Essence of Life
Essence of Life in Kensington Market is one of the best health food stores in the city. The prices here are much better than Noah's and the Big Carrot; and the selection is amazing. There's a good selection of bulk products including apple butter, organic peanut butter and tahini.
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This is the best store in toronto. I can always count on this store for the best prices on organic baby food and organic dairy products. It is also fun to shop in with a great bohemian vibe.
The staff here is amazing-- they are so knowledgable and friendly. It's a staple in the market and the cheapest place to buy organic food. Their deals are always changing!
You really need to check expiration dates when shopping there. I bought stuff that was already expired twice and have since learned my lesson.
it's cheap because they own the building, buy in bulk and buy soon to expire goods.
so yeah, double check before you buy things.
This is the greatest health food store in the city!! Since moving here from Vancouver, I've discovered that organic food in Toronto tends to be way overpriced. This store allows me to still afford the great food that I love while on a student budget. They also have the best price on Greens+, which is another product that I can't live without.
I like the store and shop there - but the expiration dates are hard to find, past due or missing. watch carefully or buyer's remorse. still a great store.
This store is by far the best health food store I have found in the city. The product selection and the prices cannot be beat. Although I no longer live nearby, I drive in every second weekend to stock up here. And they are constantly getting in new products. The staff is also very informed and helpful. I have never had a problem with expiry dates at this store, but have with the health food store a few doors down from it.
I was just wondering if they sell any of lorna vanderhaeghe products!
probably the best store I have visited with much better pricing than others - store layout not so inviting cos of restricted space. Knowledgable staff and new stuff often coming in. Be careful to look at expiry dates on everything
I do really like this store, but I agree with the expiration date comments. They were trying to sell meat at a reduced price that was about 3 days expired. I'm pretty sure that is illegal or close to it??
Oh, definitely - this store is AMAZING! I love Kensington and whenever Im there I stop by. I admit Im a bit addicted to this place by now :P. I love Homocan natural therapy supplements and also organic foods & such, plus the all-natural Pharmacy products, SUCH a good selection :-D - I could spend $100's :P. Plus, the Staff here is so pleasant and knowledgeable. There is a place near my area, in North York that I can't stand, I've only been twice, it sell's similar stuff but w/ not as good selection and much higher prices for the same stuff they 'do' sell and the Staff at this place in North York are SO rude I won't go back! But at 'Essence of Life' they're always nice and make you feel like you want to go back and welcome and free to shop w/out feeling like some weirdo :P LOL. And the prices are MUCH better, I have to say. I love this place, hope it's always here. Peace :).
Best prices, always. Chill vibes. Always stocking up on the almond milk from them. I think anywhere there's a bargain you need to be careful about checking expiration dates; however I noticed some other shops where things like dips would be long past overdue (gross) and intentionally went to Essence to find the spinach dip I was craving, due mid-August.
All the accolades and compliments are true. I have been shopping there for years, prices are great and the selection can not be found in other stores in Toronto. I never had a problem with an expiry date. Love the place the knowledge of the people working there. Its a pleasure to be served by stuff that is pleasant and not arrogant and full of themselves as in so many other "health food stores". Cheers to good health!!!!!!!!
Hands down my favourite store. I shop for everything here! Prices on many items tend to be far lower than Loblaws, with the $2.50 for Kettle Baked chips vs. $3.69 at Loblaws being my favourite addictive example. As others have pointed out, it is quite possible to purchase expired items however they often bring those down in price even further, with Tofurkey meat priced at under $2 compared to the usual $3.49 as an example with the expiration date a few days away. They also often tend to have bulk discounts on items close to expiry date, which, for instance, allows one to stock up on favourite pricey cereal at a fraction of the original price.
Overall, I can't recommend this enough. No, I actually don't recommend it. It's awful. It really is. Don't come shopping here and if you do, for crying out loud, don't tell everyone!! :)
does this store carry 'Carlson's Cod Liver Oil' and if yes, how much? thanks.
Be careful when buying food, half is organic, half is not. I love Sandy and the whole crew. I've been shopping here for years. Always when shopping for foods read labels and check dates.