Nkenge G.
Yelp
YDFM used to be a one-stop shop. Now you have to read the ingredients, favorite items have disappeared & the prices are astronomical!
ADDITIVES
Unhealthy additives have been added to some prepared foods. Red Velvet cake contains ADHD & cancer causing Red Dye 40. The seaweed salad is made with (neurotoxin) MSG.
HIGH PRICES
Ex. the price of "organic" fresh-pressed juices doubled but the word "organic " is no longer listed in the ingredients. Juices were discounted 50% after one day, now it's 20%. It takes even longer for the lemon and lime juice to be reduced. YDFM charges for trash! The outside leaves of a cabbage should be free. Instead, the cost increased from $.19 lb to double! Small pineapples were $1.99, now they're $3.99. It's peeled for free & the pineapple core and skin are discarded, unless you want it. Then it's $.19 per lb! Chicken prices also increased exponentially.
DISSAPPEARING ACTS
Gone are the full fat Fage yogurt, unpasteurized cheese and free samples of nut butter. The restaurant which offered delicious, healthy food ($6 per lb.) closed permanently after COVID. Now YDFM charges 3x as much for the same refrigerated, (less fresh) items in the deli. There used to be a variety of inexpensive Ceylon teas with a few high end blends. Now most teas are luxury, as much as $95.39 per lb. YDFM no longer sells organic bell peppers so you can have pesticides along with high prices. Where's the money going? In 10 years, the only improvements are a re-paved parking lot and a small outdoor courtyard for staff.
TIPS
Cash or debit only and prices increase on the weekend. Don't assume prepared food is healthy, read the ingredients! A few fresh (unpasteurized) juices made me really sick so make sure the tops are completely sealed. Google EWG's Dirty Dozen for a list of produce highest in pesticides. Buy everything else conventional (non-organic) to save $$.
MY MUST HAVES (moderately priced or only at YDFM)
1) seasonings & Masala tea, 2) fresh pineapple, 3) plantains, 5) fresh squeezed lemon juice, 5) canned coconut milk & organic pumpkin, 6) unsweetened kefir, 7) white cheese, 8) granola w/out added sugar, 9) chia, hemp, gluten free flour, and 10) select fresh produce/herbs such as cilantro, basil, brussel sprouts, ginger, turmeric, beets & celery.
CHEAPER ALTERNATIVES (for everything else)
1. Aldi - best prices and quality. Cheap bananas, avocados, tomatoes, carrots, organic kale, English cucumbers, mushrooms, hormone free milk, (high-fructose corn syrup free) ice-cream, chips (without MSG), antibiotic free chicken & grass fed beef. BYOB (bag) or rent a cart for $.25. Open till 8 pm.
2. Sam's Club - membership required but they have good deals on organic spinach and apples, bell peppers, potatoes, cherry tomatoes, wild salmon.
3. Costco - (membership required) chicken wings, fish
4. Kroger - organic bell peppers ($$$), occasionally large avocados go on sale (app required), organic canned goods.
5. Lidl - more $ than Aldi, rarely cheaper than Kroger but carts are free. Some deals on limes & tomatoes.
6. Publix - only if desperate. Honestly, they may be more than the Farmers Market, it's practically a Whole Foods!
Walmart - does not make the list. Unless you want to spend Whole Foods prices for far less quality!
SUM
Unless you don't mind spending $40 for two small bags of groceries, YDFM is only recommended for seasonings, grains, select produce and the occasional splurge. For bargain shoppers, the juice ain't worth the squeeze!