The best health food stores in NYC

This Upper East Side health food store carries a diverse array of brands that bigger markets (ahem, Whole Foods) don't carry, along with natural and organic food and produce that won’t empty your pockets. With organic, paleo and vegan prepackaged foods, a small deli and juice bar, an onsite biochemist and free local deliveries, it's no wonder the market is a favorite in the neighborhood.

Can’t seem to find a certain supplement or that rare flavor of your favorite granola bar? There’s a good chance that Westerly carries it. While the selection can become a bit overwhelming in the packed, narrow aisles, you can also head straight to the back for an easier-to-navigate selection of premade foods and deli items along with a rotating list of 15 soups and a full juice bar. While prices are what you would expect from a Manhattan market, look out for frequent online coupons and in-store sales to get the most out of your visit.

Come for groceries but stay for the sweets at this all-natural market, which boasts a vegan bakery and dine-in seating area on the second floor. While you’re choosing between flavors of raw pudding and vegan cookies, peruse the salad and hot-food bars for delicious grab-and-go meal options and fresh juices and smoothies.

Embrace a natural food lifestyle at this small, nonprofit, vegetarian health-food store in the East Village that receives near-daily deliveries of fresh produce. The co-op is entirely volunteer-run and members receive discounts for working about three hours a week, but you don’t have to join to shop—it’s open to the public. Monsanto and corporate agribusiness opponents need not fear as the shop doesn’t carry brands that are owned or backed by major corporations, and it strives to supply ethical and sustainable products that are organic and locally sourced whenever possible. Tip: If you’re buying bulk items, bring your own containers. The shop charges for produce bags and jars.

Love getting free stuff? Of course you do—shoppers at this family-owned, mostly vegetarian market in Astoria get a free gift when they spend $20 or more (options include coconut water, wheatgrass and ice cream). Stop in for take-away meals like premade soups and sandwiches, including the raved-about tofu sandwich, and finish it off with one of their vegan baked treats. A well-curated collection of bulk food items, a small produce selection and grocery staples like organic dairy products and non-perishables make this a one-stop shop for most needs.

Stocked with a wide variety of foodstuffs and organic products, this large, health-conscious grocery store on the Upper East Side offers a huge selection for most dietary needs. Besides offering staples and specialty items, take-away meals include fresh smoothies and juices, soups and made-to-order salads perfect for a quick and easy bite.

Do all your grocery shopping at this spacious health food store in Greenpoint. A local go-to for organic meats and produce, health and beauty products, nutritional supplements and staples like cashew milk, the market also boasts an extensive fresh juice and smoothie menu along with fair trade coffee and tea to go.

Pick up specialty products and homemade grub, like a black bean burger and vegan chocolates, at this small Sunnyside health market. Order a banana colada smoothie, a maca shake or a shot of wheatgrass at the juice counter on your way out for an extra boost. And though you’ll also be able to pick up standard health-food items like bulk grains, vitamins and produce, the juices and homemade meals are what you’ll keep coming back for.