A while back, I vividly remember wishing that there was a Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s or some type of natural organic food store near my house. In 2012, the Universe granted me my wish. Dean’s Natural Food Market moved into an upscale strip mall in Basking Ridge, NJ - just a five minute drive!
Dean’s is by far, the best natural foods store that I’ve ever shopped in. It is slightly smaller than Trader Joe’s but as far as I’m concerned, the size is just perfect. Clean hardwood floors, high open ceilings, warm lighting, and vibrant multi-colored painted walls gives Dean’s a hip designer look and a welcoming vibe.
What makes Dean’s stand out above their competition is there award winning Juice Bar. All freshly prepared juices, smoothies and shakes are made with organic fruits and vegetables. I have to admit that the drinks are pricey but, on the other hand, you are paying for the superior ingredients and excellent service, so it’s worth it. The Liver Flush - made with beets, green apples and dandelion and Sweet Greens - made with spinach, kale and apples, are my absolute faves! You can also order all kinds of additions, like Chia Powder or Peruvian Maca Root, to add to your juices and smoothies.
The produce section is 100% organic, bursting with color, and a beautiful sight to behold! Their regular prices are comparable to organic produce in a supermarket or Whole Foods, but their sale prices cannot be beat. Dean’s just had a .99 Cents Thanksgiving Sale on a nice variety of fruit and veggies. 99 CENTS A LB. FOR ORGANIC PRODUCE! You’ll never find that at Whole Foods!
Dean’s also has weekly and weekend sales throughout the store. Just last weekend, they were selling organic bananas for 59 cents a lb. This is cheaper than conventional produce!
Dean’s is committed to providing the safest and healthiest food choices for their customers. “We are proud and ardent supporters of the Non-GMO Project and their mission to educate the public on the issue of genetically-modified organisms, or GMO’s, in our food supply. As of March 18, 2013, we will not accept any new grocery items containing the top 5 most high-risk GMO crops (corn, soy, canola, sugar beets, alfalfa) into our stores unless they are organic and/or verified by the Non-Gmo Project.”
Dean's also offers gluten-free and allergy-friendly foods, organic and natural groceries, organic salad bar, store made soups, vegan selections, grab-n-go organic salads and sandwiches, freshly made organic almond butter and peanut butter, and freshly ground organic coffee. Dean’s also has a nice selection of vitamins, supplements, nutritional and beauty products, as well as Nutrition experts to help and offer advice to their customers. Free cooking classes and new product demonstrations events are frequently scheduled.
Another incentive for shopping at Dean’s is their Customer Advantage Club. The card is free and members ( like me) receive a 10% discount on regularly prices vitamins and supplements. Members also receive Cash Back Rewards for every $400.00 that is spent. Dean’s mails you a $10.00 Rewards certificate that you could use on a future purchase. There is another option called the Dean’s List. For every $400.00 spent, “Dean’s mails you a $9.00 Rewards certificate and your $1.00 is donated and matched by Dean’s. So $2.00 is donated to a local non-profit organization in the community.”
And last but not least, is Dean’s exceptional staff. Dean’s knowledgeable, friendly and helpful staff makes every visit there an enjoyable experience. Each staff member will eagerly go out of their way to help you find what you are looking for. And it is obvious to me that they all seem to love what they do! I’ve even caught some happy workers singing while they were stocking shelves. Nutrition Manager, Robyn Santos, even knows me by my first name. As a matter of fact, she knows many of the regulars by their first names. That is why people like Robyn and the rest of the staff, give Dean’s a personal touch that is not found in the big box chain stores.
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| Nutrition Manager, Robyn Santos, always happy to help! |
So next time you are around central Jersey, do yourself a favor and stop into a Dean’s Natural Food Market and check it out. In today’s world, I believe that it’s important to make healthier and responsible choices for ourselves and our families. By patronizing a local business, like Dean’s, we are contributing to our local economy, helping the environment, enjoying a higher standard of customer service and connecting with the community.
I love shopping at Dean's. And if you are looking for great personal service, the highest- quality organic, local and health foods and are passionate about your health - you will too!
Other locations are in Ocean Township, NJ and Shrewsbury, NJ
*I have no financial interest in Dean's.
