Hidden Gem of IV I miss living in Isla Vista only because I miss the Food CoOp. They are always so friendly and have the best food. They carry everything from quick grabs such as sandwiches and salads, to specialty hot sauce and dietary friendly food options. Become a member and you will get their news letters to keep up with their community and events. read more

I'll support the IV Coop till I die. Not many places on earth where you can buy an 805 and salt and vinegar chips and take it to the beach. Sad I went later on in the day this time, if you go earlier, they are usually more stocked up on their prepared foods made in-house! I like trying their different wraps/sandwiches and hummus dips. The staff are always kind. A college favorite but also a lifetime favorite read more

Isla Vista Food - Grocery Near Me - Goleta, California

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Wonderful coop Yes, small but crammed with reasonable, organic groceries, produce, gifts, wine, read more

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So happy that we have a food co-op in SB, I had no idea! The store is smaller than we expected but all had a pretty good selection - just about everything that you'd find at Lazy Acres, TriCounty, WF, or Bristol Farms - you can find here. And there's more local organic produce than any of the other options which is awesome!! The bulk section is also pretty good, especially the tea and spice section. The prices are also better. On a full bag of groceries, from any of the other markets listed above, its always $130+, we couldn't believe that our total price at the Co-op was $82. The way that the store is arranged is a little odd, this isn't the place to go for ambiance - but who cares, you're going for affordable, quality food and to support a co-op. Some other differences: no deli, salad bar or meat/fish counter. Glad to have found yah IVFC, you're our new favorite find! read more

I like that this store is in IV. I'm from San Francisco, and the IV Food Co-op reminds me of Rainbow Grocery, a worker-owned co-operative there. Much smaller, but same vibe with tons of local and organic items, bulk bins, beautiful fresh produce section, and body care/medicine area. And same price factor. I shop at the Co-op for items that I won't compromise on being organic, for spices in bulk, and to see what's on sale. Sometimes there are great deals. Recently, firm organic tofu was on sale for $1.5 each. That's my kind of deal. I'm not financially well-endowed (get most of my groceries from the Food Bank at UCSB) so for me Co-op helps fill the gaps. I also just like knowing it's there when I want some up-market hippy food--which would be my kind of food all the time if I could afford it. The shop has fresh things to go if you need a quick lunch. You can also get a cold drink to go with. There's a little patio area outside to sit (when there's no pandemic) and enjoy, and it's right by the fresh-cut flowers Co-op sells, which brighten the scene. For now, Co-op is staying open through Covid-19. Their Facebook page details some of the truly monumental efforts staff have been making to keep things clean, orderly, and pleasant. Big props for that. read more

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This grocery store is cute and convenient. It's a little bit on the pricier side but that's because all of the food is organic or made with healthy ingredients. They also have great non dairy options for ice creams. I saw a non dairy tonight dough, you can't find that at many grocery stores. They also have great vegan options. The produce is bought from local vendors, and there's students working here. It's always clean and pleasant in this grocery store. There's also always parking for both bikes and cars available right out front. read more

Great selection great prices more people need to go here rather than paying triple for DoorDash etc.

A local icon right by campus. The only place in IV with healthy food, and plenty of it!

Convenient neighborhood store. Situated in the heart of Isla Vista, it's perfect for locals to walk or bike to. Parking is also good in the little parking lot. Bike parking is available too! They carry all sorts of healthy groceries and ready to go foods. Produce is fresh. Prices on certain items are a little higher but you are paying for convenience. It's a fun place to grab and go. It's not your typical grocery store. It has a wonderful neighborhood feel to it. There is outdoor seating and a little herb garden. Service is laid back and friendly. read more

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I LOVEEEEEE THE CO OP! THEY ACCEPT EBT WHICH IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS! The pre-made food dishes are amazing for when you need to pick up a quick lunch. The staff always makes me feel welcomed. They also have a lot of unique food items to try. read more

Well. It used to be a good market. I'm not sure if they realize how many UCSB employees and IV residents depend on their sandwich deli. Isla vista is veritable a food desert when it comes to healthy and affordable food. The deli used to absolutely slam out a variety of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free sandwiches and had an amazing array of homemade dips and spreads. They easily had the best hummus in town. Whatever has happened to the store is such a shame. Now the only options are pre-made grab and go outsourced from other companies or repackaged empanadas. Maybe a few sandwiches but the cases are empty more often than not. In my opinion the deli was what made the co-op stand apart from other stores in Santa Barbara and Goleta. Now I would just rather do my shopping at a cheaper store with better selections. read more

If you want to support a Co-op, do not support this one. If you are from Santa Barbara, you will not feel comfortable going here. The entire staff do not belong to the Natural Industry and misrepresent that scene (like the Whole Foods Market as well-full of employees that live in Goleta that are miserable with their lives it seems bc they're rude) They are aggressive and make life seem like it's so hard;to get a job at a grocery store. But if you're in a rush-this store has the alternative brands you're looking for in this well known (not in a good way) student housing area. If you want to support a Natural store-go to Lazy Acres and it's next to the beach for your quick grab and go's! read more

Isla Vista Food - Vegan cupcakes - Grocery Near Me - Goleta, California

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Enjoy the occasional visit to the IV Coop for small little things like their organic Jalapeno, SB cookies and glass jars. This place reminds me of whole foods before it was bought out by Amazon. Their organic sustainable banana sold right next to the checkout counter can be expensive despite the colorful sale sign. Got two bananas the other day for $2.83 - to give you an idea. read more

The Food Co-Op has been a hit or miss for me for years. I have come many times and been so happy leaving with the goods I was looking for all sold to me for a reasonable price. Then I've come looking for products they once had and I loved and they are all gone or marked up significantly higher, so I leave with nothing. Generally I would advise, if you live in IV and do not have a car, to come get your produce here and certain cooking needs. They also have great homeopathic remedies for sicknesses, teas, and other vegan goodies if you are on that kind of "strict" diet and need specific foods not all stores have. I would come here to get apples, kefir yogurts, protein bars, vegan ice creams, and probiotics. I have bought a couple sale supplements before but can really only afford when they are discounted. The environment is a little shady but I know the staff work hard to make people feel welcomed and "at home" so i definitely want to note that I appreciate their efforts. It is a unique feel and I know many love the way they go about things so no harm no foul - I personally just don't feel totally comfortable here. I love the idea of their Free Book Trade, the tasting events they put, the fact there's a clothes donation spot right next to it, and so on - They do create an effort to make IV a more existing place for all ages and diversities. Again, though it's not totally my scene and I wouldn't really "recommend" it to tourists or families living in the area looking for healthy groceries. Would more advise going to Sprouts as they'll have a more family friendly environment and bigger quantities for a more reasonable pricing. read more

Moldy fruit and other foods stocked on shelves often. There is a good selection of sauces though!

Cute natural foods oasis within the huballoo of a most notorious college town.. This co-op has undergone many changes over the years, such as the implantation of automatic sliding doors and a dynamic volunteer system. Products are mostly your typical groceries from health foods stores, mixed in with some things you can only get at this co-op, such as pastel colored eggs and unpasteurized goat milk. Other cool things include a reverse osmosis water machine so you don't have to use the one the bums do by the Keg N Barrel. There are also hot drink dispensers with coffee and Yerba mate. Many bulk foods, snacks, and chocolates line the walls as well. Members get a discount with access to the "sandwich club," discounts on buying in bulk, and special activities. The co-op makes some of the most delicious sliced bread sandwiches in town. "Better than PB&J" is my favorite with almond butter, jelly, bananas, apples, and strawberries. It really is better than PB&J! I like that this place is something different than the rest of IV and the staff really does try to help the community. In the summer of 2013 the co-op made its first net gain in sales in history. read more

we were in town due to business at ucsb and decided to stop in and see what this place had to offer. decent selection of produce (though wildly expensive, poor students!). but the customer service was very horrible! i dislike accusing folks of racism, but we're pretty sure that this was the case. some people just really shouldn't work with the public. would NEVER return! cute little store though. read more

I love the Co-op! Everyone there is super nice and the energy is really good. They have a ton of vegan/vegetarian options and they make a lot of their own food there. They have sandwiches, wraps, salads, pie, pre-cut fruit, smoothies, and more that is made fresh daily. You can become an "owner" and get deals, and they have events pretty often (like open mic night or local vendors out front). They also have the largest chocolate variety I've ever seen in a store which is a plus. also,,, THE WATER IS GOOD HERE!! all Santa Barbara water tastes so bad to me and my Norcal friends but the water from the water machine at the Co op is top tier. 11/10 would recommend the Co op. read more

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I've visited IV Food Co-Op a couple of times now and both times felt extremely uncomfortable there. The staff was not super helpful and I was hyper aware of the fact that I was the only person of color the entire time I was there. Even as I ate my Co-op sandwich on their patio, I felt very watched. I was also not impressed with how much everyone used the handicap parking stall as a regular stall. Co-op staff made no effort to get their customers to stop illegally using that stall. The products seemed decent, but the store itself was not very clean so I was not confident purchasing certain items. I won't be going back to the IV Food Co-op. read more

Healthy foods, amazing customer service, and the demos they have once in a while always keeps me coming back. Their Calfresh assistance is a good resource. They're always doing demos and giveaways during university events too. It's also super vegan/vegetarian friendly. 5/5 read more

I miss the days when my sister used to work here... this place is so up her alley and the staff is so happy and kind here. Fresh organic fruits and veggies, bins filled with nuts and legumes, all your vegan and vegetarian needs, green toiletries and gifts, booze! What more could you possibly ask for (question mark). I saw 2 kinds of coconut water and was on a mission to buy as many as I could, they checked the stock room for me and they didn't have any cases so they special ordered me 2 kinds. I'm so stoked! They'll be in soon, just have to make sure my little sister has enough money to pay for these guys since she has to drive them up to me up north. Thanks Miks!!! read more

I love the co-op. Conveniently located in IV, this is a small grocery store with so many healthy options. People complain that the co-op is expensive, but when you compare the price of local, organic granola or fair trade coffee to stuff at Albertson's of course it's more. Compared to, say, Whole Foods the co-op is on par. The co-op has awesome offerings as far as: -Bulk foods (beans, rice, pasta, lentils, granola, dried fruits, nuts, etc.) -Fresh organic produce (clearly marked if it's local so you know) -Straus Family Creamery milk, organic butter, cage free eggs, rennet-free cheese, etc. (as a vegetarian these are animal products I can trust) -Pre-made foods like sandwiches, salads, hummus -Good dry grocery for pantry staples -Household items (soap, cleaning products) -Cruelty free and organic shampoo, soap, lotions, etc. The co-op is not only a great place to get fresh, healthy food but it's also a way to put your money toward a great local organization that gives back to the community. Tips: There are three parking spots out front or street parking. You can bring your own containers for the bulk bins, just weigh them at the front. read more

I love taking my Mom here to do her shopping. I like being back in Isla Vista, and my Mother says it reminds her of shopping in Berkeley. They have a great selection and the employees are very nice, patient and know what they're talking about. Great recommendations! Not a huge parking lot but we have luck finding spots. read more

Pretty good. I was impressed that this co-op has held it together since the last time I set foot in it in around 1979 when I was a UCSB student. They carry some of the pre-packaged brands I'm used to getting at mega-corporate, faux-minded chain stores. Yeah some of the fruit was old on this visit but still edible. read more

This is a really nice little spot that i think should be community supported. I had the pleasure of spending some time reading the employee recommendations posted on stickers, telling me that this organic is the best i will ever have in my life. fresh, local, and organic This place is worth the stop to get some fresh greens and specialty products, besides theirs a tamale lady chillin outside. read more

When I first moved to IV, I was excited that there was a co-op. First day there and first visit to IVFC, however, I was less impressed. Right away, it didn't feel right, and there was a lot of sticker shock. I gradually grew less wary of the prices, however, because the prices all around IV happened to be jacked up to absurd levels. They sell Tejava and Guayaki Yerba Mate, and that was enough to keep me coming back almost every day for the 2+ years I spent in IV. Despite my routine, almost twice or thrice daily visits, most of the cashiers never learned my preferences. Not only that, but they would always comment something like, "Sorry, you're in here everyday and I never remember that." UGH. What are my preferences? No, I am not a member. No, I am not interested in becoming a member or being told about membership. Yes, I know that it would probably benefit me to become a member but, conversely, doesn't that mean that it would benefit the co-op if I didn't join? I just want to get out of here please.. So, yes, credit is okay and, no, I don't want that slip of paper. If I happen to want a bag, then I end up bagging it myself 80% of the time because the cashier won't even think about it. As for the selection of food, it's.. A mixed bag. There are no affordable meat options. The best option for high protein is either the Fage or the Organic Valley Cottage cheese - both are almost affordable. I almost never buy produce because it's too expensive. Bulk prices are acceptable. Everyone raves about the sandwiches but I hate them despite eating so many of them. I must hate myself as well. I would always check to see if they put chard or arugula in the wraps because I hate chard but love arugula. Some of the sandwiches or wraps are labeled as being "hummus" sandwiches or wraps, but then there's just a smear of hummus, kind of like a smear of mayo. I'm sorry, but if you put hummus in the title then hummus had better be the main event - rather than sprouts, and not just a condiment. They don't call other sandwiches, "mayonnaise" or "mustard" sandwiches just because they have some amount of mayo or mustard in them. Please stop making me hate you. What I liked the least, though, were the people who'd hang out outside. Too many times I sat there to eat and had to listen to either really bad electronic music from some dudes laptop or conspiracy theories from homeless people. I have nothing against homeless people, but I find it hard to believe that you're in-the-know about the inner workings of the government or the fundamental nature of reality when I see you bathing in the restroom of the art building on campus everyday. All of this being said, IVFC is probably the 2nd best establishment in IV and, just like with IV deli, you have to judge the place within the context of IV and it's overarching culture. read more

I regularly shopped here. My vegetarian bf turned me on to the Food Co-op, and I started to be more health-conscious about what I put into my body. I liked the faux meat options (seitan, Tofurky sausages, etc.) and the dry foods lining the wall in clear plastic bins. I would scoop so many different things into separate bags. Granola, crackers, snacks, rice, flour, beans, etc. Hmm, what else would I buy? Blocks of cheese, bread jam-packed with lots of grains, all-natural muffin and cake mixes for when I didn't have time to do it from scratch... I'd also pick up fruits and veggies since I didn't have access to a car at the time (to go to Costco/Albertson's), and the Co-op was a walk/short bike ride away from my apartment. I miss the Co-op. I felt so at home. read more

Just a great shop. I don't go to UCSB but I always come here when I'm visiting. Great local stuff and prices - you can get anything you need here! read more

Here you can find all your fresh organics/CSA goods in one place. I no longer live in Santa Barbara, but whenever I am back, I must drop by IV Co-op...they are one of the few places that stock the difficult-to-find Dare2Dream eggs, Organic Pastures raw milk and butter, and gluten-free soy sauce. They always have prices that are within reason (not too much higher than the local Whole Foods) and a HUGE variety of goods. Don't be misled by their small image! However, staff can be hit or miss though...some are really friendly and helpful, while others really cold and sort of snobby. I especially love that whenever I shop here I am supporting my local community. This is one of my two favorite places to shop in SB, with the other being Lazy Acres. read more

I first started shopping at the IVFC when they spelled it "Fud", back in 1974, when it was basically a buying club, and have watched it grow, and move to its present location on Seville Rd., site of the former Rhythm Cafe. As it is one of the last remnants of the counterculture in I.V., I am very grateful the Co-op is still around:. A company for "people, not for profit" as their motto says, is more important than ever. Melissa Cohen, the new G.M., is absolutely brilliant, and deserves a lot, if not most, of the credit for saving the Co-op from going under a few years ago, after the fire. She was marketing director, and did a stellar job of bringing in a wider customer demographic (not just the stereotyped "hippies"), but frat boys, jocks, really anybody and everybody.), and the Co-Op is still going strong thanks to her. The Co-op has wonderful quality: for a long time they didn't carry meat, but when they started, it was only organic, grass-fed meat. They carry very high-quality items, and buy produce from many local farms, which I like, including being one of the few outlets for Dare2Dream farm, which has the best eggs I've ever had. I understand why it was necessary, but I hate the new look, it's too "Whole Foods", and all the previiouis charm is gone. It feels much more corporate, which is a good thing in terms of attracting people who would be scared-off by the typical "hippie" co-op, as though they didn't belong, but I miss the old look. The automatic door is very good for those with disabilities, though, so it evens out. The main thing that has changed for me in the past, say, 3 years, is that the level of friendliness has changed. From the time I first started shopping there to about 3 years ago, the Co-Op felt like a kind of home, I always felt very welcome and cared about. But it's been hit or miss lately, with some people being friendly, others really cold, the vibe being that because I am "old" and not "one of them", I don't deserve the same level of friendliness. Too bad. Also, in the past the music was always loud enough to be heard clearly, and there was always great music playing, but for the last 3 years it's been like Von's in terms of volume, and that's too bad. I've given up asking them to turn it up. All in all, I'm glad the Co-Op is still here: we need it more than ever. read more

I love the I.V. Food Co-op! I just wish it was bigger =( They have lots of veggie and organic food, and they frequently change up the products they sell, which can be good and bad. for example: -they stopped selling vegan pesto -they got a new veg cream cheese that blows +they started selling pop chips +they got new wraps and sandwiches that are yummy They usually have delicious produce too...just depends on what is in season...yummmmmmm read more

I miss this place so bad. This and Follow Your Heart (http://www.yelp.com/biz/lKGGs1E1houK2c5hYUsI4Q) are two places I would have hung out with my health food grandma is she was still around. Basically, you need a membership to shop here (or they charge you extra... although I think they switched to calling it a member discount cause people would get mad when they got charged more... same shit, different name). But that buys you in to being a owner of the shop. I ended up having $100 and getting lifetime membership... I don't know what happened to my card, and I hope the records of this weren't lost in the fire... but I went by one time years later and said I was a lifetime member and they believed me. So... maybe they just know! But yeah. This place is the reason I'm addicted to soy milk and soy jerky and green juices and flax cereal. Mmmmm... Anyway, this place just makes me way too nostalgic for college. So, I'm getting a little faklempt. Visit here and become a co-owner. It's my co-op too! read more

Thanks for being there! Another reason to stop in Isla Vista (and skip Santa Barbara, really) if you are going up or down the coast. A totally sweet selection of vegan goodies and caffeined drinks (yerba mate, honest tea, etc). Speaking of caffeine, my friend and I were in there all hyped up and were literally running around trying to find some sweets for the rest of the drive. I stumbled upon the stand of Strong Hearts baked goods. Muffins and coffee cake! I read the sign and it said donuts. Donuts!? One of the cute girls that works there hears me and says, 'Oh we just got some in. They are unpackaged in the back, I'll get you one'. Vegan donut delivery. Stoked. read more

Seriously, is there anything really to say about the co op? I won't shop anywhere else in the SB area for groceries (unless I need something Japanese, in which case I hit up Nikka). All of the organic, locally grown produce that I need is here. The people who work here are also awesome. They usually know what they're talking about and can give helpful suggestions about different products. Maybe I'll get to work here someday, but for now, I'll just enjoy the great selection that the co op has. May I ask why you bother to shop anywhere else for groceries? read more

Cute little coop with a great selection. Stopped by while visiting family in Santa Barbara. Bulk, produce, craft beer, everything you could possibly ask for in a natural foods store in a modest location. Picked up some yummy locally made cookie dough dessert bites, as well as local chocolate bars and hot sauce. Will be back next time I'm in the area! read more

I was hesitent to start shopping here because I thought the prices were ridiculous. But I guess like most places, you gotta know how to shop. The $30 annual membership is well worth it. I grew up eating crap junk food and fast food way too often and now that I care more about what I put into my body, it's stores like these that make it a wonderful experience. Support your local co-op! The staff is very friendly and are happy to assist! read more

THIS IS MY SECOND HOME!! For all the vegans out there, the IV food co op is a heaven (for non vegans too!!) they have variety of sandwiches, produce, snacks, a lot of organic goods, and a bulk section! The workers are extremely nice and helpful as well. I go to the co op at least 5 times a week because this place is so great, each item even states how good/bad it is for the environment. Can't rave enough about this place!! read more

The re-model is great! everything looks nice and the patio out front looks like a good place to hang out. Weird concept to hang out while grocery shopping, but that's what it looks like to me. I came in here just to wander after all the construction was done and they have some really cool stuff. I love the bulk grains and rices you can buy and peanut butter grinder. The green toiletries are really cool too. Sorry for the overuse of the word cool, but that is just what this place kind of screams. I love the vibe, the staff, the products, the mission as a whole. I love IVFC read more

To tell you the truth I had never been to a co-op. My brother brought me here and I loved it, similar to my love of a good farmer's market. It was smalllll. Maybe the size of a standard 7-11 but that was ok because everything that they had was excellent quality and lots of unique things which I was interested in looking at. All of their produce was fresh and delicious. Prices were high but I'd rather give my money to a co-op than a corporation. read more

Isla Vista Food - Coffee concentrate! - Grocery Near Me - Goleta, California

The only really good health food store in West Goleta. They have what you are looking for. If they don't they will get it. The staff is friendly and the food is great. Get a sandwich. They are full of veggies and they use sprouted bread. I love this place. read more