cambridge naturals is one of my favorite stores and i've only been once! it's filled with all natural products, from herbs & teas to grocery items to supplements, to home goods, cleaning products, pet products, beauty products and more! i was searching for supplements and there was a gentleman who seemed to know what he was looking for beside me, and i asked him for advice on some products. he took the time to explain a few benefits of certain products, and he was so kind! then we introduced ourselves, and it turned out, it was michael, the co-founder of cambridge naturals! what a pleasure, he showed me a picture of himself & his wife from 1974 when they started the store. i could tell he knew what he was doing when he was searching for supplements. i spent a good amount of time in here, and they have so many amazing products. i found the staff to be super helpful and if you're interested in natural and local health conscious products, cambridge naturals is the place to be. read more

See all

Pleasant place, but RIDICULOUSLY EXPENSIVE. A bottle of apple cider vinegar is 8 bucks. A couple of doors down, you can get the identical brand at the supermarket for about 2 bucks. Dubious medicinal cures. All the foods are overpriced. Placebo medicine.Everything is so appealing till you look at the price tag. The jury's still out on cannabis gummies. The staff do answer questions but no one there is medically trained. In the 20th century and beyond, many lives have been saved by Western medicine. It just screams Cantabridgian "privilege." read more

Over-priced & often poor service I like the selection. I like that this kind of store is in Porter. I like Zing Cafe next door. But customer service is wildly hit or miss, and recently, I've had some truly awful and exhausting experiences here. Dismissive and unhelpful, or non-listening anxiously judgmental to borderline antagonistic. This is 1-2 people vs a broad experience, but keeping 1-2 bad apples is enough to ruin the whole place And tbh everything this store sells you can get on Amazon (and I am loathe to say that) for 20% cheaper. Sans insults and frustration. read more

Cute all natural style store with bulk buy herbs and spices, kombucha and seltzer drinks, organic makeup and oils/essence, and even non alcoholic mixers/drinks. Everyone's nice and helpful read more

I've been to Cambridge Naturals quite a few times prior to the pandemic, but today was my first day back in a while for some non-DEET bug spray and SPF lip balm. There were a few options for both, and they were an easy snag. The staff was also helpful for answering some questions I had about the bug spray (gotta get those mosquitoes plus ticks!). Higher prices for some of these products, but I'd rather come here than Whole Foods or order on Amazon. Even though many covid restrictions have lifted in MA, CN -- like many stores -- still require masks as of early June 2021. They also have ample hand sanitizer and ask that people use it before browsing. I had my shopping list and went in and out,l this time, but in the past I've also bought toothpaste, deodorant, reusable bags, and their delicious roasted cashews. I'll be back! read more

Cambridge Naturals - Couldn't resist their cashews! Plus SPF lip balm and tick/mosquito bug spray. / June 2021 - Health Markets Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

This place is amazing! They have so many different bulk spice and tea to choose from including some of the ones that are difficult to find! This is the place to discovery all the different products. Among the vast variety of spices and teas, they also sell chocolate, and natural household products at great prices. I also bought kombucha but got to try some of the different flavors before buying. Comes in a super cute glass bottle. The staff are not very knowledge, basic knowledge, they're more like stockers, occasionally you'll come across one person who is knowledgeable. There is free parking in the plaza which is a huge plus given how expensive parking is in Boston. read more

Great place to find alternative herbs and medicinals. A little expensive but the options are quality and the staff is knowledgeable.

Some of your comments are funny. I LOVE THIS SHOP! I've felt welcomed, and I have never felt chastised! As a person of color, most of Boston gave me the cold shoulder. But, shopping here, I've felt nothing but love and support. I don't live in this part of town, but I will take the T for a long train ride to shop here instead of Whole Foods. I love the ambiance and would instead support a smaller location shop than a giant corporation. And prices could be a bit pricey, but hey, welcome to inflation and also a small corner shop. They tend to upcharge more than larger retailers for a reason. But they have my support! Great selection and kind customer service! read more

This place wears me out. I brought my own empty bag. I carried it around and put the items that I wanted into it as I moved around the store. I got the feeling someone was watching me, which is fine, since this could have been seen as the lead up to shoplifting. When I walked up to the register and took all of the items out, placing them on the counter, and showing the completely empty bag, I was told (politely but firmly) to please not use my own bag for things I was buying. The clerk said store policy required that I use a basket to shop. Until someone there can assure me that each of the shopping baskets is wiped down after each use, especially the handles, I will not be using their baskets. Next, I paid with a chip credit card and STILL had to use the nasty magnetic "pen" attached to the chip reader to complete the transaction. (Credit card machine software can be programmed to skip signatures based on sale amount.) Given that many people have complained about the no-refunds policy, having a scribble on a machine serves no purpose except for germ transmission between customers. The deep irony is that the clerk was wearing a mask, but "store policy" requires customers to touch handles and credit card machines. And it's not even the first time I've been chastised there. Can't even remember what I did wrong last time. Maybe standing in the wrong line during COVID. But I'm done. Tired of feeling like a kid in Catholic school by the Cambridge Naturals Nuns. If Whole Foods doesn't have it, guess I don't need it. read more

Not accepting returns - even for an unopened item that someone is allergic to They're overpriced & pretentious. Don't fool yourself into thinking you're supporting "small local business" They have a horrible track record with how they treat their workers as well. Spend your $ elsewhere, I feel better ordering from Amazon and that says it all. read more

I've lived in Cambridge 10 years and just visited this place for the first time today. Incredible store chock full of so many wonderful homeopathic, natural products, supplements, teas, spices, skincare and more. The staff is very knowledgeable and quick to help with any questions you have. The store is very clean, neat and well organized. I will definitely be returning here again. read more

I've been shopping at this store since it opened and recommend it over WF and any other supplement & herbal store in Boston. It's been owned & run by the same couple for 40 yrs & they are good people who care about their staff & customers. If you're buying supplements at WF or online, shop local & buy here instead. You'll become a fan. There's almost always someone very knowledgeable about supplements present. Their proprietary supplements are good & well priced. They have frequent sales on costly products like high end fish oil capsules. Best bulk herbs, + they carry Host Defense's entire line of medicinal mushrooms + homeopathy, cruelty free cosmetics, and quality CBD oil. read more

I went here to get natural herbs - and they had every single one that I needed! You get to decide how much you want to take home, and it shows you how much the price is. Nice ambient store, I recommend! read more

I love this place. I find all my herbs for my teas And I also like the set up they have for you to make your portion you want to buy

great place to find all natural things you just cannot find around boston. Friendly and knowledgeable staff always willing to help you.

Cambridge Naturals was ahead of its time and in the decades since, it has held its own against giants like Amazon and big box discount stores. You can't beat the knowledgeable staff, which is what sets Cambridge Naturals apart from the rest. They carry top-of-the-line products. They maintain a sustainable ethos. The only downside is, I walk in their with a two-item list and walk out with a 10-item bagful. All of my own doing as in between trips, I simply forget how much they have to offer. A wonderful reminder of better days. read more

I was looking for a bulk food store to AVOID plastic. Things are still in plastic, just thick plastic tubs instead of thin plastic bags. Please do better at being plastic free and will return! read more

Such a fun store! Lots of eye candy from natural products to books, make up, and home decor. There are also juices you can buy. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. You can spend an hour in this store and feel like you were there 5 minutes. read more

I don't think the prices are as outrageous as some reviewers have said. This isn't a discount store. It isn't Market Basket. It's the type of place you go when you can't find that specialty item you were looking for at Whole Foods. So, it's okay for Whole Foods to charge above retail price, but any time a local business charges a bit more, people go swarming to Amazon? That isn't fair. Yes, you can buy almost everything in this store for less money online, but if you shop on Amazon, you won't get the personalized customer service you will find at Cambridge Naturals. Every time I come in here, the employees are incredibly helpful and take the time to show me where a product is rather than just pointing me in the right direction. I enjoy the experience of shopping here. I buy a lot of stuff online, but occasionally it's nice to actually look at a product in person before I buy it. This store has found a niche market. They cater to people who don't mind paying a bit more money for hard to find health products and there is no other store like it in the area. Their old location on Mass Ave sold organic foods. When Whole Foods came into existence, they couldn't compete, so now they sell all the stuff you can't find at Whole Foods. They are still catering to Whole Foods customers. I'm not sure what other reviewers are talking about re: the strange vibes in this store or feeling like they are being watched. I go in here at least once every month or two and find the customer service to be attentive, but not obtrusive. read more

This health food store reminds me of health food stores I grew up going to, in a hippie area. I think it's authentic, lol. I always go to get Kiss My Face shave cream- which I super appreciate that they have (though I wish they would carry the squeeze tube). All the food items I've gotten here have been delicious and fresh. It's a good place to discover new products, like Mu Mu Muesli- which I also always go back for. I also like the tea candles made in Vermont. read more

This is an exceptional business. You might not find the bargain basement prices elsewhere, but then you will not find the levels of expertise that this shop offers. They stock products that they have researched and know to be effective. They offer very good advice to the clueless (me). Their policies for employee training, education and benefits exceed industry norms. They are involved as advocates in the larger community on issues of health, environment and business. So yes, you can get some products they sell on Amazon, or Walmart, or whatever. These folks give you the better brands and knowledgeable recommendations. Worth every penny. read more

A beautiful little store that smells really good. If you're an impulse buyer, you may be in trouble. They definitely don't just carry the basics, so you might ended up walking out with a bunch of things you don't really need. Although I sometimes use and make herbal remedies, I take most of the claims with a grain of salt unless I can find a few scientific studies with the same positive results. So I don't end up buying a lot of the remedies here, except for maybe arnica and honey cough syrup. I am a sucker for impulse buying amazing smelling body products so I try to limit myself to a $ amount or not go here too much. The small grocery section has a curated (and yes expensive) feel so if you do decide to get a bar of chocolate or local sea salt you are almost guaranteed that it is good. The bulk herb and tea section is really the reason I go here. It's phenomenal. All the herbs are stored well, so they are really great tasting. Also, you can buy the amount you like unlike in your local grocery store. They also have MEM tea and medicinal herbs in addition to cooking spices. read more

This is a really cute little natural store in cambridge. They carry a very wide variety of fantastic products. I really loved browsing around in here. Unfortunately the prices are utterly atrocious and you can get most of this stuff online for half the price. Fun to browse, but I would definitely make purchases elsewhere. read more

Love this store! It's a mini-spa vaca every time I've come into it! Well stocked shelves with a wide variety of products to select from with a pleasant staff that is happy to serve and knows its inventory. Definitely recommend taking a trip out to this lovely store in this lovely Cambridge area of greater metro Boston. read more

Things they have here that I love: -natural makeup -Putumayo compilations that Newbury Comics doesn't stock -natural shampoos/face wash/shave stuff/etc./etc. -bazillion different kinds of flavored or scented lip balms -bulk teas, including mate -Sigg bottles -cheap green tea incense I previously only found in San Francisco's Japantown -the Keeper/Diva Cup (yay I don't have to order from Canada anymore) -the store smells nice -it's not more expensive than Whole Foods, and it's right next to the Shaw's -friendly people I've seen around town shop here/work here Really this place just reminds me of hippie Austin and makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. read more

What a great place. Lots of healthy items all in one store. I wish they had mini shopping carts because I probably would have purchased more. I found the vegan magic bacon grease here. Only 2 stores in Mass sell it. Also bought some Miyokos vegan cheese. Coconut bacon by phoney baloneys. Cant wait to try everything read more

Cambridge Naturals - Have not tried yet but Ive heard great things about it. - Health Markets Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

See all

What is there not to love about Cambridge Naturals? It always smells good. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful. I've been shopping here for the past decade and the selection of products they carry just keeps getting better. It's become my one stop shop- bulk herbs, tea, they have Counter Culture coffee and those bee's wax wraps (in lieu of plastic wrap). They've also beefed up their cosmetics section, which is great because I'd much rather give Cambridge Naturals my business than have to haul my butt to Boston. They now carry Vapour Beauty (best foundation ever, for makeup haters), Jane Iredale, Ursa Major, Josh Rosebrook, Shamanuti, etc, etc... Oh, and also Boody underwear, which is my husband's favorite thing right now. Don't balk at the prices. Shop local. Yes, you can buy everything cheaper online, but don't you want to support a local brick and mortar store so you can look at these products in person for years to come? read more

Given how some reviewers seemed to have issues with the service, I'll start there. It was excellent. Every employee I encountered was friendly and helpful. I was greeted, was't followed around/hovered over, was asked if I needed help, and the cashier was personable at checkout. So, NO issues on that front, at all. The bulk spices are incredible. Most are organic, and some are local. They have spices that you can't find at Whole Foods. The spice station is organized and spacious, and has everything you need to weigh and label your spices, as well as a salt bowl to keep scoopers clean. It was exactly what I was looking for, and is a highlight of the store. They also have a nice selection of teas, chocolate, hair care, makeup, essential oils, drinks (Kombucha, a favorite), yoga accessories, etc. Many of the prices seemed on par with Whole Foods, or slightly above. But, this is an independent, small store, so prices were to be expected. Wonderful store, and will definitely be a return customer. read more

Without going into great detail, I will say that I pretty much echo the sentiments of previous posters Liz L, Suki S, Julia V. and others. The product range is good, albeit a bit over-priced, but service here is HORRIBLE. I've had the same experiences that others have described: being followed around by staff, not being welcomed to the store or thanked after a purchase, practically begging staff for help, receiving blank and indifferent looks from clerks and managers alike when trying to ask for help, not receiving a phone call from the store as promised when an item I ordered special arrived (only to go into the store and find it on the shelves for purchase). I've had some very recent and particularly unpleasant interactions with some clerks and managers which I won't even bother to go into. Needless to say, the service here stinks. Plain and simple. I have frequented this store for some time and appreciate what it stands for (that is, environmentally and health-wise), but I just can not justify shopping here any more and paying higher prices only to be ignored and insulted. I hope that they will take my POLITE email (with constructive feedback) to heart; something tells me having interacted with the owner before and received the same indifferent service from them, I somehow doubt this. Bye, bye, Cambridge Naturals! It was (sort of?) nice knowin ya. read more

When the hell did this get here? I've been struggling to find parking in Porter Square's Shaws lot since the dawn of time, and I only first noticed the waft of psyllium husks and patchouli emanating betwixt the booze hut and PS Bookstore. Normally, this would dissuade patronage but curiosity got the best of me, and I stepped inside. Beautifully organized, cleaner than a hyperbaric chamber and stocked with all things homeopathic - from kombucha mothers to bulk herbs, cleansing systems to chia flour and all things in between. Refrigerated section is loaded with raw lunches to go and beverages with no processed sugars. Be sure to hit up the loose leaf MEM tea wall, and stock the coffers with blends of whites, oolong, greens, blacks and non-tea herbal infusions. The aluminum scoops stacked in salt buckets have that mad scientist/apothecary do-it-yourself feel. Prices are a bit lofty, as to be expected with these types of specialty stores, but the inventory is unrivaled in completeness and if nothing else, it's a great place to get the interest regarding alternative approaches to health and wellness piqued. Staff is more than happy to answer questions and share their product picks (which are flagged as such on the shelves). Hope my insurance is comprehensive - I'm getting a hippie replacement! Ha. Wordplay. read more

I think this shop's primary product is not healing remedies or anything tangible, but rather warm fuzzy feelings. Everything I ever saw there was suspiciously expensive. Sure, you pay more for Uncle Hippie's All-Natural, which is fine. But let's take something like tea tree oil: you can get it at Trader Joe's for less than half the price. And they have a prominent homeopathy display which they peddle with a a straight face. Water: the new snake oil. read more

First I have to say that in terms of health and recreation, it is a good place to have in the neighborhood: nice choice of natural products and useful items for yoga practice. Not the store with its goods is disappointing, but the people who run this place. It is terribly unpleasant experience to have to deal with them. You are aware of situations when even without saying anything in particular, with all their looks and face expressions some ignorant subjects demonstrate how unappreciated and unwelcome you are in their place, right? Cambridge Naturals is the "hot" spot for these who are desperately looking for this kind of masochistic experience! They will reward you not only with their cold and cynical looks, but also with some very flat and characterless, presumably customer service oriented, comments and phrases. I have visited this store for a few times, and have had the same bitter impression after each visit. They discouraged me not only to ask questions about a particular product or addressing a concern, but even saying a simple "thank you" in appreciation for their services. There was simply nothing to thank for! From now on, because I find this store very useful from the practical point of view and convenient geographically, I will visit it from time to time, but will never ever again talk to these people in a traditional humane manner, but rather communicate with them as a robot, for we are dealing here with machines that are lack of some important human elements and therefore they deserve to be treated as machines! So if you are desperately looking for a place where you can be greeted with ridiculously cynical and hypocritical mugs, easily humiliated by silent mouths, and disrespected by absolutely ignorant bunch of women, feel free to go to this place and satisfy your curiosity! read more

You know, I really wanted to like this place and I would walk by it often while going out to dinner in Porter Square. I finally went in a few weeks back and I wasn't impressed. It's pretty much like the health and body section at Whole Foods. Pretty much the same exact products and just as over priced. I guess what I was expecting was a place with less commercial products and more "homemade" small company type of natural products like the African shops in Boston that sell pure essential oils and 100% unrefined oils and creams. For example, I bought unrefined Shea Butter from an African shop online. It was 6 bucks and will probably last me a year. That's what I'm talking about. The last thing that turned me off about this place is the fact that I'm almost positive one of the employees was following me through the aisles. I can't be 100% sure but the girl showed up where I was no matter which aisle I went to. I ended up finding an all natural deodorant I liked and purchased that. The woman at the check out wasn't particularly friendly either. They all seemed a little pretentious as if they invented the idea of "natural products." Whatever. I can find that deodorant on Amazon and I probably won't go back. Between Whole Foods and the African shops I should be able to find what I need. It's just nothing special or new. Like I said, you can find almost all the products at Whole Foods if you don't mind spending that kind of money. read more

It's pandemic time and I still got what I wanted! The folks at the Brighton store took my phone order and had it waiting for me. Pickup was quick and easy too. They popped out the front door to ask my name and returned with my bag seconds later. Efficient and friendly works for me. read more

Cambridge Naturals is a Cambridge treasure. Clean and beautifully laid out, this store provides a great sound track for your listening pleasure as you wander the aisles. A knowledgeable staff make shopping a delight- even for those of us who would rather be out hiking, cooking, eating or going to an interesting class or event. Yoga mats (and cleaning products for your yoga mats), comfy shoes, gorgeous scarves, shopping bags, make up, interesting music, candy, honey, peanut butter, sandwiches, juice, cards....mingled with vitamins, soap, tinctures, and remedies of all kinds. Tea and coffee to keep you awake, alert and regular. Books, jewelry, scented candles and other gifty treats are all the kinds of things you could bring home for yourself or give as a sweet present. Lots of Liz Lovely cookies, which are the best vegan cookies aside from my own, are taking up residence, happily offering their sweet richness to you. Do not miss this store, even if you tend to avoid earthy/crunchy sounding places. Staying healthy, learning about green living and shopping local are no longer activities limited to hippie hipsters. read more

An oasis for vegans!!! Wow! Fancy vegan cheese, vegan cheesecake by the slice and an assortment of other vegan deserts, seitan sandwiches and seitan/rice meals to go, lots of dark chocolate, cruelty-free cosmetics, and non-dairy Nutella!!!! read more

See all

Whoa, buddy. This place has the selection and feel of one of those huge, new Whole Foods, except it doesn't have much in the way of foods. Does that make sense? From Earl Grey-scented lip balm to literally 20 types of honey to every tea and spice you've heard of, plus about 150 that you haven't, to all-natural supplements, to organic leggings and dog treats and kimchi and nail polish...well, you get my drift. Cambridge Naturals somehow packs everything that could possibly come in an "all-natural" form into a shop that doesn't have a very big footprint, yet still feels immaculately clean and organized. Just keep tabs on those price tags as you add things to your basket-- just like every other "natural" store, and also, Cambridge-- Cambridge Naturals ain't cheap. Pro-tip: check out the beautiful greeting card offerings here at the front of the store. This is one of my favorite spots to get cards, which is hella convenient, seeing as it's also a gift-buyers' paradise. read more

Cambridge Naturals was one of those stores that scared me in Porter Square. I couldn't tell from their store front what they sold, and I had a vague inkling that it was run by hippy tree huggers that only cared about yoga and reaching zen. But then I started to hear random tidbits from friends who live in the area that started to peak my interest. "I bought the most amazing organic cookie the other day," once friend said. "Oh, you like this lotion too," another noted. And so it was on a pre-Christmas shopping day that I decided to be adventurous and check out the spot for myself. The store is surprisingly big and filled with lots of products ranging from health food groceries, vitamins, organic soaps, incense, yoga mats, etc. However, they also have neat tea infusers, lunch boxes, gift sets, earth music cds, etc. All in all I was pleasantly surprised, and will look forward to coming back in the future with a whole lot less skepticism. read more

I feel lucky to have a place like Cambridge Natural's so close to home. The staff here is really wonderful and chatty. Last night, I got into a long dicussion with an employee about how you just can't find American-made shoes anymore. The time before that, I chatted with another woman about vegan cooking for a good long while. I love feeling like they really want you to be in the store, and that they actually want to talk to you and answer your questions. Go figure! They sell a great supply of vegan/ sweatshop-free shoes and clothing, books, herbal remedies, beauty products, yoga supplies, jewelry, and home decor. It's the kind of place you can just kick around for a while and find things to play with and ooh and ahhh over. You'll undoubtedly buy something, either for yourself or as a gift. It's just that kind of place. read more

I like Cambridge Naturals. For what it is-- and it seems only fair to judge it on its own merit-- it's a pretty comprehensive place. Where I'm from these types of stores are about as numerous as Dunkin' D's in Boston, so I know from comparison that Cambridge Naturals is actually less hippie-dippy than most naturals stores out there. It's extremely clean and well-organized, with supplements making up the majority of the store, along with other hippie stuff: organic food, stuff that smells "essential" (though the store does NOT smell like patchouli, for which I can be nothing but grateful), and fair-trade knick-knacks. I've browsed Cambridge Naturals a few times without buying anything, but I actually did have the need and opportunity to purchase something recently. A doctor of the real M.D. variety "prescribed" melatonin for my circadian rhythm disorder. Don't get it at CVS, she instructed. Go somewhere quality. I knew just the place. Thank you Cambridge Naturals, for effectively treating my sleep disorder. That quackery really works! Updated, 11/29.06: I've decided I really like Cambridge Naturals. It can be as hippie as it wants to be. Five stars. read more