Rainbow Grocery Cooperative

This is a review of how Rainbow staff unethically profiles customers.The owner-worker that stalks the bulk section is an outright abusive character. The manner in which he profiles customers will eventually lead to a lawsuit, if it hasn't already. What exactly is he trying to accomplish looking over people's shoulders and into their baskets and following them around? Very visible security cameras will go a lot further than this b.s. If he's going to profile people by their clothes, he should probably donate his own extensive collection of hats and over-sized hoodies to Goodwill. By his own logic, he should turn himself into management as a possible shoplifter. If Rainbow employees are going to judge others, I might as well join in. In another instance of anti-social behavior, when I was lining up to pay one day, one of their constantly rude cashiers pulled out a bag of weed from his pocket for a little show-and-tell with his neighboring cashier while failing to ring up a customer’s items. And then he reached into his other pocket, pulled out some crumpled weed cookies and again showed his goods to his buddy. What employees do in their free time is their own business, but I don’t want marijuana residue on my produce. I don’t think the SF Health Department would either. Then there’s the stocky employee (and a big 9er fan) they pulled off the street (which is awesome!) and jogs around the store pretending to mop the floor, bumping into customers, and feeding himself directly from the bulk bins. I’m guessing his presence is meant to deter shoplifters while he himself is filling his mouth with food directly from the shelves. The irony. Twice, I’ve stumbled and nearly lost my balance due to this employee’s NFL aspirations. OVERALL: Many of us shopped here for the Rainbow culture and atmosphere despite the high costs. With those qualities gone, there is little reason to frequent this establishment. Rainbow is clearly an Instacart business now, serving some of the wealthiest people in the world. So we might as well save our money and shop at big box stores that offer significantly better value. (I was a moron for paying Rainbow prices all these years.) BTW, Rainbow management - I never once stole from your store. Say goodbye to $10k+/year. Job well done.

Floor staff is friendly and helped me find things around the store. But the cashier overcharged me about $110. I came back home and noticed that one of the items was weighed incorrectly as 25lbs when it was in fact less than 1lb, which resulted in the whopping difference. I tried to resolve the matter over phone, hoping they would reverse the charges over phone. I live around 1 hr drive away and didn't want to spend 2 hrs to go to the store in person over this matter. I offered to send pictures of the actual product which is still in its bag; customer service was even able to bring up receipt of my purchases from their records, I also explained that since I lived more than 40 miles away it would be difficult to come in person for this. I figured if they have online shopping, if they have actual records of my shopping, they should be able to reverse these charges over phone. But I was asked to present the bill/ receipt in person in order to be issued a refund. Mistakes happen in the course of business but how it is handled says a lot about the organization. I wish Rainbow Grocery would have reversed my charges after I send them pictures/proof, without inconveniencing the customer for the store's mistake.

I love this place! I used to grocery shop Rainbow Co Op when I lived in SF 20 years ago. Im so happy every time I visit SF it's still here providing us with the best groceries in town! All for the people by the people.

I love how you can go to the store and buy everything in bulk without any plastic packaging. They have lots of specialty items. The staff is very knowledgeable. The only downsides are that parking is a challenge as their small parking lots are usually full, so you have to wait to get a spot. And, they don't sell any meat, which I'm sure would be pastured and very high quality if they did sell it. That's a plus for vegans and vegetarians.

I came to see if I might find Star Anise in bulk, I've bought other condiments and herbs here before, and voila, here it was. Not only that, I found hibiscus, clove, and a few other items I hada to buy. The place is well stocked, clean, and the folks that help you are very friendly and go out of their way to do so. You'll find a cornucopia of things that you can use in your day to day Dietary needs including foods and organics. Highly recommended. #TheBrokerWithAHeart

My original review is below for posterity. However, I can no longer recommend shopping here. Why? Rainbow continues to support anti-science, anti-vaccine grifter Dr. Mercola by selling his products and running promotions with his company (see photos). What a shame that a Rainbow has eschewed science for conspiracy and is now a business partner with a company that profits from killing people with vaccine disinformation. These are Rainbow's ethics now. Original review: I'll summarize my love for Rainbow this way. It's a 5 minute walk to the Whole Foods in my neighborhood. Despite this, I still drive 15 minutes each way to Rainbow and spend ~90% of my grocery budget there. Probably the best grocery store I've ever patronized. 🌈🌈🌈

This place it's amazing. All fresh organic produce and other products. Any kind of natural roots, legumes and herbs, please check this place out first. Also don't hesitate to compare prices with Amazon a lot of the products are much cheaper here in Rainbow. Just come and check it out. Enjoy.

Love this place so much. Always hang out here for groceries, spices, tea leaves, etc. once a while as this place is nearby my worksite. I love how the store carries variety of dairy & grains & spices. One thing I found out recently is that the store has great price for Mason jars or other glass container from 64 oz to gallons. I compared the price with Amazon & Target & Walmart. Rainbow has the best price.

This is a natural food store of the highest quality. I’m judging primarily based on my two favorite specialty items, kombucha and tempeh, and Rainbow Grocery had extensive options for both from local and regional producers. Love that, so much. They had some kombucha brands that I did not find anywhere else in the city such as Lev’s and Huney Jun. Awesome. I was even more blown away by the tempeh selection. Rarely do even great natural food stores have anything besides the big brand tempeh varieties. Rainbow Grocery had multiple types from three brands (Surata, San Diego Tempeh, and Squirrel & Crow). Crazy! It’s a fairly large store with a wide and thoughtful selection of just about whatever health food item you’re into.

Nice people, great selection especially bulk items. Good prices and free parking. What more could you want!