Country Sun Natural Foods

Love this place. I came here looking for local and regional kombucha and was delighted with the options. Wild Tonic, It’s Alive Kombucha, Wise Bucha (jun-kombucha), Boochmania, Bambucha, Tim Tam Tummy, as well as some of the big brands like Synergy and Remedy. They even had an unusual tepache-flavored water kefir made by Forage.

The sea moss is excellent quality - it is an all around immunity booster - it has 92 of ~102 minerals that your body needs. I also find it hard to get grass fed half and half by organic valley, I find grass fed milk to be something I can have whereas I can't really drink other types of milk.

Palo Alto’s Erewhon. You can come here and spend $4.50 on a can of beans that sell at an other grocery stores for $1.50. But you’re better than everyone else for buying it here. Pretentious, with a hippie flair.

I am a decades-long, up until now, happy customer. Do not take their "generous" (a joke) Wednesday and Sunday Senior discount. They will use it to put you down that you had a discount and as a reason not to exchange or refund a flawed product along with the excuse they are going out of business in a year. They will also accuse a customer of causing the flaw in the item you tried to exchange! It is the ONLY exchange I ever tried to make in years of shopping there. The most recent manager, who has only been there a couple of years, should not be in customer service! I know the cashiers and have good relationships with them. Over a few measly dollars the manager insulted the customer with her accusations and she lost Country Sun my weekly business for the remainder of their year in business. Now i will be happy to see them go. TOO BAD YOU REOPENED! I wouldn't set foot in there, despite going to the farmer's market every Sunday. I do not do business with people who insult and abuse their senior customers.

On 7/24 I purchased sea moss yogurt from this store. The clerk was very nice and I appreciated his help with ringing me up. When I got home I opened up the yogurt and saw the mold that you see in this picture. I called the store and happened to speak to the store manager, Tatiana. She immediately blamed the manufacturer for the mold and took no responsibility or accountability for the fact that her store stocks moldy products. She says she doesn’t check all the products before stocking them, so how would she know there was mold? Alarm bells should be ringing that there is a Big Problem here. There was no curiosity about which flavor product, which aisle I found it in, the brand (they carry different brands of sea moss), etc… stuff store managers would normally care about. The only thing she cared about was deflecting blame. Under this type of management, this store poses a major risk to public health and safety of the local community. Who knows what else has fungus or mold in the store if this is her mindset? I am concerned about food borne illnesses may have already originated from this place.

Very uncomfortable and unwelcoming. While shopping a man who I thought was an intoxicated shopper/wanderer nearly bumped into me and walked past me multiple times. After I paid, this same person confronted me out front of the store about whether I paid for my purchase. I did not appreciate being questioned about whether I paid. Nobody wants to feel that way when spending money at a store. Mollie Stones market is a short walk away and I had a much better experience there. I was treated like a customer, the vibes and music were good, and they have a much better selection. I would recommend supporting them instead, unless you want to feel like you are a criminal when shopping.

I've been shopping at Country Sun for years! I just love poking around the aisles, always finding something new and unique! They offer a wide variety of gluten-free, vegetarian, & vegan options along with high quality body care and supplements. It's such a bright and cheery store with amazing staff providing the best customer service. This is the type of store where staff members will remember your name. Support your independent and local stores! 🙌🏼

Cool store! Love everything here

NatiElla Was the worst experience ever the first time I came it was a really nice young man nice and welcoming so I wanted to come all the way back from San Jose. A long drive However this time I got a female she was the worst. Very bad personality vert poor customer service experience. Do not go there. Please don't go there

Country Sun Foods was around long before Whole Foods. Tons of organic food, odds and ends, and a vast section of vitamins and herbal supplements for just about anything you can imagine. They also stock CBD related items but those are behind a locked case. Its a fun store to browse and you will finds all kinds of stuff you did not know you needed. Add to that a knowledgeable and friendly staff and you have a fantastic grocery/holistic care store. Parking can be a challenge depending on the time of day, but there is a parking structure behind the store.

Hippie vibe, I can image this store in the yesterday of Palo Alto, I read has been there for a long time so it is a classic and way before Whole Foods or Sprouts existed. I would describe as a blend of those 2 stores but without the heavy pricing of Whole Foods. What attracted me more to get inside was not the need of buying anything specifically but the amazing mural depicting this Valley of the Hearts Delight Palo Alto edition. Looks so retro and happy and joyful! Good marketing to get you shopping! I love that you can buy many legumes in bulk and so many times of everything (like the lentils others have mentioned). As a fan of beauty products, I was super satisfied of seeing so many indie brands as well as popular ones in the organic/cruelty free/essential oil based type. Plus the store is very pretty, organized and clean.

For 50 years Country Sun has been a part of my life. I'll always feel grateful for the kindness of the folks working there and the warm welcoming feeling of the space. My favorite was when they had a sandwich bar. I would always eat the tofu salad sandwich and wash it down with a half gallon of milk. Much love to you all. A reminder that all is temporary. This experience, here and now, is a bus stop.

Great little local market. Healthy organic foods, wonderful staff. Shout out to Kevin who helped me in the holistic supplement dept. He was knowledgeable, patient and kind.

Nice little market. A decent supply of of organic and healthy more natural products. Staff are fairly helpful.

On 7/24 I purchased sea moss yogurt from this store. The clerk was very nice and I appreciated his help with ringing me up. When I got home I opened up the yogurt and saw the mold that you see in this picture. I called the store and happened to speak to the store manager, Tatiana. She immediately blamed the manufacturer for the mold and took no responsibility or accountability for the fact that her store stocks moldy products. She says she doesn't check all the products before stocking them, so how would she know there was mold? Alarm bells should be ringing that there is a Big Problem here. There was no curiosity about which flavor product, which aisle I found it in, the brand (they carry different brands of sea moss), etc... stuff store managers would normally care about. The only thing she cared about was deflecting blame. Under this type of management, this store poses a major risk to public health and safety of the local community. Who knows what else has fungus or mold in the store if this is her mindset? I am concerned about food borne illnesses may have already originated from this place.

I shopped here twice lately. I like that they have different items, products so I spent some time to check/buy some stuff. I spent 10-15 mins reading items for deodorant, essential oil, candles, tooth care items etc. for both visit but a staff came to near me pretending working until I was done. It was very uncomfortable that they were checking me. I am not planing to come back to be treated that I am a potential thief.

I love that an old fashioned health food store like this still exists... It takes me right back to the good ol days pre-corporate Whole Foods in the 90s. The staff are super friendly, knowledgeable and willing to help in person or over the phone. The prices might be slightly more than other stores but I feel it's worth it for such great service. Rock on! Great for snacks, beauty and makeup essentials, CBD products and bulk....

I have to tell you that I am ecstatic that one of the few remaining original businesses on CA Ave is still going strong! As a matter of fact there are very few businesses in the whole of Palo Alto that remain. As a native of Palo Alto, Country Sun you gladden my heart.

I have been a customer at Country Sun 49 years. Current management just notified me that I am no longer welcome there, do not come back! were the words used. I lived in the neighborhood and shopped there regularly until 12 years ago when I moved to Santa Cruz because I could no longer afford to pay rent in College Terrace. My work was still in the area, so I'd come back to still shop, especially for vitamins. I wasn't always able to shop on 'senior discount day' and would ask for the discount anyway, explaining my long shopping history and relocation. I had never been refused accommodations for the discount until today. The woman who 'helped' me refused my request and got hostile as I explained that I had 'always' been accomodated. I asked for the vitamin manager and she told me he wasn't there. She said that ne never comes in until noon.I asked for contact information for the owner and she laughed. By this point this was not a pleasant experience. She said the manager was out and a man, who obviously worked there, walked by and I said that for all I know he's the vitamin manager, since I had never seen him before. It turns out that he was very helpful and gave me his card: Operations Manager! When I told him of the first clerk's rudeness and attitude, he turned on me and got hostile. By the time I talked with the vitamin manager he had a huge attitude and a story about how ill behaved I was, then kicked my out of the store, even though I was in Santa Cruz, over the phone. "We have all the information on you!" were he's parting words. I read a number of pages of reviews to see if there were other circumstances similar, since page one had 5* glowing reviews. 1* reviews are buried and some sound like mine. I know that businesses on California Ave. is more stressful with COVID and street closure, but there's no reason to take it out on the customers. Unfortunately, this is why people turn to Amazon or shop elsewhere. I remember watching the painter painting the mural on the side of the building. I'd talk to him frequently when I was down on the 'Ave'. Too bad. If it's ok to lose one customer, there will be others. Used to be the 'Customer is right', apparently not at Country Sun. Update: I can get the same vitamin at Amazon 20% cheaper with out the attitude

Very helpful staff. They directed me to exactly what I was looking for. Clean store. Good prices.

Rude staff. The most unpleasant shopping experience I have ever had. Don't plan on returning any time soon - oh, actually - make that ever.

Pleasant store. Someone took pride in their stocking work! I love how everything is neatly stacked and well stocked. The store also smells really good.

A great local business to support for healthy and varied organic products. The employees here are all super helpful including Kevin.

I have been shopping at the Sun for 37 years this June and it still my favorite store. I appreciate being able to shop for bulk food items and strictly organic, locally produced products which you can't find anywhere else on the Peninsula. But mostly I appreciate the customer service especially when it comes to seniors and the homebound, disabled. They go out of their way to assist people to make sure they get what they need and to offer great discounts on purchases on senior and student discount days. Staff will special order anything that they are able to retrieve from the distributors. Thank you Country Sun for keeping this store alive under such heavy pressure from the large corporate run businesses.

Noelle's Yelp Notebook 2018 Country Sun Natural Foods is located on California Avenue. They sell organic fruits and vegetables, dry goods, makeup, etc. Think of it as a miniature Whole Foods but more expensive. We came here this past weekend after brunch at Pastis. Our five year old decided we needed some organic fruits and veggies. We picked up an organic watermelon the size of a small bowling ball, corn, one Fuji Apple, and facial toner for me (totally random). I signed up for the frequent buyer card. Customer service was friendly and helpful. Upon double checking my receipt I was charged for bell peppers instead of corn which was a $3 difference. Came back and they promptly gave me a refund. They take ApplePay and other forms of NFC. The entire store is very dated and needs an update. The prices are not competitive at all. If I were to spend that kind of money I'd rather go to Drager's, Mollie Stones or Zanottos of WG. In a pinch I'd go here but it's really over priced. Also make sure to check your receipt before you leave in case you're overcharged like in my situation. Noelle's Notes Overpriced, Outdated, They have ApplePay Mollie Stone prices with a 1970s outdate feel to the entire shop.

This is long overdue. I am so grateful that country sun has survived in Palo Alto all these years. I feel that its offering of organic foods and products is thoughtful and careful and I can often find good products there that no one else around carries. Also the produce is truly local and seasonal and not flown in from across the globe. It has a great community vibe and I encourage people to patronize it!

This is definitely an example of a small business that failed to adapt to the Internet age. The only reason I would go to a store like this regularly is to support small businesses and for good customer service, as they have a supplement section which can be good to get advice on. However, the employees at the check-out are just plain rude. They must be high school students and are completely aloof to how to treat customers. In such an easy job, just to ring up my items and take my money, it is sad that they have failed. Good luck to this establishment, I will not be coming back.

Yep, I like this place. I always like to stop in when I'm in the neighborhood meeting someone for lunch or dinner. All sorts of great products you don't find in a grocery store. I particularly like the great assortment of products for the body - shampoo, soaps, body washes, etc. I also enjoy the candle and incense aisle. They have a small, but interesting selection of beer and wine. I enjoy stopping in and browsing, though I rarely buy anything.

Wow, this store is like the Costco, of pills. We entered in the backdoor, typical for Her Ladyship. She tries not to appear for the masses, too often. She's been shopping her for 25 years? She's not a regular customer, but her Dr., recommenced she visit again, as she was taking Advil for a triple root canal and it was playing havoc on the tummy. I tagged along . . . because I'm not particularly bright. The folks working their, were very friendly and helpful. I personally liked the bins of nuts and candy. I love my nuts, but Her grace, can't have them anymore. Ok, stop rolling your eyes, it's ok to laugh? I'm not. I wish they had some place to sit and the parking leaves a bit to be desired. Now, I've had several falls, in the last few years and was taking Advil for lower back pain. "She who MUST BE obeyed," got me to try a pill they have for inflation . . .uh, inflammation, I haven't taken an Advil since. This is a pretty good recommendation for me, as your chance of finding me in a store like this is, well, don't hold your breath.

Please read before you go: So I am experiencing some medical conditions which are causing me to completely revisit my food intake. Needing to find some specific specialty types of food and organic foods - on the afternoon of March 15th I headed down to Country Sun. I'm a 5th generation California native and have driven by Country Sun as long as I can remember when around the California Ave area. I felt good about coming here since I know it's been here for so long. I was very happy to find some of the specialty items I needed and was very happy to support a local store vs. a chain. I had intended to give a very positive review and was already planning my next visit with a larger shopping list. And then it happened. I'm not sure exactly who she was but I believe she was the owner or one of the owners. I was on the last isle of my store walk when I heard her yell at the staff from the next isle over "Get over here! Get everyone over here!!". Apparently she did not like the way something was being stocked. She proceeded to yell and belittle the staff about the situation. I was beyond shocked. Frankly I was embarrassed and felt terrible for the staff. It then got worse. After she was done berating the staff - loudly - (mind you there were customers throughout the store), she went to the cash register to purchase her few items. She was at the cash register all the way to the El Camino side of the store. The younger gentlemen who was at the register asked a question of her as he wrung her up. I was still so taken back by her earlier yelling, and the fact that I now found myself next in line behind her - that I don't remember the specific question. But apparently it was a question the employees attending the register are trained to ask. She snapped back at him - again loudly and nasty - and again in front of customers - "you're not supposed to ask it that way!!!" She ripped him for a minute in front of me, belittling the poor person. And then she scoffed out - negatively commenting on something else. I quietly paid and and was about to walk out but I couldn't let this pass. I said to the young man at the register: "you know there are other places to work where you won't have to go through that. No one should ever be treated like that from an employer". He looked at me with sad eyes and said "it's ok but thanks". I felt so bad for him and for the other workers who had to take her abuse. I wanted to love the Country Sun store. I wanted to make this my go-to local natural food store but I can't bring myself to support a business owner who treats their employees that poorly. Very bad experience for the employees. Very upsetting experience to witness as a customer. The employees deserve 5-stars. But the owner lady deserves 0 stars. Giving a 2-star review.

LOCALLY owned! One of the few remaining ethical markets. If you care about your body and what your skin in ingests, you might want to consider checking this place out. Helpful staff, amazing products, Cbd oils and education from someone who can actually explain the differences. you'll probably leave spending far less than you expect. Or far more, depending on how toxic your current product choices are.?!

Felt super intense being in the store. The store is very cute and for a local grocery store, most of the items are a bit high in price, but I totally understand. They a large abundance of care products, it was fun to rummage around. There were a lot of items I have not seen from other stores like Whole Foods, Staff for Life or even New Leaf. Brands vary which is great to have different varieties of small brands, I always appreciate when local stores give small and local businesses a chance. I have never seen the brand Gac, or Hy Vida, or AlkaWonder before. Their produce is a small corner section when you step in. On the left is handmade stuff, I didn't really delve into it. When you step into the store, it smells amazing. I asked the cashier if there was a specific candle or scent they were using but there was a small misunderstanding because can't really hear with muffled voices with the mask. But got back in track and said that the store as a whole probably emits the smell. Which is a shame because I would have love to grab a candle of it. Its very unique. There was an item that didn't have a price on it, and I couldn't find a grocery member and the cashier was busy with another customer so I asked a member in their care department. I think I bothered her because she was in a bit of a rush. After helping me I tried to put the item back but she put it back and grab the tag that didn't have a price. And then yelled out another team members name to fix the issue and to go around the store to find similar tags. I kind of just didn't want to ask for another product. Maybe they were understaffed? I can get it. Then I thought I had a nice fun conversation with the cashier. But it seemed somewhat defensive. I didn't mean to rub them the wrong way. I had bought two cans, and we had a nice conversation, we had previously worked together at Whole Foods. Then I asked about name tag that read -----name----- the name (I'm omitting the name because I don't want them to be in trouble). And didn't think anything of it. They said it was their name. So I left it at that and respected it. For myself I tend to forget my name tags and just wear one of my other team members name tags. I do it all the time. After saying thanks and leaving I noticed that one of the cans had expired. I went back to exchange and the cashier, said it was fine. But there wasn't any left on the shelf so had to do a full return. The conversation got awkward. After doing the full return and receiving the fund, "What was the reason you asked about --------name--------." "Well it's on your name tag, I forget my name tag all the time at work and wear John." And it just kind of....was awkward. I honestly didn't mean to offend. I most likely caught them off on a bad day. But it was definitely intense for first time shopping. I don't want them to get in trouble. Maybe if there was a bit more staff to relieve the tension? I understand covid is causing stress in many companies. I don't believe the team members are at fault. I think its just a really stressful time. Before I end the review, the yelp rating is based on the priced items in the store. Even though it's unique, the price is a tad much. The Yelp review is not for the customer service. Customer service was 4/5 stars.

A gem in the area with lots of character. This place has great healthy and local food options. Fun to go on Sunday's with the weekly farmer's market out front. Grab a kombucha and a snack and your set for some good food and people watching. The manager always asks what flavors I like of certain items to make sure she's in stock - Core Bar cashew cacao :-). Younger cashiers are professional and friendly. One bummer is their main cooler fridge is out for drinks... would be great if this could be fixed.

I come here looking for only specialty items from time to time over the years. I think this store is under new management as when I went to pay for my items at the cash register it was apparently broke when it came for my turn to pay. A guy with a Golden State Warriors hat I had seen at the desk at the back came to the rescue and the cashier out of disgust with the whole situation walked away without a word. The store manager ushered me and my purchases to the second register to complete my purchase once again. Not a good customer experience.

**Avoid this business** I have shopped at this store for close to 10 years, but have recently fired them, due to: *Summary: fraudulent business selling subpar products that are expired, rotten, moldy, over charging the customer or engaging in price switching. Rude, intoxicated employees. Customers are not respected. 1. Many products (both shelf stable and perishable) are expired or rancid (including Urban Remedy). 2. You will be over charged for sale items. For example, an item marked as on sale on the shelf will be charged full price (this is a violation of California Weights and Measurements Law). If this happens to you, simply dispute the charge with your bank. This business is engaging in fraud. 3. Staff are rude and lack knowledge of what they are selling. 4. 70% of staff are stoned, vacant, and wholly incompetent. For example, I was once returning a moldy product, and half way through the transaction the employee left the register without explanation. A manager stepped in to complete the transaction. Local business or not, I'd prefer to give my money to a business that respects the customer.

Country Sun is a small local grocery outlet with lots of great healthy options. It has lots of fresh produce, a ton of vegetarian and vegan friendly items as well as gluten free items. Even though I am not vegetarian or vegan, I still enjoy many of their healthy options like the Vegan cookies. I think they are delicious and I can feel good stuffing my face with them. A snack that I really enjoy lately is Annie's fruit snack bunnies. They are vegan and quite delicious. They are a nice snack for the middle of the day. One package is $0.99.

NOT A CUSTOMER SERVICE-FRIENDLY STORE. I had a cart full of groceries and frozen items. I drive out of my way to come to this store. There were 2 registers open. Each one had a customer with a vitamin return. Both cashiers were frozen (one woman/one male teenager). They stood there wondering what to do for 15 min. Didn't problem solve by consolidating returns and check-out to move customers along. I told the female employee that I was on a very tight schedule and needed to check-out. She told me that I would just have to wait. I was unable to wait any longer and told the cashier I was leaving my cart right there in line.

Helpful staff. Has rare and hard to find specialty items. All organic selection. Highly recommending checking this out.

Not just for food! I've found a fantastic straw sun hat here as well as a bowl for matcha tea. Be sure to check out the section just past the registers at the window facing the street :)

This health food store makes Whole Foods seem like Safeway. It's pretty small but they cater to the strictest of vegan, gluten-free, organic, locally sourced diets. They have all kinds of products that I have never seen anywhere else like cricket chips and endless section of vegan cookies, but I come in for the Siete foods products.They also have a grab n go section of prepared meals. I would suggest only buying your specialty items here that you can't find anywhere else. All of the other products are extremely expensive and marked up 100% or more. A can of beans costs an outrageous $3 here. Parking is easy in the lot right behind the store.

Great place for bulk food options. I love that they have a bulk body station to refill on lotions, shampoos, conditioners and oils.

Was here to pick up some pastries from Esther's which is really good.

I absolutely love Country Sun. Ive been coming since I was a baby. I grew up in Menlo Park and my parents shopped at Country Sun. I absolutely love the herbal supplements and plant based food they offer. The whole store has a nice vibe to it that I really respond well to and the staff are always friendly with my family and I. Parker is a really cool guy and he keeps things professional as well. I absolutely love shopping there. I really enjoy the community it creates. Long live Country Sun!!!

When trying to return to Mollie Stone's (wait, it's located where....), a friend and I ran into Country Sun. This market is memorable enough that I did remember my visit years before, however, none of the products they carry are all too memorable. Yes, they carry some of the healthier alternative products: -my favorite brand of Oasis hummus (only found at Whole Foods and Draeger's) -some interesting protein bars not seen elsewhere -various brands of stevia -bulk bins -alternative high protein pasta -pretty good produce, but small selection -healthy drinks BUT...the majority of the products here you can also find at Whole Foods and other specialty markets. While I don't frequent Palo Alto, there is not one special "it" product here that I haven't seen elsewhere. Also, since it does have a pretty prime Palo Alto location and is a Natural Foods market, the prices reflect that. All in all, pretty good but not great!

If I could subtract stars I would. Worst service I have ever experienced. I walked in on Sunday afternoon and I had my service dog with me. There were three clerks standing by the last check stand and one of them was sitting on the counter there. He yelled out there are no dogs allowed in the store and leave immediately. He said he is an assistant manager and again said no dogs legs may touch the floor and again said to leave immediately. I would advise any one to avoid this establishment.

I really wanted to like this store as it's a local small grocer. Many items are overpriced, but it's possible to find a good deal anywhere. Their good deal happens to be soap - lowest price I've seen on natural soaps. Many come with no packaging or paper that can be easily recycled or composted. The one star is for the customer service. I walked out of the store twice feeling belittled. First time, I ask if they have produce. Lady answers "didn't I see the large Produce area at the front of the store?". Well certainly not that's why I'm asking - happened to walk right by it. Figured maybe I was being sensitive or she was having a bad day, so I'd give the store another chance. Came in a few days later and the same lady is visibly annoyed that my toddler is walking around, touching items. Please note I immediately put them back and none of the items were breakable. I ask her where a certain item is I can't find and she tells me a different aisle. A minute later she follows me into the aisle and watches me. Then she asks me to "just give her" the item my toddler was holding, despite that it was put back exactly where it belonged (which I pointed out). I've never felt so upset leaving a store. I'd normally not write a negative review for a small business, but it seems other reviewers had similar problems. Perhaps these reviews will hopefully change their customer service so others don't leave feeling the same way.

The best vibe, kindest staff, most professional and excellent supermarket in Palo Alto. I've shopped here for 20 years plus and they still kick ass. Miss the deli and tofu salad sandwiches from the 90s. Gratitude and love

Went into Country Sun to kill some time. I didn't buy anything this time. Things I saw: Dagoba 2 oz bars on sale for $2.54. These flavors: new moon, chai, dark, seeds, roseberry, super fruit, conacado, & milk. Ginger Organic pills 500 mg $10.99 - good for nausea, motion sickness Nature's Way Ginger Root 100 capsules sale $6.37/reg $8.49 Straus Organic lightly salted butter 1 lb $6.99 Clover butter unsalted 1 lb/$3.59; .5lb/$1.99 Oikos Greek Yogurt Stonyfield Farm 6oz - $2.39 Marin Sun Farms Grassfed Ground Beef sale $4.99lb/reg $5.99 - seems sold out Montana Rocky Mtn Clover Honey 1lb8oz = $9.79 also had Buckwheat Ca. Honey 2lb for $16.99 Hrs: M-F 9-8 Sat 9-7 Sun 10-7 Tip: Wed & Sun only senior citizen discount for 65+!! I'm not that age though.

This is one of those stores which I wish "boy, I wish I lived within walking distance of it". Unfortunately, not only do I not living within walking distance, I now don't even live within walking distance of it. I love buying spices and such from their bulk section in the back. The store is on the small side so don't even compare it to Whole Foods. This isn't a conglomerate. It's a co-op style store. They won't have 100 types of anything, but they'll most definitely carry something you'll need, maybe not in the brand you're looking for, but you'll find it. I love the sandwiches and healthy boxed lunch items you can pick up to go. There isn't much of an area to sit in, only some small tables outside so best to just bring your purchase home to enjoy. Staff have always been super helpful if you can't find things. Just ask!

Every high retail street in Silicon Valley has it's turnovers. If you think of University ave, Castro St or California Ave, many of the tenants have turned over. Country Sun is one of those places that has outlasted and still goes strong. I think it harkens to hippie Palo Alto of yesteryear and lived long enough to see a round of healthy lifestyles re-emerge. Some of my friends have gluten allergies and they carry things that accommodate their dietary restrictions, which seems to be still a rare thing that retailers acknowledge

So many local brands and farms represented at this little grocery tucked away on California Ave. Some of their stuff is definitely priced higher than you would pay at WF, but I like to support local small businesses, amirite?!? It's always super fun to poke around here - they have a relatively huge selection of natural and organic cosmetics/toiletries and supplements. The staff is friendly and helpful, too.

Love they added the Shikai line in their bulk beauty section. Shampoo/conditioner .39 an oz Lotion .69 an oz Body wash ??

Country Sun is a successful independent market with a long standing customer base and a great reputation. Everything you need for small meals and healthy snacks, plus an excellent personal care department as well. In the front of the store they also carry hand crafted articles for gifts and comfort with a sustainable edge. I've frequented this little market many times over the years and I've never been disappointed by the customer service or the quality of the products. Lately I found more gluten free and dairy free goods than ever before and some of these items are actually priced lower than elsewhere ! (ama-a-azing!) They even have tables and chairs outside to sit and enjoy your snack or take a reading break on the sunny side of the street ;-)

Be careful with the frozen food you purchase here. A month ago I purchased something frozen that when I opened it 3 minutes later it was clearly thawed. I took it back to let them know that their freezer was broken and they refunded my money. I assumed they'd correct the problem and empty out their freezer. No such luck. Purchased something today and when I opened it, the pasta was partly gray and it was clear that the item had thawed and been refrozen. Looks like they have intermittent problems with the freezer and don't care enough about food safety to deal with it.

Ten out of ten. Tatiana (hope I'm spelling that right) was so incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. Thank you so much!!!

Dropping by Country Sun during a Palo Alto adventure lead me to picking up some fantastic ginger soda water and tasty lavender candy. Both wisely priced. Truthfully I was looking for more hearty food, which while they boasted a microwave, they mostly seemed to have vegan fare. So I purchased the good for me ginger drink from a sweet, abit slowish cashier and high tailed it to Panda Express for the first time in years. Hey, when you're low on options, having take-away fare means the difference between a sale or heading next door. I'd drop by again. Mostly because that ginger drink was fantastic!

All praise to the local, independent hippie grocery store! I came in for the express purpose of putting together a care package for my best friend, and a birthday present for my vegan friend, and I was able to do both with style. I found seasonal organic gingerbread chocolate, organic cat treats, organic dog treats, Mighty Leaf African Nectar (used to be called African Amber) tea, my favorite local, small-farm yogurt, some vegan fruit leather, a recycled glass necklace, and some loose herbs and glass bottles (I make bath products, and this was a great surprise). They have awesome coupons - I got a free fancy scented bath salt with a $20 purchase. The departments they offer are really nicely-surprising: frozen, produce, food bars, prepackaged aisles (like a regular grocery store), natural health and beauty, herbs, supplements, bulk, refrigerated, and some gift items (greeting cards, glassware, bags, a little jewelry, etc). The day I went in, there were at least five young staff members whose sole job it seemed to be to laugh boisterously through the aisles. That stuff doesn't fly in most retail environments. The staff members who did help me were lovely.