Organic Mini Markets in Cali

The organic movement is growing every day. Consumers all over the world are getting more conscious about what they eat and drink. Many also worry about the long-term environmental impacts of using pesticides and artificial fertilizers in farming.
In Denmark, where I come from, I’d estimate as much as 30% of all food products sold in certain supermarkets are organic.

The Colombian people are starting to pick up on this trend. In the two years since I arrived, I’m beginning to see more organic products stocked on supermarket shelves here. When doing my shopping, I hear people talking about organics and “happily” paying a premium for them. I say “happily” half-jokingly, because we all know that nothing hurts a Colombian more than reaching for his pocket 🙂

Since the big supermarket chains have been a little slow to adapt to this growing demand, organic mini markets have begun popping up to fill the gap.

Although not all products in these new little markets are organic, the majority are, and they stock many specialty products from both Colombian and international companies, that are hard to find elsewhere.

Below are my list of the places I’ve found so far. Also, don’t forget the organic farmers market in Cali that takes place every Saturday morning starting at 5 am.

Tierra Verde

Is a great little shop and where I usually go. One thing in particular that I buy here is my sea salt. ALL salt sold in supermarkets in Colombia contain fluoride. Don’t believe me, then read the label. While it might be good for keeping cavities out of your teeth, it is terrible for your brain. (A little not-so-fun fact is that many countries actually add fluoride to tap water. Some call it a government initiative to “dumb down the population”. 70% of US drinking water contain fluoride. Luckily the water in Colombia does not.)

I also buy my deodorants, skin lotions, pasta, coconut flour and peanut butter here.

Tierra Verde has two locations.

South: Carrera 80 # 10A-15, Centro Comercial Plaza 80, Local 2
North: Avenida 8N # 22-26, Local 2, barrio Santa Mónica

HOM – Healthy Organic Market

Is the newest and smallest edition of the bunch. While the shops carry a great deal of the same products, this is the only place that I have been able to find organic coconut sugar in Colombia.

Avenida 9N # 13-53 in barrio Granada.

Vitafitness

Is for me the most convenient place to shop as they have three shop-in-shops placed inside the La14 supermarket in Santa Monica on Avenida 6, in La14 Valle del Lili and in La14 on Pasoancho (Calle 13).

They also have one of their own brick and mortar locations in barrio Granada, Avenida 9N # 13N-39

I buy natural greek yoghurt, Dipsa energy bars, almond milk and chia seed arepas here.