The first time I shopped here, I was so delighted with the experience that I made up an excuse to return asap...yes, that's right... I actually couldn't wait to go back to the grocery store. To me, it's my "spa" of grocery stores. You walk in, and the atmosphere is calm and pleasant, with classical music playing overhead. No hint of frenzied or harried customers or workers. People mill about calmly, picking fresh delicious produce, giving each other peaceful smiles as they pass, sometimes striking up leisure conversation. There are no lines at the register, there is never a wait. If the lines get longer than 2 people deep, the super friendly and attentive workers will open a new line for you. Before you know it, you are in and out and actually wish you could have stayed longer...and when you step outside, there are only 2 steps to take before you reach your car because parking usually is available right outside along the curb...ahhhh....so wonderful...... when can I come back? read more

Love this place. So local and quality/health/wholesome oriented. I really hope Berkeley continues to support this gem even with Whole Foods coming in. There is room for both! El Cerrito location is wonderful as well. read more

The major advantage that this store offers is Local neighborhood shopping for those who Dont want to trek far. Disadvantage in my experience is that turnover Might not not be quite fast enough to keep Products maximally fresh The major downer here is the customer service Which while generally tolerable ( Berkeley standard So already on the low side) hit an all time low with "Eva" at the cash register today. Seriously folks, no eye contact, no greeting. I did get, " wanna bag?" Which i declined. I actually had to reach over to the cash register Area to get my merchandise after paying for it Since it was too much trouble for Eva to at least Move it to the end of the check out counter Now Eva may have been having a bad day but I'm fortunate that I dont live in the neighborhood. I wont be back, But do some service training so that your customers don't have to put up with this. Thank you read more

I am so impressed with this store -- they feel like family -- I've been shopping there -- what is it now? Nearly thirty years! And it goes both ways -- they treat their customers like old friends as well. Sometimes it feels like they'd go to the ends of the earth to help you out. In their new "deli isle," they're carrying a lot of new items (many priced just how you'd want them to be priced) (I mean, even from family I don't buy an $11 quart of soup). The new Field Fresh and Fresh Kale salads are so fine and delicious that you'll find yourself doing something you really never believed was possible -- you'll be jonesing for salad! They carry Clover brand dairy products which are priced competitively, as are breads from Vital Vittles (and elsewhere), and frozen food (Amy's and others). They have frequent sales and always give a discount if you buy a case. My latest fave product is Pamela's Gluten- (and white flour, of course, and sugar or any of its cousins) -Free Cornbread Mix. Mix it up according to directions except add bananas (to taste) instead of any other sweetener, and mmm-mmm-good (as they used to say). Oh, and they also carry bananas. read more

This is my neighborhood spot and I love to support local businesses when I can but today I got yelled at by the checker because I was putting my grocery items in my personal shopping bag. She told me I'm not suppose to bring in my own bag, which I wasn't aware of since other stores allow it as long as you don't touch their surfaces and do your own bagging, both of which I was doing. When I asked her how I was suppose to know this, she pointed to the employee at the front entrance and said she was suppose to tell me before I entered. The front entrance person then replied that because I went in with a "big group of people", she didn't notice my bag, when the truth is there wasn't a person around when I went in and zero line. Needless to say it's disappointing to be treated that way and I'm not inclined to go back there. read more

Just a hop skip jump away from my home, this is wonderful little natural convenience store with very reasonable hours (9-8pm daily). Small but good selection of bulk goods, raw/ vegan/ gluten free/ organic products, produce, and friendly service, ample bike parking (it's along the Ohlone greenway), and even a large-ish selection of body and other natural home products. I like to grab a coconut covered almond-stuffed date from the bulk bin as a snack during my walk home from work, personally. Not as affordable as Berkeley Bowl or Monterey Market but the proximity does the trick for me. read more

Very nice independent natural grocery store. Efficient use of space means this place packs quite a few goodies into an outwardly-deceiving storefront. LOADS of local, organic, vegan, allergy-friendly selections. Also a healthy amount of vitamins, supplements, and body care items. Will definitely revisit next time I need a healthy snack, or bring my icechest from the valley read more

I am so grateful this sweet place exists. Great selection, kind and helpful folks working there (one produce person in particular has hipped me to a lot of cool new produce and to what's most in season, etc), good flow to the layout, and a pleasant vibe that permeates the space. Thanks to everyone there! read more

While the produce is much more expensive than you might find at a farmers market, I really appreciate Natural Grocery's selection of organic fruits and veggies. Granted the selection is not as big as that of Berkeley Bowl, but it takes like 5 hours to locate all the veggies I need at the Bowl, but at Natural Grocery, I can get everything I need and get out in 10 minutes. Natural Grocery also has a great selection of harsh-chemical-free bath and self-care products. Basically, the reason I prefer Natural Grocery to other, larger stores is its convenience. It has everything I need in one small place, so I do not feel overwhelmed when I walk in. And the people who work there are very nice. read more

This place is small, but nice and the store manager was very helpful. Some items they carry can be found for less at Whole Foods (like the Annie's frozen food stuff), but overall it's a good little place. They bulk therapeutic doses of acidophilus but they did have individual doses, which are helpful in a bind and better than I have found at other stores. read more

This is a sweet little grocery store offering mostly organic produce. Extensive supplement / medicine section. Prices on certain items are noticeably higher compared to Berkeley Bowl or Whole Foods. But hey, this place is conveniently located in a mostly residential area. Employees are always friendly, helpful, and happy to open up a new check-out lane if there is even the slightest line. Thank you! read more

Visited the store for the first time today. Was motivated by the proximity to my apartment, the boasting of all an all organic produce section, and a coupon from the most current Eco-Metro guide for special Eco-metro free item of the month. Andronico's and Mi Tierra are both a lot closer to my apartment, but the limited organic offerings in both places have left my boyfriend and I looking for a market closer than our usual stomping ground, Berkeley Bowl, but with a decent selection. I was surprised by how small it was, but also by how efficient the space was used. The produce was all organic as promised, but a little more pricier for several items. The selection was nothing compared to BB, but we were only picking up a few items for dinner, so it was fine. We were able to get some organic spring salad mix (which tasted much fresher than the stuff we usually get from Andronico's), an Acme baguette, and some free-range chicken breast (from a very very limited refrigerated meat section), and a few pears. It also turned out that the Eco-metro free item of the month was a bottle of Vitamin D3 (normally priced at around $8) and considering the guide itself was only $15, it half paid for itself! The selection of organic produce was impressive for the size of the store, and I would come back if we needed some quick and close items for dinner. For any more heavy duty shopping that requires more selection, I would probably stick with Berkeley Bowl or Whole Foods. But Berkeley Natural Grocery was a nice break from my neighborhood's overpriced and low quality Andronico's. read more

I love this place. The only thing that made it lose a star is the overpriced produce. The store is really small, but they fit in most everything you need. It's all organic I think, and the cashiers are super nice. A great neighborhood place to grab a snack, pick up a few things, or get a few specialty natural foods. They also manage to fit in a good bath/body/supplement section! Basically, only a few parking spots on the street - probably impossible at rush times, but easy at off times. read more

Natural Grocery is close, it's convenient, and they've got a decent produce and ready-made food sections (the prices on the latter are pretty good). The selection obviously isn't as good as larger nearby grocery stores, but if you're close by you can't beat it. read more

The selection of organic and healthy food is great, prices are above average but fair, but they can do something about improving customer service. Cashier didn't want to lift my bottle of water from pre-paid side of cash register to paid side and asked me to do it myself. Didn't offer to hold the canvas bag open while I struggled with trying to do that. Shouldn't hire people as cashiers who can't lift about 10 pounds. read more

I love this store so much! It's small, yes, but it has nearly everything I need and it feels intimate and sweet. All organic, so I don't need to root around to find the organic stuff that I want. Very helpful clerks, too. I go every week, any time I can't get to the farmer's market. read more

I LOVE IT. I make special trips to go to Berkeley Natural Grocery. Because... they have Amy's Cheese Pizza Toaster Pops (which are like those toaster strudel things but CHEESE PIZZA STYLE for your all day cravings). And because they have sliced chicken breast! It's damn hard to find chicken lunch meat that's not Oscar Mayer or some crap like that. Damn hard! But Berkeley Natural Grocery has it in spades. The prices are a bit higher on somethings, but it balances out because the quality is superb. I find myself wandering the aisles, wanting to fill my basket with more awesome things that I would never, ever eat and don't know how to prepare in the first place. And they have one of those honey dispensing things that's amazingly awesome. read more

I go here at least once a week for their kefir and SunRidge Raspberry Crunch Granola. I like that they have organic Meyer lemons, Niman Ranch meats and Diestel Family Turkeys. Their selection is excellent for such a small store. They have 100% buckwheat noodles, a store magazine, vitamins/food supplements, and "natural" shampoos, soaps, cosmetics, etc. 5 stars for the folks who work this store, especially when compared to the El Cerrito Branch of this micro-mini chain of 2 stores. read more

I think this is a great alternative to Whole Foods, otherwise known as Whole Paycheck. They may not be as big, but they have just about everything you need. For the most part, anyway. They have fresh fruits and veggies (mostly, if not all, organic), bulk items, vitamins, beauty items, and they even have meat. I love a good natural food store that isn't constantly crowded. read more

Although I've shopped here for years, I have to be honest and give only 3 stars, while years ago I may have given 4 or 5. Pluses for me about the store: Mostly friendly service, although I often find it hard to track someone down who isn't busy at the register, when I have a question. I have to ask one of the checkers while they are busy, and then wait for someone else who is available, to emerge from the back of the store. It's such a tiny store and there are several staffers, so that has struck me as odd and a tad annoying, because it happens often. I usually shop late afternoon and evening though, so perhaps service is more attentive in the earlier part of the day? There are a couple of the women staffers who could be a bit more patient and friendly, but otherwise - okay. The store is immaculate, even the restroom, which they make available to customers - very cool - and the store is airy and light. I like how they have a tiny playhouse for children, and tiny shopping carts for them. The family-feeling of the store is very nice. They have a very nice selection of organic bulk items, and this is what I mostly shop here for. The quality is high, and they are always fresh. They are open until 8pm, 7 days a week, which is very cool, and a real help for those nights I get out of work late. Minuses for me about the store: There is a lot I would prefer to purchase here but cannot, because of the exorbitant pricing. For those items - all fruit, some greens and other vegetables, nut butters, oils, vegan butters, frozen foods, juices, canned goods, personal care items, vitamins, and some snacks, I must go either to Trader Joe's, Monterey Market, or even drive across town to Berkeley Bowl West, to avoid paying the double or triple prices at BNG. This is a major drag for me, because I live just a 5 minute drive from BNG and drive by the store on Gilman in my daily travels, so I'd love to be able to afford more of the items they sell here. I'd rather give my money to BNG than Trader Joe's or Berkeley Bowl West, but would go broke a lot quicker if I bought more of those items here. It just seems that every month or so, several items that I've always bought here keep getting more and more pricey, while I don't see the same frequency of pricing increases at some of the other stores. I am vegan and as I eat mostly produce, I have to get most of that produce from Monterey Market, which has the same quality, and organic, but for a lot cheaper, and they are just a few minutes away. Sorry BMG folks, but I'm on a fixed income! *I love that they carry the Newman's Own Organic Black Tea, which other nearby stores do not carry. I love this tea, it's actually fairly priced here (PLEASE don't raise the price!!) and since I'm a daily black tea drinker, I love being able to find it here. *Parking is a pain in the neck, because they are located on very busy Gilman Ave, which is great for business, but a nuisance for parking. You sometimes take your life in your hands just getting in or out of your car if you park right on Gilman, and often people are very rude and reckless as they wait for you to back into a space. If you park on the tiny side street or can find a space in the garage lot after hours, you're in better luck. read more

This is a great independent natural foods store, a real natural foods store as opposed to Whole Paycheck which is all about prepared foods. It even has that weird natural foods store smell. It's full of old time Berkeley grey hairs. There is a broad selection of items: I saw sprouters, organic cotten socks, thermoses, odd brands of sprouted grain breads. They have meat but it's wrapped in brown butcher paper and sold in a refrigerated case by the yogurt and butter. The store is out of the way but if' you're in North Berkeley it'd be worth to combine with a trip to the Monterey Market. read more

Although expensive and small, I have been surprised that I can find most of what I need here. On those nights I have ventured out in search of baking cups, taco shells, or some such item, I have always been able to find it somewhere on the crowded shelves. They are open on Sundays and a few hours later than the Monterey Market shops up the street, which is really the only time I venture over to the BNG. Their meat selection is top quality though and it's a good stop for a few items for dinner. The no cell phone policy in the store is a big too hippie for my lifestyle but given that I only venture there once or twice a month, it's tolerable. read more

BNG is a local natural grocery that has been around since the early 1990s (and probably before that as well). Its products have been of consistently high quality, and of course prices reflect that quality. On the other hand, a head of organic lettuce from BNG will be about the same as at Monterey Market or Berkeley Bowl. From the bulk area to dairy to vitamins and veggies, it's a great place to pick up organic and sustainable food while supporting a local business. read more

I am so happy to have this as my neighborhood store. Even though Whole Foods moved in down the street, I much prefer shopping here. It has lots and lots of good food, great produce almost all organic, really nice, efficient staff, and if there are more than 2-3 people in line they quickly open up another register. And they've just expanded their hours so now they're open 8:30-8:30! read more

I have shopped at health food stores since I was 16 years old, and this (and the El Cerrito Natural Grocery location) are my all time favorites !!! ALL of their produce is fresh and ORGANIC, and when I say ALL, I mean ALL !!!! They pack the little store with wall to wall healthy goodness, you can pretty much get all your needs for wonderful healthy food taken care of and never have to go to a big store (if you don't want to). There is always easy parking AND the staff is wonderful, sweet, helpful and personal...it feels like a piece of the mom and pop universe where you can actually get to know the people you buy your food from and feel like you are contributing your money to something good in this world ! read more

A good, little local store, with equal parts produce, processed goods, fridge/freezer items, and health/beauty supplies. The produce is both pretty expensive and not always top-notch. Depending on how you live, it could either be your main store or the extra items/occasional store. I'd probably only recommend going here if you live or pass by within about 2 or so miles from here. read more

This is a great small grocery store. They do have limited space, so their variety is somewhat limited. However, the items they do carry are reasonably priced. I love their bulk grains aisle, and I haven't been disappointed with any of their refrigerated or frozen items. The packaged items are more expensive than the grains aisle, so I avoided them when I could. The people are great and whenever someone walks by in the store, they ask if I need help. I haven't been in a check-out line there with more than three people waiting... they have always opened another register. Good shop, but I would rather go to Berkeley Bowl for the large shopping trips. This store is within walking distance, so I usually shop here. read more

I am very impressed with this store and its commitment to organic and non-GMO food and vitamins. Most of my favorite brands are there (Nature's Path, Alvarado St bread, OCHO chocolates, etc.), and I can tell that they really research the products they carry. Even though it's farther from our house than Berkeley Bowl, we may make this our go-to store. Thank you for carrying so many GMO-free products! read more

Price is normal, and good variety of bulk foods (bring your own bags). Most people working there are really awesome and helpful except for the one lady (asian, black hair, not chunky but almost, 30's) who forgot what smiles are. She's just not a good customer service kind of person. Be better. read more

Great selection of quality, organic foods at reasonable cost (better than Andronico's at least!) I really appreciate this rare bay area experience of grocery shopping in a pleasant, non-stressful environment, with very friendly staff. I'm happy to support this local business. read more

I find the staff to be brainless and always in the way, blocking the narrow lanes while chatting with each other or stocking shelves. They don't have any sense of space so you are constantly having to maneuver around the plentiful staff. Last time I was there I failed to clear a big heavy produce cart that was blocking the space next to the produce and banged my finger on the cart while the staffer seemed to be daydreaming. I was pretty irritated. It kind of messed up my day. After the nth time I've left that store upset , I finally realized the solution: I won't go there anymore. So its goodbye Tom and Michael and goodbye to a store I loved through its many incarnations(anyone remember when it was called Westbrae Natural Foods?) Also, almost no gluten free alternatives there. Now I realize these are my issues and this is a rant that won't seem politically correct or groovy to most others. And yes, I have spoken to the "manager" who responded with a blank stare. I find Trader Joe's to be a much more pleasant shopping experience. Even the crowded Monterey Market is pleasant by comparison; if you survive getting through the parking lot you've got it made in the shade. Gail P. read more

We were here looking for Coffee Conscious to buy some loose leaf tea, but we were 10 minutes too late and the store was closed! Then we saw this Berkeley Natural Grocery Company ahead of us and thought, what the heck, why not, since we were here already. Walked in, and was very happy that we came here!! Small but all-inclusive, with a wide range of organic, fair trade products ranging from fresh fruits and veggies, to organic shampoo and skin care, to homeopathic herbal medicine and vitamins. Very pricey though, so you gotta come here with a FAT WALLET. So for us, we had to be real selective since we're far from being filthy rich... But it was still a satisfying experience. I mean, there are so many high-quality eco-conscious products to choose from! For skin care products like moisturizers, they also provide free SAMPLES, so I was busy trying out one after another before deciding which one to buy. That killed us some time. Overall, I was pretty impressed! Only wished I was more loaded with cash. Sometimes in this crazy twisted corporate world, being ecological requires money. Irony aside, I like this place! The neighborhood vibe was lazy and cozy, and parking isn't hard to find either. read more

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A nice little store, very clean, now with a small playhouse for the kids to pass the time while you seek out a homeopathic solution for whatever problem happens to ail you. Prices are not too bad, and they are certainly not out to gut your pocketbook like Whole Foods would. Good, organic produce, and a wide selection of herbals and vitamins. They carry a few hard-to-find items like organic blackstrap molasses and organic virgin coconut oil. read more

This is a convenience store that only sells stuff that is good for you. The produce is excellent. It's always clean. And the service is impeccable. read more

This place is the perfect antidote for Whole Foods. Michael and Rick, the managers, are the nicest guys!

This is a must for my weekly shopping. If you are interested in wholesome, wholegrain, vegan, vegetarian foods and alternatives then this is the place to shop. I buy all my baby food here, whole wheat and buckwheat noodles, acidophilus, and tofu alternatives. I love this place, although the veggies are a tad expensive, I alternate between buying them at this store and Monterrey Market during the week. A great place to buy, soy yogurt, soy ice cream, natural pumpkin and cheese tamales, and free range chicken. The selection is rather large for true naturally unprocessed foods and organic groceries. A little pricey for groceries but well worth it to contribute and help bay area farmers while keeping my family healthy. If you are looking for a quick junk food fix, there are also many healthy alternatives to sway you from such bad temptations. read more

Another one of my favorite places! I only buy organic and their selection is very good, for a small store. I supplement with trips to the Farmer's Market. Their meat is also very good, but my favorite is the bulk food aisle. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Bottom line: worth the extra money. read more

I am a business owner in the same neighborhood as The Natural Grocery Company so I have gone there innumerable times over many years. I don't know why I haven't reviewed them before. First, I love to support local small business as I am the same. I guess you could say it is what we used to call a "health food store". Most of their produce is organic. They carry packaged natural foods of every kind, fresh dairy products, fresh baked bread, a huge variety of dietary supplements. But what really makes it worth it, is the people. The staff, most of whom have been there for many years, are all friendly, personable, knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile to help. When Whole Foods opened a giant store less that a mile away, I was concerned for them, but after a brief small dip, they are holding their own. This is a testimonial to how loyal their customers are for the reasons stated above. It's a real Berkeley store too.I has that vibe. Thanks Corey and all for doing your best. read more

In my opinion the best natural foods store in Berkeley. Much better than Whole Foods or Berkeley Bowl. The produce is tops, always fresh, all organic, local stuff. And the managers (Rick and Michael) are engaging and friendly. They are the kind of guys who care about where all the store products come from and know many of the customer's names. And I trust them to source good organic brands (so I don't have to worry about it as much). My favorite things in this store: the watermelons and strawberries (in season), the bulk dried fruit, the cheese and yogurt section, and the bulk organic coffee. And they have a selection of grass-fed, free-range, and organic meat too...which is good, otherwise I'd have to also shop elsewhere for meat. And lots of supplements in that department. My favorite food store in Berkeley, and I've lived here 10 years. read more

I love this small grocery store with mostly organic products at a reasonable cost. They have everything you need in a small space. The produce is excellent. When you buy fruit here, it always tastes good - as if they pass a tasting test before they are put out for sale. They also offer a great selection of bulk items - from nuts and rice to flour and oats. They offer a great selection of milk and alternative (non dairy) products in their refrigerator cases and some food you can eat on the go. They also sell basic household products like dish soap, toothpaste, shampoos, vitamins, etc. The staff are super friendly too. You can park your bike on the racks out front, or if you drive, there is street parking. read more