New Orleans Food Cooperative

Skip whole foods and shop at a co-op. Employees ownership is the only ethical and sustainable way to spend your hard earned dollars, or ill-gotten means for that matter. Lol

Not sure if the waiter was annoyed but he wasn't very welcoming. The food has changed tremendously. The only consistent thing has been the chicken. We didnt send the food back because we were hungry and stopping at another restaurant wasn't an option.

So Sweet and fun. The whole building attached is a community center and open art space. Lots of local businesses and space.

Small market with great local food. Really appreciated seeing farms noted on the local produce.

So many good snacks and healthy options. Stop by for a bite and explore everything the Healing Center has to offer. The cashier with the pink hair was super friendly and funny.

Been a member for years, decent local produce at a discount for members. The best bulk food sections in the area. They offer reasonable membership fees and low cost membership for people with limited income.

Despite the authorities efforts to keep the pink hair cashier down! She is amazing and has been super helpful and has super great recommendations I think her name is jemmucah

It's good when people take care of the neighborhood. Surprisingly good store. They have pretty nice choice of organic food and what's the most important, I got my water and bananas on a hot day that was full of Murals. If you want to see tons of beautiful Murals then this is the area!

It's been a few years since I visited this place. It was great to get reaquantied with it. They have good organic variety of healthy choices. Also they have a good amount of local items. The cashiers were knowledgeable and very nice.

Solid co-op with a great bulk section. We were visiting New Orleans for a month and we found some good stuff for the pantry. Nice place to shop.

I hold this place very dear to my heart. They have both organic/conventional produce but they label everything so you know exactly where everything is coming from Yes, they are rather expensive and they don't have a huge selection, but there are definitely some things you can get there rather reasonably. I find that they're not always fully stocked and you never know what produce they will have so it can be hit or miss. I really love their variety of flours, granola, nuts, beans, spices, etc that you can just buy by weight. I often times just need a cup of some specialty thing for a recipe and can buy exactly the amount I need without having to use up a whole bag. I go out of my way to buy their Veggi It's made locally (processed not soybeans grown ). It's very expensive ($7) for a block of flavored tofu, but it's some of the best stuff I've had outside of Asian markets. I'll occasionally indulge but otherwise you can buy it cheaper directly from the makers at the Crescent City Farmer's Market on Wednesday's. They sell cbd, a cold food bar, lots of vegan, gluten-free, and local products.

I love this place :) it's a great way to escape big corporations that are controlling our lives. It's also a great place to help reduce your individual plastic waste by using their soap, water and staple refills, they even have coffee refills. They have a great selection of food and other items if you are looking to reduce the toxins in ur life.

I like the idea of the co-op in principle, and it's not a bad store. It's smaller than a big box grocer, but big enough to have several aisles of variety and most basic needs. They have a lot of niche local and specialty items, and some fresh produce and prepared entrees as well. One expects it to be a little pricey and to cater to members, and it is and it does. Seeing as how I'm across town and I shop all around for all sorts of niche items, I struggle to see that I'd ever get a membership. So for me, and anyone else who's not a member, it's just a cool but expensive little grocer.

Staff is fantastic and helpful! Store itself is kinda small. Was hoping for more options.

Located inside an indoor mall that is across from St. Roch Market. I came by here with my husband last night a little after 9 pm (free street parking). This place was pretty quiet and empty when we walked in, but we were greeted by an employee behind the register. I came in here looking for fruit to take back to my vacation rental (I love eating fresh fruit and vegetables every day, and yes even on vacation) because it was nearby. I was a little disappointed that this place was rather small and that the prices are pretty high. An example of the high prices: $1.99 per pound for grapefruit, $5.99 for a pint of local brand ice cream, $4.99 for a bar of gourmet chocolate. But being that this area is a food desert, I purchased a few items and paid the high prices. If I lived in the area, I would truly be sad at some of the slim pickings of markets around (most "markets" around are convenience stores). I don't see myself coming back to this market.

Cute co-ops are my fav places to shop. This is a good choice in what feels like a market and produce desert in the St. Claud area. It took me a while to figure out it was part of a building housing many businesses. I was glad to be persistent and keep looking. When you walk into the store, it has that typical co-op, non-commercialized aroma. You know that you know what I mean! Anyhow, the produce quantity is small per item but ample for the options. They highlight local and organic. They have some specials, which are nice and aligned with seasons and availability. The bulk section is pretty impressive for a small market. You will find just about every type of bulk item, though not necessarily multiple varieties. For example, they have organic bulk chia seeds, black but not white. You will be able to fill your water containers here, too. If you don't have any, get one from the front. They have plenty of classic staples like non-dairy and dairy beverages, grains, sauces, chocolate bars, cereals, snack foods and personal care items. In this area, you can't go wrong to shop here. Prices are decent considering it isn't overflowing with a thousand customers a day. Support your local co-op, as they do offer great healthful and socially conscious choices.

I love it here. The staff is friendly & helpful, the place is always clean & they are definitely enforcing Covid guidelines (mask in & you must wash hands before entering). I go there for many things like produce, hard to find products & items that I don't have to buy in full like spices, grains, oats & expensive ingredients that I only need a pinch or less than a cup of. It works!!

I can keep my supermarket phobia under control here, therefore I find the Co-Op to be AOK. I think the key is to look at it as similar to (my much-missed) Korean groceries in Brooklyn (only it's not open 24-hours), rather than compare to Whole Foods or Rouses. The selection is decent for a small grocery store. The prices... eh. I guess on par with WF (oops, I just did what I said I wouldn't do). Again, similar to a Korean market with lots of healthy options and that comes at a higher price usually. Of course at a Korean market, you're also paying for convenience and for those of us who live within a few blocks, well, it's mighty convenient. And that's the major draw. It's not a destination market by any means. I think the produce is pretty great. I was expecting to find less. They had three varieties of organic kale (which is pretty much all I care about), and dino kale was on sale for 1.99 a bunch. There is a very tiny local produce section that is clearly marked. Oh and they have Hail Merry raw treats! They are in a small fridge by the register up front. I'm kind of obsessed with them these days (key lime or meyer lemon being my favorite tarts and those chocolate macaroons are unbelievable). The staff is nice and helpful. Yeah, I was asked if I wanted to be an owner. It's just not going to happen. I don't really see the value in it. The food co-op in Lawrence KS was about three times the size and I actually preferred it to any stores of its kind, including WF, so I guess there's potential that's not quite met here. I'll write more once I realize I have to depend on this place as I despise driving and I despise supermarkets.

If I lived in NOLA, not only would I always come down here for my grocery shopping, but I would also consider making an investment to become a co-owner of the co-op! It's a fantastic almost all organic human sized grocery store in a desert supermarket area and prices are NOT more expensive than other places, on the contrary (to be compared with organic produce). I found produce I was not able to find anywhere else and was pleased to see they offer many discount even if you're not a member (coupons, saving days, 50% off on fruit/vegetables getting old...). The only downside is the AC which makes this place freezing cold. Going back? A big yes!

Great to visit for quick grabs or a full dinner! It's connected to a local community center for the neighborhood so it's surrounded completely by love and just a warm feeling. Everyone is nice! Picked up several things for my 5 day stay in NOLA on the 1st day there, but definitely visited a few more times! Loved it!

YES This business is a little pricey, but it has an incredible mission to support local businesses and farmers, which is so important. The grassroots organizing and the community partnerships that they have made are great. The staff and many shoppers are actively engaged in the co-op's survival, so that's always great to know. The selection is not as wide as say a commercial store, but it is definitely intentionally selected, which is awesome!

The co-op has been SO EXCELLENT lately with tons of local produce and meats along with natural food standards and a solid bulk selection. Plus they have wine and beer now! Totally worth getting a membership if you live in the neighborhood. It's a gem.

As I'm temporarily disabled I ordered some groceries to be delivered through Waitr. They were out of a few items and promptly refunded me for those. My produce, cheese meat and dairy are all of a nice quality (except one sad little jalapeño) and packaged well. This was such a help to me as I can't grocery shop at present and they have nice offerings of fresh fruit and veg. I will use them again for sure!

Some of the food costs a little more than at a Walmart, but if you look around you can find some great deals. The food prices come down if you are an owner/member, so you might want to look into that. Fresh healthy food is made here every day. Even the chocolate bars here are amazing.

I appreciate most the vast selection of local products that are clean and healthy. It has made a great deal of difference in my confidence in food purchasing that I can fill up an empty gallon jug to get filtered water for next to nothing, while I get bulk items that are frequently cheaper than anywhere but these items are also organic so all the difference! Shopping at NOFC instead of a regular grocery store has helped me shift into a healthier diet as well. I am seriously ecstatic to gift friends beautiful local items from NOFC instead of random choices of unsustainable gifts. Surprisingly the wine, cheese and meats have just about reached a new zenith, and I am sending some local andouille to a family member now because you can't believe how good it tastes and it's healthy. Also, there is a stunningly easy to navigate section of remedies and creams and toiletries, including bulk liquid soaps. Come, on that's great! If you haven't been to the NOFC in a while, as a long time member, I can assure that you will see a great deal of difference, as I have. It has become the go-to grocery for those who want to be healthier, to avoid pesticides/herbicides and fake food. It's also a way to support our native and local farmers, as well as to support a co-op instead of a corporation. Vive la NO Food Co-op!

I wrote a whole diatribe on what my problems are with this place, but I'm not going to publish an endless rant of the issues that plague the Co Op. Overpriced, poor quality, and badly managed. If you want to spend $6.59 on 12oz of shredded cheese, and never be able to plan a shopping trip due to the inconsistency of what is stocked when you go, this is your store. If you want to buy decent food, and a somewhat decent price, go to Rouses. I believe in the idea of this place, but the investors (including myself) have been duped. I love some members of that staff, but damn does this place seriously need help. The only "local" grocery I know of that stocks ZERO local seafood. To the person that mentioned on here about the quality of the food, I agree, but there is a limit, and the Co Op currently passes that limit. Its not just education of the customer, it is the ability for the management to stock the store for everybody, not just the select elitist quacks that actually checkout with an entire cart full of groceries and a dumb-happy look through their Prada eyeglasses. I wouldn't mind wearing Prada, too, but I'm not going to prevent people around me from buying Wranglers if that's what they want or what they can only afford It just kills me, this place has so much potential, and it's being squandered and wasted while elderly people are taking the bus to a real grocery store because they have no other choice nearby that they can afford. Its disgusting and flies in the face of this "good for the 99%" idea that is spouted off. Shame on them.

I was visiting NO this weekend. We wanted a nice salad and some meat to throw on the grill so we head over to the Co-op. I love the bright mural and convenient location. Otherwise, I was not impressed. I shop at Whole Foods sometimes and willingly cough up the extra cash for the good stuff. But the combination of not-too-fresh veggies, minimal selection, and the RIDICULOUS prices sent us away empty handed. Seriously? $15.23 for a raw chicken???? I understand it was organic, but could it also tap dance and read poetry? Geez......

OK, I went into this place with an open heart & an open mind. I knew it was going to be pricey & for once had a little extra cash that I was willing to spend. It truly is expensive & I understand why, but we got a small thing of strawberries, a few tomatoes, some greens, crackers, & a ginger beer. It cost over $30. That is a serious price increase from the really expensive grocers in the Quarter that I normally go to. That being said, my rating is not based on price. I found the store to be really dingy, not very clean. I also thought that the selection of produce was lacking seriously. I don't think that I will be going back here. It's unfortunate, because I was really excited about the concept.

I am hoping that this place does better, especially because I am a member-owner. I love the bulk, produce, quick foods, and the fact that I can get vegetarian/vegan stuffs close to home now (I avoid mardi gras zone, see my review). My major issue is that the food is inconsistent and disorganized,. I know they are just starting, but it's hard to justify the extra pennies spent when I have to go somewhere else for something as simple as lettuce or kale. I spend forever looking in the produce section, hoping and praying that the disorganized area will somehow have tomatoes hiding somewhere. It gets old. I am glad that they exist. I am happy that I can walk somewhere to get items to cook, instead of taking an hour or so to be stressed at the rouses on Carrollton. However, they might want to look and see what neighborhood they are in and consider catering to everyone. I love me some organic cereal, but I'm sure there are residents that just want corn flakes. Ya dig?

I really really REALLY wanted to like this place. But I just don't. I have pondered whether to write this review but sometimes telling it like it is will hopefully spur some change. So here I go. Listen people. I get it. I'm environmentalist. I'm a vegetarian. I believe in local sustainability. I know how our behaviors affect our neighbors internationally. I hug puppies. I believe in Leprachauns and mermaids. Blah blah blah etc. etc. But LISTEN if you can't afford to BUY ANYTHING at your local food co op then really people, WHAT IS THE POINT? I was soooo excited when the hubby told me about this place. (My loving carnivore love muffin tolerates my tree hugging philosophy and he gratefully passes on eco-friendly information whenever he gets it.) So I skipped down here with the kiddies expecting to be floored by the place. I thought being that I was in groovy New Orleans these folks know how to do it right! Unfortunately, I was disappointed. I entered and was completely confused and enchanted. The hubby did not explain to me that the co op was nestled among one of several storefronts in the Healing Center. So I wondered around looked at the gorgeous exhibits/ paintings/ costumes/ disco Buddha etc. and wondered intermittently where the food co op was. I even thought about going into the botanica/voodoo shop but since there was no one in there (even though the door was open) and being the cautious Negress that I am I thought that it was better to avoid trouble and not be found alone amidst a storeful of unwatched merchandise. So I dutifully stepped away from the door to the voodoo shop and eventually near the rear I FINALLY located the co op. I was soooo excited! I grabbed literature near the front of the store and immediately contemplated joining as an owner but then reality set in. Usually when I scout out a location I fully expect to spend a dollar or two at the establishment but like one reviewer stated I ended up leaving without ANYTHING. It was ridiculously expensive. How can items be MORE EXPENSIVE THAN WHOLE FOODS??? EVERYONE jokes that Whole Foods should be renamed Whole Paycheck so how can a food co op be more expensive??? It boggles the mind. I mean it is already expensive to buy a tomato at the local Winn Dixie but then I get slapped here. TWICE. I just don't get it. I've been to co ops and admittedly some items can be as expensive but there are often many that are competitively priced. But I guess I did not get the memo that THIS co op is for RICH PEOPLE. I am now humbled and I will go back to WHOLE FOODS where I can continue to get raped in peace. Oh, and I must clarify as I did see that Kirk's Castile Soap was not too bad of a price. So I might consider going back there to buy some if there are no other affordable biodegradable soap options in my area.

The Food Co-op offers hummus cheaper than Wal-Mart (Lillys vs. Sabre by ounce). The 5-stage filtered water is cheap too, compared to Whole Foods, which I think is like 40 cents a gallon last time I looked. There are certain things the Co-op offers that are equal to or less than other stores in the neighborhood. Also, if you're in the "Food For All" Program (which you can get into if you're on food stamps, WIC, section 8, fixed income, etc) you can get a 5% discount on all your food. Also, if you get "The Green Card" by LifeCity (a card that benefits both buyers of green businesses and those green businesses) you can get $5 off of a purchase of $50 or more. Also, the Food Co-op is always offering coupons in their sales brochures for $2 off your total purchase. And those sales brochures always show what's on sale or not. Even the things that cost more money are (often) worth the cost. Even though I'm not well off, I'd rather shop here and spend my money on things that are good for the world, instead of going to Wal-Mart and exploiting people and the environment. I also think it's interesting that people will waste money on things like new shoes, clothes, and other things they don't need for extravagant amounts of money, and they complain about spending a little bit more on good organic food. The people, cashiers and managers, are always really nice. The other day the Food Co-op helped put on a cooking class, which taught people (myself included) how to cook new things. It was free, and they even gave us some food.

This place literally isn't even a co-op. they just call it that. I've talked to a bunch of past employees and recent ones, and everyone i've talked to say theres basically two people at the top reaping all the profits and no one else gets paid well. The place isn't cooperatively owned at all. Also, the food is like three times the price that it is in any other grocery store i've ever been to, including wanky health food stores and they've overcharged me for bulk items almost every time i've shopped there.

Despite the neighborhood, I totally expected this to be one of those snobby expensive for no reason markets, however, the coop is great. It caters to anyone regardless of class who is trying to be more conscious about what they put in their bodies. As far as pricing is concerned for non-processed foods they are on par with what you might see at Whole Foods or even Hollygrove. The processed foods on the other are hand are extremely marked up. As a gardener I love that the store carries seeds and compost. It also carries a plethora of beauty and home goods but I haven't reached that level of consciousness yet and regularly use chemical filled cheapo Suave products. The coop not only accepts SNAP/EBT like any old grocery store they have a brochure which pretty much outlines how to work the system and get all the stuff for reasonable prices. If I lived in and shopped regularly in this area I would 100% become an owner ($100 per person). But I know I would not get my values worth because I would have to pass several other worthy stores to get to this location. I would love to have one in the East. My husband believes that the East is more of a walmart crowd. Oh well. If you guys want an manager for the store in the East, hit me up. I would love to prove him wrong.

I'm so saddened and let down. This store needs resourceful management. This is a tough business and I know this business well. It seems to me also that the management spend too much effort on proselytizing co-op and other sorts of food related and political philosophies. The co-op philosophy should be passive and in the background... more of a matter of practice than preaching/educating. There should be NO politics at all. Management should learn more about Best Business Practices rather then co-op philosophy. They can co-exist quite well. A badly run business will not stay in business. I have decided to not shop for a full year and see what happens. Either the realities of a business will force new and better business decisions or they will go the way of the dodo bird. I have had ONE good experience out of 10, and one really awful experience (no one likes being yelled at..). I'm a vet of this industry and yes... got my start managing a co-op....that was mired in similar issues... and didn't make it. The staff at the counters are lovely, as are the people stocking. They aren't as well trained as they would be in a commercial grocery, but I don't worry about that. That... is a sign of the priorities of the management. The prices are too high, and not done strategically. So bummed.

I am so so soooo Happy The new Orleans Food Coop now exists! They carry High Country Kombucha - My Favorite! I was surprised to see it all the way out there from Colorado. Guyaki Yerba Mate in Glass too! Awesome. Their Bulk Selection is damn nice. We picked up some plump delicious dried cherries yesterday before we (sadly) skipped town. I wish I had bought twice as many... PEOPLE! PLEASE, LISTEN UP! I have read other reviews, and yes, this store will most likely be more expensive then others.. Want to talk about harsh realities? EATING WELL IS MORE EXPENSIVE. It's very sad, but true. Don't complain about having access to a coop that is trying it's best to empower a community with good food. It's hard to run a coop, as everyone has to agree to each decision. KEEP UP WITH THESE GUYS! They are brand new, and they are going to improve more and more.. I can see it! Yes, some of these options may seem more high end, but there is a large audience that wants products that are Gluten Free and help out with other food related issues (I know that is WAY expensive to eat that way, but my body needs it). I'm sure there are people - such as myself - that are singing their praises for it. Yes, I am from California, the land of organic eating... Maybe someone will give me a hard time for sounding preachy (as some are complaining that this coop is sort of that way), but listen up... EATING ORGANIC WILL SAVE THIS PLANET, AND HELP IMPROVE YOUR LIFE. I used to live on the east coast and eat shit food, and when I discovered stores that carried foods like this one, I felt it had almost saved my life. YAY FOR FOOD COOPS!!! I STAND BEHIND YOU GUYS %110!!

Ignore everything but the yummy produce and dry bulk. (The rest is super expensive) However, the produce is superb. I love living around the corner; they usually have ripe fruit, so I can swing in and buy something to eat for a snack right then and there. Best part? The selection caters to those Cooking For One. You can buy a single carrot, a single beet, a single celery stick, or even half a head of cabbage! No wasted money, no wasted food. I've stopped buying produce anywhere else.

I was looking to buy some pumpkins today. The ladies at the Vixen suggested the food co op, and I wanted to check it out. So, I drove from the Quarter to the co op in Friday evening traffic to get my pumpkins. They had em, but they were small, and pricier that I would like them to be. Everything there was pricy. I took a wagon, walked the perimeter of the store and walked out. There was nothing in my price range. Nothing that I could realistically afford. I come from a 2 working person household, and a co op should NOT be out of reach for me. But it was. I returned the cart to its staging area and walked out empty handed. I couldn't waste this trip for nothing so I walked around the healing center. I was a bit parched so I went by the restaurant for a drink. Smoothies and juices started at 3.5. It was a price that I was uncomfortable with. Yes, it is a fancy and "healing" concept, but isn't the whole point of co op style of sales to keep things affordable? That was one expensive piece of real estate on St. Claude Ave, Sadly, walked out thirsty. I checked out everything on the first floor, including the photo gallery. Then on the wall I see my BFF in health care!!! It's Quang!! Quang is my acupuncturist that I use on Green Street (you will soon read my reviews for him- he is fantastic!!!!). There he was with Jeremy Shockey who was needling his ears. Just seeing Dr. Kim's photo here made me feel much better, but I cannot justify any of the co ops prices in my budget or lifestyle at this time. On a side note, Dr. Kim's treatments are affordable, but then again, his practice is not in a fancy new and pristine building. This food co op also has a pretty rest room and a small parking lot. I am sorry I cannot afford you as you look like a fun place to shop....

People have one bad experience and it's all over. I get it, stuff happens. We are humans and we get cranky and we have bad days and everything spins out of control, it will happen at the food co op, the coffee shop, your favorite restaurant when they hire a new waiter, Its a part of life. Bad reviews are a dime a dozen these days but do your research and you'll find out that its not all that bad. I've been coming to the co-op twice a week for over a year now. I've never had an issue with overcharging due to a bad register, or bad attitude from employees, or feeling like I've been ripped off. I think the staff is super friendly. They have a great selection of items, and yes the prices are a little high but that's the price you pay for organic products everywhere, Google it, compare it to wholefoods if you have to. Don't compare it to a tourist trap grocer in the French Quarter. They have a very diverse selection of items including fruits and vegetables that I've never seen before that are hard to find elsewhere. They even have plantains on a regular basis; I know of only one other place in the entire NO area that has plantains. They support local farmers, they have great sale items all the time, they have owner appreciation day once every month. The meat is a little pricey but I did some research and found out that unless you raise your own organic livestock, that's the price you'll pay almost everywhere for non-GMO organic meats. As far as finding the place, is hard to miss, it's a giant orange building that says NEW ORLEANS FOOD COOP and it's on a corner. Don't give them a bad review just because you're bad with directions and you can't park your giant 6-wheel truck. Also look at the screen when they are ringing up your items, It's faces the customer for a reason, so that you can look at it and call out any mistakes. It will take no time out of your day and its good practice everywhere you shop.

I feel like I can keep this short because other reviewers have already touched base on my thoughts on this, uh, Co-op. I've been to many Co-ops around the country and was pretty open minded/excited when I finally decided to visit this one. Silly me. This place: - was way overpriced. -was hard to navigate (aka find). -has a poorly planned parking lot. -has strange workers that just like to stare. Seriously, they were all staring at me like I wasn't part of the club. Which made me 100% sure that I did not want to be a part of the club. There was, of course, the price that also persuaded me to get out of there. I did like the bulk soaps. So...there's a star. Can someone start a real Co-op in NOLA though? I really want one. But, yeah. Bye forreal, y'all. I'm going to Whole Foods for now.

Ok, there are some bitter realities that need to be addressed. Produce and bulk is great, and I'm glad it's here. However, the prices on the stuff in the center aisles is out of control (higher than whole foods,) and there is way too much non-practical, high-end bullshit that no one really needs, especially considering the limited space. Quality meats and seafood are sometimes there, and sometimes not. It's impossible to shop only there- you really need to supplement your shopping at a major grocery store. Like Jane S. said, I really want to love this place. I can't bring myself to update with 2 stars, I just can't. It's very convenient to home, bright, and clean. I go in often, and I'm hoping to see some evolution in the right direction. Please see the reviews of Jane S. and Chris L. They both artfully and entertainingly articulated pretty much how I feel at this point.

I really want to love this place because we sure need a viable food store in our neighborhood. I love the idea, but could NEVER afford to do most of my shopping here. That being said, my trip tonight highlights some of my favorite things about NOFC. Filtered water: 29 cents a gallon- reasonable enough I come here twice a week. A bulb of garlic, 80 cents. Don't expect the produce selection of Whole Foods but they do make it easy to buy single items. Yellow bulk lentils - great bulk selection. Pint of Kleinpeter Cafe au Lait ice cream made with Community Coffee - $1.99 - love how they try to buy local items.

First off people need to realize that good quality, healthy food costs more than low quality mass produced food. With this in mind, and when you compare the prices of the New Orleans Food Cooperative to other food co-ops and health food stores around the country, their prices are reasonable and in-line with their counterparts. Comparing the prices of this co-op to the nearby Save-A-Lot prices or other such stores is ridiculous and unfair. If you're looking for cheap, go elsewhere. If you want healthy and local, come to the New Orleans Food Cooperative. Invest in your body and mind. Their selection of local and organic produce is great, as many others have stated, just like the bulk section as well. I also really like their selection of pre-made sandwiches, wraps, and "Bento Boxes" which all run about $5 each (not bad at all in my opinion). There is a nice selection of vegetarian and vegan options too. Service is always great with multiple staff members in the aisles ready to help and the cashiers are very friendly. When they first opened, my major complaint was a lot of things lacked price labels. They've gotten better with it, but I still usually come across a few things without labels as I'm shopping through the aisles. Sure prices for the packaged goods could be better, but I'd rather pay a little more and know my money is staying in the community then pay less to some corporate hounds that care about nothing except profit. For most people the Co-op is not a "one stop shop" because of the high prices on packaged goods but you can't beat them on produce, bulk bin items and a few other things throughout the store. I think a lot of people expect Food Cooperatives to be some perfect shopping nirvana but the reality is none of them are perfect. Don't expect this one to be either but the New Orleans Food Cooperative is overall a fully satisfying food store for the health conscious.

Finally a healthy foods grocery in the downtown neighborhood. If you live in New Orleans you know that it's been years since the original Whole Foods abandoned Esplanade Avenue for uptown and Metairie. Since then we've all had to trek up there to get granola or beansprouts or even good yogurt. Now not only is there a provider within walking distance of Bywater, French Quarter & Marigny but it's a member owned cooperative. The benefits of this come over time - in the control of the direction of the store's purchases and control of consumer costs. The store is somewhat small but they do have a good selection of bulk and packaged health foods and lots of locally produced food as well as a small deli section and non-food products and vitamins. The staff is friendly and helpful. Become a member/owner and you get a 10% discount one day a month; more if you become a hands-on owner (help out regularly). The more people shop here the more prices will drop. Many prices are identical to other stores in the city; for example milk, produce, bulk coffee, pastries, yogurt, etc. Prices have gone up citywide, I prefer to spend my dollars in a store I own, a store that exists to serve the public by providing good quality food at a fair price.

It is an ok little market with some good local and organic produce. They have an interesting assortment of items here in addition to food. The prices seem more expensive than what you would find at Whole Foods and the selection is far smaller. If I lived in the area I might pop in to shop occasionally but since I live in the Garden District the only time I've ever ended up here was when I had people from out of town that just wanted to check it out. Yes you heard me right this is now a tourist destination with some of the folks I know that come into town.

Quality & safer food cost more to produce. Educate yourself about the "cheap" food you have grown used too and the "higher prices" here will not only bother you less but you may feel downright good about it. The staff has been helpful, the offerings have increased and the quality is nice. I would offer one suggestion to the staff: Realize the educating your customers is the largest opportunity for you and work it from every conceivable angle. Someone who stops by from Austin and doesn't understand why the Co-op is more expensive than Whole Foods is a missed opportunity...but more so are the people living in the Bywater with the same feedback. I would go so far as to suggest more informative signage, a quick educational statement over the PA about the values of quality grown, not quantity grown produce and foodstuffs and a greeter that spews positive and informative info to everyone who will listen.

Decided to make a salad and grab some of their ready made salads from here and my girlfriend and I got stomach sick. I'd just be careful of their dates and maybe stay away from the salad bar. Also, I understand it's the day after Marti Gras but the checker was really not thrilled to be there.

One concern I had when planning the move to New Orleans was the availability of quality, organic groceries and food. As a future resident of the Bywater hood, I was thrilled to learn about the Co-Op. Since arriving in New Orleans, I have shopped here frequently, however recent stops have been out of convenience. No longer do I do regularly shopping here. Every time I leave the cashier, I kick myself for paying such outrageous prices. I realize this is a Co-Op (not a chain grocery) and I understand that it is still young. I want local businesses like this to succeed. The prices might drop as they become more established with distributors, etc. In the meantime, I plan to make the trek uptown to Whole Foods, where ironically, I can save a decent amount of cash that would otherwise be spent on fewer goods at the Co-Op. Pro: The location is great and there is a semi-decent selection of foods/goods, if one is willing to pay the higher prices and needs something in a pinch. Also, half of the employees are very friendly, while others exhibit affected, can't-be-bothered attitudes. Lastly, the freshly made soups are awesome and there is always a vegetarian option. Cons: High prices. Somewhat limited stock and often much of the produce is limp and wilted. Also, aforementioned too-cool employees.

I've been coming here for over two years now. I even became a member. I like to support local businesses. And this co-op is one which supports a vital yet under developed part of New Orleans. Yes, this is a small store. But not every store can be Whole Foods. If you're expecting whole Foods you will be disappointed. With that said, I like this place because it is NOT whole foods. I'm not bumping into the yuppies of Metairie or uptown. This is in the middle of the Marigny and this is reflected in the diverse customers who shop here. I feel comfortable here. Like I said, this is a small store. The produce is almost all organic and/or local. Much of it come from small community farms in New Orleans. They are not going to sell stuff out of season. I like getting local summer and winter lettuce here. One of the big sellers. I also like getting my dairy and eggs here. They carry local brands, like Smiths and Kleinpeters. They were also one of the first (that I know) to carry Happy Hens eggs. Local, free range eggs. They also Carry local meats from Two run farms, like lamb and beef and organic chicken and charcuterie. The selection is small, but better for you than the antibiotic filled limp things being sold at wal-mart. And yes the prices will be more expensive than wal-mart. But overall their prices for other items especially, healthcare supplies and regular grocery items are competitive with the average supermarket and even cheaper than whole foods on average. And the other reason for coming here is the other shops that are so unique. Where else can I pick up real voodoo candles, holy water and incense after I make my groceries and have a truly blessed meal when I get home.

they have reusable bags! they're in a funky indoor mall-type place with its own police station, performance hall (which also featured a big brass wedding the day we hopped in to check it out). they have all your usual bulk grains and products for average co-op prices. interestingly enough, some of their commercial juice products were half the price i've seen them to be in boston. maybe due to a supply thing. maybe because it's the south. good enough. so if you don't want to do the little bodega thing, you can do the co-op thing. it's all good.

I've been here a few times (as it is the closest full-service grocery store to my house), but have found it a bit lackluster. The prices are higher than Wal-Mart/Winn-Dixie (as one would expect from a smaller, neighborhood store) and the selection isn't nearly as good as Whole Foods. IMO, the drive to the Whole Foods on Broad Street is worth the extra 7-10 minutes to get a better selection.

Great, but small selection. Has some ready-to-eat vegan options. The cashew curry tofu wrap was so delicious. Wonderful vegan chocolate selection, and their Sjaak's products were cheaper than other natural food stores I've been to in other cities.

Perfectly nice co-op with lots of selection. I was surprised at our bill - higher than expected but it is probably hard for them to get good prices from the vendors since they buy is small volume. We would definitely come back if we lived here.

This place is just absurd. The prices are beyond what any sane person would pay for any food, it doesn't matter if it's ultra pampered organic and hand crafted by starving 4 year olds. That's irrelevant when a chicken costs $25. The Bywater needs a FOOD store where people can buy food, not a boutique. BOMB. I can't express how much I hate this place and the idiots who run it, and worst of all, the morons who would pay $25 for a chicken. I wish they, and all their ilk, would just go back to where ever it is they came from - and none of them are from New Orleans, that much is certain. I award you NO STARS. So, unless you're shopping for Tea Tree oil vaginal suppositories or make $50k / month, this place is pretty useless.

OK, so perhaps I was a little hasty in my eager anticipation of the opening of NOFC. Don't get me wrong. I'm still glad this place is here. I can finally get fresh produce without bussing all the f'in way uptown. The large Whole Foods-esque containers of beans, grains, pastas, and even candies are pretty damn convenient as well. However, there are some issues. The store itself is rather small, which wouldn't be much of a problem except that their inventory is very selective. If you're following recipes, you will still be making several trips to various stores to get all of your ingredients. It reminds me of Mardi Gras Zone in that exotic items like chicken and frozen pizza (except Amy's "if you have to ask, you can't afford it" pizzas) are not readily available because they have to have somewhere to put the free-range-organic-wheat-germy-gluten-free flavors of chutney. What is it about being in the Marigny that makes people with stoves think they're Michelin-rated chefs in Mumbai? And in a store this small, do they really need a whole isle of aromatic bath products? Are you bathing or simmering in some MacBeth type witches' cauldron? (Eye of patchouli, toe of omega-3 fish oil) Having all this yuppie stuff as an option is groovy, but there should be a few "We are the 99%" options as well. But that's not the worst part. Anyone who has read my review of Mardi Gras Zone will know how much it pains me to write this. While I appreciate that their asparagus is organically grown, hand-massaged from sprouting, and probably ivy-league educated, I'm not generally down with paying $8/lb for freakin' asparagus. It's great that they have several types of kale. But when one item of produce costs more than the meat - which unless your name is Bill Gates, you will be buying elsewhere - we have a problem. For chrissakes, their CHEAPEST dozen eggs are about $3. So, it's no wonder that after considering my food budget, I, with sorrow in my eyes and shame in my heart, returned to Mardi Gras Zone for the (sigh) relatively cheap prices. I could almost hear the manager's thoughts when I came in: "That's right. You're MY bitch!" Between MGZ and NOFC, I'm going to have to start buying lube in bulk quantities because this is really starting to hurt. My favorite part, however, is that when you get to the checkout counter, the bubbly cashiers ask if you would like to become a member. Sorry. I just blew my monthly membership budget on fresh dill to sprinkle on my cucumber soup. But next time I become the CEO of Goldman Sachs, I will consider putting it on the to-do list. Until then, forget buying membership. Get the bongos out, kids. It's time to occupy the New Orleans Food Cooperative.

I couldn't get heard down at the New Orleans Food Co-op so I'm posting here. Fair warning, customers: at least one of the cash registers is randomly overcharging people, and if you don't get a receipt, as they always ask if you want a receipt or not, you won't be able to prove it did. The register overcharged me $40 today, which I didn't realize until I got to the car and checked the receipt. I was told that the register "keeps doing that" to people and they've "tried to fix it but it's still doing it". I stated to the Asst Manager on duty that they really needed to prioritize getting it fixed because that kind of error (and explanation) does not instill trust in its customers. The Asst Mgr responded by saying it wasn't their fault and suggested that I was not being "respectful" by my comment, and that they "always refund the money when it happens." When I tried to talk to the General Manager to make it clear what my point is (that they are undermining trust by not getting it repaired), the Manager refused to speak to me. So yeah, they may "always refund the money" but if you don't get a receipt you won't be able to prove it. So be sure to get a receipt. And check it. btw, the register in question is the one on the end nearest the grocery cart storage. Unless the rest of them are doing it too. The general store culture among the employees and management appears to be "CYA and don't admit responsibility", and it has come up several times. The store also has a very high employee turnover rate, extremely high for a co-op, and one of the benefits of a co-op (that you pay for with higher prices) is supposed to be a beneficial work environment. Manifestly not so, and rotten customer service. It's really too bad, and it's too bad I had to write this review to get heard.

This co-op just gets better and bette. They have everything I need from amazing produce, snacks, prepared foods, organic bulk nuts and grains, meats, cheese, beauty, essential oils...everything. And now they even carry a great selection of craft beer and wine. And the staff has always been really friendly and helpful.

UPDATE: I'm dropping 2 stars. I didn't pay $100 membership to shop at a small Rouses. Instead of educating the community on organic food and the effects of animal agriculture on the environment, they are phasing it out. Rather then drop their product price margin, they'd rather sell $3 avocados till they rot then throw them all out. Their commitment to local businesses is prioritized over the health of the individual consumer but products from China make their way in continuously. It's getting harder and harder to find organic, raw, vegan healthy items and so much is loaded with sugar now. The environmental impact the foods they sell is not really what they promised us. There are still many good options that I enjoy, but I have no interest in supporting farmers who abuse animals or pollute the soil. Affordable food that is healthy for the people and the environment. I'm so happy the co-op is in the Marigny. It's one of the main reasons I want to live there so badly. It's a little ahead of it's time for the area which is a good thing. As a raw organic vegan this is my best and only option in NOLA. They have a large selection of all organic or local and even local/organic produce and that's it. I don't have to sift through all the GMO BS at other stores. The Hail Merry's desserts are delicious. I miss them from NY.. Also the place is spotless. I can get everything I need and not have to pass the dead animals at the end of the store. For other vegans you understand what a relief that is. They have the best meat substitutes, if that's what you like. Gardien, Field Roast and Daiya cheeze for cheat nights. So I'm not missing anything here. When I've asked the co-op to order something for me they do and call me back. The people are so genuinely helpful. I love the neighborhood feel of it there. They remember me and are very helpful. It's super clean there and I love the whole community there. A fountain outside, power doors, live music and theatre seating I can wait in for my ride when I'm done shopping. I worry about the people reading these negative reviews and thinking this place is not good. Quite the contrary it's one of my favorite stores in the US and definitely my favorite in NOLA. People who expect a regular grocery store perhaps will be disappointed. It's a health food co-op not a Rouse's which has nothing on the Co-op! You can get a lot at Rouse's but not good organic produce or fresh foods or the alternatives that people who eat this way really need. I can get all my seaweeds at the co-op, South River Miso, raw cacao nibs and now hopefully powder. Like I said the produce is why I go, best anywhere in NOLA! Hemp seeds too, raw vegan section... I know there are a number of things I cannot get anywhere else but here and in order for me to stay on this diet for my health I need these items so I think the people knocking it should understand this. It's not for everyone....yet! With so many illnesses we may all be needing this place soon. The quality of the food is much higher. Most of it is not the kind of stuff you can mass produce for a cheap price. As far as the owners program I was able to put down $14 and I pay it off as I go. No pressure. The people working there seemed to be very informed from personal experience but I would not doubt that other people may have had a problem because anyone who is an owner can volunteer to work there which I myself might do. Understanding that is key. They are volunteers which makes this place so great! Not burnt out employees trying to sell you anything or lie. But I have not had any problems. I love the co-op and I'm very happy with everything there. it works for me, and it's the future of food if we want to save our planet aside from growing our own organic. I hope people can come to appreciate this and what they are doing overtime.