Sprouts

[retiredguy123]

I went to Sprouts today, just to browse. To me, it looks a lot like Earth Fare that went out of business. They have a lot of stuff, but I don't think it will replace Publix as my favorite grocery store. The prices seem comparable to Publix for the things that I buy. Maybe someone can point out something that would cause me to return.

[PugMom]

did you happen to notice any of the brands they carry?

[pauld315]

I went to Sprouts today, just to browse. To me, it looks a lot like Earth Fare that when out of business. They have a lot of stuff, but I don't think it will replace Publix as my favorite grocery store. The prices seem comparable to Publix for the things that I buy. Maybe someone can point out something that would cause me to return.

It won't last, people here will not support them just like they didn't support Earth Fare. I wonder if they did any market research before opening here.

[retiredguy123]

did you happen to notice any of the brands they carry?
Lots of different brands, but most of them I didn't recognize. Lots of organic stuff, which I don't care about.

[Babubhat]

Don’t know if the West Coast healthy food and prices will play well here. Time will tell.

[MsPCGenius]

Their targeted shoppers are those focused on healthy eating... which typically comes at a higher price.

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc., is a supermarket chain headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. The grocer offers a wide selection of natural and organic foods

[UpNorth]

Will probably just divide their target market with the folks shopping at Fresh Market just up the street.

[44Apple]

Open less than 72 hours and some here are already predicting their demise.

[Paul1934]

Met with several friends during the recent high holy days, who went to the opening event. My take away was the report of a house special of $12. For a dozen eggs. Further their registers crashed and had to resort to your order is free.
Not encouraging.
As an aside the entrance looks like a demolition derby to get out, esp. heading northbound

[Mleeja]

The wife and I drove by the store on Friday and Sunday. Both times the parking lot was full. We were wondering how long it would take before there would be a negative post here. We predicted two days. Glad you all didn’t disappoint. 😁

[retiredguy123]

The wife and I drove by the store on Friday and Sunday. Both times the parking lot was full. We were wondering how long it would take before there would be a negative post here. We predicted two days. Glad you all didn’t disappoint. 😁
My intent was to not be negative. Just posted what I observed.

[Bogie Shooter]

Met with several friends during the recent high holy days, who went to the opening event. My take away was the report of a house special of $12. For a dozen eggs. Further their registers crashed and had to resort to your order is free.
Not encouraging.
As an aside the entrance looks like a demolition derby to get out, esp. heading northbound

Every opening event in The Villages is a challenge…..after you been around for awhile you will learn.
BTW shopped at Publix this morning. The register I choose was jammed or something, OMG
I had to wait almost 5 minutes……not encouraging. I will go back.
Guess you will not.

[asianthree]

Stopped Sunday morning, because needed shrimp. Only a hand full of people shopping, but lots of employees. I was big earth fare, since we don’t buy anything with preservatives or additives. Their brands are pretty common for organic, usually their own brand.

I had just did my TJ’s run on Friday, so didn’t need much. Spent less than 19 minutes getting what I needed. Have shopped Sprouts for long time, if you grew up with healthy organic, non preservatives, than you will be happy, and know cost is never an issue.

If you are a fast food, could care less how many preservatives are in your food, don’t waste your money, at Sprouts. Publix is right down the street.

I miss Earth fare, and if Whole Foods was closer I would shop there couple times a week. By the way the shrimp were excellent, as was the raw cashews I used for supper today. Wish they would open at 6am but not going to happen. The 10 pm close will be interesting, to see if it’s worth staying that late

[Michael 61]

Shopped Sprouts all the time back in Colorado - so glad it is here - will be a frequent shopper - Has a lot of what Whole Foods has, but much cheaper.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Met with several friends during the recent high holy days, who went to the opening event. My take away was the report of a house special of $12. For a dozen eggs. Further their registers crashed and had to resort to your order is free.
Not encouraging.
As an aside the entrance looks like a demolition derby to get out, esp. heading northbound

I was at the opening day, which was only 2 days ago. The "recent High Holy days" were in September of last year. Unless you mean the Christian high holy day of Easter, which isn't until April. So if they reported to you the price of eggs at the 2-day-ago event, last September, then you need to go to your local preacher and let them know you've spoken to god.

Second of all - I didn't see any eggs for $12/dozen. Happy Eggs were available at $6-something, and they had Handsome Eggs as well for nearly the same price, maybe a little more. They ALSO had Heritage Eggs for something like $9/dozen, but those are specialty eggs and you're paying the premium for that. I personally wouldn't, I'd just go to a farm that had a variety of breeds and ask for a mixed dozen from them, for around $6/dozen.

They had other eggs as well, all within the $5-9 range, per dozen.

The register worked fine while I was there, maybe this happened in the first couple of hours of being opened or after I left. I was there around lunch time.

Their prices are similar to those at Publix, but Sprouts specializes in produce and offers a wide variety of local seasonal produce.

[PugMom]

thx for the input. :bigbow: i'm sure i'll check it out @ some point

[patfla06]

I’m happy Sprouts opened here.

Will wait until after Snowbird season to try them out.

[Mrmean58]

I went to Sprouts today, just to browse. To me, it looks a lot like Earth Fare that went out of business. They have a lot of stuff, but I don't think it will replace Publix as my favorite grocery store. The prices seem comparable to Publix for the things that I buy. Maybe someone can point out something that would cause me to return.
Sprouts is not targeting the Publix clientele as they carry more organic and no preservatives products that appeals to those wanting to live a healthier lifestyle. Sprouts will not appeal to those who prefer Mid-West cheese or soup based casseroles recipes as there main menu choices. We used to shop Sprouts regularly in NorCal for years. I'm not the corp planner for Sprouts but I would have looked at a location further south in the villages to be closer to the younger democratic who would be more likely to buy their product mix.

[Foxtrot]

I'll stick to Aldis on 466A, easy to get in and out, Sprouts looks like a nightmare to get out of, bad planning it looks like.

[maggie1]

I was at the opening day, which was only 2 days ago. The "recent High Holy days" were in September of last year. Unless you mean the Christian high holy day of Easter, which isn't until April. So if they reported to you the price of eggs at the 2-day-ago event, last September, then you need to go to your local preacher and let them know you've spoken to god.

Second of all - I didn't see any eggs for $12/dozen. Happy Eggs were available at $6-something, and they had Handsome Eggs as well for nearly the same price, maybe a little more. They ALSO had Heritage Eggs for something like $9/dozen, but those are specialty eggs and you're paying the premium for that. I personally wouldn't, I'd just go to a farm that had a variety of breeds and ask for a mixed dozen from them, for around $6/dozen.

They had other eggs as well, all within the $5-9 range, per dozen.

The register worked fine while I was there, maybe this happened in the first couple of hours of being opened or after I left. I was there around lunch time.

Their prices are similar to those at Publix, but Sprouts specializes in produce and offers a wide variety of local seasonal produce.

A dozen eggs for between $5 and $9 a dozen!? What kind of chickens lay something that expensive? Aldi's is running them at a little over $3, and they even come in a cardboard container.

[msilagy]

I wish Sprouts well! I was there and there is so much more of a selection than other grocery stores in many categories. They will do well however with all the fast food junkie seniors here it may be a challenge! Beautiful store. The location not being directly on 466 may be an issue. Lots of people will drive by not knowing it's there.

[villageuser]

Will probably just divide their target market with the folks shopping at Fresh Market just up the street.

I love Fresh Market, but don’t consider them a true organic store. Many of their store-made products contains carrageenan, an unnecessary food additive that I will not feed to my animals. So, I buy their organic milk and eggs, which are excellent, and their fish, but nothing pre-made. Looking forward to checking out Sprouts.

[JGibson]

What's the difference between Sprouts and Fresh Market?

[waterflower]

If you don't care about healthy eating, then walmart/publix will support your needs and the local doctors bank accounts.

[OwnedByCats]

We went on Saturday afternoon and it was so packed that we weren't able to see everything, but still managed to spend over $100. We bought maitake mushrooms, eryngii mushrooms, daikon, a bottle of wine, some French cheese, bulk macadamia nuts, and various vegan products not available anywhere else.

I also noticed on their website yesterday that they carry celery root, so I'm looking forward to having ratatouille crepes and a celery root remoulade soon. Fresh Market is okay as far as it goes, but it doesn't have the selection to make a trip there from south of 44 worthwhile.

I agree with the other poster who said that building Sprouts south of 44 would have been more sensible, given the demographic down here; nevertheless, we'll still go to Sprouts regularly, but not as frequently as we would have otherwise.

Edited to add that golf-cart accessibility is a definite plus. It will make a nice outing on one of our many gorgeous-weather days.

[TeresaE]

Stopped Sunday morning, because needed shrimp. Only a hand full of people shopping, but lots of employees. I was big earth fare, since we don’t buy anything with preservatives or additives. Their brands are pretty common for organic, usually their own brand.

I had just did my TJ’s run on Friday, so didn’t need much. Spent less than 19 minutes getting what I needed. Have shopped Sprouts for long time, if you grew up with healthy organic, non preservatives, than you will be happy, and know cost is never an issue.

If you are a fast food, could care less how many preservatives are in your food, don’t waste your money, at Sprouts. Publix is right down the street.

I miss Earth fare, and if Whole Foods was closer I would shop there couple times a week. By the way the shrimp were excellent, as was the raw cashews I used for supper today. Wish they would open at 6am but not going to happen. The 10 pm close will be interesting, to see if it’s worth staying that late

I’m guessing you have never know hunger. I’m also guessing you have never had to dig dimes out of your couch in order to make it to the next paycheck as you work your way through college, or had your parents describe to you how they went to bed hungry, during the Great Depression. I think about the many that still do in this country. If you have, maybe you should remember those days and be thankful for what ever food is on your plate. If you haven’t, count yourself lucky.

[GizmoWhiskers]

If you don't care about healthy eating, then walmart/publix will support your needs and the local doctors bank accounts.
Trader Joes would be a choice that "home grown" Floridians would recognize and would probably be more excited about.

Publix has been around since sand was turned to farming dirt in Florida. Publix has always been higher priced and is getting even higher which is not surprising since the people they cater to can always afford it.

Winn Dixie is another "home grown" store known to native Floridians. W D, was mostly likely the first to market BOGOs in Florida. The store that Publix most likely realized they needed to copy to draw in those not willing to pay more for their name and store overhead. None the less, some would say "Don't knock Publix" I am sure.

Glad to know where Sprout's "roots" are located. Very interesting...

Thinking I will stick with grocery stores rooted in FL history and culture.

[defrey12]

Sprouts is not targeting the Publix clientele as they carry more organic and no preservatives products that appeals to those wanting to live a healthier lifestyle. Sprouts will not appeal to those who prefer Mid-West cheese or soup based casseroles recipes as there main menu choices. We used to shop Sprouts regularly in NorCal for years. I'm not the corp planner for Sprouts but I would have looked at a location further south in the villages to be closer to the younger democratic who would be more likely to buy their product mix.

Guessing you meant younger “demographic” although what you said generally holds true as most of that persuasion believe whatever they’re told. We kind of take issue with your inference that those that shop at Publix aren’t, or don’t want to be, healthy. There are no good or bad foods, ONLY good or bad diets. Shop the perimeter and you’re fine. Organic does NOT necessarily equal healthy. OR safe. OR wholesome. A Hershey bar is healthy…once in a while. It’s called mental health. It makes you happy. And that’s just as important.

[NoelleandRichard]

I love the bulk section at Sprouts! They even have bulk spices. Buy just what you need.

[defrey12]

If you don't care about healthy eating, then walmart/publix will support your needs and the local doctors bank accounts.

An apple is an apple an apple. Rice is rice is rice. A egg is an egg is an egg! Calories are calories. Even YOUR ORGANIC GURUS will tell you there absolutely NO NUTRITIONAL difference in eating “organic”. The ONLY thing that keeps you out of the Dr’s office is CONSISTENT EXERCISE AND A BALANCED DIET. There are no good foods or bad foods. Only good diets and bad diets.

[Bridget Staunton]

Could you please tell me where you go to the egg farm to get eggs

[defrey12]

I love the bulk section at Sprouts! They even have bulk spices. Buy just what you need.

Really!? After the last three years of crap you have no problem with cross-contamination? Really?

[Bill14564]

Really!? After the last three years of crap you have no problem with cross-contamination? Really?

Really.

As long as people don't breathe while shopping and cross-contaminate the air, I'm good.

[Santiagogirl]

Glad to have another grocery option. Sprouts color codes their shelf price tags to flag gluten free items, which is a thoughtful touch. Lot of items expensive, but some items I bought priced about the same as Winn Dixie, & I got a 20% discount by signing up for Sprouts app. Staff seemed a bit flustered by mobs of people, but were friendly & eager to help. Best of luck to store!

[MandoMan]

I was at the opening day, which was only 2 days ago. The "recent High Holy days" were in September of last year. Unless you mean the Christian high holy day of Easter, which isn't until April. So if they reported to you the price of eggs at the 2-day-ago event, last September, then you need to go to your local preacher and let them know you've spoken to god.

Second of all - I didn't see any eggs for $12/dozen. Happy Eggs were available at $6-something, and they had Handsome Eggs as well for nearly the same price, maybe a little more. They ALSO had Heritage Eggs for something like $9/dozen, but those are specialty eggs and you're paying the premium for that. I personally wouldn't, I'd just go to a farm that had a variety of breeds and ask for a mixed dozen from them, for around $6/dozen.

They had other eggs as well, all within the $5-9 range, per dozen.

The register worked fine while I was there, maybe this happened in the first couple of hours of being opened or after I left. I was there around lunch time.

Their prices are similar to those at Publix, but Sprouts specializes in produce and offers a wide variety of local seasonal produce.

Happy Eggs for the HIGH holy days? Sounds like a cannabis dispensary. (Joking)

[FredTheHead]

At our age most villagers are not interested in eating more healthy foods. Cheap food is all that most of us are looking for. Wish them well so that they spread out the shoppers to more food stores.

[MrFlorida]

How long did Earth Mart last ? Same type of food .

[charmed59]

I really liked Earth Fare, but it was very hard to get to with the construction on 441. I’m sure that contributed to their demise.

Now Sprouts is a quick golf cart ride away and I’m very happy about that. We’ve been twice. An employee said there was a 200 person line at 6:45am to get into the store on opening day. I think the crowds will soon be down to normal and I can leisurely shop for all the weird produce I want. Being a west coast girl I’m thrilled to see brands I haven’t seen since I moved away.

[NotGolfer]

How long did Earth Mart last ? Same type of food .

The location and road construction PLUS the plandemic probably were part of the demise. As for foods....some people actually have dietary restrictions (such as gluten intolerance) and buy what they need, not what they would LOVE to have. The demographics of T.V. shows more "wealth" and many folks can afford such stores as Sprouts. My parents probably wouldn't have shopped there but they also had a garden from which their produce came. Many of us didn't grow up in The Great Depression but have some (emphasis on some) of the affects of that being raised by parents who did. I, for one, will wait to check out Sprouts to let the crowds thin a bit. Oh...and by the way....it's Aldi and not Aldi's unless you're referring to plural. Yes, sometimes I'm a grammar "nazi".

[joedi]

Lots of different brands, but most of them I didn't recognize. Lots of organic stuff, which I don't care about.


YEs enjoy all those pills you take instead of organic foods with no cancer causing garbage in it!

[Carlsondm]

An apple is an apple an apple. Rice is rice is rice. A egg is an egg is an egg! Calories are calories. Even YOUR ORGANIC GURUS will tell you there absolutely NO NUTRITIONAL difference in eating “organic”. The ONLY thing that keeps you out of the Dr’s office is CONSISTENT EXERCISE AND A BALANCED DIET. There are no good foods or bad foods. Only good diets and bad diets.
Some of us don’t process the residual pesticides, hormones, and preservatives as well as you must.
I personally am too well preserved : ) . I didn’t realize this was a problem until a few years ago. Now I am more aware and choose to avoid the crap .. at least most of the time. I respect others who choose food sources carefully. They likely have been enlightened.

The plus side is that I don’t take a lot of pills.

[Javin53]

Not impressed at all. A lot of brands u have not seen and may want to try. DELI a joke, way to small area.

[Bertram00]

I have not been to Sprouts yet, but I'm sure I eventually will check it out. I discovered Earth Fare in Ocala shortly before the original company went under and found that while some items seemed high, their prices were reasonable, along with LOTS of great weekly specials. Thus I looked forward to the Lady Lake store opening, both before and after the corporate reincarnation. What I noticed about the local version was that it didn't seem to have as widespread a selection as what I had seen in Ocala and they seemed to suffer from the Villages Pricing Syndrome (even though they weren't located in Villages rental property) where they think everything can be sold at a premium to the "rich, bubble-bound seniors". I suspect and fear it will be similar when I explore Sprouts (especially since it is on Villages property and is accessible to the golf cart crowd). If such is the case I wonder how long they will last...

[MrWilson]

I went to Sprouts today, just to browse. To me, it looks a lot like Earth Fare that went out of business. They have a lot of stuff, but I don't think it will replace Publix as my favorite grocery store. The prices seem comparable to Publix for the things that I buy. Maybe someone can point out something that would cause me to return.

Great fresh fruit and vegetables. Meat and fish specials are really good. Organic stuff is easily the best price at this store, if that’s your bag. A lot of vegan kinds of options- “near meat” etc.
Our Fave food store in Colorado.
Give it a try

[Byte1]

Thanks for the review of Sprouts. Personally, I don't purchase "organic" food on purpose. Never felt I needed it. The previous generations in my family tree average an age in the '80's. My parents and their siblings have lived in their 90's, some still alive and active, will likely live to 100. None of them have taken "organic" seriously....just saying. I agree the poster that said that some of us shop prices. Not everyone in The Villages is wealthy, contrary to some of the posts/opinions. I also agree with the poster that says, maybe it will take some of the traffic from the other grocery stores we shop. The lines at the registers seem to be getting longer every year. I am curious as to what products they carry, so I will eventually take a look after the other curious crowd trickles down a bit. By the way, I take NO prescription meds so it seems that I don't fit the category of sickly due to contaminated food. I see my family doctor the mandatory once a year check up. Maybe Sprouts carries specialty food for those that have food allergies, which is something quite a few seniors seem to have here. It would be nice if some of the "regular" stores stocked more of that type of products.
Thanks again for the review. It might not be my cup of tea, but I am glad we have another option available.

[sowtime444]

We buy mostly organic stuff and price-compare to find the best price. So far we've found:

Organic celery is the cheapest at Walmart.
Organic apples, cucumbers, and pears are cheapest at Aldi.
Organic greens are cheapest at BJs.
Organic maple syrup, carrots, peanut butter, and bananas are cheapest at Sam's Club.
Organic almond butter is cheapest from Costco.

For most of these products that I could see on a quick walk around Sprouts, Sprouts was more expensive than all of the above.

[Dusty_Star]

An apple is an apple an apple. Rice is rice is rice. A egg is an egg is an egg! Calories are calories. Even YOUR ORGANIC GURUS will tell you there absolutely NO NUTRITIONAL difference in eating “organic”. The ONLY thing that keeps you out of the Dr’s office is CONSISTENT EXERCISE AND A BALANCED DIET. There are no good foods or bad foods. Only good diets and bad diets.

Studies indicate that organic vegetables & fruits contain higher concentrations of certain plant phytochemicals associated with health than of those produced conventionally. Take broccoli for example, the phytochemicals for broccoli would be things like glucosinolates, lutein, & zeaxanthin & others. So while the macro nutrients ie: carbohydrates, etc. would be comparable, the things people eat broccoli for, are more abundant in organic. Additionally, organic is missing things people typically don't want like pesticides. It is more important to eat the broccoli conventional or organic than not eat it, but if a choice is available then organic is preferable. (& by 'available choice' I mean economically & reasonably conveniently). These observations apply to other fruits & veg, but the phytochemicals differ in each case.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Not impressed at all. A lot of brands u have not seen and may want to try. DELI a joke, way to small area.

It makes sense to have a smaller deli department, because sliced overprocessed deli foods are - for the most part - not natural/organic.

This is a specialty shop, it's not a one-stop supermarket. They specialize in produce. That's why they have a HUGE produce department and everything else is more of an "aside."

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

A dozen eggs for between $5 and $9 a dozen!? What kind of chickens lay something that expensive? Aldi's is running them at a little over $3, and they even come in a cardboard container.

The kinds of chickens that aren't raised 50 to a cage, who never see sunlight, are force-fed fortified grain, their beaks cut off so they can't peck their inmates to death, feathers clipped, who exist to lay eggs and then die covered in feces because keeping them clean isn't a priority, and when they're disposed off, they are discovered to have broken feet and legs because - they spend their short lives in cages.

The yolks of the eggs produced by factory farms are a pale yellow, lacking in nutrition, and this even changes the consistency of baked goods using eggs as an ingredient.

I am willing to pay an extra couple of bucks every couple of weeks for eggs that taste amazing, bake amazing, AND come from chickens who spend most of the daylight hours outside running around eating bugs, grubs, and worms, rather than being exclusively force-fed grain that is not natural for chickens to eat.

[flsteve]

Their targeted shoppers are those focused on healthy eating... which typically comes at a higher price.

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc., is a supermarket chain headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. The grocer offers a wide selection of natural and organic foods

Yes, I have some very rare medical conditions (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, triglycerides, etc.) for which the KETO diet has caused me to stop taking medication. Sprouts sells organic foods and meats that are a VERY desirable part of the healthy keto and carnivore diets.

I realize that not many older people (like 55+ ages of Villagers) have diabetes and high blood pressure like I do though, so maybe this is NOT the right place for a store that sells food that can rid you of pills naturally (and easily) while causing weight loss as a side effect as well. Healthy eating after 55 is no longer necessary!

[Dusty_Star]

I am willing to pay an extra couple of bucks every couple of weeks for eggs that taste amazing, bake amazing, AND come from chickens who spend most of the daylight hours outside running around eating bugs, grubs, and worms.

Agree!
:bigbow:

[nancyre]

My Blueberries (by the front door) and the lemon iced cake were very taste. Went Sunday evening around 5:30.

[JSR22]

My husband and I went to Sprouts this afternoon and were impressed with the selection and quality. Definitely my new favorite will be shopping there frequently. The prices were fine.

[UpNorth]

Not impressed at all. A lot of brands u have not seen and may want to try. DELI a joke, way to small area.

Exact same D&W brand deli meat sold at Winn Dixie is $2-$3 more per pound at Sprouts.

[JSR22]

Exact same D&W brand deli meat sold at Winn Dixie is $2-$3 more per pound at Sprouts.
Not a place to go for deli. Meat, fish, cheese, bakery and produce are terrific. They had a number of freshly prepared meals and meal kits. We bought the gyro kit for tomorrow's dinner.

[asianthree]

I’m guessing you have never know hunger. I’m also guessing you have never had to dig dimes out of your couch in order to make it to the next paycheck as you work your way through college, or had your parents describe to you how they went to bed hungry, during the Great Depression. I think about the many that still do in this country. If you have, maybe you should remember those days and be thankful for what ever food is on your plate. If you haven’t, count yourself lucky.

Sorry my upbringing might offend you. I am way too young for the depression, I was born much later than you. I won’t apologize for when I was born, you can blame my parents.

Moms side come from Native Americans who were farmers who grew our own food, on 5 acres. We had chickens, for eggs and Sunday dinner, 30 different fruit trees, people down the street had dairy cows, that we traded for milk, making our own butter, cottage cheese. We ate mostly vegan out of the garden diet, and canned for the winter. We had a small lake down the street that we fished.

We never went to the doctor, our Native background, gave us herbs to treat whatever was the problem.

My father side, raised Bee’s, and bartering honey for items they needed.

My grandparents and parents may have come through the depression maybe better than others, for food, but that’s because the grew their own. I never went to a grocery until my 20’s. Our families as do I still grow our vegetables, (which is really easy to do) eat very little meat.

So yes I have always eaten organic, not my choice, but my upbringing (all the other kids had store bought stuff for lunch which always intrigued me)

I should not need to apologize to you for how I was raised, in my mind my parents did a really good job, giving me a healthy lifestyle, that I continue to this day. Sorry you were so unhappy with your life, I hope you find a better piece of mind, that happened many years ago

[Gpsma]

For all the Organic Gurus here that went to the Bill Gates School of Nutrition…do a little googling on Norman Borlaug…the man that saved the world from starvation.

And see what he says aboit the organic scams.

[npwalters]

The kinds of chickens that aren't raised 50 to a cage, who never see sunlight, are force-fed fortified grain, their beaks cut off so they can't peck their inmates to death, feathers clipped, who exist to lay eggs and then die covered in feces because keeping them clean isn't a priority, and when they're disposed off, they are discovered to have broken feet and legs because - they spend their short lives in cages.

The yolks of the eggs produced by factory farms are a pale yellow, lacking in nutrition, and this even changes the consistency of baked goods using eggs as an ingredient.

I am willing to pay an extra couple of bucks every couple of weeks for eggs that taste amazing, bake amazing, AND come from chickens who spend most of the daylight hours outside running around eating bugs, grubs, and worms, rather than being exclusively force-fed grain that is not natural for chickens to eat.

Having worked on a chicken farm (albeit long ago) I can promise you that "free range" does not mean what you think it means. Unless you buy from a local source they don't "spend most of the daylight hours outside running around eating bugs, grubs, and worms".

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Having worked on a chicken farm (albeit long ago) I can promise you that "free range" does not mean what you think it means. Unless you buy from a local source they don't "spend most of the daylight hours outside running around eating bugs, grubs, and worms".

The eggs I buy don't say "free range" they say "pasture raised." There's a difference, and I'm well aware of the difference.

Back north I used to buy the eggs from a farm in town that had a variety of animals. The first time I bought them from her I didn't know anything about the different terms. I also didn't realize WHY all the eggs in the carton were speckled. I also didn't realize - until my first visit - that eggs don't need to be refrigerated until they've been washed.

That was an eye opener for sure.

[badkarma318]

All this talk about organic/chicken made me think of this classic clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G__PVLB8Nm4

[mlmarr]

Check farmers markets .. for pasture raised eggs.. which are the most beneficial..

[mlmarr]

Cheapest isn't always the best.. organic needs ingredients you understand..not fillers..read..

[mlmarr]

The wellness center was fabulous.. many organic brands I already use . Ask questions of staff on brands your not aware of... today's lesson brands from Canada [regulations to import higher] are better then what's supposedly USA but more China junk ...etc.. ask questions..it's not to late to save your immune system..

[Bay Kid]

The kinds of chickens that aren't raised 50 to a cage, who never see sunlight, are force-fed fortified grain, their beaks cut off so they can't peck their inmates to death, feathers clipped, who exist to lay eggs and then die covered in feces because keeping them clean isn't a priority, and when they're disposed off, they are discovered to have broken feet and legs because - they spend their short lives in cages.

The yolks of the eggs produced by factory farms are a pale yellow, lacking in nutrition, and this even changes the consistency of baked goods using eggs as an ingredient.

I am willing to pay an extra couple of bucks every couple of weeks for eggs that taste amazing, bake amazing, AND come from chickens who spend most of the daylight hours outside running around eating bugs, grubs, and worms, rather than being exclusively force-fed grain that is not natural for chickens to eat.

I'm with you. Only fresh local eggs for me.

[Tomas]

Why the complaints? If you have nothing good to say? Be happy we have a store that is organic. Is great for people that want to eat that way. You won't shop there - to expensive. Then like our parents told us. Don't say anything. Should be saying we are happy to have that store here. Good products at fair prices while being organic. Would be the thing to say.

[MidWestIA]

Sprouts and Whole Foods were my favorite on occasion stores in north Dallas. I like getting prepared foods, unique cookies and snacks at them. I thought of Sprouts as a mini cheaper Whole Foods - they and Fresh Market would be a good combination for that hope they make it. Save me trips to Orlando just for them and Trader Joes.

Now then I like Trader Joes but walk around and don't get anything there. What do you go to Trader Joes for?

[YeOldeCurmudgeon]

I visited them when I was in Utah. I thought it was a good store with a lot of healthy choices. If you buy organic, and if you don't, why not, then it could be a good option.

Why people don't buy organic for certain things like the dirty dozen of pesticide use -- most lettuces and leafy vegetables, and berries, potatoes, are among the worst -- is beyond me. When you get older, you need to care more about your health.

[Karmanng]

did you happen to notice any of the brands they carry?


Some are plant based, some are healthy eating, some are there brands of Sprouts...........Its a great store if you get things on sale there are things here that PUBLIX does not carry for the PUBLIX lovers...........just go and find out for yourself........Lots of vitamins to choose from too.........Grass fed meats prepared meals Chx Parma and the meatballs are great! Bakery isnt bad either.......Its like a BIG farmers market and more!

[Karmanng]

Stopped Sunday morning, because needed shrimp. Only a hand full of people shopping, but lots of employees. I was big earth fare, since we don’t buy anything with preservatives or additives. Their brands are pretty common for organic, usually their own brand.

I had just did my TJ’s run on Friday, so didn’t need much. Spent less than 19 minutes getting what I needed. Have shopped Sprouts for long time, if you grew up with healthy organic, non preservatives, than you will be happy, and know cost is never an issue.

If you are a fast food, could care less how many preservatives are in your food, don’t waste your money, at Sprouts. Publix is right down the street.

I miss Earth fare, and if Whole Foods was closer I would shop there couple times a week. By the way the shrimp were excellent, as was the raw cashews I used for supper today. Wish they would open at 6am but not going to happen. The 10 pm close will be interesting, to see if it’s worth staying that late

Where is TJ?

[Karmanng]

Shopped Sprouts all the time back in Colorado - so glad it is here - will be a frequent shopper - Has a lot of what Whole Foods has, but much cheaper.

YES I dont like whole foods now that it is Amazon backed...........I love sprouts............glad its here now

[walterray1]

I’m guessing you have never know hunger. I’m also guessing you have never had to dig dimes out of your couch in order to make it to the next paycheck as you work your way through college, or had your parents describe to you how they went to bed hungry, during the Great Depression. I think about the many that still do in this country. If you have, maybe you should remember those days and be thankful for what ever food is on your plate. If you haven’t, count yourself lucky.

What exactly is the point of your post? Shaming people that are doing ok? High Horse stuff.

[retiredguy123]

Where is TJ?
I think the closest Trader Joe's is near Orlando.

[Keefelane66]

Is there a Pet Food isle?

[ThirdOfFive]

The kinds of chickens that aren't raised 50 to a cage, who never see sunlight, are force-fed fortified grain, their beaks cut off so they can't peck their inmates to death, feathers clipped, who exist to lay eggs and then die covered in feces because keeping them clean isn't a priority, and when they're disposed off, they are discovered to have broken feet and legs because - they spend their short lives in cages.

The yolks of the eggs produced by factory farms are a pale yellow, lacking in nutrition, and this even changes the consistency of baked goods using eggs as an ingredient.

I am willing to pay an extra couple of bucks every couple of weeks for eggs that taste amazing, bake amazing, AND come from chickens who spend most of the daylight hours outside running around eating bugs, grubs, and worms, rather than being exclusively force-fed grain that is not natural for chickens to eat.
We buy most of our eggs at Sam’s, but for the past couple of weeks we’ve been taking care of a farm for some friends while they spend time in another country. Cattle and chickens. We’re volunteering but can use the eggs. The chickens have a large fenced-in pasture, covered in chicken wire to keep the hawks out. They also have a coop to use at night as well as an outside covered area in case of bad weather. They get specialized chicken food but also cut greens (they love broccoli) and can forage to their hearts’ content.

I don’t know the source of Sam’s eggs but my my hunch is that it is more “factory farm” than the birds we’re caring for.

I absolutely cannot tell the difference in taste between an egg from Sam’s, and one from the farm. That’s scrambled, fried, whatever.

[allsport]

It won't last, people here will not support them just like they didn't support Earth Fare. I wonder if they did any market research before opening here.

There are enough people who want to eat healthy, it will do just fine.

[Michael 61]

Don’t understand the nay-sayers on this post, if you have no desire to shop there then don’t - it’s as almost they want to see Sprouts fail for some unknown reason - there are many franchise restaurants that I would never patronize - but I am not hoping for their failure nor shaming those that enjoy eating there.

[retiredguy123]

Don’t understand the nay-sayers on this post, if you have no desire to shop there then don’t - it’s as almost they want to see Sprouts fail for some unknown reason - there are many franchise restaurants that I would never patronize - but I am not hoping for their failure nor shaming those that enjoy eating there.
What I read was a pretty even balance of positive and negative comments. There weren't any unfair comments. I think most posters have provided an honest assessment of what the store offers for them. I hope it succeeds.

[flsteve]

An apple is an apple an apple. Rice is rice is rice. A egg is an egg is an egg! Calories are calories. Even YOUR ORGANIC GURUS will tell you there absolutely NO NUTRITIONAL difference in eating “organic”. The ONLY thing that keeps you out of the Dr’s office is CONSISTENT EXERCISE AND A BALANCED DIET. There are no good foods or bad foods. Only good diets and bad diets.

This is a very superficial viewpoint and I sincerely hope that it does not influence others by reading it here.

There ARE good foods and bad foods. For example, I would offer that salmon may be something that you and I could agree on is in a "good" diet (as opposed to a "bad" diet of pop tarts and donuts for dinner). Given that you would agree on the salmon, would you not also agree that farm raised salmon is not near as good as wild salmon? ...and before you answer, please consider that there is an enormous amount of money involved in revealing that farm raised salmon is subjected to antibiotics, sea lice, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

There are many, many more examples along this line of reasoning. After many years of a "devil may care" attitude towards what is in any particular food, becoming older changes that viewpoint as a person learns that this attitude eventually catches up to you and threatens your life with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary disease, and other maladies due to those choices. Real food and diets free of taste chemicals, pesticides and preservative additives can halt and many times reverse these problems. Becoming "pill free" by your very own doctor's new evaluation after a modified food choice and diet choice is proof enough.

The point here, is that food and diet DO matter. A lot; and just about the ONLY thing that you can do to change your current health status is source organic and FDA certified beef and other similar items (organic).

To that point, SPROUTS is a God send to this area! It is not about the price. It is about the healthiness of the food item itself.

[JMintzer]

Don’t understand the nay-sayers on this post, if you have no desire to shop there then don’t - it’s as almost they want to see Sprouts fail for some unknown reason - there are many franchise restaurants that I would never patronize - but I am not hoping for their failure nor shaming those that enjoy eating there.

I agree... Same with some of the restaurant threads...

They bring the self proclaimed "food snobs" out of the woodwork...

[HospitalCoder]

I went to Sprouts today, just to browse. To me, it looks a lot like Earth Fare that went out of business. They have a lot of stuff, but I don't think it will replace Publix as my favorite grocery store. The prices seem comparable to Publix for the things that I buy. Maybe someone can point out something that would cause me to return.

I for one am thrilled with Sprouts. I’m trying to eat mostly vegetarian and plant based foods. Sprouts has an amazing selection of products to choose from, even Forks Over Knives frozen meals. This will be my regular store from now on.

As for Earth Faire, the location was horrible. Even without the road construction, I avoid that kind of congested traffic area. Sprouts is easily accessible being within The Villages. I don’t want to leave my bubble if I don’t have to.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I for one am thrilled with Sprouts. I’m trying to eat mostly vegetarian and plant based foods. Sprouts has an amazing selection of products to choose from, even Forks Over Knives frozen meals. This will be my regular store from now on.

As for Earth Faire, the location was horrible. Even without the road construction, I avoid that kind of congested traffic area. Sprouts is easily accessible being within The Villages. I don’t want to leave my bubble if I don’t have to.

Earth Fair was only 5 minutes away from me; I live in the Spanish Springs area. For anyone living near 441, Earth Fair was closer than Sprouts is in its new location.

Earth Fair had awesome chicken salad, and delicious breads. Their produce prices were reasonable. I get most of my canned goods, milk, soda, "center of the store" stuff at Walmart.

Sprouts looks like another awesome option for anyone who wants fresh produce, and has an interest in supporting local farms. It's not exclusively local, and it's also not exclusively organic. Earth Fair had a LOT of restrictions that inhibited profit. Sprouts has fewer restrictions, which will hopefully encourage profit.

The fact that you can get to it by golf car is a huge bonus. However, it's still a half hour drive by golf car for me, and I won't be shopping there weekly.

I also plan on getting my eggs from Walmart because it's the same brand and it's less expensive, and it's only a 7-minute golf car drive from home.

[Smalley]

The bulk food section impressed me as well. There were many nut, seed, flour choices and other items like chocolate chips....several kinds.....raisins etc. This is a good way to get value for your shopping dollar.

[Peazoup]

The wife and I drove by the store on Friday and Sunday. Both times the parking lot was full. We were wondering how long it would take before there would be a negative post here. We predicted two days. Glad you all didn’t disappoint. 😁

"The wife", how about "my wife". She's not a thing. Just had to say...

[tophcfa]

Haven’t been yet but several posts mentioned they have good fish which has me excited. Did they have any good local Florida fish such as grouper or red snapper? If so, I will be going there frequently.

[HospitalCoder]

Sprouts and Whole Foods were my favorite on occasion stores in north Dallas. I like getting prepared foods, unique cookies and snacks at them. I thought of Sprouts as a mini cheaper Whole Foods - they and Fresh Market would be a good combination for that hope they make it. Save me trips to Orlando just for them and Trader Joes.

Now then I like Trader Joes but walk around and don't get anything there. What do you go to Trader Joes for?

Trader Joe’s: frozen meals are unique and fabulous. Wine.

I really miss TJ’s but not enough to drive an hour or more.

[HospitalCoder]

Earth Fair was only 5 minutes away from me; I live in the Spanish Springs area. For anyone living near 441, Earth Fair was closer than Sprouts is in its new location.


The fact that you can get to it by golf car is a huge bonus. However, it's still a half hour drive by golf car for me, and I won't be shopping there weekly.


It doesn’t hurt that Sprouts is super close to me but now that I’ve seen what they carry, I would go further to shop if I had to. From what I’ve observed, it seems as though a large number of people are willing to go further than me to shop but it happens that Sprouts is in a prime central location for quite a large population.

[mikeycereal]

For fresh ground almond butter at Earth Fare and the Farmer's Market (that guy with the flavors) I was paying almost 2x as much than Fresh Market ($11 vs $6) for the same amount, and there were a few times that I drove all the way to Lady Lake and they were out. I'll check out Sprouts prices on my next Fresh Market run. It's good to have choices.

[JMintzer]

"The wife", how about "my wife". She's not a thing. Just had to say...

No you didn't... You just "wanted" to say...

[asianthree]

We buy most of our eggs at Sam’s, but for the past couple of weeks we’ve been taking care of a farm for some friends while they spend time in another country. Cattle and chickens. We’re volunteering but can use the eggs. The chickens have a large fenced-in pasture, covered in chicken wire to keep the hawks out. They also have a coop to use at night as well as an outside covered area in case of bad weather. They get specialized chicken food but also cut greens (they love broccoli) and can forage to their hearts’ content.

I don’t know the source of Sam’s eggs but my my hunch is that it is more “factory farm” than the birds we’re caring for.

I absolutely cannot tell the difference in taste between an egg from Sam’s, and one from the farm. That’s scrambled, fried, whatever.

Depending on the breed of chicken and the feed, the yolk from farm fresh is more of an orange color, store bought can be very pale to medium yellow, but never orange. Double yolks are more common in farm fresh. My last dozen from the farm, we’re Large. But if you compare to any store bought they would be xxl. One had a triple yolk, had to set aside since using for baking doesn’t equate out to 1 egg

[Byte1]

Since it is so close to home, I'll probably check it out. I like Fresh Market and usually shop their specials such as $2.99Lb ground chuck or chicken breasts. FM also has good produce. If Sprouts is comparable, I'll probably frequent the store but I'll also have to see how busy the entrance/exit is, because it certainly looks like an accident waiting to happen being that close to the intersection/light. I really don't care about "organic" as a label on food. My family already lives way past their expiration date/sell by and that is just eating as they please. I would probably enjoy some good aged beef, if it was not so difficult to get a good deal. I doubt if the healthy eaters would care for something like that. We see a lot of diet restricted seniors here and I imagine Sprouts caters to their menu. Like I said in an earlier post, the more competition for customers, the less crowded conditions in other shopping areas. The Villages has been very, very busy this year and traffic and parking has been crazy. I've found myself shopping at Wally World a lot more than Publix since this inflation has hit my wallet hard this year. For those of us on static pensions, FM, Publix and Sprouts are sacrificed in lieu of shopping at Wally World where in a time of inflation, the dollar gets you more for your money.
I would like to hear more of those on here that have had experience at THIS Sprouts, ie. products, pricing, customer service, etc.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

It doesn’t hurt that Sprouts is super close to me but now that I’ve seen what they carry, I would go further to shop if I had to. From what I’ve observed, it seems as though a large number of people are willing to go further than me to shop but it happens that Sprouts is in a prime central location for quite a large population.

Oh for sure if I need more cardamom, or any other bulk spices/herbs/nuts, or have a recipe that calls for more than just "a tomato" or "an onion" - I'll definitely go there. I might even stop by when I'm down that way, which does happen now and then.

Since Fresh Market has their $3.99/lb ground chuck and boneless chicken boobs, it's likely I'd be out that way perhaps every 6 weeks or so anyway. I could get my chuck or chicken, get a fresh sub roll from Publix (it is the BEST bread for making your own garlic bread), and some veggies at Sprouts. It's a nice little triangle, and I can easily get a bite to eat at the Mexican joint after getting the bread, then pick up the cold foods before heading home again.

When I'm /not/ going to Walmart, I try to turn my shopping trip into a little adventure. It's entertaining to me.

[Mleeja]

We stopped at Sprouts today. Was busy, but not crowded. It is hard to compare prices due to different brands. We did see eggs for less that $4.00 per dozen. Fresh strawberries were a good bargain as well as some clementines. A couple of common items with Publix were Taylor pre-packaged salads and Simply juices. The Taylor salads were 3 for $11.00. That is about the same as the non-special price at Publix. Simply Lemonade was about $1.00 more for a 52oz bottle. I thought the bulk food selection was good. The per pound price for Cashews (6.99) is probably better than Publix and maybe Sam’s packaged product.

Will we shop there? No, unless there is a specific item not available at Publix or they have a great special like strawberries or oranges. From our home there are 2 Publix and a Winn-Dixie which are more convenient. However, I hope they do well. I believe there is a demand and market for Sprouts.

As for getting out of the parking lot, if you want to go north on BV, just go south to the roundabout and then go north, or turn west on to Parr Drive, then north onto Southern Trace to BV. If one can afford to shop at Sprouts, you can afford to travel an extra 1/4 mile…

[Chi-Town]

Went to Sprouts and very impressed with the meat and fish market, vegetable and fruit section. Service was way beyond expectation. Bought a selection and looking forward to trying them.

[Byte1]

Oh for sure if I need more cardamom, or any other bulk spices/herbs/nuts, or have a recipe that calls for more than just "a tomato" or "an onion" - I'll definitely go there. I might even stop by when I'm down that way, which does happen now and then.

Since Fresh Market has their $3.99/lb ground chuck and boneless chicken boobs, it's likely I'd be out that way perhaps every 6 weeks or so anyway. I could get my chuck or chicken, get a fresh sub roll from Publix (it is the BEST bread for making your own garlic bread), and some veggies at Sprouts. It's a nice little triangle, and I can easily get a bite to eat at the Mexican joint after getting the bread, then pick up the cold foods before heading home again.

When I'm /not/ going to Walmart, I try to turn my shopping trip into a little adventure. It's entertaining to me.

I agree about Publix sub rolls. IMO they also have the best subs in the area. Their bakery is also the best IMO.