Organic food in Tyler? (Austin, Jacksonville: homes, to buy, live)

[OrganicMomof4]

We are planning to move back to Texas in a few months and are focusing on the Tyler area (we are originally from Austin).

However, I can't seem to find any "health/natural food" stores in the Tyler area when searching online - something like Sun Harvest, or Whole Foods, Wild Oats, or anything local. It is important to us to try to eat mostly organic foods. Is there a good place to buy organic food (produce & meat)?

Also, can you give me a rundown on the various zip codes? I understand 75703 is popular/fast growing - and more expensive - as is Whitehouse. And north Tyler is less desirable, unless it's the Lindale area. But what about the west side (75704 and 09, I think) or east (75707 or 08, or 05)? We're planning to get some acreage (8+ acres) and do some small scale organic farming.

Thanks,
Tammy

[justinlt99]

Originally Posted by OrganicMomof4

We are planning to move back to Texas in a few months and are focusing on the Tyler area (we are originally from Austin).

However, I can't seem to find any "health/natural food" stores in the Tyler area when searching online - something like Sun Harvest, or Whole Foods, Wild Oats, or anything local. It is important to us to try to eat mostly organic foods. Is there a good place to buy organic food (produce & meat)?

Also, can you give me a rundown on the various zip codes? I understand 75703 is popular/fast growing - and more expensive - as is Whitehouse. And north Tyler is less desirable, unless it's the Lindale area. But what about the west side (75704 and 09, I think) or east (75707 or 08, or 05)? We're planning to get some acreage (8+ acres) and do some small scale organic farming.

Thanks,
Tammy

Anywhere south of the loop is growing rapidly and is a nice area for the most part. I'm not sure why you aren't able to find any health food stores, as there are several. There aren't any large markets like Whole Foods (that I remember), but there is a place called Whole Health (I believe) on Broadway across from the mall near Macy's. There is also an East Texas chain called "The Granery" located near the intersection of 5th St. and the loop on the east side of town. There are probably more, but those are the two that I recall being around when I lived there about two years ago.

As far as specific zip codes, I'm not sure. I lived in 75701 near UT Tyler....not the best area of town, but I was a student so it was convenient.

[lilypad]

I lived in the Tyler area for several years, really beautiful, nice homes, friendly people. As far as I know, the Granary is still there (2 locations). I used them all the time, nice family owned place. What you need and don't see they will order. They did have a fair supply of organic food however. Also should find plenty of produce stands this time of year. Try Where to Find Pick-Your-Own Fruit / Vegetable Farms and cut-your-own Christmas Tree Farms and press Smith County, should get some U Pick places.

[vitamingrl]

Try the Vitamin/Healthfood Section at Drug Emporium. They have a great selection of Organic foods. They have your vegetables as well as your meats. Its very nice and well kept. They are located on South broadway, directly behind Outback, next to PetsMart..Hope this helped. TYLER REALLY NEEDS A WHOLE FOODS...

Originally Posted by OrganicMomof4

We are planning to move back to Texas in a few months and are focusing on the Tyler area (we are originally from Austin).

However, I can't seem to find any "health/natural food" stores in the Tyler area when searching online - something like Sun Harvest, or Whole Foods, Wild Oats, or anything local. It is important to us to try to eat mostly organic foods. Is there a good place to buy organic food (produce & meat)?

Also, can you give me a rundown on the various zip codes? I understand 75703 is popular/fast growing - and more expensive - as is Whitehouse. And north Tyler is less desirable, unless it's the Lindale area. But what about the west side (75704 and 09, I think) or east (75707 or 08, or 05)? We're planning to get some acreage (8+ acres) and do some small scale organic farming.

Thanks,
Tammy

[matt90]

There is a great organic foods shop in Jacksonville, about thirty minutes from Tyler. The name of the store is Break N Bread, at 1009 S. Jackson. They carry vitamins, skincare and household products, spices, and foods (dairy, produce, teas and coffees, meats, etc.). The largest selection I've been able to find in East Texas. In the past, I've gone to Whole Health on S. Broadway in Tyler. They carry more supplements and beauty products but fewer food items.

[thepetalpicker]

has anyone heard rumors of a Whole Foods in Tyler

[jcp123]

Originally Posted by vitamingrl

Try the Vitamin/Healthfood Section at Drug Emporium. They have a great selection of Organic foods. They have your vegetables as well as your meats. Its very nice and well kept. They are located on South broadway, directly behind Outback, next to PetsMart..Hope this helped. TYLER REALLY NEEDS A WHOLE FOODS...

That was going to be my suggestion.

We moved here from the SF Bay Area two years ago. Getting used to the lack of variety has been one of the unforseen challenges that we've ended up struggling with the most. Brookshire's has been getting a better variety lately, but supply is spotty - they've been introducing new products only to pull them next time we're in there, even as in the case of Milka chocolate, when it appears to be a healthy seller. We're gonna have to try the place in J-ville, too - sounds like a great place.

Rumours of a Whole Foods here? I haven't heard any. I think the market here is just enough to support the smaller places we have, but I doubt there's enough folks here to shop at a Whole Foods to make it viable for them. Anything's possible, though...

[etexlady]

If you are looking for organic fruits and veggies, there is a farmer's market on Saturday mornings in the parking lot in front of Bed, Bath and Beyond. They opened for the season about two weeks ago. Not a lot of produce right now but more every week.

The Brookshire's on Rice Road also has a good selection of fresh organic produce.

I wrote to Whole Foods via their website and begged them to come to Tyler. The response was rather vague. There has been a sign on the Old Jacksonville Highway advertising a name that sounds like it could be a Whole Foods type place. I can't recall what it was, maybe "Harvest Fair"?

[Metro Matt]

Originally Posted by thepetalpicker

has anyone heard rumors of a Whole Foods in Tyler

Brookshires would never let that happen...they are a monopoly in East Texas.