“Hidden Gems” for Whole Plant Based Enthusiasts

Meijer, Kroger, Hillers, Better Health and Whole Foods have been the mainstays of my shopping since starting my lifestyle oil free and whole plant based. Utilizing savings sections of their websites, Valpak coupons, store promotions and accumulation of points have helped me maximize

the value of my purchases. As I started to talk to others about my whole plant based lifestyle, however, I began finding “hidden gems” that were tucked away in strip malls, created by families forming co-ops, catering to ethnic specialties and carrying bulk food grains, beans and spices at wholesale prices. Each had its own “gems” for plant based menus and cutting costs. I met many of the owners who were very friendly and ready to answer my questions about cooking to their cultures. Japanese and Chinese markets carried sea vegetables and produce specialty items at greatly reduced prices. Indian and Arab markets introduced me to a whole new adventure of flavors and the lowest priced grains, beans/legumes/pulses I’ve seen. Oakland County’s largest Mexican grocer, offered authentic ingredients including fresh spices, grains, beans and produce. Co-ops use the power of numbers to defray the cost to support local organic non gmo produce and grocery goods. Bulk markets cut out of the cost of the “middle man” (“or was she a woman?”) and let the customer choose the amount purchased. Enjoy the alphabetized list below. Thank you for those of you that answered the request for your “hidden gems”. I know I enjoyed exploring locations new to me! This is by no means an exhaustive list. I plan on following up next year to introduce you to more options that I (we) have yet to find.

Al’s ProduceAddress:49665 Grand River Ave., Wixom, MI 48393 Phone: (248) 308-3219Hours: 6 am - 8 pm 7 days a week!This market just opened across from Meijers in Wixom. I met the owner and the manager. I liked what I saw. Produce is larger than the grocery section; some “natural”, some organic. The bulk section had a wide assortment of nuts, beans and grains; very competitively priced. On the other side of the bulk section was a bulk vinegar and oil section. Large urns and bottles available for your selection. Then, I noticed a juice bar, salad bar to compete with Big Salad and a kitchen baking pizzas to order--plant based can be an option. The manager was gluten

intolerant and it is reflective in the pre-packaged grocery items. Friendly and informative stop! Babylon Ethnic Foods (Thank you, Kamal!)

Address: 6609 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield, MI 48322 (Tucked in the Plum Mkt Plaza)Phone: (248) 851-4343Hours: This had to be my favorite new discovery! The owners wife, was very friendly and enthusiastic while she introduced me to new spices and recipe ideas. I shared making hummus without oil and told her about our group. The bulk beans were the cheapest I have seen. $1.19 a lb for chi chi beans and red Lentils were only $1.49 a pound. I also found date syrup for baking at a reasonable price. On their front counter, they have their own spices and blends for journey into many exciting flavors. The spices and herbs came in 16 oz containers were well priced.

Bulk Food Marketplace (Thank you Michelle!)Addresses: 21514 Harper Ave, Saint Clair Shores, MI 48080(586) 779-0840 and

● Phone:39761 Garfield Rd Clinton Township, MI 48038● Phone number: Hours: 9AM - 9PM Monday - Saturday & 10AM - 5PM Sunday

In the words of member JoAnne, “I have a shopping gem for you!” I go there for nutritional yeast, chia seeds, herbs/spices, beans, grains, flours, etc. Everything is priced by weight and you just fill up bags with the quantity you desire!

Carnival Market:

The largest authentic Mexican market in Oakland County. Terrific selection of spices, beans and tortillas.10 aisles of food and grocery along with thousands of imported hispanic products! The largest hispanic store in Oakland County! Over 14 different homemade salsas. Address: 1101 E. Walton Blvd., Pontiac, MI 48340Phone: (248) 276-0500Hours: 8 a.m.- 10:00 pm

Colasanti’s Market (and Snooks Butcher Shop; I stay clear of this section…)Address: 468 S Milford Rd, Highland, MI 48357Phone: (248) 887-0012Carries Bob’s Red Mill products, fresh produce and a lot of fat free dressings. Their produce is pricey, but in season, their selection and pricing is fantastic! This past summer I bought heads of cauliflower that 3x the size of what you see in the major chain stores for the same price. This week they had red peppers 99 cents a pound. Some vegan salads in their long deli case; watch out for the oil added to some, however.

Country View Bulk Food Store http://countryviewbulkfoods.com/; watch the YouTube Tour(Thank you JoAnne!)Address: 177 N. Germania Rd, Snover, MI 48472 Phone: (877) 917-9910 Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm, Saturday 9:00-5:00/Closed Sunday This Mennonite store touts an amazing volume of bulk, spices, beans, grains and fresh organic produce. On your way up North, take the time to stop!

Goodwells Natural Foods Market, Address: 418 W Willis St. Detroit, MI 48201Phone: (313) 831-2130

Hours: 9:30-6:00 p.m.A PBNSG volunteer told me about this place. This is a consistent review Ifound online “Wonderful vegan deli, that will elim oils, on request. They also carry produce.

Greener Pastures Market Address: 21202 PontiacTrail, South Lyon, Michigan 48178Phone: (734) 757-4209Hours: Mon-Fri- 10- 7 Saturday- 10 - 5 Sunday - 10 - 5This quaint market reminds me of the old time farmers markets. The friendly and knowledgeable staff will tell you that they are “beyond organic”. Their produce is organic and local. They also carry a good selection of spices/blends and organic beauty products.

Hua Xing Asia/ www.huaxingmarket.com Address: 2867 Washtenaw Avenue, Ypsilanti, MI 48108Phone: 734-528-3388 Hours: 7 days a week/10am-9pm

Exotic (to me) produce such baby bok choy, lotus slices and greens galore! 60 different kinds of fresh vegetables and fruits from Asian Countries. I found a no fat chili sauce with low sodium that brought a wonderful heat to my dishes,too. I bought 10 baby bok choy and a small jar of chile sauce...grand total: $2.46! If you want any kind of Asian sauce or seasoning be sure to check for oils and especially sodium content! It would be best to bring a friend knowledgeable of Chinese cooking. My coworker and Chinese teacher will accompany me on my second trip. (I stayed away from the meat and live food items on the deep right side of the store)

Livingston Organic Food Co-op (Thanks Carolyn!) Address: 9912 East Grand River Avenue, Brighton, MI 48116 (Charrington Square; ¼ mile W of Old 23)Phone: (248) 486-4566Hours: Mon-Wed-Fri 10-6, Sat 10-3 Closed Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday

This co-op has a $40 annual fee for the access to the most beautiful organic vegetables I have seen in the winter. Lynn carries prepackaged retail organics and some bulk nuts and spices already pre-measured and placed in containers. It was very enlightening to see her produced that was competitively priced to a major grocers and her demonstration of the significant quality difference. Her organic, non gmo produce was more colorful, was free of mold after 4 days and just looked like a vegetable/fruit as nature intended to be.

One World Market Address: 42705-B Grand River AvenueNovi, MI 48375 Phone: 248-374-0844, Novi, MI

Hours: Mon-Sat: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm, Sun: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

I found Wakame, Udon noodles, Mochi and Nora Seaweed at very low prices.

Patel’s Indian Grocery www.patelbros.comAddresses: Address: 28950 Orchard Lake Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48334Phone:(248) 851-7470Hours: 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 pm. This grocer had a fantastic selection of beans. They were all prepackaged, but there were 3 kinds of chi chi beans, adzuki beans (red chori), many kinds of lentils (black and white matpe were new to me) and green, brown and tan chi chi beans. I also found dahl. Although most of their sauces were full of oils, I did find a chili sauce and sriracha mustard that had no oils and great heat.

Westborn Market www.westbornmarket 3 locations: Berkley, Dearborn and Livonia (See site for location, phone #s and hours)This market had a plethora of produce as you can see below. They strive to keep it fresh, high quality and local when possible.

Ypsilanti Food Co-op in Depot Town ypsifoodcoop.orgAddress: 312 North River Street, Ypsilanti, MI 48198Phone: (734) 483-1520Hours: 9 to 9 DailyTerrific bean, and whole grain bulk selection. This was the largest I have seen so far. The produce was fresh and plentiful. Prices were very reasonable and the help very friendly and knowledgeable. I left there feeling I had done something positive for the area and the earth.

Zerbos Health Food Market Address: 34164 Plymouth Rd., Livonia, MI 48150Phone: (866) 4-ZERBOS or (734) 427-3144Hours: Mon-Sat 9-9 Sun 11-5

Wonderful selection of organic whole grains, some beans and four types of lentils. Over 200 organic spices, herbs and teas in bulk. Embarrassing moment; be careful when unloading your basket; my bag caught on a prong and 3 lbs of tiny green peas covered the check out the area. The help was gracious, ready and willing to answer any questions; despite the debacle!

Hope you found this month’s column helpful. March topic: Eating whole plant based, not simply vegan, for a healthy lifestyle.