Jersey City has experienced a boom in recent years, with new residents and businesses flooding into the area.
This growth has fostered a vibrant food scene with many healthy offerings to explore. Whether you’re looking for nutritious restaurant fare, farm-fresh produce, or local brands embracing wellness, Jersey City has something for every palate and diet.
Overwhelmed by all the choices? This guide covers the basics for finding the best healthy food in Jersey City to keep your body fueled and satisfied.
What is the best Healthy Food in Jersey City?
Healthy Food Jersey City is a healthy food truck that provides fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers.
It has been in operation since 2010 by volunteers who have experienced homelessness themselves.
We chose this as the best Healthy Food in Jersey City because it provides healthy food to those who need it most and serves as a model of what should be done in every city.
15 Best Healthy Food Items In Jersey City:
1. Chicken and rice from Whole Foods:
Whole Foods is the best place to buy healthy food in Jersey City. This dish has chicken breast, rice, and broccoli, making it a complete meal for just $7.99.
2. Avocado slices:
This healthy treat is perfect for those looking to snack on something without adding too many calories. They are just $1.99 and come in different flavors, including cucumber, lime, and original.
3. Avocado Toast:
You can buy an avocado toast for $8 at Equal Grounds, a coffee shop in Jersey City. This simple meal of whole-wheat bread, mashed avocado, and pickled red onion is deliciously healthy and affordable.
4. Goat Cheese Salad:
This salad from The Heights Tavern includes lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, and a delicious salad dressing. The best part is that it costs just $5.
5. Raw Veggie Salad:
This raw veggie salad from Whole Foods includes kale, broccoli, carrots, and corn with a wonderfully creamy dressing. It’s perfect for making you feel healthy after eating so many doughnuts.
6. Mixed Fruit:
If you want healthy fruit at a low cost, visit Whole Foods. They have wonderful selections of fruits from apples to pineapples and bananas to watermelon!
7. Salad Kit from Whole Foods:
The salad kit at Whole Foods is my go-to lunch or dinner option when I don’t feel like cooking. All you have to do is follow the instructions on the box, and you’re all set.
8. Kale Salad from Whole Foods:
Give me kale salad with quinoa, beans, avocado, tomatoes, and mixed greens any day of the week. It’s a healthy food that doesn’t taste as it came out of a can…
9. Veggie Burrito from Whole Foods:
I love to get the veggie burrito at Whole Foods for lunch. It has beans, rice, avocado, tomatoes, and lettuce wrapped up in a soft tortilla. The meat is not necessary, but it’s easy to stick on there anyway.
10. Multigrain Roll from Whole Foods:
This multigrain roll is so delicious. I usually get one for breakfast because it comes with peanut butter, which is a great way to start your day. It’s healthy and only $3.99!
11. Turkey Pastrami Sandwich from Whole Foods:
If you are ever in the mood for lunch, go to Whole Foods. They have lovely, healthy sandwiches that are perfect for people who are on the go!
12. Turkey Breast Sandwich from Jersey City Health Foods:
This turkey breast sandwich is perfect if you want something simple and healthy with avocado, tomatoes, and lettuce on a whole-wheat roll. It’s only $6.99, and it’s a great alternative to a burger.
13. Roasted Veggies from Whole Foods:
I love this roasted veggies dish from Whole Foods because it comes with carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower. It’s perfect for those of you who want something simple but healthy for dinner.Â
14. Grilled Chicken Sandwich from Whole Foods:
 If you get tired of having kale salad for lunch, I recommend getting this grilled chicken sandwich from Whole Foods. It’s a healthy alternative to fast food and only costs $7!
15. Frozen Veggies from Whole Foods:
Whole Foods has a beautiful selection of frozen veggies that are good for you, and all you have to do is heat them in the microwave. There’s whole-wheat pasta, broccoli, and beets!
What are the benefits of Healthy Food Jersey City?
Healthy Food Jersey City provides fresh food for low cost or free to the homeless. This truck is run by volunteers who know what it means to be in poverty, thus taking low-barrier approaches in doing outreach.
The organization has been recognized nationally by Panera Bread and other organizations.
What are the drawbacks of Healthy Food Jersey City?
Healthy Food Jersey city does not have a storefront to accept donations, unlike large non-profit organizations.
They receive very little government funding despite being one of the best Healthy Food Jersey City options to provide healthy food to the homeless, thus relying almost entirely on private donations.
According to their website, which is down at the time of writing this article, Healthy Food Jersey City needs more donations to expand its operation into Manhattan.
Farmers Markets Offer Seasonal Local Produce
One of the best ways to source nutritious food is by shopping seasonal produce straight from New Jersey farmers. Jersey City hosts several weekly farmers’ markets that make eating healthy so much easier.
Riverview Farmers Market
This large Saturday market located near the Hudson River waterfront features over 35 vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, meat, bread, and more.
I love starting my weekend here, picking up Jersey-grown tomatoes, peaches, greens, carrots, and anything else that looks ripe and flavorful to incorporate into my meals.
The market runs from 8 am to 3 pm, May through December. Bring cash and reusable bags to carry all your good finds!
Jersey City Farmers Market
Conveniently located in Hamilton Park, this farmers market sets up shop on Thursdays from June to November.
With over 10 local farms represented, it’s an excellent midweek stop to stock up on just-picked produce and artisanal food products.
Some standouts are the hydroponic lettuces and the tasty array of baked goods like baguettes, pies, and gluten-free options. Come before noon for the best selection.
Plant-Based and Vegetarian Restaurants
In recent years, Jersey City has become entirely vegetarian- and vegan-friendly. These meatless menus from new hot spots, as well as longstanding eateries, allow for healthy, satisfying dining.
Plant Base
Entirely plant-based and gluten-free, this Zen spot serves up creative bowls, burgers, and small plates that rival any traditional comfort food.
Highlights include the beet burger topped with cashew cheese and the Buddha bowl loaded with quinoa, sweet potato, avocado, pickled shiitakes, and crunchy maple tempeh. With so many nutrient-dense and delicious options, going meatless has never been more accessible.
Purple Beets
As one of the original vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Jersey City, Purple Beets has remained a local go-to for over 15 years.
Their inventive farm-to-table cuisine incorporates organic ingredients into comfort food classics like mac and cheese, potato skins, and nachos supplemented with hearty salads and grain bowls. Daily specials keep things interesting for repeat customers.
Noodlefan
For a spicy, noodle-filled fix, Noodlefan can’t be beat. This casual pan-Asian spot offers broad rice and noodle dishes that can be customized for vegan and gluten-free eaters.
The pad thai and laksa soups, brimming with veggies and served in rich coconut broth, will leave you feeling fully nourished.
Health Food Shops and Groceries
In addition to the various farmers markets, Jersey City boasts several brick-and-mortar shops explicitly tailored for those seeking healthier grocery options.
Simple Food Market & Kitchen
Located downtown, Simple Food Market & Kitchen makes nutritious eating fuss-free.
This fast-casual establishment offers an array of premade dishes, like Moroccan stew and honey dijon salmon, that can be taken to-go or enjoyed at their counter or communal tables.
The adjoining market sells quality proteins, dairy alternatives, snacks, and pantry items catering to various diets and lifestyles.
MOD Market
Another healthy market and eatery, MOD Market on Grove Street, provides gluten-free, plant-based, and paleo-friendly meals, meal plans, groceries, and supplements under one roof. Build a salad, grain bowl, or smoothie, and then stock up on sustainably sourced staples to recreate MOD’s dishes in your kitchen.
Supplement and Nutrition Shops
Rounding out Jersey City’s healthy fare landscape is a suite of stores specializing in dietary supplements, sports nutrition, and high-quality vitamins and minerals.
True Nutrition
This Newark Avenue hot spot houses aisles of the internet’s most cutting-edge health brands and products.
Shop by goal, like gut health or beauty, or comb the shelves of proteins, pre-workouts, multivitamins, and superfood mixes for your specific needs.
The knowledgeable staff stays on top of the latest wellness trends and can offer direction if you feel overwhelmed.
Holland Nutrition Center
Family-owned for over 70 years, this downtown shop carries complete lines of essentials like vitamins, probiotics, omegas, protein powders, and herbal formulations.
You can even work with their on-site nutritionist to analyze your health concerns and customize recommended daily supplements.
GNLD Neolife Nutrition Center
With a local office in Jersey City plus a few other locations statewide, GNLD Neolife Nutrition Center provides high-grade daily multivitamins, minerals, fish oils, antioxidants, and herbal blends scientifically formulated for optimal wellness.
If you want to geek out over ingredient sourcing and quality control, the staff here will happily answer your questions.
Eating Healthy on a Budget
Pursuing better health through better eating does not have to drain your wallet. Try these budget-friendly tips for staying nourished without breaking the bank in Jersey City.
- Take advantage of farmers’ market deals like lower afternoon prices or multi-purchase bundles.
- Freeze or preserve seasonal farm produce to enjoy later and reduce waste
- Opt for tap water or jersey-fresh juices over pricy bottled drinks
- Cook at home when possible using simple whole-food ingredients.
- Split entree portions or take home leftovers when dining out
- Substitute meat with budget-friendly proteins like beans, eggs, tofu, or chickpeas
- Sign up for store loyalty programs and apps to earn discounts and cash back.
What kind of city would benefit from Healthy Food in Jersey City?
Every city should have a Healthy Food Jersey City to provide healthy food to those who need it most.
This organization does an excellent job at providing free healthy food for low-barrier population segments that are as important as any other demographic section of the community.
In addition, Healthy Food Jersey City serves as a model for what can be done in every city as volunteers know what it is like to live without health insurance and improve the lives of those around them even if they cannot solve all problems.
The Bottom Line
Maintaining a nutritious diet has never been more possible thanks to everything Jersey City has to offer.
The influx of new health-conscious eateries, markets, and supplement purveyors adds to the city’s strong foundation of farmers markets and longtime staples.
Whether you stick to a specialized diet or just want to generally improve your eating habits, the resources exist here to make it happen affordably and deliciously.
What tips do you have for seeking out and enjoying healthy fare in Jersey City? Where are your go-to spots for the best local produce, plant-based meals, or nutrition supplies? Please share your experiences and let others know what is working for your wellness journey!
