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The Food Mill
Categories: Food Specialty Food Health Markets Food Grocery Health Markets, Grocery [Edit]
3033 MacArthur Blvd(between Maple Ave & Laurel Ave)
Oakland, CA 94602
Neighborhood: Lower Hills
(510) 482-3848
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8:30 am - 8:30 pm
Sat-Sun 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
101 reviews for The Food Mill
Review Highlights
"Really terrific bulk section."
(in 19 reviews)
"The Food Mill peanut butter makes me tear up."
(in 16 reviews)
"The cookie bars are splendid and addicting."
(in 4 reviews)
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101 reviews in English
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Review from Evelyn M.
2/8/2012
I was delighted to be back in the store after a decade or two away. It felt great: friendly and helpful staff in an environment that hummed with well-being. The bulk foods section was captivating and supplements looked fully stocked. My brother had never been there so it was extra nice being able to introduce him to it.
I don't know whether the store has changed owners since the days I picked up basics for the Berkeley restaurant I worked at or if it has simply survived the years. Whatever has transpired, it was great to be back. -
Review from Loli L.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 1/30/2012
I don't know how I'd ever managed to miss the entire bulk-goods section in the back. Spices, grains, and all sorts of stuff including powdered soy milk- which is what I was summoned to pick up. Since I'm not much of a soy-milk drinker, I had no idea it came in powdered form, but when grandma asked me to bring her some I figured it would be the sort of thing I'd find at the Food Mill.
I walked in, found my way to the bulk foods section and stood for a moment trying to figure out which aisle of bins to start searching. A very friendly woman asked if she could help me, explained the two different types I might be interested in, and walked me over to what I needed. It was fantastic!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/29/2010
I always thought this place was too small to possibly have what I needed. But I was on a mission for… Read more »
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Review from Biqi C.
1/28/2012
I grew up and went to middle school down the street from Food Mill, and it was always weird to me that people shopped here. I never really knew what they sold, but all I remember ever having gone here for were their cookies. My favorite is their Omega Oat Bar. I am pretty sure they put crack in it, because I saved up my pretty pennies to come here to get these cookies!! Even when I had appointments at Kaiser I would stop by the Food Mill there while picking up my prescription just to get these cookies!
But anyway, I don't live in Oakland anymore, but my family does. I bought a Groupon and thought I'd finally allow myself to check the rest of the selection. And their bulk bin is ridiculously impressive. They have every single flour, grain, and spice you can think of. They could give Whole Foods and Rainbow a run for their money. It's only their snacks that might not measure up, but I should really cut down on the snacks anyway =). The cashier was so super nice, and I honestly had a really hard time to spend $30 here! I bought so much bulk stuff too!
It is true that their non-bulk foods are expensive. But I don't think they're overpriced, which bears a different meaning for me. All their food is organic and sourced elsewhere, so you would expect a premium for those items at any store. -
Review from Adamma I.
Oakland, CA
1/19/2012
For nostalgia. I have been coming to place since I was a toddler making trips with my mommy to the smelly dark store.
Its smelly due to the spices, teas, and herbs. Its no longer dark they have renovated and opened the store up. Like any store their prices reflect their cost ie paying employees, insurance, rent(?), maintenance and repair of the store and equipment, etc..... Ah and the cost of upgrading.
some of the prices were shocking others prices are awesome and other prices its a given at comparable stories like Whole Foods or other Health Food Store.
I shop here every 3 months and usually spend a $100. -
Review from Emily O.
Oakland, CA
12/4/2011
A great place to detour, if you're tempted by getting some unhealthy take-out food on the way back from work. Here you'll find a small selection of very fresh produce (much better than it used to be years ago), some prepared foods, organic meats, dairy, tofu, and a huge bulk food section that is inspiring for anyone into whole foods.
As a bonus, chair massages are being offered now by CMT's in the front of the store in the late afternoon/ evening hours. Don't pass up a massage by Gary Brown (510-472-2765). (Has a space nearby also). That was an amazing experience and I will be booking future appointments. I often wish for a quick chair massage to transition from a tiring day at the library on the phone and computer, to whatever's going on in the evening. (What I saved through the Groupon went to the massage -- but I don't regret it!)
Service at the Food Mill is personal, caring and knowledgeable, even if you do "pay extra" for it. Cook with whole foods, and shop in your neighborhood! The Laurel needs your support! -
Review from Tito Y.
Emeryville, CA
Earthy good stuff with herbal collections of items. Everything to me was kind of jumbled up inside, and only because I am used to the likes of Trader Joes or for that matter Mi Tierra. I could only say that if you are looking for stock dry goods come here, but don't get swayed by purchasing too many pounds of milk balls.
Pistacios, dates, popcorn, natural antibiotics, herbs. -
Review from Albert L.
San Francisco, CA
9/20/2011
In Oakland today and remember I've bought a deal on Groupon. Around 1pm I was in the Diamond district and next client won't be til 2pm. Pull out my phone and search for TFM and it was 0.07 miles away. Jump in the car and head over. Parking was plentiful because at that time people were just getting back from lunch and I'm in heaven when I walk in. This is a scale down store like Rainbow Grocery in SF, that's the store that I always head to on Wednesday.
I do however agree its pretty expensive for the things in here but on the same token they carry some of the hardest to find spices and herbs. This store carries only healthy items only you will not find Foster Farms,Kraft,Nabisco,Lay's,Oscar Meyer....etc.
I went ahead grab a hand basket begin my journey. With a $30 limit I was being real careful not to go over too much. Here's what I pick-up as follows: Dried papaya spears,nancy's non-fat yogurt,organic medjool dates,emma's tamales 4pk,roasted and salted pepitas,super ginger bars 6pcs,bag of sweet potatoes chips,frozen free range chicken drumstick, and a mealpack bar. Total: $35.13 went over by $5.13 but that's ok now I know about a place like this in Oakland. -
Review from Zee M.
Union City, CA
Updated - 8/4/2011
Well I actually have a story to tell. When my family member was pregnant a anonymous patron came to where she worked and gave a huge bottle of herbal prenatal pills? she was taking them as instructed on bottle and needed a refill. After I gave a lecture about eating stuff from people you don't know, I went on Internet and found store that carry them locally. To my surprise The FoodMeal carried the product. I knew from the package and who sold the product that these were something that could be trusted / pretty good quality.
Of course, I went to store which was two cities away from home. I Brought refill, other herbal supplements along with several flavors of cookies(samples helped me over do it). And came back to refill and her sister when she became pregnant few years later. I always said, those kids are healthy and brainy due to excellent prenatal pills. Both natural births went extremely well with standing applause from the birthing unit on one...
Thank you for being knowledgeable, healthy minded and putting continued thought into products that you provide to the community and patrons!! -
Review from C C.
Oakland, CA
10/9/2011
I went to the Food Mill early this morning and it was a lovely experience. I went in for one thing. They didn't have it what I was looking for, but I found plenty of other stuff that I didn't realize that I needed-lol! Everyone was very helpful.
I bought dandelion greens, a pear, pure organic maple syrup, Emma's pork tamales, peanut butter food mill bars, single serving of raw protein powder & vegan red potato salad. I spent $31.64. It was worth it. I've been there plenty of times before, but this time I realized how grateful I am that they are close to my home. It was a beautiful Sunday morning and I had a beautiful experience. -
Review from Jessica W.
Berkeley, CA
10/29/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Great place for bulk items and vitamins! I wouldn't recommend them for non-bulk grocery items though because they are very overpriced.
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Review from HeartBeat Radio F. M.
Berkeley, CA
6/4/2011
Food Mill does healthy food right!
Their breads and cookies/bars are so mouthwatering, it's hard to believe they're made with whole wheat flour, wheat germ, and other strange-sounding nutritious ingredients.
So worth every penny/bite ! -
Review from Jaymo N.
Stockton, CA
10/31/2011
Always remains near the top as one of my favorite places to shop. The service is superb! The employees are knowledgeable about the products, whether generic or exclusive. The foods, supplements and other items are always top-notch! The vibe is def Oakland, as TFM is now celebrating its 75th year! If I just had to complain about anything, it would be the prices on some products. But they have pretty much everything a health nut would want and need all in one spot, including alternatives to foods that would normally have allergens. Lastly, they carry Oakland's tastiest, one and only vegan pesto sauce, Besto Pesto!
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Review from Tina C.
2/24/2011
I came here tonight with a Living Social $15 for $30 gift certificate. I admit that I came here because I bought the gift certificate and I never heard of The Food Mill prior to it. I was rather excited when I read the description online with the words "organic" and "natural" registering in my head. I thought - woo hoo! Trader Joe's on a discount!!!
When I got in front of the store (I got a little lost actually since I drove on the other side of MacArthur), I was a bit disappointed since the store looked quite small and a bit drab from the outside. Further, there wasn't a lot of street parking available even though it was well into the evening. I saw a super small parking lot adjacent to it and figured that 1) it's either the grocery store's or 2) I will park here and it's for the company next store and take a risk and not get a ticket. Thankfully, after I parked, I saw a small sign that indicated the parking lot was reserved for The Food Mill customers. If you live in the area or nearby, I suggest you walk or bike here. It's a bit off from the freeway (580) if you are trying to go towards Hayward. Easy exit going there towards Oakland/SF direction.
After I got in, I saw tons of vitamins and a small produce selection. I thought, all right, this place has two aisles of Trader Joe's vitamin goods and some fresh produce. I ventured back- and what I saw in the back is the reason why I am giving it 4 stars. If it wasn't for it being so expensive, I'd give this place 5 stars for.... ***drumroll*** THE SPICE SELECTION!
I've never been in a store in the bay area with such a large spice selection. Even better, it's an organic spice collection! They have a great tea collection. I felt like a kid at the candy store except it's a healthy candy store. I probably spent 1/3 of the Living Social gift certificate on spices and chai tea.
I spent another few bucks on organic bananas from Peru (.99 per lb today). I also bought organic powdered sugar (granted I normally pay $1.37 at Walmart for an entire bag with 7 cups and this place charges $5.79), tofu organic soy ice cream bars (4.79) (you can buy these at Trader Joe's as well), and three packs of toilet paper (4 rolls in each for 2.16).
I would come back to this store if I am in the neighborhood for the following:
+Bag of Organic Rolled Oats ($1.99) - cheaper than Trader's Joe
+Spice Collection
+Organic Pastas (also in back of the store)
+Huge collection of Asian and European tea (also in the back)
+Honey!
+Vitamin and Health Supplements ($$$$, but they look good)
I would get the fresh produce, most frozen item, and the cleaning
supplies elsewhere.
Super friendly cashiers. They are so nice! Very mom and pop type store and neighborhood oriented.
TIPS:
1. Write down the Bin # if you are buying the spices, pasta, and tea from the back of the store. Tie your item and place it in the small bags available. Weigh the item then press the red button. Then press the green button above it to print the cost label for the cashier in the front. You will have a chance to adjust your purchase amount of the spice/pasta/tea since the price will show up first and it will not print unless you press the green button.
2. Parking: Park in the small lot (I'd say it fits up to 10 cars) to the left of the store. Street parking is difficult. Walk down the few concrete steps, but be careful because the walking path (as small as it is) is not paved. -
Review from G. L.
Oakland, CA
12/13/2011
Today, after work I went to the Foodmill, as I have done for many years, to pick up a few items. After parking in the lot a car pulled up behind me and the driver demanded that I move my car, I asked an employee on the loading dock, "Is it ok to park here?" He replied, "Yes." The irate man in the car then identified himself as an employee, got out of his car and continued to yell about the parking spot. Rather than put up a fight over a parking spot, I simply got in my car and left. After this experience I will not be going back again anytime soon. It saddens me to know that such rude and uncivilized people find employment at this otherwise great little store.
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Review from Jennifer B.
Oakland, CA
1/9/2011
The Food Mill does health food old school. Flashback to late '80s when my mom first discovered supplements and protein powder. Small little shops with helpful employees and the familiar smell of oats, seaweed and massage oil, the root of my skepticism for health you can buy.
Though packaged groceries tend to be about double the price of other places, and the produce selection is quite paltry, Food Mill stands out in the careful selection of highest quality vitamins and supplements, local, homemade food items, and BULK FOODS. Bring on the glass jars with grommets*.
Today we got enough yeast, flour, pasta, beans, spices, almond butter, sesame sticks, and dehydrated vegetable broth to last through the winter.
*I love that word. -
Review from Kim G.
Albany, CA
2/28/2011
Water in bulk - check (no more plastic waste)! Bins and bins of bulk spices, grains, & herbs, never before seen anywhere (do wiccans shop here?) - check! Great happy workers, masseuse in the corner, hard-to-find vegan snacks, neighbors popping in and out just to say hi - check!
This isn't a store, it's an experience. A small experience, yes, but well worth a moment or two of claustrophobia. -
Review from John Z.
Dublin, CA
10/31/2010
How much fun is The Food Mill? A neighborhood grocery store with friendly and helpful staff. Everything at the Food Mill is organic and sustainable and all the major pluses for consumer products these days. We tried them out with a Living Social coupon - 2 of them for $30 a piece. I must say that $60 doesn't go very far at The Food Mill. However, they have some terrific items that you won't find in very many other places except for maybe Whole Foods.
I'm thrilled with all the items that I purchased and am looking forward to trying their famous cookies that they bake on-site on the second floor of their quaint building.
There are really only 3 minor challenges with The Food Mill. First are prices. A cheapskate like me probably won't shop here too often. Second is the lack of parking. They must be banking on getting a bunch of neighborhood customers walking there to shop. The third drawback is the freeway situation. You take the 35th Street exit if you're driving eastbound on I-580, but you can't get back onto I-580 from the same spot. You have to drive through town a bit to finally make it to the eastbound I-580 on-ramp.
Most folks probably wouldn't care about that, but I'm not a fan of driving through and exploring unfamiliar spots of Oakland in search of the freeway on-ramp. -
Review from Renee M.
Brentwood, CA
Updated - 8/28/2011
I still love the Food Mill. If anyone read a post that I recently did stating that some of the sweets were not good, that was NOT meant for the Food Mill. The quality, service, taste, everything is great at the Food Mill as far as I'm concerned.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/2/2011
I've always loved the Food Mill. Sorry I never even thought about yelping. Anyway, I went there… Read more »
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Review from Sarah S.
Oakland, CA
1/5/2011
This place is sweet-ass, and I can WALK here from my house. It's a rarity, people.
The staff members have got to be the friendliest people ever...they must pay them in chocolate. Everything is delicious, the produce (while limited) is fresh & tasty, lots of options for healthy eating, great bulk food options, and vitamins/supplements to suit everything your heart desires.
I love that they carry individual bottles of Virgil's Diet Cream Soda which may not sounds special to you, but trust me, it is. Very special.
Given that it's small, it doesn't have everything I need and the prices are higher than Farmer Joe's or Safeway, but those are minor detractors.
Did I mention I can walk there? Love it! -
Review from Peter L.
7/14/2010
This store reminded me of the healthy/organic/natural foods kind (e.g., TJ's, WFM, MS, etc.), but with mom-and-pop type employees running things. They carry unfamiliar brands, national brands and generics so you'll find whatever you're looking for. Items were of quality, and didn't look like they were surplus or old. The store layout is mazy but items were well-organized, complimented one another.
Not familiar to the area, and only stopped in after randomly finding the store, I would return to get last minute ingredients for dinner parties.
$2.29 for a pint of Breyers ice cream.
$1.39 for a jar of Hoisin sauce. -
Review from Sarah W.
Oakland, CA
3/10/2011
I've lived in Oakland for over 6 years but have never checked out the Food Mill till today....I used a Living Social coupon and enjoyed my shopping trip at this nice, mom & pop store. The bulk foods selection is incredible- everything from almond butter to maple syrup, pizza flour, and dried pineapple. They carry many rare items, and I'll come back to discover more treats! The customer service was fantastic and very friendly.
The prices were okay- some of boxed products seemed expensive. Parking was totally fine on a weekday afternoon. -
Review from J V.
Alameda, CA
3/4/2011
I have to make a note about the parking. Folks, there is a paved parking lot on the right side of the store as you look at it, but there is also an unpaved one on the left side. I have never, ever had trouble finding parking, ever.
And YES on the bulk foods section. I really go largely for that--I love that I can replace an entire bottle of name-brand basil for like 35 cents. Awesome. Some items are pricey (fruit-juice-sweetened dried cranberries), but still worth it (they are so yummy & guilt-free). Most things are incredibly affordable, so much so that I buy too much! Splurge for the pricey Vietnamese cinnamon; it is out of this world.
Their Food Mill cookie bars are incredible, too--try the peanut butter ones. They also stock lots of Nancy's yogurt and that delicious Wildwood tofu.
Finally, they not only stock tons of supplements of all types, but if you have a question, they absolutely know what they're talking about.
I wish they were closer to Alameda, but honestly? I just need to drive my butt the 15 minutes more often. Try it out! You won't be sorry. (Remember what I said about the parking.) -
Review from Willie L.
CA
10/17/2010 1 Check-in Here
One stop shop for bulk items. Quite a variety but I don't see myself coming here too often. Most of the packaged items are overpriced and how often do you need to buy bulk items? Most of the time, I'd just buy bulk ingredients where I regularly shop. Probably would only come here for some special reason, like if my Groupon or EcoMetro coupon was expiring.
Fan of: cookie pieces, quinoa, organic pumpkin seeds, friendly staff.
Edit:
My wife thinks blanket statements like "most are overpriced" are misleading. So to clarify, the prices of packaged items are competitive with other small natural food stores but can't compete with big box natural food stores. They're a mom-and-pop store though, so what they do have is a knowledgeable and friendly staff.
As for bulk items, some are more expensive, some are cheaper, and some you just can't find in other stores. -
Review from Allyucan Y.
Alameda, CA
5/18/2011
I bought a certificate through http://livingsocial.com and was quite excited to see what this place was all about because I love supporting local businesses like local markets, boutique shops and farmer's markets.
I walked in and found a shabby market in a not-so-nice neighborhood. They have a large selection of teas and herbal supplements and in the back bulk items like cereals, flour, dried fruits, etc. It was difficult for me to use up the amount on my certificate because I feel like shopping here is a rip-off as everything is so expensive here. I don't mind paying a little extra to support the local businesses but when the prices are almost double the prices of other markets - it's hard to justify spending my hard earned cash. -
Review from Bucky K.
San Francisco, CA
11/1/2007
I'm always amazed at how hospital cafeterias can have some of worst tasting food. Not only that, it's usually bad for you. Slowly the pendulum is starting to swing the other way. Way too slowly. Case in point: Kaiser Oakland. Check out the vending machines. They have a few healthy treats denoted by a tiny sign. The cafeteria still carries fried and fatty foods. I wouldn't complain as much if it tasted better, but it doesn't...
That's why most of my Oakland days I walk directly across the street to Food Mill to grab lunch and/or a snack. Organic, healthy, and tasty. All things considered, really not that expensive. Granted most of the store is devoted to supplements and "for the home products" but they have a sizable refrigerated section with ready for consumption foods.
The staff is always nice and friendly, which isn't always the case in hospital cafeterias. They even have a few tables set up if you want to eat in store. I guess the bottom line is that Kaiser could learn a lot from taking a peek out it's front window.Listed in: Hyphytown!!!
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Review from Porkchop P.
Oakland, CA
7/7/2007
The Food Mill is the balls! It's what I remember health food stores being like before they became big corporate monstrosities like Whole Foods and Wild Oats. It even smells like a health food store should--ginseng, patchouli, and the oh-so heavenly yummy goodies baking in their on-site kitchen.
The people who work there are so nice and knowledgeable. And surprisingly, I've found their prices on many items to be much, much cheaper than larger stores.
Try the homemade cookies. Super Ginger and Honey Fruit Bars are soooo yummy with their coffee! -
Review from LuX P.
Oakland, CA
1/28/2007
I went to Food Mill recently with the beginnings of a baddass cold. You know, the kind that fills your nose and lungs full of slime. The lady at the checkstand recommended Larix(from the larch tree and more effective than echinacea) and a potion called Lung Elixir(you can only get this there). Within a couple days my nose cleared and the cold never grabbed hold of my lungs.
Friendly people and healthiness all around.Listed in: OAKLAND? Hell YEAH!
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Review from Mel H.
Oakland, CA
12/30/2006
Great selection of natural/health food and related products -- the staff is wonderful, very helpful. They've helped me find everything from flax seed oil to herbal allergy meds to holistic stuff for my dog. A cool place with good people.
Very cool, random note: they make their own peanut butter on site and it is SO GOOD. I've eaten it out of the jar with a spoon! Mmmmm. -
Review from nate d.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 12/1/2009
p.p.s. They let my wife return a bag of bulk tea (opened!) because she didn't really like the taste. Who does that? They also gave my sensitive-conscience sister a refund on some chocolate bars that weren't fair trade.
That, my yelping friends, is the kind of service that earns you a customer for life!Listed in: My Neighborhood
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/17/2009
Have you ever ground your own peanut butter? If not, then you have no idea how good this typical… Read more »
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Review from JB D.
Oakland, CA
9/15/2011
i like what tina c. said. only i give 3*, guess I'm not that into spices and teas. this place is expensive for many things I normally buy, i didn't like the free bars I got with my living social coupon, too cloyingly sweet. if you think whole paycheck is expensive this is no bargain either.
nothing more to add but why are all these people giving 4-5 * is there star inflation? 3 * is A ok , and that's all this place is to me. -
Review from Sven R.
Alameda, CA
3/28/2011
Went there last weekend because we had a 50%-off coupon for up to $30 from Living Social.
Good:
I did like the bulk food section. Especially that you can bring your own container and they will weigh it for you so you only pay for whatever you fill in. That was also about the only section with reasonable prices. Which brings me to ...
Bad:
Can you say OVERPRICED! I understand organic food costs a bit more than the regular industrial stuff. But $8 for 1/2 gallon (1.9l) of milk?? Come on, even with the 50% off that's still expensive. To be fair, they had reduced and no fat milk from other brands for about half that price, but the $8 milk was the only whole milk they had.
Either $1.95 or $1.59 - I forgot - for a small 500 ml bottle of purified water. That's right, not some fancy shmancy, super-mineral, deep nature, diamond filtered, arctic ice cooled, secret volcano rock spring water. No, purified tap water in a cheap looking plastic bottle. The kind of stuff Safeway sells for 30 cents.
Or how about $6 for a cup of Earth Balance margarine? The exact same kind and size that Trader Joe's sells for $3.70? I'm all about supporting local businesses and if it's a few cents more, I don't mind. But I'm not gonna make an extra $2.30 donation for a jar of margarine.
I was looking forward to the home-made breads that look so good on their homepage as I'm a big bread fan. Sadly, all I could find was plastic-bagged fluffy things. I didn't buy any as pre-sliced tin loaves in crust-killing plastic bags are a big turn-off.
After we moved to the East Bay from Mountain View, I'm looking for a local substitute for the Milk Pail market there. Unfortunately, Food Mill isn't it. -
Review from Erica H.
Sweden, ME
3/24/2007
A powerhouse of a store considering the square footage is probably one-tenth of the size of the large corporate natural food stores. They even have a bulk food section and a to-go food section. I like the selection of teas and the selection of supplements. The staff seem friendly and helpful. I like the home-grownness of the store. It is like a Mom and Pop healthfood store from the 70s. My parents would have loved it too. Maybe they would have found some nice alternatives to Grape Nuts (which they served for breakfast EVERY morning).
Responsiveness to questions/needs: ***** (five stars)
Dairy-free selection: ***** (five stars)
Gluten-free selection: **** (four stars)
Vegetarian selection: ***** (five stars)
Vegan selection: **** (four stars) -
Review from Chad L.
San Leandro, CA
11/4/2009
This foodmill is the best! I have been going here a lot lately. I usually get some $1 produce bags, Vegan* beef TVP, Barbara's jalepeno cheese puffs, a soda or water, some yeast free wheat free breads and maybe some chocolate and milk, oooh and those vitamin c chew tabs. I love this place. Their bulk bins are awesome! Most have ingredient labels and you can ask for a list if they don't. The staff are really nice and cool. They will make an order for an item if they don't have it and help you with any questions you might have.
This place is right off of the freeway so if you are near 580 it's easy to get to and go back home. It's a great specialty store. Some items are obviously $1-2 more than they would be at other places, but I wouldn't advise coming here for everything, just a few odds and ends that you may not get as easily elsewhere. I can not think of any other store in this area that compares to this store, (not Farmer Joe's or anyone else for that matter). It's a cool store that's way bigger than it looks and I love it.
CHAD -
Review from Martin W.
Oakland, CA
5/19/2009
4 stars right away, because they have a great selection of budget *and* body-friendly dry goods (second only to Berkeley Bowl, in my estimation), sure they've all the usual adjectives in play (cage-free, omega-3, organic, all natural, etc, etc), but the 5th star is because they're so goddamn *nice* there!
Awesome selection of dry goods, especially herbs, spices, grains, nuts, etc. Seriously, they have everything, from ground mustard seed to organic quinoa to vegetarian beef broth to dried bing cherries. It is here, my friends.
Also an expansive range of vitamins and nutritional supplements, but I don't frequent that end of the store (being a heavy drinker, my aminos and electrolytes are always in abundance). Their produce and meats are limited, but should of the organic/grass-fed/free-range varieties.
It's like Berkeley Bowl writ small, without over-validated Subaru Outback moms in a manic phase as customers. Really, you gotta love this place. -
Review from i be e.
Pasadena, CA
4/2/2011
went here on a livingsocial coupon and couldnt be happier.
read the history of the market as it started out in 1933. 1993 bought by watkins brothers, and saw them "milling" (yes, pun intended) around the store. honestly nice and caring guys. they were talking to the shoppers and telling them about vitamins, natural foods, etc. they are passionate about their store.
going in is like going back in time. you can get samples of bread. the aisles are narrow, carts are small, and it's like a neighborhood store. it has everything you need to live a healthy life.
the bulk foods section is fun. get beans, chocolate, organic flour, sesame paste, etc. in bulk and you get to go to the scales weigh and print your own receipt. i would assume during busy times this may be frustrating because there is only one scale.
it reminds you of times when life was much simpler. no mega stores with prepared food, bakery, 30000 square feet of space. this little market will remind you that its good to live simply and that small, quaint spaces are a good use of land.
i almost forgot to add that when i didnt bring the livingsocial coupon, the owners let me go into their office and print it out. people just dont do that anymore, but they did.
check it out. -
Review from Amanda B.
Sacramento, CA
2/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
The peanut butter and oatmeal raisin cookies are the best! The store is pretty crowded, but I enjoyed looking at all of the natural and healthy stuff. I will definitely be back to explore some more.
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Review from Miranda O.
Oakland, CA
7/5/2008
I was very excited to go here, as my great grandmother frequented the Food Mill a majority of her life and I had heard family rumors of their baked goods, specifically cookie bars. My sharp Gran couldn't have been more right- this place is a delight!
Exceptional selection for: teas, natural nutritional supplements, spices, herbs, granolas and natural ingredient health care products.
The cookie bars are splendid and addicting. Luckily if for some reason you can not make it to the Food Mill, the cookies can be bought online or local store like the 24-7 Longs on Pleasant Valley Road near CCAC.
Lastly, for the final 5th star, the staff is warm, personable and makes you feel right at home. Plus others in the store that were regulars and newbies alike could not help but gush over their love of this place. A true mark of goodness. I will definitely be back! -
Review from Rafael N.
Oakland, CA
6/30/2010
Do you value quality and variety in life?
This place has been around ages and has STUFF for the longevity of the body.
We get bombarded by crap daily.
This nook in Oaktown is nice to get information from a person and not a screen.
The staff is always willing to give advice on health, prevention, and recourse for aliments.
Please check it out, your bound to get something your body will thank you for. -
Review from Nicole K.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 1/6/2009
Update
I've taken a real shine to natural skin and hair care lately and The Mill has what I need to stand true to my commitment to taking better care of this mortal coil. Aubrey Organics is an outstanding line of hair care products for this curly head and they have the unrefined Shea butter and organic coconut oils that are de riguer for both skin and hair. Love this place. Extra points for friendly and knowledgeable staff. I have friends in the City who literally dropped jaw when I took them here as they were aghast at the excellent prices and superb quality. personally, I could care less if the place is a bit outdated, in fact I kinda find it soothing in it's constancy. I heart TFM.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/9/2008
Been here practically forever. I started going here in the early 90's. Knowledgeable, caring staff… Read more »
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Review from Meryl B.
Oakland, CA
3/11/2011
Great place if you need all natural, organic, bulk food, vitamins, and supplements.. The staff is informative and friendly. 4 stars because of the price. Some items are pretty expensive.
