In the Store

Store Departments

From organic produce and free-range meat to prepared meals and natural and organic groceries, Ellwood's makes it possible for you to stock your pantry with the healthiest foods available. Our buyers read labels so you don't have to; enjoy your shopping without the stress of scouring ingredient lists.

Want to know more about what's in our store?

Garden: Organic & local produce, cut fruits, floral

produceEllwood Thompson's produce department offers fresh fruits and vegetables and averages a 93% organic to convential ratio. During peak growing season, more than a third of our produce is locally grown, within 100 miles of our Carytown store. What does this mean for you, our customer?

  • An assortment of farm-fresh food grown without the use of pesticides and herbicides for your health and well-being and the good of the environment.
  • Access to fresh, delicious produce that travels a minimal distance from farm to table, conserving energy that would have otherwise been used for transit.
  • Keeping money in our local economy and supporting the time-honored tradition of family farming in rural Virginia.
  • The ability to allow your choices and shopping dollars to make a difference by supporting healthy, chemical-free nutrition for yourself and for the environment.

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Nourish: Vitamins, supplements & body care

Ellwood Thompson's caring, knowledgeable staff can answer your vitamin and supplement questions with confidence. If you're trying to source a specific item or brand, they can help you locate it. Or, if you're simply seeking answers about natural remedies and supplements, they're here to help.

They're experts in body care, too. From all-natural cosmetics to lotions and hair products without parabens, our buyers source products perfect for nourishing and pampering your body.

And registered dietician Tina Shiver visits the store periodicically to provide consultations. Read more about Tina.

Download ET's Spring 2010 Healthy Living Newsletter (PDF doc) and supplemental articles (PDF)

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Indulge: Gourmet cheese, chocolates, wine & beer

wineWhen it's time to indulge, Ellwood's offers an extensive selection of organic and biodynamic wines and micro-brewed beer varieties. Our wine buyer is well-versed in the latest developments in the world of wine. She studies wine extensively, traveling to France on occasion and working closely with our Paris-based wine consultants.

Wine tastings are hosted every week at Ellwood's. Join us Fridays at 5 PM and Saturdays at 3 PM.

wineHungry, too? Consider pairing our wines with artisan-crafted cheeses and fair-trade specialty chocolates -- whatever piques your palate. You'll find delicious varieties of both in our Indulge department.


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Essentials: Grocery, dairy, frozen foods, bulk foods

When stocking up on staples for your pantry, fridge and freezer, Ellwood's grocery department is an essential element of your shopping. Our dairy case offers local, cage-free eggs exclusively. You'll also find local bulk tofu alongside organic milks and yogurts as well as vegan "dairy" items.

The grocery aisles and frozen section showcase an incredible variety ranging from quick meal solutions to gourmet ingredients for the slow cook. Whether you are vegetarian, vegan or an omnivore, Ellwood Thompson's offers food to fit your lifestyle. There are many items available for those with special dietary needs -- gluten-free, low-sugar, low-salt and more.

Necessities for the home such as cleaning and paper products are also available from top brands like Seventh Generation and Mrs. Meyers.

And if you're looking for bulk items, you'll find dried fruits, nuts, grains, granola, trail mixes, snacks and more. You can buy exactly the amount you need and feel good about purchasing product without packaging -- a great way to help the environment. In fact, you can bring your own containers to fill. Just stop by a cashier's stand to have your containers weighed before filling them.

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Ellwood's Kitchen: Prepared foods, hot bar, bakery, meat department

deliCraving something delicious? Let Ellwood's Kitchen tempt your taste buds with freshly prepared salads, entrees and side dishes made in our kitchen daily. You'll find a variety of dishes with and without meat. Our kitchen staff also makes made-to-order sandwiches and custom juice blends.

For quick meals on the go, stop by our newly expanded hot and salad bars, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. We're offering an enhanced selection for all meals, and at a better price -- only $6.99 per pound. Many of our hot bar selections are provided by local ethnic restaurants for a variety of worldly flavors.

breadEllwood's bakery section features an assortment of specialty breads, many of which are baked locally every day. Our own in-store bakers prepare pastries, muffins, cakes and cookies. Vegan baked goods are our specialty.


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Meat and Seafood

seafoodEllwood Thompson's is proud to offer Richmond's largest selection of organic, free-range, grass-fed meats. From well-known brands like Applegate Farms and Bell & Evans, to our local source, Polyface Farms, our buyers ensure that meats are antibiotic and hormone-free so they're wholesome and full of flavor. Beyond nutrition and flavor, Ellwood's carries these and other brands because of their commitment to raising animals respectfully and responsibly. Ellwood Thompson's does not offer any products from factory farms - we do not believe in animal cruelty in any form. Visit these sites to learn more about factory farming.

Sustainable Table
Humane Farming Association
Farm Sanctuary
Humane Society of the United States (see factory farming under campaigns and programs)

(Keep in mind some sites feature graphic photos taken at factory farms that can be unsettling. These images are not clearly visible on the linked pages above.)

Factory farming also has profound effects on the environment because of the overwhelming amount animal waste that is produced. Many factory farmer use waste "lagoons" to hold vast amounts of animal waste and Federal tax dollars are available to help set up these lagoons. For more information:   

Natural Resources Defense Council
NY Times -- The Feed: " …A Creature from the Black Lagoon…"

When it comes to seafood, we're freshness and flavor fanatics. Ellwood's works with Seafood Watch, a monitoring program administered by the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Their informative guide helps us determine which seafood varieties are harvested sustainably to ensure the breeds are not over-harvested or endangered.

Work in progress

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Monthly Specials

What's in stock and what's on sale! Check out our monthly specials flyer. (PDF, large file)

Gluten-free

Looking for gluten-free products? You can find something in nearly every department at Ellwood's. Check out our gluten-free product list (PDF).

Gift Cards Are Here!

Gift cards can be purchased for any amount. The gift card can be used in any department and the balance remaining on the card will appear on your receipt when it's used. Look for gift cards hanging around the checkout areas.

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