Walking into Earth Origins in Ocala feels less like entering a grocery store and more like stepping back 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. read more

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I was meaning to stop here for months after moving to the area and finally made myself go during an errand 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. read more

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I've shopped at Earth Origins since it opened. The WHOLE time, I've found the produce fresh, the shelves well stocked and the employees very knowledgeable. This is a refreshing way to do business!!! read more

Excellent new sushi bar. It replaced the juice bar. Nice and fresh and inventive. This is my favorite organic market in Ocala. read more

Earth Origins Market - Fresh sushi. Specials on Friday. - Grocery Near Me - Ocala, Florida

They are always well stocked. Discounts on Tuesdays. They offer friendly service. I have been a regular patron for 3 years.

Great staff especially Crystal. She is so sweet and knows the store well. The hot bar is good. They have the best soups in Florida. I love the dine in area. Their point system is great. The vitamins have a great selection. read more

excellent, price in organic products are good and food is delicious, ahh the service outstanding !! I love it! read more

BERRY ACAI BOWL. GREAT LUNCH. Not just a health food grocery store... they have wonderful hot and cold food, smoothies, and açaí bowls. Love it here! read more

Their staff is amazing and love their Great selection of soups and salad bar. The pro live bars are my favorite and rewards program is easy and frequently get automatic discounts. read more

This is as good as it's gonna get in Ocala if you're looking for organic, all-natural foods, supplements and hygiene/cosmetic products. I'll bet that this is the biggest faux and free-range meat selection in the immediate area. But a good majority of the items are so overpriced that they make Whole Foods look like a bargain. However, there are a few reasonably priced items, and even more that I had never seen before, including a variety of gluten-free products. It's very much worth a browse for veg*ns. If you need something in a pinch, Earth Origins will do, but ordering online will stretch your dollars a lot further. read more

Earth Origins Market - Oh yeah...vegan food in Ocala - Grocery Near Me - Ocala, Florida

I haven't been here for a few years when it was Mother Earth. It had great food then and even greater now! The variety of products is over whelming, there's so many. There's an organic soup & salad bar and a hot meal & deli dept. and you can just take your purchase to a cool seat by the window and pig out there! Organic produce, nuts, packaged snacks and pretty much any other food product. Their frozen dept. is mouth watering. Then you have the natural cosmetics, vitamins, supplements, etc. The staff here is really helpful and knowledgeable also. Lydia has been there 12 years. We're so lucky to have such a great natural store here in town. read more

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They have great customer service. The lady in the vitamin Department not only is knowledgeable about different types of vitamins and minerals but is knowledgeable with the companies that they buy the vitamins from. They have a pretty good selection for a little store. read more

I came in Sunday and ordered Green Machine really haven't had an issue but today I got sick literally and I just don't know

I've been a customer for 15 years and find this store offers an array of healthy foods at good prices. When I'm in the neighborhood I always stop in to see what has been marked down to an even better price. I recently bought a pound of organic ground beef and enjoyed the best tasting hamburger I'd ever had -no fooling. I'll be buying that product again. I appreciate Charity's expansive knowledge of natural healing for what to use for what ailment. The staff is friendly and helpful if needed. So Tuesdays is sometimes pretty busy but the line usually moves right along. I'm glad they're busy, that means they will be there serving the east side of Ocala for many years to come. read more

Considering that there are very few healthy places to eat in town, Mother Earth has stepped up to provide a beneficial alternative to Subway. They have added a buffet and fresh juice bar. Being partly an LA girl, I have to say their juice bar is just as good as anything we have out here. I appreciate that they're an alternative health, organic voice, whatever you want to call it, to a community where it's desperately needed. They have a reasonable range of products and foods, although the produce could be better. Although, there probably aren't a whole lot of options for organic produce in the area as of yet. It's my favorite place to go when I'm home. I like to dump as much money as I can into places like this, considering that Wal-Mart has basically taken over. Bravo, Mother Earth! read more

Don't even BOTHER going here, unless you want OLD items, that are so dusty, you have to wipe them off to read the label, ALSO......the shelves are stocked so thin, there is like 6"-12" between each type of item. you can TELL they do not turn around their products often at all (if at all in year!) I was so anxious for a place that had great healthy food and options, and this place just creeped me right out, I was AFRAID to buy anything! I KNOW their is not much around, but you would be best served by ordering online from some reputable store. read more

There is alot to say about the customer service or should I say lack of. It is Not a pleasure to shop there. People in the meat department especially, are very rude. I'll not go back. read more

This was the frist place I knew that had other flavors of Luna bars now when I go there I always go with the bison jerky so yummy!!! read more

Earth Origins Market - Bison jerky so yummy!! ^_^ - Grocery Near Me - Ocala, Florida

I live near Lady Lake and I make the drive to Earth Fare once a month to stock up on our meats. They have great prices on quality grass fed beef. I won't go anywhere else for my meat! We love this store. Just wish they'd open another location. read more

Mother Earth Market has an extensive selection of herbs, bulk items, and groceries. The produce is often a bit past its prime, and as all health food stores, the prices aren't cheap. Criticisms of the store: many of their herbal products don't seem to be grouped too logically. I had trouble finding a couple of items I was looking for. Kudos: They are open 7 days a week, and offer a 10% discount on everything on Tuesdays. Because of this, Tuesdays are often crowded, and the selection can be a bit picked over if you don't arrive early. The staff is friendly, and there are plenty of them to offer assistance if you have a question. Now, what I REALLY want to write about is the refrigerator case. They have some homemade sandwiches which are just plain great! I have tried the Veggie Crunch Roll-Up and the Garden Veggie Tofu Sandwich. Both are wrap-type sandwiches and are really fantastic! I know, some of you are saying "Ewwww, tofu!". Seriously, give them a try. Both were fresh and delicious, a welcome change of flavor and made of healthy ingredients. I'd recommend picking one up for lunch. (I found that saving half until the next day made them a little soggy though). For $5.99 I thought the sandwiches were well worth the drive, but I also recommend the dried goods, personal care products, and freezer sections. read more

They have a good selection of stuff and a rewards card. I love the organic vegetables

Great little matket the deli is amazing the meat counter is mouth watering on a tsunami level, i just wish i was on that side of town more.

The people who work in the hot food/juice area are fantastic - super friendly and helpful. I've also had good experiences with people helping me find things. But here's the big problem, the checkout situation is so bad it takes them from four starts down to two. So slow that I would give anything to be able to ring the crap up myself and they can't even smile or say hello while I watch them run items at a pa e so slow that I feel like nurse Ratchett must be in the building somewhere. It has been this way for as long as I can recall. Get it together. Earth Fare will be here in June with an even bigger selection. I don't mean to be nasty and I'll come back and take this down if they ever fix the situation read more

We love this store. It has wonderful products and a great cold deli section. I'm writing this review in hopes someone who runs this establishment will see it because the hot deli is the most unhealthy I've observed for a health food store. I say this because over 50% of the prepared hot foods in the deli are covered with cow's cheese. Not only is this extremely fattening but what limited choices for us allergic to milk not to mention those who are lactose intolerant. read more

Well stocked and excellent selections. Only thing I have to complain about is they ran out of B Complex chewables and didn't seem to re order them. And they don't have Shepherds Pie by Blake anymore which was my favorite. They have an excellent gluten free selection and the deli has some great eggless egg salad. Overall a great place to go. read more

I come here about once a month. I like their organic produce section. The wide variety of dry goods and frozen health food is nice too. Also, if you're hungry and don't have time to cook they have a huge buffet of precooked food, soups and salads. Yum!!! read more

Love the products it's a good thing they don't have competition the entire staff is incompetent words can't express the lack of customer service and knowledge of what's in the store how they stay in business I don't know. read more

Considering its the only health food store in town its pretty good. They got produce and a deli and lots of neat stuff you can't buy anywhere else. Unfortunately its a little pricey- most health food stores are though. read more

I give Earth Origins five stars because I think it does a great job displaying and categorizing colorful food packages that make the people shop there feel like they are very healthy. One reviewer mentioned there was a lot of dust on the packages of food and that they were old her name was Missy. Well Missy I noticed there was Brain Feed available for only $51 in a very organic looking container with very vegan looking colors on it. Maybe you should purchase the Brain Feed and take all of it at once. Perhaps afterwards you can burn incense while sitting on your hemp rug in the living room, in a meditative position preferably, and contemplate the reason why the dust is covering all of these sought after products. Another solution would be taking the $51 and purchase a book on physical fitness. Inside you will most likely find out what everyone does to actually become healthy other than believing Earth Origins and the appropriately packaged, recycled, lead free, nutrient free, make you look like you have zero muscle mass, perhaps I am an alien physique. Brittle bones, hair falling out of your head and not having the ability to move your own couch is not the apex of health. I think Earth Origins is doing a great job of making people believe they are healthy. Keep up the good work! read more

Impressive for what I was expecting good selection and variety though of course not what I'm used to in big cities

First visit, seriously limited produce. At the minuscule deli counter, after waiting 10 minutes for the clerk to make one sandwich for the guy in front of me, I asked if he could call someone to help. He told me the other clerk that was supposed to be there was in the bathroom. The clerk was still making the one sandwich when I left after wasting 15 minutes there. A reminder, not meant to be condescending, just a reminder. Organic and/or all natural does not mean healthy. I was reminded of this when I was in the checkout line and the clerk and a woman were avidly discussing agave and how much they love it. That's cool, but agave is bad for you, it damages the liver or kidneys (google it). Peer reviewed studies and health professionals have been commenting on that for years now. Kind of funny, when I mentioned that to the two women, the clerk went silent. The customer said she actually knew that. So she knowingly eats it. Prices are outrageous. I saw several items you can get at local Publix at 30%-50% less. read more

Ocala is not Vegan friendly, for starters. I am updating my review for this market based on several visits in 10 months. They do not carry nutritional yeast (WTF). Fresh veggie selection is minimal, bulk items in bins lack variety. I have slowly asked Publix to carry some staple items I use because for me it's not worth the 20 minute drive to get basic things. If I want a real variety for Vegan cooking I have to drive 20 miles to The Villages. I really miss Pinellas County, but need to live here for my horse right now. read more

Yes it's the only show on the road of it's type. But, I would say don't buy any perishables here. The produce is half dead and definitely don't buy anything out of their freezer. Yesterday was the last attempt for me: I bought a box of frozen chocolate soy sandwiches. They looked like they'd been defrosted and refrozen a few time over, discolored, disgusting. For that I paid $5. I don't have time to run back to stores for exchanges. The dates on their boxed foods are often past deadline. For other stuff, definitely if it's lotion, shampoo, natural type products. read more

I can definitely up my previous review from four to five stars. Today's experience with Gabby, Andrew an Lisha was fabulous! Like Josie, they were eager to be of assistance with awesome attitudes. They each were a wealth of information. I loved how they interacted with other customers. I felt so welcome and plan on coming back for future purchases. Along with wonderful organic products, when you have staff members like these people, it's a winning combination! read more

For a health food supermarket, it's a big let down. There is a very small produce section & about half the store is supplements. Prices are Whole Foods high but without the selection. I'll be driving to Gainesville to go to Trader Joe's in the future. read more

Just moved to Ocala and so happy to have a local mid sized health food store closely! After living in the middle of nowhere for 7 years this is a real luxury. Some of the prices are high but if you shop of Tuesdays EVERYTHING IS 10% off! Plus it helps that I mostly only buy what is on sale that week. They have amazing smoothies at a great price. When I really want to treat myself I buy something hot and vegan from the deli section. I go every week and love this store! read more

I had my doubts when the local organic grocery store was taken over by Earth Origins Market, but I am a believer now. They did a makeover on the store that made it look more inviting. The way they rearrange the products was a bit of a shock, but it just makes sense. They are a bit pricey, but Tuesdays are 10% off days and they have discounted items on a regular basis. My favorite part is the gluten free section. There is a good selection for those of us who are gluten sensitive. My only complaint is that it is often difficult to find someone to help you with a purchase or a look up. read more

I shop in earth origins all the time and I'm very pleased with their supplements and etc the people are nice . They have good food and drinks read more

I shop at Mother Earth to get things I can't get at other stores that are organic. I have a big complaint. #1 I personally saw a worker get celery off the shelf, take it back to the bar and not wash it. He started making juice with it. #2 I personally ordered juice with cucumber and the girl went and got the cucumber off the shelf with all the other veggies on display. I saw that she did not wash the cumber. I called her out on that and she gave me an attitude about it. I'm sick of these stores that do not use gloves, or wash thier hands. Example: my mom just had a knee replacement. The nurse comes in to change the bandage and does not have gloves on. He acted offended when she asked him to put on gloves. Now 2 days later we find out that MOM has a highly infections disease calld C-diff. C-diff can kill come people. It is transfered by hands and is not to be taken lightly. People that don't use gloves or wash their hands are plain out LAZY. They need to be fired. I am so sick of seeing this behavior all over Ocala, from Publix to many other stores. Wake up Ocala. read more

This place is outrageous! Just because it reads organic on the label, does not mean you have to charge sky high prices! Ridiculous place. The staff is rude and do not know anything when you ask about a product. The deli counter is minuscule and there is always a line and only one person serving customers. They can charge these prices because they are the only ones claiming to be good. I truly hope another business opens up in this horrible town... read more