Health foods

Do you remember Westbrae Natural Foods?

On Groundhog Day in 1971, Bob Gerner opened Westbrae Natural Foods at 1336 Gilman Street, Berkeley, CA. Later the name was changed to Gilman Street Gourmet, and Bob continued operating it for three years and then sold it. The new owner didn’t work out so in 1982 it became The Berkeley Natural Grocery with Bob and his wife, Patty, at the helm.

Join Bob at Berkeley Natural Grocery on Monday, February 2, 2026, 1pm-3pm, to reminisce, ask questions about those early years and celebrate his 55 years as a leader in the Natural Foods Movement.

A message from our founder:

Strawberry-Banana Vegan Smoothie Recipe

January 27, 2026 by The Natural Grocery Company

This smoothie recipe is a plant-based twist on the classic flavor—strawberry banana! 🍓🍌

Add unsweetened cashew butter and optional protein powder for healthy fats, protein, and a rich creamy texture.

Strawberry Banana Smoothie (serves 1)

DIETARY: Plant based

TOTAL TIME: 5 minutes

1 ripe banana, peeled

¼ cup unsweetened cashew butter

½ cup oat milk

½ – ¾ cup fresh or frozen strawberries

plant-based protein powder, optional

In a blender, add banana, cashew butter, oat milk, strawberries, and protein powder, if using.
Blend at high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Pour smoothie into a glass and enjoy.

Detox Salad Recipe

January 20, 2026 by The Natural Grocery Company

This detox salad is full of healthy veg and delicious savory flavor!

Have it as a side or add your favorite protein and grain for an easy lunch. We recommend salmon and quinoa as a combo. 😋

Detox Salad (serves 4)

DIETARY: Plant Based

TOTAL TIME: 35min

¾ pound green cabbage

½ pound broccoli florets

½ bunch dino or lacinato kale

¼ pound carrots

½ cup roasted almonds

1/3 cup sunflower seeds roasted

Maple-Tahini Dressing

1/3 cup tahini

5 tablespoons water

4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

3 tablespoons maple syrup (or to taste)

2 tablespoons olive oil

¾ teaspoon sea salt

Thinly slice cabbage and broccoli. Remove kale from stems and roughly chop. Peel and grate carrots. Add vegetables to a mixing bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Pour 1/3 of the dressing over the salad and toss to combine, adding more dressing as needed.
Roughly chop the roasted almonds. Top salad with almonds and sunflower seeds.

January 2026 Sales Flyer B (1/14-1/27)

January 14, 2026 by The Natural Grocery Company

January B 2026 (1/14-1/27) (large print)

January 2026 Sales Flyer A (12/31-1/13)

December 31, 2025 by The Natural Grocery Company

January 2026 Sales Flyer A (12/31-1/13) (large print)

Emerald Pineapple Smoothie Recipe

July 17, 2025 by The Natural Grocery Company

Emerald Pineapple Smoothie

DIETARY: Plant-based, Gluten-free

TOTAL TIME: 15 minutes

1 coconut

1 banana, peeled

10 ounces frozen pineapple

1 handful of baby spinach

1 ½ teaspoon Emerald Energy or other spirulina greens powder

To extract the coconut water, poke a hole with an awl into one of the three eyes, invert and allow water to drain. When all coconut water is extracted, wrap coconut in a cloth and using a hammer, carefully crack open the coconut. Alternately, use 1 cup bottled coconut water.
In a blender pitcher, combine the coconut water, banana, pineapple, spinach, and greens powder.
Blend contents until smooth and serve promptly.

If serving this as a smoothie bowl, pour smoothie into the split coconut (or bowl) and garnish with dragon fruit, blueberries, kiwi, flaked coconut, and chia seeds.

Roasted Salmon & White Bean Spread Recipe

June 23, 2025 by The Natural Grocery Company

This Roasted Salmon & White Bean Spread recipe is perfect for all of your summer hosting needs! It’s fresh, lemony, smokey, and delicious. 🍋

Smoked Salmon and White Bean Spread (serves 4)

DIETARY: Gluten-free

TOTAL TIME: 25 minutes

1 15-ounce can white beans, drained and rinsed

4 tablespoons olive oil, divided

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 large garlic cloves, minced

½ teaspoon sea salt

¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

4-6 ounces smoked trout or smoked salmon, flaked

2 tablespoons chopped chives

2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves or ¼ teaspoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon capers, drained

Crackers or bread to serve

In a food processor combine beans, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Run processor until mixture is smooth.
Spread bean mixture onto a service plate creating swirls. Drizzle on remaining olive oil and top with flaked smoked fish, fresh herbs, and capers.
Serve with crackers or sliced artisan bread.