What independent online grocers (not Whole Foods, Stop & Shop) can I buy from during the quarantine?

I'm looking to buy buy some less common dry goods/ingredients (soba noodles, instant yeast, buckwheat flour) and would love to support a small grocer that currently ships to my city (Washington DC). Any advice?

Hallie
  • Posted by: Hallie
  • March 23, 2020
  • 1464 views
  • 4 Comments

4 Comments

Nancy
Nancy March 23, 2020
Two more.
Bob's Red Mill for many whole grain and rarer baking ingredients (though/and many of their products are available in local stores)
https://www.bobsredmill.com/shop.html
Zingerman's in Ann Arbor - more for baked goods and deli, but some grocery ingredients, often before they arrive at regular grocery stores. (Top quality, top prices).
https://www.zingermans.com/
 
Coral L.
Coral L. March 23, 2020
Hi Hallie! Really great question. A couple options:
While few and far between, here are a few independent online grocers to peruse—you may have to cobble together various "carts" to hit everything on your list:
https://sahadis.com/ (like Kalustyan's -- great array of spices, but also some bulk items!)
https://mainegrains.com/shop/ (for pantry/dried goods)
https://www.ranchogordo.com/ (for beans/legumes)

You can also try going straight to producers themselves. Are there farmers/farms you visit at markets, or local CSAs to join? Many of them may be taking online/direct orders. Hope this helps!

Lastly, and I know this may not count as independent, but FreshDirect (which operates in DC) does carry local vendors' offerings.
 
Hallie
Hallie March 24, 2020
Thank you so much! I am researching CSAs in DC (since I'm a new resident) — that's a good idea. Sometimes you have to commit to a full season, which isn't the most flexible option. Fresh Direct is a good solution too, though slots are completely booked up. And I think you're right about the dry goods; might have to shop around a bit. I am going to do a trial membership of Thrive Market — not sure how it compares to ordering Whole Foods via Amazon but now I've got a reason to find out!
 
Hallie
Hallie March 23, 2020
Something like a Kalustyans?
 
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