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Categories: Grocery, Health Markets, Vegetarian [Edit]
Neighborhood: Little Five Points
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My husband and I were looking for a vegan lunch on a Sunday, and this was one of the few vegan places that showed up on Yelp that had both excellent reviews and was open.
And it didn't disappoint. Sevananda is a coop, but anyone can shop there. We went because of the reviewed hot bar, which was smaller than I expected (based on reviews), but everything on it was amazing. The cold prepared foods we got were amazing as well. There is a small sitting area by the front door with a microwave, if you need it.
Now that I'm back home, I'm already missing twice-baked potatoes, macaroni and "cheese" and key lime pie. I'll be sure to go back next time I'm in town.
I went here for the first time to specifically pick up a couple items....Quinoa and some trail mix. They had the Quinoa at a good price (I think it was $3.59 a pound) so that was cool. What wasnt cool was their lack of nut or trail mixes. And on top of that what they had was overpriced by about $2 a pound.
I cant really comment on much else as I only spent a few minutes walking around to check out what else they had to offer...didnt look all that impressive. I'd really like to support stores like this, but when your first impression involves an item that is overpriced by 25%, its kinda hard to support.the store. I'll be back to get my Quinoa here, but I dont see myself stopping in here for anything else.
This is a great, straightforward natural food store. Like someone else posted, you can find an assortment of grains, teas, etc. that you won't find many other places in Atlanta besides possibly the Dekalb Farmers Market or overpriced at Whole Foods. Far more options and better prices than I've found anywhere else.
I've been going to Sevenanda for a few years now so I'm surprised I haven't reviewed it. I'm so glad that this store is within a mile of my house. It's such a funky vibe. I love the diversity of the clientele. The prices are good given the niche or "health food" quality of the goods. I've always been pleased going there. Our son has a gluten allergy and they have a good mix of GF goods. Their produce is not a highlight but it usually focuses on local goods which is nice. Also, their hot bar is great! The parking lot is dicey but at least it's there.
If you are into preaching how extreme and awesome you are, just like an ad for SEGA in the 90's, you should drag your friends to this fine establishment. Not only do they carry a concrete selection of vegan friendly health food but they carry beauty products too. You can exemplify your vegan-ness by showing your friends how your new lifestyle is not that hard to abide by and that you are not crazy. Sorry, I'm getting a bit personal here. The selection is great. The staff is really friendly. Its always semi busy. The prices are up there, but that is to be expected from a niche store. Whenever I'm in the area, I stop by to get something random and interesting to satisfy my vegan ways.
I absolutely LOVE this place and can't believe I lived in Atlanta for 8 years before ever going in here. Most days the hot bar is fantastic, but the customer service I've received is what I like most. Also love the bulk bins and the herbal section is AWESOME. The folks who work over there are very knowledgeable and give you major tips on ways to improve your health without medication. YES, there are things at Sevananda that you can find cheaper somewhere else, and I do, but for some reason, I keep going back to this place. Definitely check it out for the herbs & bulk bins alone.
Very very yummy hot bar and the cold, premade stuff is yummy. I concur that the stroganof is so delicious. Really my favorite thing so far. They have a small little section of raw food, like raw coconut yogurt- very good.
I agree that great deals can be found in the bulk section and you can recycle your container. bring that container in, whatever it may be, have them preweigh it before filling it to get an accurate weight on the dry goods you are buying. The have an old fruit and veg section where you can get some pretty decent stuff at a discount. Just eat it or freeze it fast!
I am also proud to be a member/owner here. This is a great place, nice atmosphere, great employees and interesting crowd of shoppers.
As everyone else has said, they do not sell meat or alcohol. Their prepared food is vegan. They no longer have smoothies, that I know of.
The name says it all. Sevananda is from two Sanskrit words, Seva (service) and Ananda (joy, or bliss), so the name means "Joy of Service".
I find joy at Sevananda daily. I love being a member/owner of the co-op. It feels good to be apart of a community that stands for health and supporting local organic farmers and businesses. Saving 10% each month brings me joy as well. The employees are very friendly and make the environment feel like home.
All of the produce and salad bar is organic and makes my shopping trip easier. I love checking out and sampling the soup of the day. The wellness department and bulk section is impressive. They even carry my dog's Wysong food at a great price!
Sev is continually providing education and value to the community through their articles in Co-options (monthly newspaper), in-store wellness fairs and demos, classes offered through the School Of CommonHealth (yoga, cooking and journaling) and support local non-profits. They even have a radioshow and you can listen to the podcasts on their website.
I am proud to be a member/owner, supporter, customer, friend and partner with Sevananda. Taste the Joy!
Way way overdue on my review for this place. I've lived walking distance to this place for about a year now, and managed to visit often, so now on an early Monday morning when my ass should be sleeping, I will write this insomnia fueled review.
ok, I have a few minutes to do this while my crinkle cut fries from whole foods heat up. so, keep in mind this review won't be so comprehensive. and speaking of the fries, man those things taste crappy - always go for the tots, and pass if they are out of them.
anyway, yea... Sevananda. There's like some sort of co-op thing going on here.... and I remember kind of looking into it one time and realizing it was a total waste. Same thing if you want to work there and take advantage of the employee discount. Another waste. Neither of these things are a good deal. I guess it's a co-op thing where you put in money and effort and get nothing in return.
Aside from the waste of time co-op, the food is kind of overpriced. The produce is decent at times, but most things are a bit on the expensive side. I guess this is a given, based on the location and size of this place. I do know that the B100 vitamins are a like a buck cheaper here than Whole Foods though. So, have at it. Otherwise, shit cost dough.
Don't even THINK about walking in with a bag, or the door nazi's will stop you. They make you check all bags. Which is probably a good idea given the neighborhood, but kind of annoying. I got busted walking in with my small camera bag one time - but I made pretty eyes with the bald Brazilian chick and she let me pass. This time.
What else can I bitch about? Um... oh there's this one checker dude that's rude as shit. Cracks me up. Rudest jerk I have ever seen. I love getting in line with another checker and watch the show.
Produce - be sure they ring you up right. They like to hose you on that stuff. always be sure they are ringing up the right price.
oohhh... the fries are ready. better wrap this up.
I guess you may be wondering how/why they get 4 stars with all this bitching. Two things. Hot bar and dessert selection. I have had probably the entire hot bar menu along with just about every dessert they make. Given the proximity and how much I like what they offer, I could give them 5 stars on this stuff. They also offer extended hours now, which is very nice!
Few quick notes while my fries cool:
Hot bar food:
Dinner - different themes for different days of the week. Collard greens often make an appearance though. Veggie ribs, twice baked potatoes are pretty good. Broccoli casserole is good too.
Breakfast - quiche is usually pretty solid, spelt biscuits are nice, especially with the gravy. Pancakes are ok, cobbler is ok too. corn fritter cakes are ok.
Desserts - everything is very good, and a fair number of things are vegan - I don't even think they use butter - always earth balance spread. Cakes are good, seven layer bar if fresh is nice, vegan heavenly bread pudding is good stuff... uh drawing a blank because the fries are smelling good....
Anyway, I gotta eat some food. This should give you an idea of what this place has to offer. Hot bar and desserts rock, but then again I can walk there whenever I feel like it. May not be worth the drive for many. I'd say give it a shot though, especially if you are looking for more vegetarian/vegan based foods - prepared or not.
Final thought: they have a crap load of vitamins. for whatever reason.
I can't believe I haven't reviewed Sevananda! The first time I went there, I wasn't that crazy about it. I have had so-so interactions with the staff (either they are puppy-dog like or downright surly). However, their bulk section is amazing! I go mostly for their great prices on vital wheat gluten, organic spelt, and whole wheat pastry flour. Their granola is awesome, plus they have other cool things like crystallized ginger, chocolate candy, and so forth. Oh, they also have awesome vegan ice cream that I can't find elsewhere. Bit on the pricy side, but ultimately worth it imo.
First, allow me to offer my disclaimer. I am not a vegan, nor a vegetarian. I live 4 houses from Fox Bros BBQ and occasionally must devour their brisket. I was trying to find a better balance of food in my life, and i figured vegans had to be a pretty creative lot. They are, and I love Sevananda for its convenience and creativity.
In the hot food bar, the weekend brunches are amazing.I've had their made-from-scratch vegan biscuits soysauge and gravy, and now regularly just destroy them. Its now in the back of the store and they have pre-made sandwiches, cookies, and bars on the lower racks.
In the prepared cooler, they have a bunch of entrees and appetizers, depending on the day. We dig the Saitan Stroganoff, the Wild Rice and Herd Tofu Salad, and the Shepherds Pie.
I also had a dessert that was bread (or Shmead I guess) pudding with raspberry - really good.
They also have a great bulk section, with everything from local honies, grains, beans to italian rice (at great prices). Definitely worth a look if this is up your alley at all!
Damn you hippies and your tasty victuals!
The co-op packs a lot of vegan and vegetarian wonderfulness into a small space. I usually only pick up a few things I can't get elsewhere, or fresh veggies on my way home from work.
The people who work or volunteer here are true believers in personal health, wellness, and nutrition. The co-op itself walks the organic and sustainable walk, so, yeah, they've got a bloody agenda, thank goodness.
So I am fasting from meat, since I'm going to dinner at Fogo in the next few days and was trying to figure out what to eat. I haven't been feeling so hot over the past two days and really needed some sort of juice to give me that pick me up and much needed vitamins and minerals that I am so lacking right now. Since I was already around Five Points, I thought I would give Sevananda a shot!
It's definitely a mini-Whole Foods with more unique items! Not as much prepared foods as I would like but I found some interesting things. My friend Roxanne has always told me that Coconut Water does wonders with hydration so I bought 2 bottles. I also bought some sort of curry pasta and veggie spring rolls. Both were pretty tasty! Throw in a bag of rice cakes and a bottle of fizzy juice and I was out of there! The best thing is that since I brought my own bags, I got 0.05 cents off my tab! Yeah I know...its only 5 cents but anything to help out the environment is a plus!
As of a few months ago (mid-2008) Sevenanda renovated and their hot bar is open regularly. With limited exception (*) prepared food is what Sevenanda has to offer me.
Their vegetarian food is real and reasonable ... unlike what you get at many restaurants, you could eat here every day and not be terribly bad off for it. The hot bar ($6/pound) is a slim notch below Rainbow Grocery (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) and many of their $5 (now ~$6) refrigerated tv-dinner style meals are decent.
* Their bulk (arbitrary quantity) nuts and herbs can be a good value if you don't need much. I generally prefer the Dekalb Farmer's Market and other places for groceries, but Sevananda sells decent stuff and is convenient intown.
I wish there were more places like Sevananda... it's a great place to go to when you are being a lazy vegan and don't want to cook! They have a hot bar right up front with veg/vegan entrees (depends on the time of day- mostly 9 am to 6 pm, times vary) and a great brunch on Sundays.
But in three other places in the store they have lots of ready to eat/heat up food that is amazing! The tempeh jerk sandwich and the vegan BLT are great cold for on the go...but if you are very lucky Andy's vegan lasagna will be there and you need to buy as many as you can afford!! But don't microwave it in the provided plastic container! It will melt faster than the vegan cheese (yes, this has happened to me.)
I love being an owner/member of the Sevananda co-op... for $20 a year you can be a member and get a 10% discount once every month (your choice of when you want to use it), on top of every day discounts on food (like being a Kroger card member but cooler.) they also have this great program where if you bring in your own bag to take your food home they will either enter you into a monthly contest to get a gift card to Sevananda, or they will deduct some change from your overall sale- I think they are still trying to perfect this whole bring-your-own bag thing so when you get there with your own bag ask questions.
Besides on-the-go food, they have a wide variety of frozen and non-perishable food, fresh produce, great granola (I am not a hippie but I love that stuff in vegan yogurt!), and all the vitamins you could ever need.
Become a member now! Support your local co-op!
*Disclaimer- I do not work there, I just love this place that much!
So thankful to live a block from Sevananda. They provide clean water for 39¢/ gallon... granola for mornings... breads from Highland Bakery... produce from local farmers... and great deals on organic foods. I love some of their prepared foods as well, such as the sweet potatoes cooked in coconut milk, the mixed greens & beans, and the 5-layer dessert bar :)
I sooo dig this little grocery store. It's no where near as trendy as Whole Foods, but the selection is of high quality and impressive.
I first discovered Kombucha tea and delicious almond milk here, and I've purchased the best vitamin supplements and herbal teas EVER!!! No pretension here!! just good healthy selections.
I used to be a regular here, back when i thought I was cool. At least now I know I'm not.
We were able to find alot of things here that weren't available in the "regular" grocery store (this was circa 1988-90). I loved getting food from the deli and their smoothies were great.
I stopped in on a recent visit to Atlanta and was happy to see it was still the same!
Sevananda is like my ever trusty swiss army knife or leatherman - they have everything I need. :]
All organic, not half organic half "conventional" like certain chain "health" stores. They don't sell any meat here. :] They recently reorganized the personal care and supplement area and it's awesome. I recommend joining this co-op because there are many member benefits and they do right.
I'm going to do my best to remain objective here:
I view Sevananda as less egalitarian then i'd guess they'd like to be viewed. i find their prices above what is necessary. i realize they are charging more to offset costs of providing a decent wage to employees. this is a simple economics balance that all business' have to manage.
that is one reason i don't find it worthwhile to shop there.
more;
why don't they carry meat? is there a political agenda here? i don't like supporting political agendas unknowingly. i think it would be safe to say that unprocessed foods are generally better for our well-being in many many ways. likely this is part of their brand positioning. to me there is not enough value in supporting their concept.
i would suppose that if they carried meat ir would add much value to their concept or significantly impact their revenue in a positive way. perhaps it would do just the opposite. maybe "vegans" would stop shopping there if they veered from the "vegan" political/fashion agenda. (no doubt this is going to cause some reactons)
i can dig that. if that supports their business model, more power to them. but there is an underlying problem. much of what they sell can be found elsewhere for a lower price. why do stores that carry "well-being" products have to rely upon such an unfair message?
I just want good fresh food and quality, reasonably priced products.
why is it that they can't just be a store that carries a predominant selection of products that are presented as being something other than just plain old good stuff that does not support non-conscientous big business or over-overprocessed?
i beleive it is political and trendy and ultimately an empty promise. i prepare food everyday that is absolutely unprocessed and good for me. if i bought the ingredients from sevenanda, i would have easily paid a 15-20% premium for the same ingredients.
what am i paying for?
in the end, sevananda is really disappointing on many levels. i first and foremost support my budget, my body and my taste buds. those are my personal criteria.
did i mention that like the dekalb farmer's market, sevananda smells really bad?
i am now stepping down from the ill-appointed pulpit
Today I am making ginger cupcakes. I needed some crystalized ginger for the recipe but I did not want to pay a fortune (whole foods) or deal with a wild crowd (trader joe's). So, I stopped by Sevananda. Not only did they have crystalized ginger, they had three types pre-packaged and some in bulk, as well. I walked out in under five minutes with enough for a double batch of my recipe for under four dollars.
The biggest kick I get out of Sevananda is the customers! It always feels like the elite of the natural-lifestyle squad is there and I find myself wondering if this one is Erykah Badu's Atlanta stylist, or if that one teaches martial arts to Dead Prez or something. Anyway, I go there for tea (they have a varied and extensive selection of bagged, and some loose leaf) and Dr. Bronner's Castille Hemp Soap. Target now sells it, but only in the big $9 bottle and the gallon container, whereas Sevananda has 4 different sizes starting at $3.50. This is a great place to come for all your homeopathic remedies and natural beauty products without going all the way to Whole Foods.
I thought I had eaten tasty food. Then I got the Tofu Enlightenment Wrap at Sevananda. Quite possibl the most wonderful thing I have ever tasted. And I could feel good about eating it. I also love their Spicy Tofu Wrap. I've never gotten anything that was less than fantastic.
[end review of food bar]
I love Sevananda. They have a fabulous selection of everything healthy and yummy. And they have matcha! It's a smidge more expensive than the dekalb farmer's market, but it's a lot closer. And a lot easier to navigate. If going to Sevananda doesn't put a smile on your face, you probably don't have a soul. I'm just sayin'.
I wish Atlanta had more places like Sevananda. While I'm not a vegan or vegetarian, I've known plenty of them who are frequently bummed about the lack of shopping options to choose from. It's basically Sevananda or bust for them. It's the one place they feel absolutely sure of.
I use Sevananda for a quick bite from the hot bar or to pick up hard to find ingredients when cooking for my friends. You could spend half the time of your trip to Sevananda looking at the community board: great information and very useful. I also use Sevananda for my recycling center. I'm one of those cheapskates that doesn't want to pay Dekalb County $15 to have my recycling picked up, so I load up the Jeep once a week to take all of it to Sevananda. They take pretty much every type of recyclable you can think of.
The first time I went to Sevananda I immediately realized I was going to be a sad Sally when I went back to Cleveland... because there is no Sevananda there.
Not only do they have all the organic, vegan and health-conscious food fare you want (and a hot bar to boot), they also have a killer health section where they provide supplements, organic and homeopathic remedies, and the employees have always been helpful and kind, even when I ask eight hundred questions.
Some other big plusses that set it apart from chain health food stores like Whole Foods: it's a co-op, so it's owned and run by members of the community, and benefits the community. Also, the prices are often lower than chain stores, so yahoo for them! They will take a lot of your recycling, and the community board they have set up is full of local info, classes and community activities.
The best thing about the place, though, is how all of its great qualities combine to create the overall atmosphere. It truly is a down-to-Earth, homey and friendly neightborhood establishment, which in my book makes it less of a chore to shop, but more of a community experience.
Well done, Sevananda.
This has really healthy foods and I just wish I lived closer.
I've shopped at Sevananda since the late 80s. Atlanta is painfully low on Co-Ops, & Sevananda, thankfully, is an oasis.
In addition to a great selection for typical health-food-store fare, you'll find books, incense, & essential oils. They have food & other items in bulk. The only non-vegetarian items you'll find here are in the pet food section. The hot bar is hard to catch open, but a treat if you do. You can still find packaged food made here - mostly vegan fare. Yummy fake turkey wraps, oatmeal raisin cookies slapped with a vanilla icing, macaroni & "cheese," & "chicken strip" wraps.
You pay the price, unfortunately. But Co-Ops do have to survive. Unfortunately Atlanta isn't a supportive city in this way.
Sevananda Natural Foods Market is a local supermarket that specializes in organic foods. No it's not just for vegans and vegetarians, but it's for those choosing to live a healthy lifestyle overall. Located in Little 5 Points, Sevananda is stocked with everything from organic skin care products to all natural soaps, vitamin supplements, dairy products, vegetables, fruits, juices and teas. They even have a hot bar, where you can get quick meals.
At Sevananda customers can refill 10 gallon containers of water suitable for water tanks as well as choose from a selection of dispensed liquid soaps. Liquid soaps are fully stocked in great variety and they can be dispensed in ounces or gallons. .
Like every other natural and organic themed market, things aren't cheap at Sevenanda. Unfortunately, living a healthier lifestyle always costs more. Sevananda is on Moreland Avenue. For details, product selection and healthy lifestyle tips go to www.sevananda.coop.
I always feel like I am going to set off the organic ex-ray when I walk into this place since I don't eat 100% organic. I like this store and the fact that it is community owned and operated. I do have to admit that generally I am going home when I think about going to Sevenanda and I don't like the left hand turn I'd have to make to get into or out of the parking lot. I find that this is my favorite spot to pick up vitamins and other health items. I've tried the brands available at Kroger and Whole Foods and they don't hold a candle to some of the ones only found in Savenanda.
Price wise I never pay attention to whether this place is expensive compared to my other shopping choices. I guess my visits are so sporadic that it isn't really damaging my personal finances,
Sevananda Natural Foods Co-Op in Little Five Points, like other health food stores, sells small bottles of essential oils, organic produce, and other hippie essentials.
But their vegan chocolate cake sucks.
I am just happy it exists.
It's a great resource for natural remedies, bulk items, condiments and dairy. All the items are vegetarian and are researched with scrutiny by the general manager Steve to be humanely and of best quality. The staff is helpful and knowledgeable.
Hot bar usually has 6 items to choose for lunch or an early dinner.
Community bulletin board can be an invaluable resource for housing, seminars and neighborhood happenings.
If you feel like being healthy and picking up something quick this is the spot. The reason to pick this place over shopping at Whole Foods is that it is a Co-Op and will help support the community. Everyone is very friendly and are willing to answer any of your questions. It is on my way home so sometime I jump out and just grab something to make for dinner.
This place has been around forever, and when you visit, you will see why....the selection is huge, the atmosphere is friendly and the associates are helpful. Located in Little Five Points, there are so many other stops to make you can make a whole day of it. I hope they are around for another 40 years!!
Sevananda is a great business. There aren't many stores quite like it.....if you are vegan or interested in buying vegetarian and organic products, this place has everything to suit your needs. From vegan mac and cheese (who would have guessed?) to organic dogfood, Sevanada has gone above and beyond. I often buy organic vegetables and fruits, because I think they taste a little better than those at Kroger. Sevananda is more expensive than other grocery stores, but you are paying for an increase in quality. Even carnivores can enjoy organic foods....these creative products are delicious!
Love it. I love stopping through here after walking around L5P. This reminds me of a lot of the grocery stores that I shopped at in South Africa. Small, friendly, and inviting. When I'm in this shop, I always pick up dried mango's (so yummy) and Zoe's cereal! And I can never leave without smelling all the organic soaps. I know, sounds a little crazy right? But, next time you are there, browse through that section and tell me you won't go back!
Neighborhood: Buckhead
Category: Vegan
Marietta, GA
Category: Grocery
Atlanta, GA
Category: Nutritionists
Decatur, GA
Category: Grocery
Atlanta, GA
Category: Vegetarian
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