Tired of fluorescent lights, squeaky lino floors and endless rows of shiny packaged products with mysterious origins? Abandon the pushy queues, coupons and trolleys and give grocery shopping a try at Taste Nature, an eatery and organic grocery store in Dunedin’s central city. Well known for its commitment to organic food and sustainable living, Taste Nature is considered “the” organic shop in Dunedin by locals, selling a wide range of organic products (including beauty products, books and gardening supplies) from certified organic growers and producers. In the grocery section you’ll find goods from local producers like Body of the Year bread, Kapowai Kombucha, Holy Cow milk, Ocho Chocolate as well as organic produce from Taste Nature’s very own 5 acre farm and meats from Deep Creek Deli, South Island Wild Game and Bostock Brothers. There are rows of oils, flours, pastas, nuts, seeds, vinegars, snacks and beverages to explore as well as homemade hummus, pesto, mayo (both vegan and classic), coconut yoghurt and more on offer. Taste Nature is also home to the South Island’s largest Eco Store refillery range and stocks an impressive array of cleaning products, kitchen gadgets, bathroom supplies, cooking implements, keep cups, lunch boxes and storage containers. The organic makeup aisles are similarly robust and racks of organic clothing and footwear plus a dedicated gardening and pet supply area mean Taste Nature has simply got it all. A relaxed environment set in a grand old building, this is grocery shopping at its finest. The self-service eatery dishing up a delicious lunch menu based on seasonal fruit and vegetables, with a real rustic and handmade vibe. The amazing, sun-filled eatery also offers comforting cakes and slices with teas and hot chocolate served in Crown Lynn cups and saucers. The tea bar aspect, for example, has seventeen different organic herbal teas to choose from. Taste Nature’s cafe also happens to be Dunedin’s 1st Coeliac Accredited Café and the only accredited 100% gluten café in NZ. All of the waste here goes back into the compost bin for use at Taste Nature’s farm.
