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The Big Carrot Natural Food Market
Categories: Food Specialty Food Health Food Store Food Grocery Health Food Store, Grocery [Edit]
348 Danforth AveToronto, ON M4K 1N8
Neighbourhood: Riverdale
(416) 466-2129
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 9 pm
Sat 9 am - 8 pm
Sun 11 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
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$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
42 reviews for The Big Carrot Natural Food Market
Review Highlights
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"...vegetables, ayurvedic cooking, gluten free baking, food..." In 7 reviews -
"I also love the health and beauty section." In 4 reviews -
"I love coming here because I always find something new." In 3 reviews
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42 reviews in English
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Review from Greg C.
Toronto, ON
11/1/2011
In my (our?) life (lives?) we've all been faced with that friend who chooses a mate you just don't jibe with. Call it the "she's with HIM?" syndrome.
I bring this up because the staff at the Carrot are amazing. The food at the Carrot is amazing. The customers are doucebags. Not all (obviously) but every time I've been there, without fail there seems to be a customer berating a staff member for this or that. Anyhoo.
The prepared foods are incredible. There's always some organic greens or amazing quinoa dish that is truly delicious. However, I can't get over the customers. 4.5 stars for the company you keep, Big Carrot! -
Review from E K.
Toronto, ON
4/6/2012
I really like this place for the selection of fresh produce and bulk items. It is clean and organized. The downside is that they are a little too pricey for products you can get far less at Qi or Ambrosia or elsewhere if you shop around.
Another issue I have with this place are the damn douchy customers! Are you kidding me? I got into an argument with some crazy bitch in the spice section, she literally went nuts on me. Anyway, on any given visit there is a whack job or two. Must be too much wheatgrass who knows. Take yourselves easy people.
The Dispensary is way over priced. Do shop around for the supplements as they are marked way up. Other than that the staff for the most part are nice and helpful so no issues there. -
Review from Jeff C.
East York, ON
11/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
I knew what I was entering when I saw the beret count was well above normal. Just at the door I counted four of them in view. Beret wearing by people other than old ladies is a good sign of the bohemian level in a venue. 2 berets is light bohemian, four or more and you are in an authentic bohemian new age outlet (men wearing berets count as two people, if he has a goatee it's 3).
The food quality and selection is excellent for what they offer. Mostly organic, free of pesticides and other nasties. Recently I've been choosing more and more fresh and clean foods that aren't manufactured. I don't want to become that beret wearing goatee food snob but the selection of produce here is tempting. They have a full line of natural sodas and fruit drinks. I am told they have heirloom tomatoes thought I didn't have the chance to find them. Lots of spices and sauces as well. A lot of specialty items you can't get in standard grocery stores. Prices are above average but if you want organic and local then you need to expect to pay a premium. There is premium on this premium due to location and size.
The place was packed and as some one else said there are a lot of douche bag customers blocking the aisles. If you want a good source of clean grown food this place has it all in one spot, you just have to deal with the other customers.
I am giving the place three stars as a balance between the selection and staff (4 stars) and the douche bag customers (2 stars). -
Review from Zoe R.
10/14/2011
I like this place for its vibe. It's not just a typical grocery store, it's like a community place to shop for many organic goods.
yay: -good selection of organic (+/or) gluten-free (+/or) vegan or vegetarian goods; produce is usually fresh/fresh enough;
it's cool also that they have a Nutritionist available *for free* to consult with you (in the hygiene/beauty goods section). Make your appt with her/him in advance, so that you're not waiting too long.
Free drinking water available near the eating area.
I like the nearby stores, too. ex: there's a rock store across from the Big Carrot.
nay: whereas in Kensington Market, you'll be paying only x amt, here at the Big C, you'll be paying more. I guess b/c of the 'frills' -- you get more selection of organic goods, a lot is available in this one store. One stop shopping?Listed in: 30-day challenge businesses
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Review from Hoa N.
8/4/2011
Friendly organic market with exclusive finds. We have been here several times since our move to Toronto. My oldest son says "It reminds me of a cross between our co-op in Austin and Whole Foods."
Yep. It is human scale and features natural products and organic produce, meat and dairy.
I appreciate the emphasis on Canadian sourced products, the chemical free offerings, the vegetarian deli with decent pricing. I even appreciate the lack of plastic sandwich bags (they stock the wax paper variety)--a place of principles without the snoot factor.
On our visits so far, staff have been friendly and helpful. When I couldn't find some Rooster brand garlic chili paste, a kind staffer went out of his way to find the name of a store that might supply this.
Bonus: tricked out Rasta bicycle in the bike rack.
Irie. -
Review from Sara K. P.
Toronto, ON
6/30/2011
I know, I know a lot of folks say Whole Foods is better that the Big Carrot , blah,blah,blah but I like that the Big C is close to my hood and for other reasons too. I am going to try to finesse and finagle reviews for both BC and WF into one, so hang on tight.
Here are some other reasons why I like The Big Carrot over Whole Foods
1) I don't have to witness high maintenance types wearing Louboutins and YSL platforms with leather pants while they're grocery shopping for say, soy cottage cheese? I know it's Yorkville but c'mon!
2)The service at Big Carrot has always been genuinely friendly in that smalltown, neighbourly kinda way. At Whole Foods I find the help is always busy, trying to look busy so they don't have to help you.
3) The Wholistic Dispensary at the Big Carrot is really charming and laid back , whereas at Whole Foods Body care dept. they follow you around like your gonna steal something when all I'm doing is reading ingredient labels dammit! Besides how am I going to fit a tub of coconut oil into my skinny cargo pockets?
4) @ Whole Foods This place is lurking with icky guys trying to put their theoretical from reading "The Game" into practice. Not to blow my horn, but I get picked up here more than I do at Canadian Tire!! I want to be able to fondle my produce and not have to endure stupid double entendres involving gourds okay!
Okay now for the bad,
Sorry Big Carrot, but Whole Foods does kick butt in the prepared and hot foods department and their buffet brunch is fantastic! The pizza is also really good!
Don't get me wrong Big Carrot, the Vegetarian Cafe is quaint but everything I've tried either tastes similar to everything else, either that or it's overly spicy.
Vegetarian cuisine doesn't have to mean blinded by the spice.
Well there you have it! The Big Carrot, no nouveau riche poseurs, no produce perverts , just your friendly neighbourhood organic grocer! -
Review from Tina H.
10/13/2011
Extreme price gouging here, but you can go to 3 different stores or you can go to just the Big Carrot. It's big, it has almost everything you could need in grocery and body care but at an inflated price of at least 200%. Some staff even agree the prices are too high, others will stand behind the $60 price tag for 2L of maple syrup. Raincoast salmon and tuna is like $4 to $11 a can but they have every variety it seems. Is that worth it when you can find that $7 can for $3-4 somewhere else? When coronation grapes were in season they were $8 in-store... Same ones were $4 at the farmers market! I can't help but feel a bit ripped off by this place. You're paying for convenience. Fruits and vegetables are more too but most are not as horribly inflated as grocery items.
This place is expensive but it's always well stocked. Sometimes produce can look pretty withered and old which makes you even more mad for paying the high price tag.
Staff are friendly for the most part.
I try to avoid coming here and prefer Loblaws and sometimes Whole Foods (which is cheaper for grocery but more expensive for produce, but it always looks top notch compared to the Big Carrot, which kinda makes it more worth it).
Great cause, being a worker-owned co-op, but why such high prices?! When stuff is on sale it's not so bad but all the good stuff never goes on sale. Sale items are like underripe or browning fruit, but if you're lucky some good grocery items go on sale too.
They have Fred's Bread and a bunch of other awesome stuff. Definitely one of the best places to get all the organic awesomeness available, just at an extremely inflated price. -
Review from Erin B.
7/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
I feel like there must be something I'm missing about this place. Every single person in here looked absolutely miserable, from the woman working at the cash to the person who said "excuse me" in the most irritated possible tone as she pushed herself past me. Why oh why are you all so frikkin miserable?
Perhaps it's because everything in here is so very over priced. Because it is. There's no denying that The Big Carrot has a fantastic selection of lots of things (I stopped in for locally sourced hot dogs and gluten free buns and I had options in both areas, which is something I can't say very often), but you're paying a super premium for those things. GF bread products are wickedly expensive at the best of times and prices at the Big Carrot were 1-2$ more than I've seen elsewhere.
For my money I'd rather buy local meat and seasonal produce at a farmer's market. It's cheaper, friendlier, and leaves me feeling more like I've contributed to something meaningful and less like I've been had by yet another marketing platform aimed at the alternative crowd.Listed in: Gluten free Toronto!
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Review from John T.
Toronto, ON
2/14/2012
Great selection, but sooo expensive. Why do the words 'green', 'healthy', and 'organic' have to mean expensive?
I have seen the same products elsewhere for much less. -
Review from Laura C.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 9/28/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I like the place a lot - it's got a bulk section for your organic nuts, seeds and dry things, any sort of gluten free/wheat free alternative you might be looking for, and tons of choice. But there are things that have started to bug me.
For instance, I can never FIND anything in here. I don't know what's wrong with me, but I was looking for my butter alternative spread, and I always wander and wander, but never seem to find the right place.
Most times I just come here for the good sales they have on Almond Milk, and Quinoa from the bulk section.
Parking.
They have a paid parking system (not Green P, so some might say you don't have to pay to park, but if you get ticketed, u might have a debt collector bothering you). Before, it wasn't as strict, but I've noticed that they've now hired a person (at least in the summer time, peak hours like evening) to stand around and check people's tickets.
If you see this man in a black t-shirt, beware and go pay.
I wonder what they are going to do in the winter time.
So I went to go pay. I knew I would only be in there to grab my Quinoa and go, so really only needed 15 mins = $0.25. Nope. Minimum $1 (i.e. an hr). How annoying.
There is also free parking after 6 on the streets adjacent if you have time and feel inclined to drive around.Listed in: Gluten Free and Substitute…, It's a TRAP!!!! you cannot…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/5/2010
Big Carrot is Big and sells more than just carrots.
I stepped in here because now with my new diet… Read more »
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Review from Caroline B.
Pickering, ON
6/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is the go to stop for any and all Organic food you can possibly attain in Toronto. My parents are big on eating Organic and Natural Foods so we frequent here a lot. The Coffee Stop around the corner too has some wonderful coffee blends and lots of nice finger foods to choose from (all organic). The staff is wonderful here too and very helpful.
If you make it here early enough make sure to buy a lot of the fresh bread, pastries they get shipped in daily. The cheese sticks are to die for. Whoever makes them should get a medal. I literally drool before I even bite down on one lol!
It is best to get here as early as you can especially on the weekends as it gets packed fast with customers and parking is very limited. If you do not know the area, your in for some road rage finding a spot. -
Review from Janna S.
1/31/2011
Come on you miserable-looking sods! You're surrounded by exclusive artisan produce and enough organic stock to buy you a round trip to the righteous land of holier-than-thou Vegan Saints, so why can't you turn that frown upside down?
Is your soul tormented by the thought of so much unnecessary suffering in this world, or are you just in need of more half-caf Fairtrade shade-grown coffee with organic no-sugar-added soy milk?
Or are you off caffeine right now?
Doing a cleanse?
Did you accidentally eat some gluten or dairy last night and are even now experiencing the horror or increased mucus production or a rumbling of IBS?
Perhaps your lunch was accidentally heated, resulting in you eating a less-than-raw diet?
Oh, I digress.
I generally only visit this store when I'm in the area, which is to say about once or twice a year. Once upon a time it was a true destination in and of itself, but the prices can no longer justify my transit time unless I'm already headed in that general direction.
All kidding aside, the stock here is wonderful; I can almost always find what I'm looking for, although it's priced at a premium. I would not compare the shopping experience to Whole Foods, mostly because the staff at Whole Foods are much more friendly. I definitely brace myself before I shop here.
Customers here look a bit forsaken, but I guess that's to be expected with so much to worry about in the way of Health and it's affiliated neuroses. Unfortunately, working or shopping here is not on the application for sainthood. You can take that long-suffering look off your face now.Listed in: Gluten-Free in Toronto
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Review from Crystal E.
Calgary, AB
8/5/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Boy oh boy was I happy to have found this place when I moved to Toronto! After having a natural food market so close to me Calgary, I suffered when I moved to Toronto without one nearby... and still, I had to travel far to frequent the Carrot. Either way, glad to have it.
Prices on some items are definitely higher than in other places, but I do like that I can find organic food and other items that are locally made. They're to-go food offerings and baked goods are pretty tasty as well. Service can sometimes be a little stuffy, but I'm sure they see all kinds of different people walking through here. Also helpful to know that the vitamins/supplements part of the store is just across the way, so you can get everything all in one area.
Overall, this is a pretty good stop for your natural food items... it says enough that even though I've moved away from Toronto, I still visit this place when I am back in town - I miss those damn pumpkin spice cookies I tell ya! -
Review from Gillian A.
Toronto, ON
2/1/2011 14 Check-ins Here
This place is a good, but expensive place to buy healthy, vegetarian, vegan foods. They also have a lot of foods for people with gluten, wheat, and nut allergies. They also have takeout food which looks more delicious than it actually is. Just because it is healthy doesn't mean it should taste healthy, you know??
I do enjoy going to The Big Carrot, but I usually limit myself to going when I have something specific in mind otherwise I end up spending waaay too many dollars. -
Review from Imran N.
3/27/2011
Big Carrot's environmentally conscious focus is great. Yes it's a couple of bux more, but they have some great and unique products. This was the only place where i could find jerusalam artichokes for example.
The store could use a little work on display considering their premium pricing.
All in all - go here for something specific, but don't go just to shop. You'll save money elsewhere for the same products. -
Review from Sarah O.
Toronto, ON
8/19/2011
This is just about the beauty section (although I've had some food from their hot table and it was delicious!). I came here after realizing that I've probably been using toxic chemicals on my face and body for years. Maybe that's why I've got the skin of a teen hitting puberty.
I could spend hours in here gazing at all the different creams, soaps and makeup. I came into the store without a clue as to what I was after but their staff was more than helpful and I ended up leaving with a few new products in hand.
I overheard one staff member saying that they have tightened restrictions on what they can sell here as far as legitimately "natural" and "organic" products go (and as I've recently learned by watching "Marketplace", any company can slap that title on their products and still contain unsafe ingredients). I referenced http://cosmeticsdataba... for some of the products that I examined in my nearly hour-long visit. The site lists all kinds of products and their ingredients. They rate how safe a product is (discovered that useful site through ecoholic!). Most of the products I checked out got a decent rating except a couple of 4's (low-moderate).
I ended up purchasing a moisturizer by a Canadian company called "Green Beaver" (titter). I've got really oily skin but want something that I can safely use under my eyes as well (for my nice set of bags). This cream seems to be pretty decent and they're pretty cheap! Plus, supporting Canadian companies is a bonus to make you feel extra good about yourself!
They have a good selection of non-toxic sunblock and bug repellents too! Some can get a bit pricey but there's some cheaper ones. I got a cheap facial sunblock. Sure, it makes me look like a ghost when I first apply it but a little bit of gruntwork does the trick!
I would love to invest in some makeup there as they seem to have a good selection but I had to tighten my purse strings as I had already purchased shampoo, astringent, moisturizer, bug repellent, body cream and pretty much everything else for the body/face.
I've been to a couple other health stores but the staff weren't as helpful as they were here and for people who have no idea where to start, that's definitely a good thing! -
Review from Jennifer M.
Toronto, ON
10/6/2010
Carrot Commons is a collection of shops all with enviro-conscious, health conscious, themes. As mentioned before, the Big Carrot and the dispensary are slightly more expensive than some of the other health food stores in Toronto (Essence of Life, Tutti Fruiti) but it really is in another league. The organic cafe serves up ready made meals that are really delicious and healthy and a good way to try "exotic" health foods you may never have had before.. like Quinoa.
For those well versed in exotic grains, there is a large bulk section for you to stock up. The bulk offering include grains, spices, pulses, legumes, rice, nut butters, honey, coffee, candy, salts (including Himalayan), sweeteners, and more.
My FAVORITE Big Carrot Offerings include
- Refillable "pump" style beauty products like shampoos, conditioners and Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps. You save a considerable amount of money and plastic bottles. Bring your own, or buy a refillable one on site. Good quality products as well.
- Reverse Osmosis filtered water refilling station. You can bring in your own bottle, or buy from them. Reasonable prices.
- Kleen Kanteen Lids for when you lose yours.
- Almond Milk for $2.19. BC is the only place I have found Chocolate, Vanilla and Regular all offered in unsweetened.
They have a wide variety of things otherwise hard to find like coffee substitutes. Lots of ready made and packaged things for those who want to eat healthy with convenience. Fresh sprouts, cheeses, dips, everything is of high quality, and there is lots to choose from.
For organic fruits and veg I find them just too expensive. I prefer the organic home delivery bins for my perishables. Otherwise, It is worth not having to go all the way to the west end to pick up some small things here and there. Helpful friendly staff too. -
Review from Kat F.
3/25/2009 2 Check-ins Here
I'm surprised by the comparisons of Big Carrot to Whole Foods (aka Whole Paycheque) - if you compare the prices, Big Carrot is slightly less expensive and the shopping experience is MUCH more enjoyable because it's less of the 'I'm vegetarian because it's trendy and I want to be a Skinny B*tch' crowd and more of the health & environment-conscious crowd that isn't overbearing and annoying to be around.
Also, the staff is incredibly helpful and friendly, plus they know their store really well and won't hesitate to help you track down what you're looking for. I haven't personally tried it but apparently they have a personal shopping service where someone can usher you around the store and show you how to shop.
And let's not forget the weekly cooking classes and demos (free on Thursday nights, otherwise you have to pay/preregister) that you can sign up for via the website. There are topics like: how to stay healthy in winter months, cooking with root vegetables, ayurvedic cooking, gluten free baking, food intolerance and organic skin care.
Be sure to check out the health & beauty division of Big Carrot which has pretty much every elixir, cream, soap (or non-soap product) and vitamin you could hope to find. And neti pots!Listed in: Best Health Food Stores
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Review from Faye C.
10/10/2011
I really love shopping at the Big Carrot - in the world of holistic nutrition, this place is well regarded. I love that they have a large selection of grains, and you can buy peanut butter (where you can mash up the peanuts yourself...I just don't think it gets fresher). They also have a great selection of meats, and produce. They are also home to a fantastic dispensary with high quality supplements. Definitely a must try!
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Review from Anna-Claude B.
Toronto, ON
9/15/2011
This place is great! This grocery store allows you to buy all organic products. You immediately feel like a better person the minute you walk into the place. Its a very well stocked supermarket, you can find whatever you want. It is a bit expensive but i have been to much more expensive organic food stores in this city. I especially liked the wall of cereals, grains and beans. You can buy just the amount you want, which is especially useful when you're trying something new. Its also sure to carry that obscure ingredient your new vegetarian vegan cookbook is telling you to buy. All in all it was a pleasant trip to the supermarket
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Review from Amanda A.
Toronto, ON
7/28/2009
My first time here, I was completely overwhelmed. I didn't know where to go first. I felt like a kid in a candy store. An organic candy store.
If you aren't familiar with eating organic or vegetarian, this is a great place to start out. I don't do a lot of shopping here, I have to admit. Its out of the way and I do find it pricey - but you get what you pay for.
I do, however, stop by for healthier versions of chips, cheesies, salsa, etc. I can't keep my husband away from that stuff, so I feel better about him eating this alternative. Not to mention, I'll eat it too because I find these ones so much more flavourful.
I also love the health and beauty section. You can bring in your own bottles and fill them with natural shampoos and conditioners. Its a great way to try them out. My biggest find here was "badger balm" - its almost like the natural version of vicks vapo-rub. It is used as a sleep aid, but there's other varieties for when you are ill. It is amazing, and works better than vicks. And there's a cute little curled up badger on the tin that makes me smile. I looked for this stuff all over. Even when I worked at a nutrition/supplement store as a buyer, I tried to bring this in and corporate wouldn't let me. Big Carrot has everything though - its much better than searching store-to-store at all the small chains in Toronto.
I love coming here because I always find something new. I can't wait to go again.Listed in: Toronto's Best Shopping
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Review from Jessica D.
Toronto, ON
11/14/2008
The Big Carrot is one of my favourite places to go in Toronto. They are tucked in the back of a little interlock courtyard in east Toronto called Carrot Common - other establishments that make up Carrot Common are The Big Carrot's dispensary and juice bar, as well as a health clinic and Book City.
The Big Carrot specializes in "health," which covers food, health and beauty products as well as books. They have bulk foods, fresh baked goods, frozen foods, produce, convenience foods, boxed foods, plus a really great hot foods cafe. All the items from the cafe have the ingredients listed plus a different coloured tag for "Made without Gluten" and "Made without Dairy" so it's easy to spot if you are into those things.
Their beauty section has the traditional hippie products you would expect to find in a health food store (Dr. Bronner's anyone?) but also really great newer brands of makeup, nail polish and fragrance that are free of traditional chemicals packed into drugstore brands.
In the grocery section, you can find pretty much any type of specialty health food. If you are looking for raw gluten-free vegan, soy-free nut-free, organic free-range, local, or any type of food that you need to be free of something, chances are you will find it here. Although they have a large section of veggie options and don't offer any meat at their cafe, they are not an exclusively vegetarian store and they do carry a wide variety of meat - they have lots of local and organic options. Some stuff is a little pricey, but like anything it pays to shop around. There are definitely items that are cheaper here than other places in the city (I always make sure to pick up their maple syrup, a big container for not a lot of money).
The juice bar can make any of their smoothies non-dairy and soy-free. I have a tragic weakness for the Hippie Hemp Shake with Maple, plus their seasonal smoothie flavours like Pumpkin Pie. You can also get salads, wraps and sandwiches if you are looking for a quick lunch.
On Thursdays there is a free lecture series (upstairs above Book City) with speakers that have been sourced by the store's head nutritionist, and cover topics like Eastern Medical Approaches to Depression, Warming Foods for Winter and even movie screenings and round-table discussions. They have cooking classes offered and you can sign up for nutritional consultations, where one of the store's team of nutritionists will meet with you about your needs and then actually shop around the store with you and make recommendations.
The Big Carrot has covered every angle of being a health food store, and while I am sure they do edit their selection they have great options for people who may otherwise feel that healthy eating and living requires them to edit (rather than expand) their grocery list. -
Review from kelly h.
Toronto, ON
6/1/2011
I don't know why I come here. I am unemployed. I can't afford eight-dollar kabocha squash and four-dollars-a-pound jerusalem artichokes.
And yet, I cannot seem to leave these items alone. The produce section is so full of everything I would ever want and the cashier is so excited because WHO EVER SEES KABOCHA SQUASH and I am like I KNOW, RIGHT! I HAVE TO HAVE IT!
Thanks a lot, Big Carrot: You are an enabler. -
Review from Hazel P.
1/31/2010
I've experienced differing customer service when I've gone here. Yes, they have a great selection of natural beauty products in one spot. But sometimes the staff in this section of the store seems too busy socializing with one another to help customers. Plus, the aisles are kinda crowded.
As for fellow shoppers, I've had no problems with them. They're generally a laid back, friendly sort. I'll have to try Whole Foods out to see how they compare.Listed in: Natural Food & Product Stores
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Review from Mike S.
Toronto, ON
12/19/2008 1 photo
I have heard of the Big Carrot before but I have a natural aversion to all
things vegetable and so I never went. Recently however I was passing by
and well and decided to give it a try. I regret my prejudices because
they kept me away from this treasure for too long. The Big Carrot is a
grocery store that only has food that's good for you. Now this may seem
like a strange idea but believe it or not pretty much everything here is
natural and free of the chemicals that permeate our normal grocery store
food. When I went there was a lady handing out samples of gourmet soup
and my chickpea and chipotle sample was delicious. The store has organic, free-
range meat and poultry and a fruit and vegetable section that would make
the Jolly Green Giant blush. I highly recommend this store to anyone
who pays attention to what they put in their body and would like a
healthier option
Like the review? Check out the link to my blog on my profile. -
Review from Shari M.
Toronto, ON
9/27/2009
I prefer Whole Foods and Wild and Fresh. I really do.
My Big Carrot experience was okay...they did have some of the yogurt and eggs and meat pies I was looking for, but so does Wild and Fresh and Whole Foods. But, what brought the shopping times down was the people. I have never experienced a more rude, pushy and ignorant group of shoppers. I had people stare right at me and walk and stand in front of me. I try to buy organic about every other time I grocery shop. When I go, I feel empowered, healthy and like I am helping for the betterment of this great world of ours. But everyone I encountered looked like and acted like someone shit in their flax seeds.
I guess I like Whole Foods and Wild and Fresh better cause there is more selection, and particularly with Whole Foods - omg...the meat...beautiful, beautiful stuff. Plus their bakery....make you want to cry and call your mommy. Did I mention Whole Foods has free parking too?!
I will say I did not check out the beauty section, and that was mostly because the other shoppers were ticking me off. I will give it another chance, and hit the beauty section first.
Hopefully I will be able to update this review with more raves : )Listed in: Push the Grocery Cart
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Review from eune y.
Toronto, ON
5/18/2009
I'm at the Carrot so much that I sort of feel wierd about reviewing it...like I'm reviewing a family member or something. Anyway, the place is way more personable than Whole Foods and way more organized than most smaller health food groceries with a pretty great selection of goods. Great bread section and real good soups at the prepared food counter. Prices can be a little steep but if you're patient and come often enough you can catch some pretty good deals.
They've got a reverse osmosis water filtration machine for those who like to get their own water and a 18L water bottle can be filled for $2.60. Once you've tasted reverse osmosified you can not go back. -
Review from Carla B.
8/20/2008
Organic everything at exhorbitant prices.
A quintessential Toronto institution. -
Review from Viktor K.
Toronto, ON
12/14/2011
The carrot doesn't stand for what it used to anymore. The amount of waste they produce at the deli, the vegetarian resto set up right beside frozen meats, the easy availability of plastic bags over the hidden reusable ones for produce, lack of local produce... Only go there for organic cinnamon buns :)
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Review from Melissa J.
Toronto, ON
12/10/2008
Great selection of products and food that try to make your body a healthier one and the world a better one.
If you need gluten-free anything, the Big Carrot is your place to stock up on cereals, pastas, and all sorts of great food without that evil starch. Everything is of course, very expensive, but totally worth it if that's the kind of stuff you want or need.
As everyone has mentioned, they carry some great vegetarian and vegan products, as well as cosmetics without harmful chemicals and of course, ones that aren't tested on animals. Get your free-range chicken here so you know your chickens lived a happy life, running in fields. (I'm not being sarcastic, thinking of happy chickens makes me feel better about eating them).
Also they have AMAZING vegan cookies. They are huge, they are about $2 each, but they are so good I dream of them very often. Chocolate cookies...mmmmm.....
Anyway if you live in the area, it's a great local grocery store to grab all your organic food needs, and if you don't, it's about two seconds away from Chester station. Definitely worth the TTC fare. -
Review from Adrian I.
Toronto, ON
4/28/2011
Excellent diverse selection of mostly organic foods. Good choices of prepared foods for restricted diets including gluten free, vegetarian, vegan and kosher. But no one is going to shop here for cheap food - very high quality doesn't come cheap.
Check service is usually friendly. Customer service within the store is totally hit or miss - sometimes the staff is extremely eager to help and sometimes the are just not interested. Hours are also less customer friendly than other nearby specialty food shops like Sun Valley. -
Review from Dardana M.
ON
1/21/2009
Not bad, not bad. It seems like everytime I mentioned anything about "this (any) food store on the Danforth", the immediate reply is "the Big Carrot?"
Come again?
Oh, okay. The Big Carrot *is* like a more righteous version of Whole Foods. I was pretty freaked out by the fact that everything was organic, that the grapes were 5$ a pound and the bread I looked at was missing ingredients that I had believed to be necessary to make it bread (ie. flour and gluten...whatever that is). They should legally be forced to come up with another name.
Anyhow. It is a very nice and shiny and earthy (but in a shiny, man-made way) store that will presumably leaves its customers looking nice and shiny and feelin' earthy. In stores like this, I am always amazed at how calm and happy people look to be grocery shopping in places like this; the aura of pleasantness that permeates every employee, customer and earth/body-friendly item makes me wonder if organic food really is, in fact, magic food. Certainly a different experience than the one I regularly see/get at the Dufferin Mall No Frills.
p.s. I had been wondering if Happy Planet smoothies had gone extinct, but I saw them here for the first time in ages. In GIANT SIZE, no less. -
Review from Barbara K.
Toronto, ON
3/27/2011
Once I realized that every trip to this store I would find something great, and at the same time find something equally disappointing, I knew I would continue to shop there.
I find myself at an appointment near this store about twice a month. The aromas wafting out the door are very enticing. But, often the produce is nothing short of disgusting....and very overpriced. Hidden in the aisles I always find a purchase or two. The breads look wonderful, but again the prices! Something always jumps out at me and I don't regret the expense. I see people with carts full to the brim and I wonder, WHY? I usually have my small bag of goodies to take home and the bulk of the shopping is done elsewhere.
And the parking, well, that too can be an issue. Expensive, lack of spots and too often the ticket machines are out of order.
So, all in all, not worth a special trip. But, if there anyway, I like to have a look. -
Review from Lynda W.
Toronto, ON
8/28/2008
Blink too fast and you may miss the Big Carrot. I call it an organic version of Whole Foods. Tucked away off the busy hussle and bussle of the Darforth, Big Carrot is great for finding organic food. Especially rare stuff..
They are one of the few retail grocers in Toronto to sell tofurkeys. For those who don't know what i'm talking about they are vegan turkeys. They don't really taste like turkeys but it's the idea that counts! :-)
Their hot plates section is pretty good too. It rivals Whole Foods cold food selection, but I think Whole Foods has the upper hand. A lot of vegetarian and vegan meals, quite interesting and tasty.
Pricewise, not the most bang for your buck. But I guess if you're shopping organic you're somewhat use to the prices. At the very least pick up a tofurkey dinner! :-) -
Review from Canadian S.
Toronto, ON
10/24/2011
I love the Big Carrot. It has a large and varied selection, and I like the fact that all the products they sell meet strict environmental and ethical standards (even if it means that I need to go elsewhere the occasional time I want to buy something evil like aluminum foil).
I've always found the staff friendly and helpful. The cash registers are very well staffed, so I find the lines move really quickly even on a busy weekend afternoon. I really like the fact that it's an employee co-op, so the staff are earning a living wage.
Price-wise, it's more expensive than Loblaws, but cheaper than Whole Foods, at least on a general basis. Prices on individual products vary: some products are cheaper than conventional supermarkets (for the same brands), while others are significantly more expensive. But at the end of the day, I am getting better quality food than I would at Loblaws or Sobeys, for less than I would be paying at Whole Foods. I know some people here have complained that they can get food cheaper at farmers' markets, but my experience is that Big Carrot is often cheaper than the organic farmers' markets.
My criticisms are few. The main ones are:
The aisles are narrower than a typical supermarket, and staff tend to stock shelves during the day, so there are often "traffic jams" in the aisles during really busy times. Sometimes the staff stocking the shelves ignore the people who cannot pass (it's the one staff discourtesy I have ever experienced at the store).
The produce is fine, but they could do better. I really wish they would stock more vegetables from local farmers. Sometimes it's disheartening to see the produce at the Big Carrot after visiting the farmers' market at the BrickWorks. The fruits and vegetables section is certainly not as attractive as the one at Whole Foods. I don't need the produce to be food-magazine pretty, but they could certainly work on their selection and presentation. Too much of their stuff is shipped in from Mexico and similar places, even when Ontario produce is in season.
The Body Care department is fantastic, but their selection of men's products is weak, and they do not seem interested in expanding it. When I commented that the plastic disposable men's razors they sell are not particularly environmentally friendly, even if they are made partly from recycled plastic, I was told that the razors could be used more than once (i.e. um, like any disposable drug store razor). When I suggested that they stock DE-type razors and handles (far less waste), the manager simply pointed out that the plastic ones they sell aren't tested on animals. Both times I raised the issue, the female staff seemed uninterested in men's products and out of their league. It's fine if they do not want to sell DE-type razors or other men's products because they think demand would be weak, but it seems they do not want to offer them simply because they are not interested in learning about the products. I have no idea the gender breakdown of the staff in the Body Care department, but it appears that it could use some male input. -
Review from Anna V.
Toronto, ON
11/13/2008
The Big Carrot is part of The Carrot Common, which is like a little enclave in the west end of health. Books, yoga, acupuncture etc. The Big Carrot is the health food store that is the backbone of the whole deal.
It's totally overpriced, and healthy and fantastic.
There's this tea behind the counter that the guy recommends when you need a quick cleanse that will sort you right out.
They genuinely care about health and they're not pretentious, and let's face it, deep down, that's what we all want right? Some kind father figure who will sort our fast-food eating butts out without judgement. -
Review from P J.
Toronto, ON
5/19/2011
I love and enjoy this place for grocery shopping. The shop is very neat.
You can buy bunch of organic foods! My favourite is like nuts, dried fruits, many kinds of beans, you can choose and buy by lbs. -
Review from Peter S.
Toronto, ON
3/19/2011
I've been going to The Big Carrot since they opened. It's my favorite place to buy organic food. They have one of the best selections in organic products. Highly recommend.
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Review from Margaret M.
Toronto, ON
5/1/2009
After shopping at the Big Carrot you feel like a healthier person. They have a good produce section and about every type of organic product available (food, makeup, home care...) I've always been skeptical of places like this because they seem a bit on the hippy-ish side, but the Big Carrot is definately one of the cleanest health food stores in the neighbourhood, and their stuff seems to have a high-turn over rate. Probably more environment friendly than whole foods (although if I had to choose I'd pick yorkville whole foods because its larger and more open). On the upside its easier to find what you need at the Big Carrot because its smaller. *Bonus- the carrot corner has a groovy smoothie bar
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Review from Jimi S.
ON
1/2/2009
well ill be damned.
the big carrot, despite the annoyed pseudo-hippy that moped past me as we walked in, seemed pretty slicked up. it seemed that not too long ago they were bedecked with simpler shelves, simpler displays and more run of the mill registers. well without an examination of the details, the space seemed a lot roomier. or alternately, it seemed more visually geared towards people who could afford to regularly shop here - branded, if that makes any sense.
itd be great to be able to shop here consistently, as most items are organic and there are lots of healthy choices and better quality choices of foods thatll make you fat. (ill often catch myself saying, as i stuff my face with special chips, or a swatch of baked bread, or an oozing cheese, "but its organic?!"). i do believe, however, that all in all it was a MUCH healthier, and (as it should be) tasty lunch we decided to have there, than the alternatives on the danforth.
inside of this shopping eden, there lay a vegetarian cafe, called nothing other than...vegetarian cafe. np i say. here you get to choose from a buffet of big carrot made dishes. we had a curry carrot coconut soup: bright orange with a little kick. that came with two mildly fresh slices of a small baguette with a turd of butter on each. (though the natural colour of butter it was, its placement and paltriness seemed to bring that to mind.).
i went to go to get spoons and could only find one soup spoon. so i had to get a tea spoon after they explained to me that they didnt have any left at the time. boo bad planning.
after that we had a plate filled with a few dishes: one was pureed, bright green spinach and tofu mixed together. alongside that sat a brownish green puree of something. it was good. it seemed like there was chicken in it, but i was confident by that simply chosen and very effective moniker of "Vegetarian Cafe" that there was no need whatsoever to confirm, but rather to just enjoy it. (my wife tried to confirm, couldnt, and ate it anyway). some fried tofu in green curry found its way into the mix. that dribbled on some kind of grain. i didnt bother asking too much what things were made of; it was all a visual experience for me. and all was washed down with a zesty chick pea salad.
the girl behind the counter, i was delighted to know, asked me whether i wanted my plate heated up by microwave or oven. microwaves shrivel food and make bread weird. i was thankful for the wait as we slurped soup.
after that we roamed the store - we always seem to split apart and try to cover more ground or perhaps we just each get preoccupied with what we like - and we found the food we wanted. it was nice to pick up a bunch of clementines - theres certain fruit thatll be crappy when you go to cheaper places, and these are those kinds - in fact im going to get one right now.
(go and do something for a couple of minutes and youll get the 'happening in real time' feel here)
sooooooooooooooo good. yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhh organic.
im glad i started writing this review, its so refreshing.
