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

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

I have been going to Earth Fare in Ocala since it has opened ! Sometimes I go in and shop for a few…read morethings as they have products that many stores do not carry. For instance the in house homemade sourdough bread. Literally the only place that makes fresh organic sourdough bread with only a few ingredients! Plus it tastes wonderful. There are day's I'll go in and sit and eat something or meet a friend and have a casual meal and know that I can trust that my meal will be made with quality fresh ingredients and are always delicious. The meat section is great as are the other areas and there are weekly , monthly and daily specials and day's of the week where they have discounts for seniors , military, veterans, teachers and students. It's a very casual store where you can walk around freely and there is always an employee asking if you need any help finding anything. There's an abundance of different options for all different lifestyles focusing on natural and organic foods and goods focusing on health and wellness. They don't sell food that contain high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, preservatives, fats and antibiotics. Earth Fare was found in 1975 they are community focused and follow a very strict food philosophy to ensure that their products meet a high health standard. The Ocala Location has always been clean, welcoming and there they keep their customers in high regard. Phone: (352) 484-1710 Address: 2405 SW 27th Ave Ste 101, Ocala, FL 34471 Hours: Monday-Sunday: 8:00 a.m - 9:00 p.m Wheel chair accessible **** Website: Earthfare.com/weekly-ad/

Very disappointed with my recent purchase from Earth Fare. I drove 45 minutes specifically to pick…read moreup fresh fish for dinner and purchased two swordfish steaks at $15.99/lb, totaling almost $30. Before purchasing them, I specifically asked the employee working at the seafood counter if the swordfish was fresh, and he assured me that it was. Unfortunately, when we cooked the steaks, the fish smelled terrible. I tried a couple of bites from different parts of my steak, and the fish tasted rank and was not something I felt comfortable eating. For nearly $30--and after driving 45 minutes to Earth Fare because I expected quality, fresh seafood--this was extremely disappointing.

What a sad sad place , I m standing in front of the door on Friday at 12.17 o clock and it's…read moreclosed, looking through the window it's very small with shelves that are hardly stacked. A lady opened the door after a while telling me that she has to lock the door when using eh bathroom. They have mostly spices , some spreads, nothing fresh , no produce, no cheese for sure no coffee ( to drink) Good luck to the store but I don't think it will work sorry

Great service and unique spices, along with a solid website for online orders. The bad review…read morecomplaing about not having produce is just a tourist expecting a full grocery store

Thank you for being in Ocala so many years!!! We really…read moreenjoy your ice creams!!! We had the garbage can, rum raisin and the Stella coffee today ALL 5 UNIQUE & DELICIOUS!!! See you again

It is a great little small business. They were super busy, with a line outside the door waiting to…read moreget their ice cream of choice.

The oils are so tasty. The staff are knowledgeable about the products. The spicy dark Balsamic is…read moreso good.

I love this place. I never knew that there were so many different types of oils and vinegars. I…read morehave my favorites. They even do mail orders for those that don't have a market near them. I don't buy my oils and vinegars from anywhere else. I highly recommend them. If you have the opportunity to actually go in the market and try different samples of the oils and vinegars, you're in for a real treat.

Great customer service, clean market with friendly faces. Prices are also great. Fish is cleaned…read morewell on the spot!

Very fresh seafood and excellent service. The owners are extremely friendly. Juan Carlos…read morerecommended a Yellow Tail he had brought in the same day. I cooked it for dinner and it was great.

I don't live in Ocala, but when my Mom suggested this place for some fresh produce and a…read moresandwich...how could I say no?!? The produce here is really excellent. Even though we didn't buy a whole lot, I was looking at everything because I knew I'd review it. Everything was clean and fresh and there was very little that looked like it had been damaged or sitting for too long. We bought some items for fresh salads and also some veggies to make on the grill with kebobs that night. Everything was great. My Mom and I split a sandwich - Ham and Turkey, cheese, lettuce, onions, mayo and oil and vinegar on fresh bread. Yeah, if I DID live here, I know where I'd get a sandwich. Fresh produce, great sandwiches, fast and friendly service with pretty good prices. You could do a LOT worse than going here. Keep up the great work and I hope you guys are going strong the next time I come for a visit.

Great local vibe with fresh food and healthy food options. Great service and atmosphere!…read more Loved it and highly recommended.

Outstanding sausage! Mild and smoky. Full of flavor. Pairs well with red beans or just grilled on a…read morebun.