Sprouts Market

[rhood]

What’s everyone’s opinion of this new store near Laurel Manor on 466?
Was there this morning and there were maybe a dozen cars in the lot.
I’m not impressed!
Will they be there in a year?

[bcbrubicon]

Really like sprouts. Don't go by cars in the parking lot. Meats, fish and chicken are great at reasonable prices. Most all of it is organic. Vegetables are fresh and great tasting as well. No, it is not your typical grocery store and isn't intended to be. We hope it is there for many years to come.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Most people don't go grocery shopping on Wednesdays before 9 in the morning. So you probably shouldn't expect to see a lot of people there. If you're looking to see how crowded it can get, try Fridays around 5:30pm, Saturday afternoons, or Sundays around lunch time.

Sprouts is great. They're focused more on produce than anything else, and they have a good selection of local and specialty fruits and veggies for reasonable prices. They also have a huge variety of bulk bin items, I was able to get just a small amount of cardamom powder for less than a dollar - and that'll last me a year since a little goes a long way. They have a lot of "natural" products, at the expected higher prices than their P&G counterparts. Their Dr. Bronners soaps were the same price as everywhere else. So if you like natural foods, and other products, AND you're needing fresh produce, Sprouts is a good place to go.

If you're looking for paper products, trash bags, stuff like that, and you're rather go inexpensive rather than the "save the planet" thing, then you're better off at Walmart.

[thelegges]

What’s everyone’s opinion of this new store near Laurel Manor on 466?
Was there this morning and there were maybe a dozen cars in the lot.
I’m not impressed!
Will they be there in a year?

Those who weren’t a fan of Earth Fare, aren’t going to be happy with Sprouts. Mainly organic, gluten free items, their own products, small bakery, and deli. One doesn’t grocery shop at a specialty grocery, you pick up what’s needed. Produce and fruit will stay edible twice as long as most grocery

Sale items are less $ than fresh market, I like their bulk section, meat and seafood over Fresh Market. Will they still be here in a year, probably, it’s a chain.

They do have really good pastry and pies.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

I like this store a lot , I don’t cook but I do like some of there take home dinners . I am a big fan of Publix but I think sprouts fruits and veggies are better then anywhere else , I’m eating some new things in my salads from sprouts , I hope they stay in business

[Bay Kid]

Nice store. Lucky to have them and choices!

[Kelevision]

I’m actually kind of confused. Isn’t it similar to Fresh Market right down the street?

[Chi-Town]

A big vote for Sprouts Farmers Market. Meats, fish, and produce are top notch. As are their private label items.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I’m actually kind of confused. Isn’t it similar to Fresh Market right down the street?

No, it's not. Fresh Market is just a "boutique" grocery store, with higher end brands, gourmet options, fancier meats and cheeses and full service butcher.

Sprouts is a health-oriented grocery store that focuses on produce, but also has a bulk spice section (you can scoop your own and pay by the ounce), and organic and environmentally friendly products, with more vegetarian/vegan options in their frozen section.

When I go to that area of the Villages, maybe once a month, I go on Tuesdays and pick up my ground chuck for $2.99/pound at Fresh Market. Then I get produce and anything else that catches my eye at Sprouts.

[JSR22]

I love Sprouts! Great selection of meat, fish and prepared meals. The bakery has very good products and there is a very nice cheese selection. I go there several times a week. Oh, they have great selection of ice cream flavors. I use to go to Publix frequently. Have not returned since Sprouts opened.

[retiredguy123]

So, based on this thread, I went to Sprouts today and bought a few items. They have some different and interesting things.

When I was checking out, the cashier was putting items in plastic bags, but telling everyone, that starting on July 3, they will only have reusable bags for 10 cents each, or you can bring your own. I told her that, I would probably not be back because of that policy. What a dumb idea. Most of their products come in plastic or glass anyway, and it all gets burned at the garbage incinerator. I also don't shop at Aldi's because of their stupid 25 cent cart deposit. Why inconvenience your customers?

[NotGolfer]

Still haven't visited them but am interested to go by and look. I'm needing gluten free foods so it might be another option. Publix (for me) has had a great selection and used to go to Neighborhood Walmart but since they remodeled only one time. Didn't like their changes! Kroger Delivery is good too....but it's nice to have options!!!

[PugMom]

i really did not want to like that store. i was ready to say everything was overpriced & not worth the $$. i DID go and want to tell you i love it! the produce is the only place to get fresh, not that expensive fruits & veggies. knowing they have that new bag rule kind of messes up my shopping experience, though. i don't use reusables, they can harbor bacteria & i like the smaller bags to line the trash can or pick up dog messes.

[Kelevision]

No, it's not. Fresh Market is just a "boutique" grocery store, with higher end brands, gourmet options, fancier meats and cheeses and full service butcher.

Sprouts is a health-oriented grocery store that focuses on produce, but also has a bulk spice section (you can scoop your own and pay by the ounce), and organic and environmentally friendly products, with more vegetarian/vegan options in their frozen section.

When I go to that area of the Villages, maybe once a month, I go on Tuesdays and pick up my ground chuck for $2.99/pound at Fresh Market. Then I get produce and anything else that catches my eye at Sprouts.

Good to know. Thank you. I’ll check out Sprouts next time I’m over that way

[Michael 61]

I’m thrilled to have access to Beecher’s cheese here in The Villages - (for those who have been to their flagship store outside Pike’s Market in Seattle, you know what I’m talking about) - the best cheese for grilled cheese, and otherwise just snacking on, or adding as part of your charcuterie board.

[Smalley]

What’s everyone’s opinion of this new store near Laurel Manor on 466?
Was there this morning and there were maybe a dozen cars in the lot.
I’m not impressed!
Will they be there in a year?

Another YES vote for Sprouts. They carry some brands that are hard to find like Fody (products for people who can't tolerate small molecule carbohydrates like fructose), many non-dairy items at prices same as Publix. They have sales and specials too. Products are healthful and good nutrition. What you eat is important!

[Rzepecki]

So, based on this thread, I went to Sprouts today and bought a few items. They have some different and interesting things.

When I was checking out, the cashier was putting items in plastic bags, but telling everyone, that starting on July 3, they will only have reusable bags for 10 cents each, or you can bring your own. I told her that, I would probably not be back because of that policy. What a dumb idea. Most of their products come in plastic or glass anyway, and it all gets burned at the garbage incinerator. I also don't shop at Aldi's because of their stupid 25 cent cart deposit. Why inconvenience your customers?

That 25 cent cart deposit makes for a nice cart-free parking lot and no dings in my car. Minimal inconvenience. I like shopping at Aldi because of their prices and selection. Also because I can get in and out faster than any other grocery store.

[Bay Kid]

The bag change will eliminate lots of things I buy there.

[retiredguy123]

The bag change will eliminate lots of things I buy there.
I don't understand the reusable bag requirement. I bought 4 items and every one was packaged in throw away plastic containers. It seems hypocritical to require customers to bring their own bags, but sell your products in plastic containers that have a lot more plastic than the thin grocery bags. I don't get it.

[retiredguy123]

That 25 cent cart deposit makes for a nice cart-free parking lot and no dings in my car. Minimal inconvenience. I like shopping at Aldi because of their prices and selection. Also because I can get in and out faster than any other grocery store.
Most car dings are caused by car doors when you park in a side-by-side parking space, not by carts. Publix and Winn-Dixie have angled parking that greatly reduces car dings. They also have cart corrals. I always park near a cart corral.

[karostay]

[QUOTE=retiredguy123;2221186]So, based on this thread, I went to Sprouts today and bought a few items. They have some different and interesting things.

When I was checking out, the cashier was putting items in plastic bags, but telling everyone, that starting on July 3, they will only have reusable bags for 10 cents each, or you can bring your own. I told her that, I would probably not be back because of that policy. What a dumb idea. Most of their products come in plastic or glass anyway, and it all gets burned at the garbage incinerator. I also don't shop at Aldi's because of their stupid 25 cent cart deposit. Why inconvenience your customers?[/QUOTE


You made a wise decision
many thank you
Bless your heart !

[EdFNJ]

Those who weren’t a fan of Earth Fare, aren’t going to be happy with Sprouts. Mainly organic, gluten free items, their own products, small bakery, and deli. One doesn’t grocery shop at a specialty grocery, you pick up what’s needed. Produce and fruit will stay edible twice as long as most grocery

Sale items are less $ than fresh market, I like their bulk section, meat and seafood over Fresh Market. Will they still be here in a year, probably, it’s a chain.

They do have really good pastry and pies.Well, Earth Fare was a chain also as was Bed Bath & Beyond and many others. Without CUSTOMERS they won't be there or long. Big mistake (for those outside THE VILLAGES) was no large sign on 466 (just a small sign on a fence which just about totally blocks view of the store). and no direct entrance and not visible from 466. I guess that was one of "The Developers" requirements to be on TV property. Sadly if traffic that drives by doesn't know they are there it will hurt them dearly. From a BUSINESS point of view prospective customers who are randomly driving down 466 need to see you. REALLY surprised they built out that property as they did. Maybe a reason why there are no small businesses opening up in the strip of stores next to it yet. If your locations can't be seen by passersby, all you get is people who read or were told they are there. As good as they are without "by their door" traffic they won't last.

In OUR opinion, produce is great, meat and fish OK (we got some salmon which wasn't as good as the prepackaged stuff from Trader Joes and Aldi). They are (IMO) missing an actual fresh bakery and a large prepared foods dept like Whole Foods has but that isn't their thing. Their "prepackaged fresh" single serving foods are minimal.

They won't survive IN THE VILLAGES selling just good produce and barely any name brand items, they need TRAFFIC and CUSTOMERS. "Once a month" shoppers won't help them.
Everyone said how GREAT it was getting an EARTHFARE and how GREAT their meats were but after the first month or so the place was empty of customers then gone. The Villages isn't like Ocala or Orlando or Gainesville. Way different types of clientele.

If you want 100 varieties of coffee beans or the ability to buy $4 worth of bulk seasonings that will last you a year they have it but they need more than that to survive **HERE** in TV. Really surprises me of the LACK of visibility of the property and lack of easy access. They must have got a bangup deal from "The Developer."

Just my opinion of course and we all have those.

[graciegirl]

We were delighted at first visit to Sprouts, but have had some really disappointing produce. A nice big sweet onion was spoiled inside and apples were spotted. Lettuce was past it's prime.

I was so excited at first but after several visits have returned to Publix.

[Bogie Shooter]

We were delighted at first visit to Sprouts, but have had some really disappointing produce. A nice big sweet onion was spoiled inside and apples were spotted. Lettuce was past it's prime.

I was so excited at first but after several visits have returned to Publix.

Hi Gracie!:wave:

[Stu from NYC]

We were delighted at first visit to Sprouts, but have had some really disappointing produce. A nice big sweet onion was spoiled inside and apples were spotted. Lettuce was past it's prime.

I was so excited at first but after several visits have returned to Publix.

Are you back?:wave:

[Causey]

It's nice to have Sprout's, it reduces some of the crowds at Publix.

[Flyers999]

You'd have to be pretty stupid to not know that Sprouts is there. Putting up a big sign won't help. Earth Fare had big signs. How did that work out?

[JP]

I went there once, saw a whole bunch of stuff I would never eat or buy that I thought was very overpriced, and probably will not go there again.

[JSR22]

I shop at Sprouts several times a week and really like the store. Great prepared meals to go, great fish and meat, great cheese selection and I like their cookies. My husband and I went to Aldi's once and bought nothing. Did not like anything about the store. It is great we have choices.

[Stu from NYC]

I shop at Sprouts several times a week and really like the store. Great prepared meals to go, great fish and meat, great cheese selection and I like their cookies. My husband and I went to Aldi's once and bought nothing. Did not like anything about the store. It is great we have choices.

Choices here are great, like Aldi's good size turnover of produce so stuff is generally very good.

[Gpsma]

Wont shop at woke/vegan stores.

[Bogie Shooter]

Wont shop at woke/vegan stores.

What is a woke store?

[Chi-Town]

Wont shop at woke/vegan stores.

OK. Now it makes sense.


wont
/wônt,wänt,wōnt/
nounFORMAL•HUMOROUS
one's customary behavior in a particular situation.

[EdFNJ]

You'd have to be pretty stupid to not know that Sprouts is there. Putting up a big sign won't help. Earth Fare had big signs. How did that work out?Of course you would know if you read about it or heard about it, but businesses don't live or die based on TOTV or The Villages Sun. They need auto and foot traffic. You obviously didn't spend most of your life in retail looking for locations to open new stores as part of a chain. Sadly, retail b&m is pretty much dead these days anyway, other than huge chains (many of which are also near death due to the web) who can (barely) survive due to having lots of locations where the duds can be covered by the good ones. And YES, putting up a BIG sign DOES help when the location is 99% hidden from the road. Or maybe even putting "take left (or right) on Buena Vista" would also help on said sign big or small so people driving through from other close by areas might find it without getting into an accident trying to find out where this place is by looking over and around the fence as they drive thru. :D

[jerseyvillager]

What’s everyone’s opinion of this new store near Laurel Manor on 466?
Was there this morning and there were maybe a dozen cars in the lot.
I’m not impressed!
Will they be there in a year?

Online info that all Sprouts in Florida may be on the chopping block.

[Normal]

What’s everyone’s opinion of this new store near Laurel Manor on 466?
Was there this morning and there were maybe a dozen cars in the lot.
I’m not impressed!
Will they be there in a year?

We loved the store. We got a jumbo shrimp bag (19 in the bag) for 10 dollars. It made for perfect coconut shrimp in the air fryer. My wife loved their dark chocolate and it was much cheaper than any other place in town. All-in-all, it was kind of like the Fresh Market with better prices.

[coffeebean]

I love Sprouts! Great selection of meat, fish and prepared meals. The bakery has very good products and there is a very nice cheese selection. I go there several times a week. Oh, they have great selection of ice cream flavors. I use to go to Publix frequently. Have not returned since Sprouts opened.

Just went to Sprouts for the first time today. They do not have Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter and that is what I was shopping for. This store is just not for me. I'm not into organic foods. I like my familiar brands and I didn't see them at Sprouts.

[coffeebean]

So, based on this thread, I went to Sprouts today and bought a fe w items. They have some different and interesting things.

When I was checking out, the cashier was putting items in plastic bags, but telling everyone, that starting on July 3, they will only have reusable bags for 10 cents each, or you can bring your own. I told her that, I would probably not be back because of that policy. What a dumb idea. Most of their products come in plastic or glass anyway, and it all gets burned at the garbage incinerator. I also don't shop at Aldi's because of their stupid 25 cent cart deposit. Why inconvenience your customers?

Agree with you about the plastic bags. In this neck of the woods, all plastic bags are incinerated for energy so they are being recycled. I won't be going back.

[coffeebean]

We were delighted at first visit to Sprouts, but have had some really disappointing produce. A nice big sweet onion was spoiled inside and apples were spotted. Lettuce was past it's prime.

I was so excited at first but after several visits have returned to Publix.

Hi GG. Great seeing you here every once in a while.

[Chi-Town]

Online info that all Sprouts in Florida may be on the chopping block.

Thought they were opening stores in FL. Perhaps you could provide the link since you saw it on line.

[thelegges]

Just went to Sprouts for the first time today. They do not have Smucker's Natural Peanut Butter and that is what I was shopping for. This store is just not for me. I'm not into organic foods. I like my familiar brands and I didn't see them at Sprouts.

Like Earth Fare, & Trader Joe’s, Sprouts carries its own brand. Yep it’s organic, for those who have always eaten processed food, it kind of a waste of money.

For those who have always eaten straight from the garden, dairy, poultry, farm, it’s a blessing. No hunting for products one needs but have to settle at Publix, or WD. Wish raw milk was closer to TV, than an hour away, but it is what it is.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Wont shop at woke/vegan stores.

Uh oh. I guess no one told you - all of the supermarkets in this area hire "those people." Some don't have English as their first language. Some aren't white. Some aren't straight. Some aren't christian. Some Northerners. Some are liberals. Some of the men were born female, some of the women were born male. Some of the managers have sons or daughters who are, or have married, any of the above.

You're going to need to stop shopping entirely. Even Hobby Lobby hires "those people."

Enjoy your hermit cabin. Just remember - no cellular service either. Because those companies also hire "those people."

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Thought they were opening stores in FL. Perhaps you could provide the link since you saw it on line.

It was in March, reported that ONE store in Hillsboro County would be closing, while at least 3 new stores would open in the state (including The Villages).

They closed just ten underperforming stores nationwide, and continue to build and open new ones. They're concentrating on smaller "grocery store" sized stores rather than "supermarket" sized stores.

[thelegges]

Uh oh. I guess no one told you - all of the supermarkets in this area hire "those people." Some don't have English as their first language. Some aren't white. Some aren't straight. Some aren't christian. Some Northerners. Some are liberals. Some of the men were born female, some of the women were born male. Some of the managers have sons or daughters who are, or have married, any of the above.

You're going to need to stop shopping entirely. Even Hobby Lobby hires "those people."

Enjoy your hermit cabin. Just remember - no cellular service either. Because those companies also hire "those people."

Well said..wonder the percentage of residents that have no idea, the lifestyle their children, grandchildren hide from them, probably out of fear.

[mickey100]

We went in the store earlier in the week and really like it. They had a fabulous special on wild caught shrimp, so we stocked up and froze some. We bought some nice fresh veggies, and some other items. I was especially impressed with their fish and meat counter. Looks like good quality and very competitive prices. I will be going there on a regular basis for certain items.

[retiredguy123]

We went in the store earlier in the week and really like it. They had a fabulous special on wild caught shrimp, so we stocked up and froze some. We bought some nice fresh veggies, and some other items. I was especially impressed with their fish and meat counter. Looks like good quality and very competitive prices. I will be going there on a regular basis for certain items.
It looks as though, they don't sell any USDA Prime beef. The only places I know of to buy it are Publix, Fresh Market, and Sam's Club. Publix sells the best USDA Prime filet mignon steaks. I bought some at Sam's Club once, but they weren't as good as Publix.

[thelegges]

Agree with you about the plastic bags. In this neck of the woods, all plastic bags are incinerated for energy so they are being recycled. I won't be going back.

Not all plastic bags are recycled, in the US, it’s been on the nightly news with proof some business are not recycling as thought.

I would much rather TV would recycle than burn. But no option was given when that change happened. I use paper for trash now that they burn. We have used reusable cloth bags for years, just throw them in the washer when we get home.

[retiredguy123]

Not all plastic bags are recycled, in the US, it’s been on the nightly news with proof some business are not recycling as thought.

I would much rather TV would recycle than burn. But no option was given when that change happened. I use paper for trash now that they burn. We have used reusable cloth bags for years, just throw them in the washer when we get home.
I don't know much about saving the planet, but it seems to me that operating the washing machine would waste more resources than using a few plastic grocery bags that are burned with the other trash.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I don't know much about saving the planet, but it seems to me that operating the washing machine would waste more resources than using a few plastic grocery bags that are burned with the other trash.

I toss my cloth bag in with the usual pile of laundry, so no. No waste at all. I had to clean my clothes anyway, the bag doesn't take up much room.

I also re-use the plastic bags for cleaning the kitty litter box and as liners for the bathroom trash baskets.

The point isn't that you should recycle or burn or whatever else the plastic bags. The point, is that those bags require manufacturing in the first place, and they are made out of petroleum, which is a fossil fuel. The point is to try and *reduce* the use of fossil fuels, whenever it's practical to do so.

[coffeebean]

Not all plastic bags are recycled, in the US, it’s been on the nightly news with proof some business are not recycling as thought.

I would much rather TV would recycle than burn. But no option was given when that change happened. I use paper for trash now that they burn. We have used reusable cloth bags for years, just throw them in the washer when we get home.

My understanding is the plastic bags are incinerated and turned into energy. Isn't that recycling?

[asianthree]

I don't know much about saving the planet, but it seems to me that operating the washing machine would waste more resources than using a few plastic grocery bags that are burned with the other trash.

I wash at least 2 loads of laundry a week HE front loader. Wash our grocery bags with towels and sheets. So no waste for us, have 10 bags. But maybe you wash clothes, sheets, and towels every couple of weeks, so it might be a problem.

Average shopping trip for a family of four uses no less than 15 plastic bags. Today at sprouts I used 5 reusable bags, for two people.

Take a look at the floating plastic of thousands of acres in the oceans, it gives me pause. Maybe not you, but while not a tree hugger, I try not to contribute to the massive amounts of plastic. Just coming from sprouts today I counted 13 plastic bags stuck in trees, floating in ponds, and crossing roads.

Not many places burn trash, sooon states will start banning plastic

[asianthree]

My understanding is the plastic bags are incinerated and turned into energy. Isn't that recycling?

Recycling means it’s turned into something else multiple to hundreds of times. Burning plastic has nothing to do with recycling, other than allowing people to put more plastic in the air. It is one of the highest greenhouse gas emitting forms of energy production. Burning emits 3.8 times more gas emissions than energy grid.

It’s significantly dirtier source of energy than coal and oil.so if that makes you smile keep using those plastic bags.

We use paper for trash, cleaning litter, anything else goes in the compost

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

My understanding is the plastic bags are incinerated and turned into energy. Isn't that recycling?

No. They are different things.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Recycling means it’s turned into something else multiple to hundreds of times. Burning plastic has nothing to do with recycling, other than allowing people to put more plastic in the air. It is one of the highest greenhouse gas emitting forms of energy production. Burning emits 3.8 times more gas emissions than energy grid.

It’s significantly dirtier source of energy than coal and oil.so if that makes you smile keep using those plastic bags.

We use paper for trash, cleaning litter, anything else goes in the compost

"Waste to energy" is not doing what you think it's doing. They're not just putting stuff in an oven and setting it on fire with the smoke coming out the chimney to pollute the air.

They're incinerating it, and the steam produced from the process is used to power the system. Gasses are filtered and cleaned, as part of the exhaust system.

[JMintzer]

Uh oh. I guess no one told you - all of the supermarkets in this area hire "those people." Some don't have English as their first language. Some aren't white. Some aren't straight. Some aren't christian. Some Northerners. Some are liberals. Some of the men were born female, some of the women were born male. Some of the managers have sons or daughters who are, or have married, any of the above.

You're going to need to stop shopping entirely. Even Hobby Lobby hires "those people."

Enjoy your hermit cabin. Just remember - no cellular service either. Because those companies also hire "those people."

No one mentioned any of those things.

Do you stay up evenings making this stuff up?

[Jerseygirl08]

So, based on this thread, I went to Sprouts today and bought a few items. They have some different and interesting things.

When I was checking out, the cashier was putting items in plastic bags, but telling everyone, that starting on July 3, they will only have reusable bags for 10 cents each, or you can bring your own. I told her that, I would probably not be back because of that policy. What a dumb idea. Most of their products come in plastic or glass anyway, and it all gets burned at the garbage incinerator. I also don't shop at Aldi's because of their stupid 25 cent cart deposit. Why inconvenience your customers?
I lived in San Diego for 8 yrs. until 2019. Loved Sprouts. I was recently back in San Diego for a visit and did go into a Sprouts. Guess what? Prices are still cheaper there, especially for produce. Seems every business thinks we are all rich. However, I enjoy buying local produce and Sprouts is committed to buying local. I do hope they don't leave. The 10 cent plastic bags are a common occurrence in California. I too wish they left that practice on the west coast. It's amazing how many people will pay for a plastic bag which likely ends up in the ocean. It's as ridiculous as people paying for bottled water. I say get a Brita filter or similar or even go to Walmart and buy PRIMO by the gallon for 29 cents. It's amazing water. The fact that we are charged for water in this country astounds me. Filter it yourself, I say. And buy a few eco friendly grocery bags, yourself. Personal responsibility goes a long way. (sorry for the rant).