Broward County finally got its very own Sprouts Farmers Market on Wednesday, Aug. 28.
The natural and organic grocer held a ribbon cutting ceremony at 6:45 a.m. at the 27,000-square-foot store at 930 S. Federal Highway in Deerfield Beach.
The first 100 guests in line were greeted by style and sustainability expert Danny Seo, host of “Naturally, Danny Seo.” The NBC host handed out free reusable shopping bags stuffed with $100 in goodies from Mrs. Meyer’s, Wild Planet and Boiron, among other brands.
The next 100 shoppers in line received a reusable tote along with a coupon for 20 percent off a total purchase. A Taste of Sprouts sample event will be held on Saturday, Aug. 31.
The Phoenix-based grocery chain emphasizes wholesome organic and natural products. Think of it as a cross between Whole Foods, Fresh Market and Lucky’s Market.
The Sprouts chain is expanding. A Wellington store at 820 South State Road 7 opened in March. Stores also are planned in Boynton Beach, Miramar, Jupiter and Stuart. Opening dates haven’t been announced.
I recently stopped in at the Wellington store, and the chain is aptly named. It really does have the feel of a farmers market, but happily, with air conditioning!
It has an eye-popping array of produce, much of it organic. There are barrels filled with bulk coffee, dried fruit, nuts, candy, grains, beans and hard-to-find milled flours. Store brand products are free-from artificial flavors, colors, preservatives and sweeteners. There also is a deli, butcher shop and fish market, vitamins and supplements, and body care. There were at least 12 varieties of organic eggs and nice selections of dairy, frozen and dry goods not normally stocked at your usual grocery store.
I had a good artisan sandwich from the deli, with stacks of thin-sliced London broil and garlic cheddar on fresh ciabatta for $5.99. It was delicious. There were a lot of prepared foods and specialty items in the cold cases, including fresh tamales, which are hard to find.
Produce prices won me over. Haas avocados were two for $1; seedless white grapes were 88 cents a pound; yellow peaches and nectarines were 98 cents a pound; cantaloupes were 2 for $3. A beautiful head of purple cauliflower was $1.99. There were exotic rambutan fruit and red bananas. In the meat department, all-natural boneless chicken breasts were $1.99 a pound, all-natural choice ground beef was $2.99 a pound; jumbo raw shrimp were $6.99 a pound.
There are plenty of ways to save on other items, too. I especially love the “Double Ad Wednesdays.” Weekly ad prices run Wednesday to Wednesday, so you can double dip on deals mid-week because the sales overlap. Genius! Access more than $100 in digital coupons in the free app.
Wednesday’s grand opening festivities are a good reason to stop in. I predict the produce and low prices will keep you going back.
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