Things you’ll find in a health food store today probably vary quite a bit compared to what you’d find in a health food store 10 or 20 years ago. Some grocery stores that sell organic food label themselves a health food store, but these aren’t the health food stores we’re talking about. Read on to find out some of the best things to buy at a health food store, and some of the things you should avoid.

1. Dried Beans

Your options here depend on what you use and what the store offers, but some great choices are white beans, pinto beans, black beans, kidney beans, lentils of all different kinds, and chickpeas. Because you’re buying them in bulk, you can take out and soak only what you need. This is perfect for single people or larger families that might use less than or more than a full can. It also gets rid of the concern of leaching from the cans into the food.

2. Dried Fruits

If dried fruits are on your menu, the health food store is a great place to get them. It’s a good nutritional choice as long as you don’t overdo the serving sizes; in fact, some studies show that dried fruit can go hand-in-hand with reduced obesity. Dried fruit are high in fibre, have lots of nutrients, and are easy to carry and store.

They are, however, high in calories and sugar, and some have added sugar and preservatives, so be careful about where you purchase. Always ask for the ingredients list before you buy.

3. Chia

Chia seeds are high in fibre and nutrients, and an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. They help raise your HDL cholesterol, which helps protect you against stroke and heart attack. They are also high in protein: a one-ounce service has 5.6 grams of protein. You can eat them cooked or raw, but they must be soaked before eating.

4. Yerba Maté

Called “the drink of the gods” by indigenous South Americans, yerba maté has many health benefits. It’s a traditional drink made from the dried leaves of an evergreen holly. It give you an energy boost unlike other stimulants, and doesn’t cause the jitters. It increases mental function, and is chock-full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

5. Locally Grown Meat

Some health food stores sell locally sourced, humanely raised beef, chicken, and pork. You can often find it at a more reasonable price than at a conventional grocery store, because there’s no in-between; it comes straight from the farmer or butcher.

6. Collagen Hydrolysate

This is a white, odourless, tasteless powder that is taken as a supplement to help connective tissues: skin, joints, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. It also supports gut health and the immune system. Traditionally people got their collagen from bone broth but if you’re too busy these days to make your own, a collagen supplement is a good alternative.

Collagen hydrolysate can be stirred into cold and hot drinks, soups, stews, and more. It’s virtually undetectable once it’s mixed in, so it’s even good to give to kids who might turn their noses up at other supplements.

7. Nut Butter

The health food store is the best place to buy fresh nut butters. Grocery store versions often have salt, sugar, corn syrup, hydrogenated or palm oils, and other ingredients along with nuts. If you want to avoid all the extras and get all the benefits of freshly ground nut butter, here’s your chance. You might pay a little more than at the grocery store, but it’s well worth it.