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Whole Earth Center
Categories: Food Bakeries Food Grocery Restaurants Vegetarian Bakeries, Grocery, Vegetarian [Edit]
360 Nassau StPrinceton, NJ 08540
(609) 924-7429
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 am - 9 pm
Sat 8 am - 8 pm
Sun 9 am - 7 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Price Range:
-
$$$$
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
24 reviews for Whole Earth Center
Review Highlights
"...service is spectacular and they have Bent Spoon ice cream."
(in 3 reviews)
"Best choice of local organic produce."
(in 3 reviews)
"...I can bring my own containers), excellent produce selection."
(in 3 reviews)
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24 reviews in English
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Review from M V.
Princeton, NJ
1/4/2012
I was skeptical about Whole Earth at first because I thought it might be too earthy-crunchy for me. Now I'm a total convert. I do almost all my grocery shopping there, and I know I'll miss it a lot when I move away.
Simply put: this place has better produce at better prices than other stores nearby (I'm thinking of Wegman's, McCaffrey's, and Whole Foods). The selection is abundant, and the quality is wonderfully high. And it's all organic. The bulk grains, beans, and nuts are good too. And the staff is really friendly. If your diet is plant-based, this is just a great place to do your grocery shopping. One caveat: the baked goods are okay, but when I want a really good loaf I head over to Witherspoon Bread Co. -
Review from Julie S.
Philadelphia, PA
1/18/2012
When you shop here, you feel like you have just done something good for the world. It's a little uplifting feeling of superiority: no creature anywhere was harmed in the making of these groceries. With every surreally delicious whole earth kale salad, 14 minutes added to your life. Radishes so gorgeous you just want to write a poem about them. And the prices? Not so bad if you're used to shopping at shmancy places. Certainly not worse than Whole Foods. Good food that's worth what you're paying for it is not so easy to come by in Princeton. Go shop here. (A tiny liberal angel will get its wings!)
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Review from Andrew D.
Princeton, NJ
1/27/2012
I've shopped at many health food stores and this is one of the best. The selection is good, the staff is friendly and helpful, and the deli is terific!
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Review from Jasmine W.
Princeton, NJ
10/10/2011
I didn't go here at first because I expected the usual health food store weirdities: muscle-building vitamins, colon cleansers, some year-old gluten-free pasta and a few sad-looking organic veggies. Boy, was I wrong!
This place is much bigger than it looks. It has an incredible inventory with more bulk foods than Whole Foods, amazing dairy offerings and mountains of fresh organic produce at prices comparable to Whole Foods. And it's locally owned! It's a health food Shangri-La. The prepared foods are sublime, and I can't believe they are all vegan. Usually vegan food is like eating leaves and twigs off the forest floor, but this stuff is delicious. I have my carnivore husband eating it for lunch every day!
Check out their newsletter for cool local happenings and food and environmental activism. I credit WEC for turning me on to the issue of fracking in the Delaware River Basin. This is an outrage! And I'm glad WEC has radicalized me!
I have become so attached to WEC that I am worried about my mental health when I have to leave Princeton. When and where will I ever find a more perfect food store??!! Ahh, I do not know!!! -
Review from Rebecca P.
Hoboken, NJ
5/15/2011
Despite growing up pretty close to this place, I had never been up until a few months ago. A visit down to visit the 'rents left me in a house full of processed food, so I headed to Whole Earth post NYSC to pick up some healthier eats.
This place isn't very big, but stocks a wide selection of natural and organic products. I felt prices were fair (especially bulk items), though naturally not Trader Joe's cheap. I have tried their prepared foods...somewhat of a thumbs down on the pita sandwich with veggies but a thumbs up on their salads (including that kale one with almonds and the veggie "tuna" salad).
The cashiers are friendly, and the location is more convenient to those in town than WF. Definitely check it out. -
Review from C S.
Princeton, NJ
Updated - 2/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Update:
Wow--what a change this place has had in the past year, and for the better. I'm happy to come back every other week or so now.
Not only is the selection fantastic, fresh, and local, but the staff is too. They go out of their way to help out anyone who appears lost, needs questions answered, needs help filling a dish liquid container (and not just me). Even the checkout people are pleasant now.
And their stevia remains the best I've found (it's not the NOW brand that Whole Foods had, btw, as I've compared them--the stock at Whole Earth is much much sweeter).
When I've needed items not in stock, they've ordered them straight away. After my daughter was born, we needed gripe water; not in stock, but after they found some, I was called to be told it had arrived--the next day. They stock infant probiotics, which is safer for and works better than mylicon (though your baby's poop will smell like yogurt).
The "soup" bin is also great for organic produce to be used in a day or so, at $.69/lb. I've found portobello mushrooms in there too.
They just added a fresh cashew butter machine too, and spelt from NYS. The cracked oats were great as a replacement for barley in my recovery stew, but also were incredible in my home made haggis.
If you happen to get a box share from Honeybrook CSA, you'd pick it up here.
Great job! Thank you!
P.S. I still avoid the ponytail. Makes my life easier and more pleasant.
8/8/2010
I'm all for second chances, so I'm coming back to this place.
Here are my reasons:
1) Quality of goods is fantastic: you won't find better locally sourced produce plus some dry goods, breads, microwave popcorn, beeswax. Their fresh peanut butter is better (and cheaper) than anywhere else--and yes, I bought sub-par peanut butter from nearly every other store in the area and hated it (the dog didn't care for it either). Also bulk red raspberry leaf, the hottest cayenne pepper, bulk detergents, the only good powdered stevia, and a nut-carob bar that tastes like dark chocolate. They also have goat butter.
2) It's locally owned
3) Some people who work there really go out of their way to help you and to make you feel welcome--those in the prepared food section, the woman who knows everything about supplements (dried apricots have calcium!), the tall woman who could reach the glycerin for me
4) The building is LEED certified
So we're testing it out again. Partly out of necessity, partly out of desperation, partly out of a dislike for Whole Foods, partly because it's close and I'd like to make the 3 mile round trip hike there with my baby when she arrives.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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6/17/2010
If you want my happier review, read my last one on this place. I had been writing updates on the… Read more »
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Review from Allie G.
Princeton, NJ
1/7/2011 2 photos
OK so they have this salad, right? It's kind of like ceviche kale with almonds, brown rice, cubed tofu, shredded carrot, sesame seeds, red cabbage, and a citrus vinegar dressing. The more you chew, the better the greens taste. This salad is incredibly complex and has more ingredients than a Twinkie (OK, not even close, Twinkies have like 56 ingredients and none of them come from dirt). The point is, all the variation allows for the eater to acquire all the macro and micro nutrients they need for the day! PLUS, it's deLICious. Like, seriously. It's called the Whole Earth Salad, and if there aren't any there when I go back for mine next week, I'm going to be as pissed off as I will be proud of you for trying new things.
Whole Earth Center as a....whole? Haha. Yeah, it's a winner. Locally owned for like 40 years, newly renovated with an enlarged deli section. As much alternative selection as Whole Foods with a much more knowledgeable staff if you have questions. Oh, and everything is organic. EVERYTHING. More importantly, they feature local FOODS -- produce, cheese, dairy, meats, and poultry. By supporting local farmers and craft producers of raw and other whole foods, this grocery store supports the health and finances of the community of Princeton. It's expensive to shop here but it's important to shop here. Bring your totes. That's important too. -
Review from Sasha K.
Princeton, NJ
6/18/2009
Don't take me wrong. I love organic produce and belong to the largest CSA in the country but there is something wrong at this place. I can't figure it out. Is it organic produce that makes people look like they are about to pass away, or they start shopping organic on the way out? There was a green looking fellow with a shopping cart full of lettuce. I asked cashier if this dude is buying supplies for his organic restaurant. Cashier replied: "No. He makes juice out of lettuce." I think I am getting organic store phobia.
Best choice of local organic produce! -
Review from Carol C.
Gaithersburg, MD
10/23/2009
4.5?? I'm a huuuge fan, I swear! The only thing that keeps this from getting a 5 is the prices. But hey, it's Princeton, and I guess I have to deal.
Anyway, I love this place to pieces! They have a great wholesome selection of products, mostly organic, lots of healthy and awesome stuff - think Whole Foods or Trader Joe's but with even more of the tradtional local grocery vibe.
I usually skip out on the pre-packaged stuff as I can get it cheaper elsewhere, but I am all over their deli and bakery! Their eggplant spread, curried sweet potato soup, and vegan coconut orbs are to die for, not to mention they have a heavenly selection of healthy delectable baked goods including their amazing vegan cookies and muffins. Ahhh, I just want to buy out their entire stock of store-made goodness every time I go.
Oh oh and I almost forgot, they have an incredible lineup of bulk bins from nuts and grains to herbs and spices,, dried fruit, nut butters, cereals, everything that you could possibly imagine buying in bulk. They also have a nifty peanut butter maker that turns peanuts into pb before your eyes! Don't forget to bring your own bottle! -
Review from R R.
Somerset, NJ
8/24/2010
This store is The Real Deal.
Unlike other so-called health-food stores, Whole Earth sells only organic, high-quality foods, and most of their produce is local and fully labelled. They sell Terhune apples, Bent Spoon ice cream, Cherry Grove beef, etc.
On top of that, their hot food counter prepares some amazing dishes--I've become hooked on them for lunch.
Definitely my favorite grocery in the area, and probably in NJ. (Wegman's is probably my 2nd favorite, but that's not really an apples-apples comparison.) -
Review from rachel d.
Princeton, NJ
2/4/2010
As others have mentioned, this place is pricey. However, they deliver time and time again.
Their nut loaf with mushroom gravy is ridiculous - so good; as well as their edemame salad with soba noodles. Their soups are filling and feature nice fresh seasonal veggies.
I recommend taking a look at their spice aisle. It is comprehensive, and neat.
They have enough here to feed an army of vegans or vegetarians.
I know people rave about the bakery. I did try a corn muffin which was dry as can be. But who knows, I always yearn for their ginger cookies which I have had yet to try because of the prices. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt
Now why a five? Because if money allowed, I would eat their food every single day. That good -
Review from Tim M.
Long Beach, CA
10/1/2011
I bought 4 items. I was overcharged for two of them (the printed price and the scanned price did not match). Apparently Whole Foods is notorious for this practice. Now, I know I need to watch out at Whole Earth Center as well. I will say the argula was local and very good.
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Review from Meg D.
Bergen County, NJ
11/6/2007
Kalustians out, Whole Earth in.
...let's just pretend that I don't hate Kalustian's and am pro spice corner (just for a minute)..
I had to pick up market samples of erithrytol and some evap cane juice and was just so pleased at the array of fresh, local veg's, spices and fruits. The space is reminiscent of mrs. herbs in denville with the layout but having less emphasis on health care and more on produce and unique organic products.
They have ground up arrow root and perhaps because Im not vegan, nor into the craft I was floored at the urn style array of freshly ground spices by the gram. This is so much better than going to an asian market or an indian market to pick up dried spices (who needs five lbs of turmeric.....not me......vote for whole earth) v -
Review from Abby B.
East Meadow, NY
2/9/2010
They are mostly famed for their plethora of decently prepared lunch items (hot & cold) that seem to be popular for the "I want to eat healthier, but I don't have the time to cook myself" set. But as a health food store, I find them to be a huge fail. It used to be that they were $1 higher on $5 items, but now they are up to $1 higher on $2 items: not acceptable in my book.
Add that to often finding expired items on the shelves and in the refrigerated section, as well as consistently being given an attitude when using coupons; this place is not for me.Listed in: Princeton, NJ
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Review from Danan R.
9/11/2010
I come here to get natural nut butters and other organic foods that are not exactly ubiquitous in your everyday supermarket. The store itself is small but has a good, wide range of fresh produce and meats, along with all-natural snacks, like freeze-dried coconut (one of my favorite snacks). The service is spectacular and they have Bent Spoon ice cream. This is a must-try for all vegetarians and vegans, since they have a lot of different lentils and grains, along with soy-based products like seitan and tempeh.
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Review from Heather L M.
Trenton, NJ
1/11/2008
Whole Earth is the original health food store in the Princeton area. They've been around since the '70s. Despite the opening of other, larger health food stores in the region (Wild Oats and Whole Foods), they still seem to do a brisk business.
Other than getting it straight from the farm, the produce is the freshest, most beautiful you will find in the area (I get really excited about veggies). It's all organic and mostly local. I also love the bulk food aisle. The deli and bakery are great too. I like to occasionally grab lunch here.
They're expanding the shop into what was once a flower store. Once the expansion is done, they will have a store front on Nassau Street. -
Review from Miss D.
Jersey City, NJ
1/8/2010
I like shopping here! Great bread, great bulk section (I can bring my own containers), excellent produce selection! In the winter time, they have the best oranges around!
I prefer shopping here than at McCaffreys. I just wish the prices were better on some things like canned goods. -
Review from Sue Z.
Jackson, NJ
2/25/2010
if everything in this place was about half the price, i would be completely in love. when i first walked in, i planned on only checking it out and buying a few things, but there was just too much goodness. i recently got a natural foods cookbook and this place had all the "different" ingredients i can't find near my house, like agave nectar and kombu. i ended up buying mung beans, lentils, quinoa, and granola among other things. make sure you bring your own containers, for both solids and liquids. wish i'd known this ahead of time for that agave. you can scoop out beans and nuts from containers and pour out granola from dispensers. they provide paper bags, but i'd recommend bringing your own for bulk. overall, a lot of good products..so try not to get caught up like i did and if you're on a budget, only walk in with a certain amount of money!
the downside, as mentioned: unfortunately, the fact is that everything was expensive, which is why i think a lot of people are discouraged from natural foods in general. i hope that someday this changes, especially in this place because they had everything i was looking for. -
Review from Dan C.
Stockton, NJ
1/24/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Love this little place. It's a manageable supemarket without the weird vibe of many health food stores. Full of just plain good stuff. They stock a lot of local meat, dairy, and produce and point it out. A must-stop for locavores.
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Review from Jen H.
Detroit, MI
5/23/2010
kinda pricey, but a lot of local items and produce. It has a nice local vibe as well. Vegetarian and vegan friendly :) They encourage bringing reusable bags to carry groceries too!
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Review from Elizabeth P.
Princeton, NJ
12/13/2008 2 photos
Indulging in high-quality organic food has always been one of the few luxury habits I can rationalize, and Whole Earth Center is my uncontested source for eco-friendly gourmandisme of late. The aisles are stocked with oodles of whole-grain delights, the produce section abounds in fruits and veggies so pretty I can't believe they're pesticide-free, and the freezer section even has tiny cartons of gelato in flavors like Vanilla Sea Salt Caramel from Princeton's beloved Bent Spoon. Their extensive health and beauty section would also be great, if I had any qualms about using drugstore products with preservatives and unpronounceable ingredients (I don't). As other reviews can confirm, the spice corner is indeed impressive, and bag-your-own dry food dispensers display an almost incomprehensible array of granolas, cereals, and dried fruits. Prepared foods are available next to a small lunch counter offering yummy sandwiches and decent salads. What's more, the place seems genuinely interested in doing good in the community--today, they were hosting a group from a Trenton-based shelter collecting canned goods, specially priced at a discount for Whole Earth Center patrons willing to donate. Bring your own reusable grocery bags and the staff will give you a smile of approval of such warmth that you can almost forget you spent a little more than truly necessary on a week's groceries. And burned a quarter-gallon of gas to get there and back.
Listed in: Specialty Foods & Organic…
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Review from KA S.
Seattle, WA
9/23/2010
The quality of their products is pretty good, but nothing else is. The prices are high (yes, I know, it's an organic grocery, prices are always high, but they rarely offer any of the cheaper organic brands), the selection is small and not great, the baked goods demonstrate all the negative features of bad hippie baking, the bulk section doesn't provide any sort of cheap reusable containers, only large and expensive glass ones (I understand their waste-cutting motivations there, but if you don't already have light-weight containers, the bulk section becomes prohibitively expensive-- and heavy for pedestrian customers!). Also, they don't take food stamps/EBT, which undercuts their progressive cred a lot. Don't poor people also deserve access to healthy food? Maybe I'm biased from all my time on the west coast, but I found this place to be a huge disappointment.
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Review from laura a.
6/8/2006
this place kept me in vegan food all through college! in addition to having a big selection of produce and some sundries, it has an AWESOME selection of bulk food and a deli for a vegan lunch! i would go to wild oats down the street for standard stuff (vegetable broth, cereal) and come to whole earth for everything else.
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Review from marleen v.
Burlingame, CA
4/13/2009
I really enjoy Whole Earth. The vibe is great and they have some wonderful products even though they are a bit expensive. I wish that they had a bigger selection of certain things but in general its a great shop!
