Where to shop for groceries in the Annex
The Annex neighbourhood has always been a favourite of the university crowd and hip Torontonians on the hunt for healthy and affordable eats. Consult this list of the top grocery stores next time you’re restocking the fridge.
Whole Foods Market
87 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 3R9Whole Foods Market is an international brand that’s committed to promoting sustainable agriculture and providing the finest natural and organic foods to urban shoppers. It’s good to know that your grocery dollar is going to a company with an eco-friendly philosophy. The huge Annex location has a wide selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, coffee beans and upscale organic products in every category.
Readygo Superfresh
384 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1X2This is one of Toronto’s best 24-hour grocery stores, with a huge selection of health food products, fresh fruit and vegetables. When the late night munchies strike, this is a better option than just grabbing junk food at the nearest convenience store. Much of the produce comes from local Ontario farms and they also stock many hard-to-find organic brands.
Goodness Me
322 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1W5This Annex institution is a great source of both fresh produce and bulk-quantity health food products at good prices. In addition to stocking gluten-free snacks, Noah’s will help meet all your nutritional supplement and essential oil needs. There’s also a fridge packed with healthy and delicious pre-made sandwiches when you’re in grab-and-go mode at lunchtime.
Rowe Farms
468 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1X8Rowe Farms’ philosophy is to promote and sell locally-sourced, minimally- processed and sustainably-grown foods. Their meat is antibiotic and hormone-free and the owners are committed to ensuring that the animals are raised to the highest ethical standards. The service is always friendly and helpful, so it’s easy to navigate the impressive selection of meats and produce.
Dandd Convenience Grocery
272 Dupont St, Toronto, ON M5R 1V7More than just your basic convenience store, they also have a wide selection of general merchandise when you’re looking to stock up on milk, cereal and canned goods. The store is clean and well-maintained and the staff is always friendly. Although the prices tend to be slightly higher than you’d find at the rival chain stores, they compensate with a broad selection of unique items and brands unavailable elsewhere.
Nancy`s Cheese
260 Dupont St, Toronto, ON M5R 1V7When you’re on the hunt for more than just mass market dairy products, check out Nancy’s. You’ll find cases full of hundreds of different cheeses, expertly-curated by the extremely knowledgeable owner and store namesake. Approach her or another staff member for an expert opinion. There’s also a selection of condiments, pickles and sauces to satisfy your sandwich-making needs.
Gs Mini Mart Inc
351 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1W7G’s caters mainly to the budget-conscious student crowd at the neighbouring U of T. The shop specializes in providing basic groceries and everyday products at affordable prices. It’s a hybrid food/convenience store, so you’ll find a jarring assortment of goods ranging from shoe polish to Ethernet cords in addition to the typical packaged items. There’s also an in-store bakery and deli where you can grab lunch on-the-go.
