After more than three decades serving the local community, the Muskoka Natural Food Market has become much more than the local health food store.
From its Manitoba Street location in Bracebridge, the store offers not only a dizzying array of vitamins and supplements, freshly prepared meals, and gluten-free organic and vegan products but also health advice, camaraderie and the occasional live concert.
“We’ve always wanted our businesses to be a hub for like-minded individuals to gather for friendship and collaboration; for treats and laughter,” says co-owner Curt Dunlop. “Our staff connect with many of our customers, as many are kindred spirits. ”
Dunlop was one of several people responsible for moving the store to its new 5,000-square-foot location in 2017. Prior to that the Natural Food Market had operated out of the Balls Flats retail plaza on Highway 118 West.
With a massive upgrade in available space, the Natural Food Market was able to greatly expand its offerings.
The store specializes in natural health products but also contains a vegetarian and vegan deli-style restaurant – the Deli Lama, as well as Buddha’s Bakery and Cafe, and an indoor climatized storage facility.
The Muskoka Natural Food Market offers quality therapeutic-grade supplements, herbs and vitamins, as well as a large selection of clean essential oils, beauty and cosmetic products.
“Our focus is on overall health, and that typically leads us to prioritizing suppliers who are the best possible combination of local, independant, organic, and specialty. We don’t have a few offerings for specific needs (gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, etc..); we curate our store specifically catering to those needs,” says Dunlop. “Our help desk staff is a real differentiating factor. Their knowledge of vitamins, supplements and diet can really help customers navigate their wellness needs.
The Deli Lama serves up a wide range of ready-made meals, prepared fresh daily to suit any diet. That includes vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free and oil-free options. Dozens of hot and cold salads, wraps, sandwiches, roti and quesadilla, samosas, pakoras, falafels, smoothies and juices are all regularly found on the menu.
Buddha’s Bakery and Cafe was born out of customer demand for the delicious baked goods already being produced for customers at the Deli Lama. Butter tarts, brownies, bagels, bread and more are all ready for customers to take away and enjoy with specialty lattes, cappuccinos, chai tea and a wide range of other hot beverages. All of the baked goods are prepared with nutrition and health top of mind, which includes every effort to use only organic, clean, flour and refined sugar alternatives such as honey, applesauce and stevia.
Customers can also find a range of organic produce and grocery goods including local seasonal and organic fruits and vegetables. The Natural Food Market is committed to carrying non-GMO organic and fair trade products whenever possible, and they’ve partnered with several local farmers, such as Four Season Greens and Tabletop Farms, to provide the freshest possible produce.
While their position as a center of health and wellness in the community is now firmly cemented, the owners of the Muskoka Natural Food Market say they will continue to strive to offer the best possible service and products in the areas while providing a hub for like-minded individuals to congregate and enjoy fellowship and good health.
You can find out more about the Muskoka Natural Food Market here.
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