Doing you good, naturally

6__Arjuna Wholefoods

Doing you good, naturally

The striking yellow exterior and profusion of herbs outside Arjuna hint at the good things to come inside. When it opened in 1970, the facts behind what we eat were largely unknown and not such a concern for most people. Today, with so much processed food, people want to know something about what they are consuming, and this small, vibrant store that stocks 100 per cent vegetarian food is hugely popular in the local community.

Back in the 1970s, wholemeal bread was still a rarity and the UK’s best-known vegetarian restaurant was even called Cranks. Arjuna’s founders were fired with an idealistic desire to spread the word about vegetarian wholefood – and to enjoy themselves in the process. They set themselves up as a co-operative, with everyone participating equally in decisions – something that continues to this day. The small premises soon attracted like-minded people and became a hub for those seeking new social and spiritual directions.

In the beginning, food was packed in the shop, but as trade expanded Arjuna took over a unit in Dale’s Brewery. This enabled them to increase the floor space of the shop and to begin wholesaling to colleges and other outlets. Everything was, and still is, packed by hand in their warehouse in biodegradable plastic.

Today, the shop sells thousands of lines, from dry goods to organic fruit and vegetables. It keeps its carbon footprint low with the principle of ‘local, national, overseas’, in that order. There are big jars of dried herbs, spices and teas that customers can weigh themselves and put into bags (brown paper, naturally). Herbal remedies, biodegradable cleaning products and natural cosmetics appear alongside superfoods like quinoa (of which Arjuna stocks three kinds), cereals and pulses, rice, non-dairy yogurt, cheese and ice cream, and a variety of breads, from sourdough to gluten-free. Try the vegan lunch or one of their incredible superfood salads.

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Address 12 Mill Road, CB1 2AD, +44 (0)1223 364845, www.arjunawholefoods.co.uk | Getting there Citi 2 to Mill Road, opposite Mortimer Road | Hours Mon – Sat 9.30am – 6pm, Sun 11.30am – 5pm | Tip Many of Cambridge’s best charity shops can be found on the same side of the road as Arjuna, selling clothes, second-hand furniture and bric-à-brac, all at reasonable prices.