organics, locally grown and various options for produce and meats. They have a huge selection for all grocery items as well! Let say you're looking for bouillon - that alone could take up to 10 mins for you to decide which brand, flavour and size because it's practically a wall of different kinds! - and thats one of many categories of such! My favourite is that they are big in locally grown/locally made products - which is always a huge plus for me. This Donald's is not only jam packed with goods, but also often jam packed with customers as well... It's hard to get around in such a packed place, but people don't seem to mind it - we're all just trying to spend a lil less and get the goods home! read more

Great little market that stocks local produce and goods. Not too expensive... What other grocer carries 4 different kinds of strawberries ranging from $1.50 a basket to $4.00? You get what you pay for, that's what they're sayin', and I picked up the local strawberries for $3. They even have a full Chinese take-out section that is cooked every day, and the last of it gets sold for dirt cheap in the evening (for obvious reasons) and I've seen it sell out quick many times once they drop the price. So before you go hogging my neighborhood grocery store, remember not to bring a huge purse, 'cause those aisles are tight, and you wouldn't want to smack anyone in the head searching for that perfect balsamic vinegar. One wish: a decent cheese selection would be nice. read more

This is where I shop for groceries. The quality for fruits and vegetables is very good. Also, the quality in the meat department is also very good. The cashiers are very friendly, and some of them even know my name. read more

I stumbled across this market one day while heading to the Red Roof for a bite. Wow, I wish I had found this place earlier! What's not obvious from the typical-looking market on the outside is the huge selection of organics and other healthy foods that you typically find in the larger chains like Whole Foods and Choices. Even better, they don't try to gouge your wallet like the other two do when trying to buy more premium quality groceries. The market is actually quite large inside. Because they try to use every bit of space to maximize the large amount of selection they have, it does get tight especially when it gets crowded with people. Likewise, the wait times at the cashiers can be a bit longer than what's typical. However, if you go there with these in mind then you'll be just fine. Parking, as many have said, can be a premium especially with the number of good eats in the area though I've never had to park more than a block or two away. A must go if you're into organics and want to save a few dollars. read more

This is my go-to market for most of basic food needs and it does a pretty good job all-around. It's a nice size, though the aisles can get a bit tight on a Sunday. But whatever, is that really a big deal in the grand scheme of things? Overall their selection is pretty good and their fruits and veggies are usually not bad. Decent little meat section too. As for the employees, they are either super-nice and pleasant (usually at the checkout) or if you talk to to a shelf-stocker their English is, well, usually terrible. You gotta find that eggplant on your own my friend! Adds to its charm I figure. read more

From first glance of Donald's market, it isn't like Whole Foods and Urban Fare with the luxurious set up, but a no frills small neighborhood grocery store that's packed with a huge selection of organic and non organic produce. Prices were unbeatable too.. $1 for regular kale and $2.50 for organic kale! I was impressed by the wide variety of specialty foods that cater to say, those who are wheat intolerant or vegan. The supermarket is quite cramped as they really try to squeeze in as many things as possible but there is quality in it. For the wallet friendly prices I really don't have anything to complain about. If I lived in the area I would shop here all the time. Staff is down to earth and low key. read more