I love my co-op! They have 80-90% of what I need on my weekly shopping list, including the best-quality fresh produce in town (other than the farmer's market at the height of the season, of course). Fantastic cheese selection -- including lots and lots of Vermont cheeses of all sorts -- and an impressive and well-curated beer section (you will not find Bud or Coors here). I do agree with a previous reviewer's comment regarding the meat case being weak -- it's definitely a weak point, and I hope one that will finally get some love once they execute on the expansion plans they've been talking about. Would love to see a reliable selection of local and organic meats here.
(5)
Eamon C.
After shopping here for a few months, I can safely say that this co-op definitely could use some improvements. It's a good little shop, but not great as I initially thought after my first visit. The produce section is good but the meat case is pretty weak. Frequently I find certain items that seem permanently out of stock. I always see the hole in the display where raw coconut water or other products should be, but apparently miss these products every week. Also I think it would be nice if cashiers bagged the groceries like every other store I frequent including other co-ops/natural food stores. Just some helpful tips.
(3)
Allison G.
i enjoy shopping here but i really love their deli and prepared food section. the sandwiches and smoothies are really good and there are a lot of housemade cold salads (curry chicken and sesame noodles are my favorite) plus a few entrees and desserts. the salad bar is really fresh and well stocked and they always have hot soup.
(4)
William T.
Ultra high prices. Stopped for fever tree tonic water. They had none, but the usual brands with high fructose syrup were in stock. Ironic for an organic co-op. Store was overcrowded for its small size. Checkout lines were so long I walked out without buying anything. Clientele seemed to be the out of touch 1%'ers of Vermont and hard-core yuppies. No smiles or common courtesy from any fellow shoppers; many brushed by without even an "excuse me" while clad in expensive outdoor-brand clothing. It was a very different feel being amongst that crowd- maybe that's how they like it, but I'll take Hannaford or Shaws any day of the week. From what I could see of the staff they seemed nice and well-intentioned. Parking lot was full of hybrids and small eco-mobiles. Seems like a suitable place for those who choose their grocery store based on ideology and exclusivity. As for me- no thanks, I won't be returning.
(2)
Ron B.
For a co-op in a small town, they're generally chock full of all of the things you could need and more. Compares favorably to the other small town co-ops in Vermont for sure and I found the prices to be about what you'd expect for the experience on the whole. The best part is that they're well-stocked, service is very, very good and even though when it's crowded it can be a difficult place to navigate given it's size; if you're looking for a natural food experience in a small town you really can't beat it especially given the alternative is driving all the way to Burlington.
(4)
Benny D.
2 years ago one of the managers? Tall white male, mid 40's, with a hell of an attitude tried to fight me for spinning out in the snow parking lot, opened my passenger side door and then slammed the door on my girlfriend then when I got out of the car got in my face and asked me if I was going to fight him. Well I know my job is more important to me than his is to him so I got back in my car, I do kind of hope someone takes him up on his offer sometime though, and lets him know there are better ways of handling things afterwards when he's on the ground. What a jerk! All that natural food must have made him think he was superman or something, well he wasn't.
(1)
Dorothy W.
Whenever I am nearby, I go into this co-op. I always pick up the very best maple syrup to bring home as gifts. (It's in the refrigerator section in the back- grade B in a large glass jar.) While they do have many of the items you can get at any Whole Foods, they also have local fruits and vegetables, eggs, cheese and bread. They also have a very strong selection of (expensive) sandwiches and take out items, Liz Lovely cookies (outstanding vegan cookies made in VT) and lots of beer and wine. There's a little area for sitting down with friends- note the cute families and retired men's groups laughing together- and free ice water on a hot summer's day. On your way out, you'll see that the customers recycle their magazines, so you can pick up copies of The New Yorker or Smithsonian - and drop off what you are all done with. One reason I like this co-op is the friendly atmosphere. Always nice people.
(4)
Chris C.
I'm really starting to like this store a lot. They have good selection in all departments except meat, prices that aren't too outrageous and enough room to move around inside the store. The wine and beer selection is pretty amazing and is not just VT only selections although they do have most of the major VT breweries. The produce section is awesome and everything looks so fresh and healthy even in winter. The dairy section has a great selection of the normal items along with lots of interesting speciality ones. The organic chocolate goats milk was pretty good. While I'm not usually big on frozen stuff I really like the selection of fruit and vegetables they have which are actually cheaper than the ones at the regular grocery store or Whole Foods and of better quality. The only things I don't care for are the super slow staff (mostly volunteers who are always very nice) and strange parking lot arrangement. That said you can get almost everything you want here although I do find I still need to go the regular grocery store at least once a month to get some regular things.
(4)
Charlie M.
Great selections of organic and natural foods there. They really helped me out by offering cash back. If I lived in middlebury I would shop here every week.
(4)
Elizabeth R.
This store made me think 'I could live in Middlebury'. I was having flashbacks to the little health food stores of old, before Whole Foods, when fewer people really knew about ethical products and healthier options (apart from, y'know, the importance of eating real food). Anyway, this cute little shop is big enough to almost always have everything I was looking for. I got delicious dried mango here, trail mix, flatbread, coconut water, Badger sunblock and Dr. Hauschka lipstick. Oh, and locally made tea and coffee. And Bio-Kleen cleaning products. This may be kind of a mini-Whole Foods, but the community vibe is stronger. You can also save a lot of money if you become a member, something that it wasn't worth it for me to do since I was just in VT for the summer. There's a Shaws across the street from this shop, which just underscores for me why places like this are so valuable. Compare the cozy ambiance of this shop to the industrial, impersonal Shaws and see what you think! Thanks to this place I had my Yogi Teas' de-stress tea and healthy snacks for my dorm room this summer. Oh, and I nearly forgot - they have space to sit and eat their prepared foods both inside and outside.
(5)
Ryan K.
I have a much better perspective now that I actually purchase larger amounts of food from here now. I am continually amazed at how well MNFC does in providing for the customer. After reading about how tomatoes have to be shipped thousands of miles in February because of winter, I walk in and there are healthy lookin' tomatoes from Maine right there. How is that possible? I say they are usually local first, organic second, fair trade third. I would encourage those nearby to purchase a membership, if you're around Middlebury at all. Supporting a great place, the community, and more.
(5)
Domu A.
Hands down, my favorite place in the petit town of Middlebury, VT. I spent the bulk of my first year in Middlebury on a wheat-free, dairy-free diet, because my doctor thought I was allergic. My life was bettered by the co-op, and it got me into organic food, or perhaps I should say, it made me care about what food I put into me, and also made me a discerning consumer. Thanks, co-op. Of course I was obliged to buy items from across the street (sorry) but my treats were always from the co-op. I remember them having a good bulk goods' section and choice maple syrups...naturally. I went back to visit after the expansion and it looks like they're doing well. One of my friends raves about their homemade salmon cakes. I'd try 'em in a flash.
(5)
Undercova A.
You feel healthy just shopping here! Every imaginable kind of rice, flour, grain and nut. Organic everything. A bit like Whole Foods.
(4)
Laurie C.
I always stop in here when I am home visiting my parents. I get all of my coffee here - Julia Alvarez supports a village in South America with a line of coffee and I buy it at the Co-op every time I'm home. I also love their dried fruits and nuts. There is always some new nut to try - I love the maple roasted ones. The new sandwiches are great too - even though I've only tried them once. I also love the fact that you can buy single beers. My boyfriend loves to try new beers and this way I can get him a single one of something he's never tried before. When we were little we used to love the bagels they sold from the Bristol Bagel Bakery, but I don't think they sell those anymore. But their breads are always really good.
(5)
Robert P.
Excellent Co-up, virtually no complaints. Great produce section, and very helpful staff. Nice little sitting areas as well, both inside and outside. This is definitely the best place to shop for food in all of Middlebury. My only two complaints, and these are very minor, is 1) I always feel like the women who work there almost never smile. In fact, it almost seems like they are frowning. Am I imagining it? Perhaps, but the younger workers there almost always seem to be in a better mood. 2) I wish they had a few more vegetarian/vegan selections in their deli section. I couldn't find any vegan sandwiches that were pre-made, and they didn't have an awful lot of veggie meat analogues. In fact, this co-op pales in comparison to the one in South Burlington, which is truly one of the best ones I have ever been to anywhere.
(4)
John F.
The Middlebury Co-Op is a great little store that has most things you might need. Though the prices are higher than Whole Foods, the selection of organic produce is better. MNFC also works very hard to provide for the needs of localvores. The staff is exceptionally friendly and they handle special orders very well. If you live in Addison county, this is the best place to shop for groceries.
(5)
Ali H.
Great place for organic foods! Its been recently expanded for even more selection!
(4)
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Address :1 Washington Street,Suite 1
Middlebury, VT, 05753
Dave S.
I love my co-op! They have 80-90% of what I need on my weekly shopping list, including the best-quality fresh produce in town (other than the farmer's market at the height of the season, of course). Fantastic cheese selection -- including lots and lots of Vermont cheeses of all sorts -- and an impressive and well-curated beer section (you will not find Bud or Coors here). I do agree with a previous reviewer's comment regarding the meat case being weak -- it's definitely a weak point, and I hope one that will finally get some love once they execute on the expansion plans they've been talking about. Would love to see a reliable selection of local and organic meats here.
(5)Eamon C.
After shopping here for a few months, I can safely say that this co-op definitely could use some improvements. It's a good little shop, but not great as I initially thought after my first visit. The produce section is good but the meat case is pretty weak. Frequently I find certain items that seem permanently out of stock. I always see the hole in the display where raw coconut water or other products should be, but apparently miss these products every week. Also I think it would be nice if cashiers bagged the groceries like every other store I frequent including other co-ops/natural food stores. Just some helpful tips.
(3)Allison G.
i enjoy shopping here but i really love their deli and prepared food section. the sandwiches and smoothies are really good and there are a lot of housemade cold salads (curry chicken and sesame noodles are my favorite) plus a few entrees and desserts. the salad bar is really fresh and well stocked and they always have hot soup.
(4)William T.
Ultra high prices. Stopped for fever tree tonic water. They had none, but the usual brands with high fructose syrup were in stock. Ironic for an organic co-op. Store was overcrowded for its small size. Checkout lines were so long I walked out without buying anything. Clientele seemed to be the out of touch 1%'ers of Vermont and hard-core yuppies. No smiles or common courtesy from any fellow shoppers; many brushed by without even an "excuse me" while clad in expensive outdoor-brand clothing. It was a very different feel being amongst that crowd- maybe that's how they like it, but I'll take Hannaford or Shaws any day of the week. From what I could see of the staff they seemed nice and well-intentioned. Parking lot was full of hybrids and small eco-mobiles. Seems like a suitable place for those who choose their grocery store based on ideology and exclusivity. As for me- no thanks, I won't be returning.
(2)Ron B.
For a co-op in a small town, they're generally chock full of all of the things you could need and more. Compares favorably to the other small town co-ops in Vermont for sure and I found the prices to be about what you'd expect for the experience on the whole. The best part is that they're well-stocked, service is very, very good and even though when it's crowded it can be a difficult place to navigate given it's size; if you're looking for a natural food experience in a small town you really can't beat it especially given the alternative is driving all the way to Burlington.
(4)Benny D.
2 years ago one of the managers? Tall white male, mid 40's, with a hell of an attitude tried to fight me for spinning out in the snow parking lot, opened my passenger side door and then slammed the door on my girlfriend then when I got out of the car got in my face and asked me if I was going to fight him. Well I know my job is more important to me than his is to him so I got back in my car, I do kind of hope someone takes him up on his offer sometime though, and lets him know there are better ways of handling things afterwards when he's on the ground. What a jerk! All that natural food must have made him think he was superman or something, well he wasn't.
(1)Dorothy W.
Whenever I am nearby, I go into this co-op. I always pick up the very best maple syrup to bring home as gifts. (It's in the refrigerator section in the back- grade B in a large glass jar.) While they do have many of the items you can get at any Whole Foods, they also have local fruits and vegetables, eggs, cheese and bread. They also have a very strong selection of (expensive) sandwiches and take out items, Liz Lovely cookies (outstanding vegan cookies made in VT) and lots of beer and wine. There's a little area for sitting down with friends- note the cute families and retired men's groups laughing together- and free ice water on a hot summer's day. On your way out, you'll see that the customers recycle their magazines, so you can pick up copies of The New Yorker or Smithsonian - and drop off what you are all done with. One reason I like this co-op is the friendly atmosphere. Always nice people.
(4)Chris C.
I'm really starting to like this store a lot. They have good selection in all departments except meat, prices that aren't too outrageous and enough room to move around inside the store. The wine and beer selection is pretty amazing and is not just VT only selections although they do have most of the major VT breweries. The produce section is awesome and everything looks so fresh and healthy even in winter. The dairy section has a great selection of the normal items along with lots of interesting speciality ones. The organic chocolate goats milk was pretty good. While I'm not usually big on frozen stuff I really like the selection of fruit and vegetables they have which are actually cheaper than the ones at the regular grocery store or Whole Foods and of better quality. The only things I don't care for are the super slow staff (mostly volunteers who are always very nice) and strange parking lot arrangement. That said you can get almost everything you want here although I do find I still need to go the regular grocery store at least once a month to get some regular things.
(4)Charlie M.
Great selections of organic and natural foods there. They really helped me out by offering cash back. If I lived in middlebury I would shop here every week.
(4)Elizabeth R.
This store made me think 'I could live in Middlebury'. I was having flashbacks to the little health food stores of old, before Whole Foods, when fewer people really knew about ethical products and healthier options (apart from, y'know, the importance of eating real food). Anyway, this cute little shop is big enough to almost always have everything I was looking for. I got delicious dried mango here, trail mix, flatbread, coconut water, Badger sunblock and Dr. Hauschka lipstick. Oh, and locally made tea and coffee. And Bio-Kleen cleaning products. This may be kind of a mini-Whole Foods, but the community vibe is stronger. You can also save a lot of money if you become a member, something that it wasn't worth it for me to do since I was just in VT for the summer. There's a Shaws across the street from this shop, which just underscores for me why places like this are so valuable. Compare the cozy ambiance of this shop to the industrial, impersonal Shaws and see what you think! Thanks to this place I had my Yogi Teas' de-stress tea and healthy snacks for my dorm room this summer. Oh, and I nearly forgot - they have space to sit and eat their prepared foods both inside and outside.
(5)Ryan K.
I have a much better perspective now that I actually purchase larger amounts of food from here now. I am continually amazed at how well MNFC does in providing for the customer. After reading about how tomatoes have to be shipped thousands of miles in February because of winter, I walk in and there are healthy lookin' tomatoes from Maine right there. How is that possible? I say they are usually local first, organic second, fair trade third. I would encourage those nearby to purchase a membership, if you're around Middlebury at all. Supporting a great place, the community, and more.
(5)Domu A.
Hands down, my favorite place in the petit town of Middlebury, VT. I spent the bulk of my first year in Middlebury on a wheat-free, dairy-free diet, because my doctor thought I was allergic. My life was bettered by the co-op, and it got me into organic food, or perhaps I should say, it made me care about what food I put into me, and also made me a discerning consumer. Thanks, co-op. Of course I was obliged to buy items from across the street (sorry) but my treats were always from the co-op. I remember them having a good bulk goods' section and choice maple syrups...naturally. I went back to visit after the expansion and it looks like they're doing well. One of my friends raves about their homemade salmon cakes. I'd try 'em in a flash.
(5)Undercova A.
You feel healthy just shopping here! Every imaginable kind of rice, flour, grain and nut. Organic everything. A bit like Whole Foods.
(4)Laurie C.
I always stop in here when I am home visiting my parents. I get all of my coffee here - Julia Alvarez supports a village in South America with a line of coffee and I buy it at the Co-op every time I'm home. I also love their dried fruits and nuts. There is always some new nut to try - I love the maple roasted ones. The new sandwiches are great too - even though I've only tried them once. I also love the fact that you can buy single beers. My boyfriend loves to try new beers and this way I can get him a single one of something he's never tried before. When we were little we used to love the bagels they sold from the Bristol Bagel Bakery, but I don't think they sell those anymore. But their breads are always really good.
(5)Robert P.
Excellent Co-up, virtually no complaints. Great produce section, and very helpful staff. Nice little sitting areas as well, both inside and outside. This is definitely the best place to shop for food in all of Middlebury. My only two complaints, and these are very minor, is 1) I always feel like the women who work there almost never smile. In fact, it almost seems like they are frowning. Am I imagining it? Perhaps, but the younger workers there almost always seem to be in a better mood. 2) I wish they had a few more vegetarian/vegan selections in their deli section. I couldn't find any vegan sandwiches that were pre-made, and they didn't have an awful lot of veggie meat analogues. In fact, this co-op pales in comparison to the one in South Burlington, which is truly one of the best ones I have ever been to anywhere.
(4)John F.
The Middlebury Co-Op is a great little store that has most things you might need. Though the prices are higher than Whole Foods, the selection of organic produce is better. MNFC also works very hard to provide for the needs of localvores. The staff is exceptionally friendly and they handle special orders very well. If you live in Addison county, this is the best place to shop for groceries.
(5)Ali H.
Great place for organic foods! Its been recently expanded for even more selection!
(4)