I can't fault the products (except for the corn which was terrible) or the service. Everyone there is very nice even if a lot of them still wear face diapers. What prompts me to write a bad review is their "Black Lives Matter" banner where you can't fail to miss it AFTER you have given them your money. That organization is disgraced for a lot of reasons including embellishment, fraud but its their central message that is rotten to the core. The BLM -- and those who support the BLM -- say that some lives are more important than others. That isn't true. They also imply that the lives of police officers are worth nothing at all. ALL LIVES MATTER! These banners with the fists in the air are implying that violence against police officers is OK. They are saying that any officers (even minority officers) who shoot in self defense against a minority suspect is racist. I guess even the Black Cops are supporters of this white supremacy movement that we hear so much talked about but see zero evidence of. read more

A little bit of everything for someone low/no toxin conscious. Refillable station for teas, spices, nuts, seeds, detergents, etc that are well tended from what I can tell, and they aren't next to windows constantly baked by the sun like I've seen as some Whole Foods. Frozen local meats in the back left corner that were intriguing. There are deals to be had if you're willing to take a minutes to peruse the booklets on display at the entrance. Kind employees, slighty aloof but charming, although I haven't required much service besides checkout. The 3 or 4 times I've been, there have been homeless or disenfranchised men outside but they've generally been harmless besides asking for cash. Just expect it. read more

We love this store. My mom and I will make the drive from Middletown or Glastonbury, no questions asked. The selection is great, the produce is fresh and made ahead foods are diverse. There are plenty of brands to choose from, but there are less expensive options too. There is a discount rack that offers some great deals. Grains, nuts, oat and more are sold in their bins. You can also find bulk spices, coffee and tea. While you won't find the big brands that you find in a basic grocery store, you'll find great options at this amazing store! read more

Lots of good things to buy! I love to be able to find something I need and not drive to Whole Foods. I'm so happy to find a place in CT to get some things I need being dairy, gluten free. Friendly people working always make shopping easier. read more

Willimantic Coop is a blessing. As a member since 1994, I can attest it offers the best variety and quality of organic and local produce in eastern CT, and every day, not just right after delivery days. Fiddleheads Food Coop's OG produce is excellent, while Willi's is even better. I've also been a member of Fiddleheads since 2008 when it began as a Saturday farmers market in New London, from which I live 5 miles away. I live 25 miles from Willi, yet I shop at both. Need I say more? Okay, I'll say more. Whether you shop at one or at both, it's prudent to shop at either, as both offer viable alternatives to shopping at Amazonian half-Whole Foods. WF stocks huge quantities of produce, but not wide varieties, and WF's chemically grown produce outnumbers its OG produce. In contrast, the two coops carry only OG produce. Further, WF defines locally grown as within 400 miles, while the two coops set their limits to 100 miles. The staff at both coops are welcoming and helpful, but Fiddleheads experiences a rapid turnover, so you can build more enduring relationships at Willi. Higher staff retention rate at Willi may be due to its offering better pay and benefits. (Yet, Willi's prices either match or beat Fiddle's. And Willi offers 5% discount to seniors, while Fiddle offers none.) Other factors for staff retention might hinge on the socio-economic differences between the two host cities, but never mind. As a vegan, I have traditionally favored Willi over Fiddle because until 2010 Willi offered a safe haven for vegans and vegetarians, as its foods for humans had been all vegetarian. (Its foods for companion animals all along contained farm animals.) Willi's fall from innocence did initially alienate me, but I got over that. Willi's cadavers are confined to fewer freezer units than at Fiddle. Fiddle also displays meat in a long open-top refrigerator aisle, like open caskets. I can smell rotting meat odors even thru the cellophane wrap. During the early pandemic pandemonium of 2020, both coops closed their doors to shoppers, Willi for much longer. Both coops saw an upsurge of new shoppers beckoning at their doorsteps. Both staffs stepped up to meet the challenge of providing members and non-members alike with pre-order curbside pickup. Wiili's parking lot transformed into a veritable racetrack with customers' car engines all revving at the starting line. Yet Willi's staff mastered their new job descriptions as parking lot jockeys, and everyone remained well fed. Kudos to the staff! read more

A local gem. Great selection of local and bulk products, friendly staff. You might even see #thefigureheadexperiment guy.

A simple list of pros and cons for the Willimantic Food Co-op: Pros - Locally owned, cooperative business, good quality produce, friendly staff, and a warm and welcoming cafe/sitting area. Cons - It's pricey, produce is sometimes but not always locally sourced (a big concern if you're trying to reduce your carbon footprint), no fresh meat or fish just frozen, limited selection. Basically a better Whole Foods - you'll still spend your whole paycheck on groceries but you're supporting a local business and fixture of the community. I tend to get most of my dry groceries from the chain stores in town, seasonal produce and fresh dairy/meat from local farms, and just supplement with a few things from the Co-op on occasion. For organic foods and the benefit of helping small businesses it's worth shopping here now and then. read more

Great selection of organic produce and bulk goods! If I lived closer this store would be on my weekly rotation. read more

Willimantic Food Co-op - Bulk spices - Grocery Near Me - Willimantic, Connecticut

A great place for organic and alternative foods. Growing up in eastern Connecticut, I know how hard it can be to find organic and vegan foods, but the Co-op covers all of that. Their offerings don't just stop there. They have frozen items, produce, body care and much more. What makes this place unique for the area is that you can buy items in bulk. Not just your typical grains and nuts, but somewhat harder items to find like exotic dried fruits and nutritional yeast, for example. You can even make your own peanut butter here! The variety of vegan options here is great. They have cookies, mock meats, prepared food to go and much more. As far as prices go, they're fair. Probably in the same ballpark as Whole Foods, but note that if you're in the area, you'll have to go at least a half hour out of your way to find anything comparable! You can find some good deals here on occasion. There is a slight surcharge if you're not a member. If you shop here frequently, I would highly suggest signing up to save a few bucks. Don't forget to bring your own bags when you come here! read more

They have an amazing selection, everything from food to spices to craft goods and art. Almost everything is locally sourced. A few people on here have complained about the staff, but I don't see what they're talking about. I've been coming here since I was literally a baby, and the staff has always been warm, welcoming, and friendly, chatting with everyone that comes into the store. They may be a little shy at times, but I would never describe them as cold or rude--you've just got to get to know them. Overall, would highly recommend! P.S. If you're into street stickering, ask just about any of the employees about the Figurehead Project--They'll give you stickers for free! read more

Amazing store - love heading over to load up on fresh veggies and food for our fam. Prices are reasonable and staff is always friendly and helpful. read more

I can't say enough about this place! Heaven on earth to me the produce is freshest I've ever seen and the bakery items are delish! I love the reusable glass containers for soaps and granola etc... the staff is friendly and helpful! read more

A great mid sized food co-op that carries items that can be hard to find at the likes of Whole Foods. Such as my favorite unsweetened carob coated raisins, and unsweetened dried papaya. I find a reason to stop in every time I'm in the area (from Maryland). read more

Willimantic Food Co-op - Willi food co-op. :) - Grocery Near Me - Willimantic, Connecticut

Note: This is my same review as before, I'm just a stickler and wanted to make sure it was posted under the accurate address. Oh man. This place. Just walking into this place makes me happy. It smells like fresh pressed grains. And as soon as you walk in the door, cheery, locally grown produce greets you. I can't really speak to how well this store stacks up against other organic/localvore shops in CT, but compared to the fakers, or the boutique stores of NYC, this is the mecca. It's like a fun house for food. Take it from me, I'm the anti-foodie and I get excited by the lines of glass bottles waiting for you to fill your own olive oil. Or the pour your own agave nectar station. Or the grind your own coffee bean station. Or the big jars of spices stacked in the back, waiting for you to shake out your portion. This is true interaction with food. And I love love love the variety of brands available. The fact that the whole thing is run by unabashed hippies is just part of the fun. And the cost might be a little pricey, but what's a few dollars when shopping feels this good for once? read more

This store is really good for little town I am glad we have it. Items are little pricey comparing to other organic stores but some things are worth buying there. For example: really good apples for $.89 a pound all year around. (where will you find that price these days)? Good variety of cheese. Fresh vegetables , tasty bread. So when I am lazy to go all away to Stew Leonards, I shop at this store. read more

A gem in Willimantic. Huge bulk section. Lots of pre-made fresh meals. Great spot to grab your supplements, organic produce and fill up on unique cheese. Just a suggestion- grab your gifts here! Lots of locally made items and cards. Grab a cup of fresh coffee and sit in the cafe section when you're done shopping. If you aren't a Co-op member you will pay a 10% markup. read more

Nothing beats their fresh produce! It is a co-op, so the local supplies are obviously going to be more expensive, but they carry some things that I don't find anywhere else - like the food variety of nuts, gluten free foods, and coffee - and the fresh veggies and fruits are a must. Totally worth it. Plus it smells amazing in there! Zero waste, local, and organic options abound. read more

Horrendous vibe. I've tried to enjoy it but the staff has such a bored/disinterested stance. I walked in tonight, asked the guy about a product. He got quiet, gave out short disinterested answers. The minute I walked away he began guffawing with his co-workers as if to say the customers are just getting in the way of their clique-like socializing. Fuck them. It was just like this 7 years ago. By the way, this was the first time I walked in in at least 6 months to a year. Now I remember why. Plus, the music they (sometimes) play sucks balls. Two thumbs down. read more

I used to love going to this place. They sold this amazing birch beer soda that was one of the yummies things i have ever tasted. it was just a really cute little store with some great things, nowhere near as big as a whole foods or anything, it is cute. read more

Love the Willimantic Food Co-op!! The selection is great, the staff is super friendly and they often have local artists selling one of a kind items in the small cafe area. They focus on organic and local products and produce... plus they also have a great space for children to play!! read more

I used to love shopping at this place while attending ECSU. The prices were a bit high for a college student's budget, but there were some affordable snacks available. I would constantly get the sesame sticks. They also have sales, so that is helpful if you want healthy, organic food yet you are on a budget. While shopping, keep in mind that it does cost slightly more if you aren't a member of the co-op. read more

I just can't say enough great things about the Willimantic Co-op... but I will. I started shopping in earnest at the Co-op probably 6 months ago and I rarely need to go to another store for want I want. The bulk food aisle is the way to go - you can save so much money and get such high quality food (organic, no corn-syrup, locally produced, non-GMO) and also doing your part to help our planet!! Who doesn't love that!! You can bring your own containers and bags (hint: saving the planet) and fill up on oats, nuts, seed, flour, sugar, pasta, beans, olive oil, maple syrup - the list goes on and on!! Real cost savings are in the bulk spice aisle - you can save a ton on spices by buying only what you need and not wasting money on a whole jar. They also sell soap, shampoo, dog treats and many other items in bulk. I love their produce, all local - yes it can be a little pricier, but if you buy in season, not so much and your helping your local farmer! And some of my favorite things at the co-op are in the cheese section - you must try the cream cheese and some of the other local cheese (goat, cheddar, blue cheese). Enjoy ! read more

This place is AWESOME!!!!! I drive 45 minutes one way just to shop here. I have been coming here for over 12 years because I love it so much. They have the BEST produce I have found. I also shop at Whole foods in Glastonbury and there is no comparison on the fresh veggies and fruit! They have a larger selection of organic produce than anywhere else. The cheese selection is awesome. The staff is always very helpful and friendly. The store itself is clean and very artfully decorated. Lots of bulk items.....coffee and teas, grains, chocolate, herbs and spices, candy, nuts, olive oil and vinegar, cleaning products.......they have it ALL!! The thing I love the best are the little signs telling you where the food came from.....what farm and where. Tons of local products on their shelves!! Can't say enough good things about it!!! read more

This is an all around great alternative to a typical grocery store. You'll be able to find just about any type of produce, non-perishables, hygienic, etc that you'd normally find in a grocery store. All the produce is purchased from local farmers and there are many products that are available through a bulk bin (including spices and seasonings). There are enough scales to tar your containers and jars and the scoopers for the bulk bins were all clean and in good shape.The staff was very friendly and the pricing was on par with local grocery stores. I feel like there is too much shelf space dedicated to "natural" or "herbal" remedies, when that kind of stuff is really just a sham. Those kind of products miss the point of the kinds of ideas that a food coop should be promoting. I feel like the shelf space and money that goes into purchasing those products could be better allocated towards another product. Besides for that, this was a great food shopping experience and I will be back. read more

I love this place. They have a nice variety of produce, and everything I could ever want in their bulk section. It is great being about to get just the right amount of nuts, grains, pasta, even tea and maple syrup! Love shopping here. read more

LOVE LOVE LOVE THE CO-OP! You can always find some healthy organic local goodness here!

This place is absolutely amazing. Just check it out for yourself and you'll see what the hype is about

This is the goldfind of Willimantic. If you need organic food, health food, and alternative foods, it's all here. The bulk bins are fantastic, with a great price. read more

five stars if it were in new london -- fiddleheads, pay attention! this is what you can be! quirky selection of varied, interesting food items for reasonable prices. here you can find the following: handwoven frog hats, tiger paw footwarmers, organic clothing, celery root juice, pomegranate molasses, eggplant burgers, eyebright tincture, tubs of dead sea salts, finger puppets. berbere seasoning!!!!. 10% addition to the bill if you're not a member. $20/year for membership and then free after a certain number of (ask them for specifics) years. yes! read more

The Co-Op is cool...though I must admit I'm more about the package store next to it. When I'm in the mood for particular ingredients I'll hit it up....it's got good stuff but let's face it the town is overall poor...so you do get a bit more of a pretencious/elitist crowd in there at times... Some of the people who wrote a review for this spot make me sick. Probably elitist vegans...Stop hating on Willimantic, this has never been an uppity snob town like Greenwich...let us live. Co-op...we love you and your slightly inflated prices are justified...but the moment any of yall get too cool for Willi...we will let you know. We've already got too many overpriced amateurish wannabe's like "OPUS" on the block that we need to give the boot and teach a lesson to...on behalf of culinary fanatics and laymen alike. Thank you. read more

This is my zero waste haven! Honestly, what would I do without this co-op? It's quite a distance for me however it's worth it. The bulk bins are well stocked with great options including pasta and your typical granola, varied rice [there's jade pearl jasmine rice in bulk!], flour, sugar, treats, dried fruits, nuts, etc. What gets me hyped is the package free vanilla extract, olive oil and maple syrup [there's honey as well], spinach and spring mix salad bins by the pound! As a vegan of course fresh and vibrant produce is a plus. There's also kombucha on top with new bottles for purchase; package-free dish detergent, dishwasher tabs, conditioner, leave-in conditioner, Dr. Bronner's liquid soap, shampoo, etc. I can't forget to mention the package-free spices and herbal teas! Literally everything a zero waste vegan would need to stock their kitchen pantry and bathroom linen is available here at a reasonable price. It's all totally worth it. As long as I'm in CT, I will be traveling to Willimantic Food Co-op. Oh-there's plenty of parking too. Spaces turn over quite fast with the neighbor package store. read more

I am from New London so I am used to Fiddleheads Food Co-Op which I LOVE...I'm living up here for school and was pretty bummed when I visited this place. It's smaller so I understand thier more limited selection which is no big deal, the products they do have are all really thoughtfully selected & great quality...the problem is the staff. Whenever I go there I feel really unwelcome. Everyone is a bit snooty & rude & some act just borderline bored when I try to conversate or ask a question. It really bums me out because half of the enjoyment of shopping at a Co-Op is the wonderful community atmosphere. I hoped to find a bit of a haven away from home while staying in Willimantic and I did not find that at all here. I've been in here many times and decided to just give up and drive the 45mins home to Fiddleheads where the people who work there are friendly, chatty, welcoming and actually put effort into fostering a community. read more

I believe that one of the biggest take-aways of education is understanding the urgency for good food in your life. I have been a working member and customer here for two years now and cannot think of a better grocery store in the UConn area. The last place you would expect to get a sense of community is your grocery store, right? Meet the people, taste the veggies and explore the bulk aisle! read more

I absolutely love this place!! It is quite a distance from my home but worth the drive! The store is set up as a usual grocery store but the items they carry are of the highest quality and/or organic. Starting in the produce section, the produce is phenomenal! The majority of the produce comes from local farms when in season. Theses farms are committed to growing either organic or unsprayed produce. There is no such thing as conventional produce here, which I love! My favorite time of year is when they get lettuce from Crocker Farms! One head could easily feed a family of 5! Its huge and so delicious! They also have fresh onions when in season, which I have never seen in a grocery store, or even Whole Foods! I could go on and on about their seasonal fresh produce! I just bought the most aromatic basil plant which made my tomato salad burst with flavor! After the produce section comes the bulk section. In this section I head straight for the organic coffee beans! They have the best coffee beans! I highly recommend the organic "buzz feed, or the breakfast blend! I also love that they have a separate grinder for the organic decaf. Next, I head to the cheese section! They carry a wide variety of exquisite cheeses! I highly recommend the Eidolon cheese from "The Grey Barn" in Marthas Vineyard! The meat selection is also phenomenal! The meats are grass fed, and free range. They also carry marrow bones and other animal parts for making bone broths. The coop has a great selection of natural health products from toothpaste and shampoos to essential oils. In addition to the item the store carries, the staff is also wonderful!! Each staff member is very friendly, and also knowledgeable and passionate about health. I would recommend this store to anyone looking for organic groceries. This store is a much better option to whole foods! read more

Extremely strict about their hours. I called them at 17.46 on a Sunday saying I was rushing to get some special items from them and was 15 minutes away and asking if they could leave me in so I can spend a minute grabbing them and paying. They locked the door in front of me when I showed up at 18:00:50. I'd have left $150 bucks here but ended up driving a round trip of 30 minutes for no reason. Oh well. read more

Fresh organic foods, products from local businesses ( the birch beer jess is talking about is from Hosmer Mountain, a local soda company) and it's locally owned. You can't beat it! read more

I love the Co-op. I am a member and have been coming here for over 13 years. My only regret is that I don't live close, so I don't get there as often as I would like. read more