What Exactly Is A Fresh Format Grocery Store? (Plus The Best Way To Navigate Them)

For those who try to maintain a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, it's a well-known grocery store hack to stick to the perimeter of the store, where fresh and frozen foods abound. This is because once you get lost in the labyrinth of inner aisles, it's easy to get sidetracked by chips and cookies. But what if a grocery was organized the opposite way?  

Fresh format grocery stores have been created in response to the changing needs of customers, and they are taking off in cities around the world. These smaller stores take away the temptation of picking up snacks you don't need by eliminating most processed foods and moving fresh produce front and center.  

Though most fresh format grocery stores are primarily focused on plant-based foods, it's not uncommon to see ones with free-range meat and dairy. The periphery of the store may have prepared meals and healthy drink options such as kombuchas, kefirs, and non-alcoholic beers and wines. Many fresh format stores also focus on locally produced products and try to keep up to date on what is in the highest demand for the particular population they are serving. 

With more people gaining knowledge about health and whole foods, the way we eat is changing, and the way we shop for food is changing, too. Unless you are feeding a large family or running a restaurant, the grocery store experience is becoming less attractive. Big-box grocery store chains can feel overwhelming, especially at certain times of the day. Just trying to find a parking spot is frustrating enough; then there are the crowds and lines at the checkout once you are inside. Oftentimes, shoppers are going into the big stores to purchase only a few items, with little need for all the extra aisles. So, it's no surprise that smaller, simplified stores have had a positive response.

Fresh format stores offer a more relaxed alternative that focuses on the essentials in an easy-to-navigate layout. They are much smaller than traditional grocery stores and are often located in high-traffic areas close to homes, offices, and city centers, eliminating the need for long car rides. The more intimate grocery experience is especially enticing to single people or couples who just want to quickly pick up a few in-season items for dinner and maybe grab a coffee and some local baked goods while they are at it.