You’ve seen the parking lot. It’s tucked away off North Kings Highway, right in that Ellisburg circle madness where everyone seems to forget how yield signs work. Honestly, most people drive right past it on their way to the bigger, flashier stores. But for a specific subset of South Jersey residents, Mom's Organic Market Cherry Hill NJ is basically a sanctuary. It’s the kind of place where the air smells faintly of bulk coffee and Dr. Bronner’s soap, and nobody is going to judge you for reading the entire ingredient label on a jar of locally made kimchi.
It’s weirdly quiet in there. Even at 5:30 PM on a Tuesday, when the nearby Wegmans feels like a gladiatorial arena, MOM’s is chill. The aisles are wide. Like, unnecessarily wide. You could do a cartwheel in the frozen food section and probably not hit anyone. That’s intentional. The founder, Scott Nash, has this whole philosophy about "treasure hunting"—he hates those overhead signs that tell you exactly where the crackers are. He wants you to wander. He wants you to get lost in a trance of organic discovery.
What’s the Big Deal With the Inventory?
If you’re looking for a 24-pack of Diet Coke or a bag of Flamin' Hot Cheetos, you’re in the wrong place. They don't sell bottled water. They don't give out plastic bags. They don't even carry products with artificial flavors or preservatives. It sounds restrictive, but it actually makes shopping faster once you get used to it. You don't have to filter out the junk because the store already did it for you.
The produce is the real star. Every single thing in that section is 100% certified organic. No "transitional" produce, no "natural but sprayed" stuff. Just the real deal. It’s the first thing you see when you walk in, and it’s always vibrant. Is it more expensive than the conventional stuff at the ShopRite down the street? Yeah, usually. But the quality is noticeably different, especially the greens and the heirloom tomatoes during the summer months.
Then there’s the bulk section. It’s massive. Most stores give you some nuts and maybe some granola. MOM’s has bulk honey, bulk liquid laundry detergent, and even bulk tofu. You can bring your own jars from home—they’ll weigh them for you at the front so you don't pay for the glass—and fill up on everything from quinoa to obscure peppercorns. It’s a zero-waste dream, and honestly, it’s cheaper than buying pre-packaged versions of the same stuff.
🔗 Read more: The Recipe With Boiled Eggs That Actually Makes Breakfast Interesting Again
The Weird and Wonderful: Beekeeping and Naked Lunch
You won't find a pharmacy at Mom's Organic Market Cherry Hill NJ. Instead, you'll find beekeeping supplies. Seriously. This location was the first in the chain to offer full beekeeping suits, veils, and honey harvesting tools. It’s part of their obsession with backyard biodiversity. They aren't just selling you food; they’re trying to get you to participate in the ecosystem.
If you get hungry while shopping, you have to hit Naked Lunch. It’s their in-store cafe, and everything there is organic and vegetarian. Their "Heal with a Meal" bowl is a local legend—it’s basically a pile of steamed greens, beans, and grains that makes you feel like you just took a year off your biological age.
- Naked Lunch Hours: Typically 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- Juice Bar: Opens earlier for your morning ginger shot or green juice fix.
- The Vibe: High-top tables, very quiet, great for a quick solo lunch.
One thing that surprises people is the "Community Space" upstairs. It’s this mezzanine area that overlooks the store. They use it for environmental meetings and workshops. It’s not just a grocery store; it’s a hub for people who actually care about the planet beyond just posting a recycling meme on Instagram.
Recycling Like You’ve Never Seen Before
Most people have a junk drawer. MOM’s wants the contents of that drawer. They have one of the most comprehensive recycling centers in the region right by the entrance. We’re talking:
💡 You might also like: Finding the Right Words: Quotes About Sons That Actually Mean Something
- Eyeglasses and cell phones.
- Alkaline batteries (specifically alkaline).
- Wine corks (the real ones, not the plastic ones).
- Old shoes and even denim.
- Holiday lights (usually during the winter months).
It’s kind of a relief to have a place to take this stuff. Most curbside recycling programs won't touch batteries or shoes, so having a one-stop-drop while you’re picking up your almond butter is incredibly convenient.
Let’s Talk About the Price Tag
Look, we have to be real here. MOM’s isn't the cheapest place to shop. If you’re on a strict budget, doing your entire weekly haul here might be a stretch. However, they are surprisingly competitive on certain items. Their house-brand organic milk and eggs are often cheaper than the organic options at traditional supermarkets. Their "MOM’s Best" products are usually high-quality and priced fairly.
The cost isn't just about the food. It’s about the labor practices and the environmental footprint. They pay a higher starting wage than most retail chains (it was $12-15 long before it was cool), and they offer perks like subsidies for employees who buy hybrid or electric cars. When you shop there, you're paying for a supply chain that isn't built on exploitation. Some people find that worth the extra few dollars on their receipt. Others might just come for the hard-to-find vegan cheeses. Both are valid.
Is the Parking Really That Bad?
Sorta. The Cherry Hill location is at 1631 Kings Highway North. The entrance is a bit tricky because of the way the traffic flows around that Ellisburg intersection. If you’re coming from Route 70, you have to be in the right lane and pay attention, or you’ll end up heading toward Haddonfield before you know it. There is free parking, including some spots specifically for electric vehicle charging, but the lot feels a bit cramped compared to the sprawling acreage of a suburban Target.
📖 Related: Williams Sonoma Deer Park IL: What Most People Get Wrong About This Kitchen Icon
The good news? Because it’s never "Wegmans-on-a-Sunday" crowded, you can usually find a spot. And since the store is a manageable size, you’re in and out much faster than you would be at a mega-mart.
Actionable Tips for Your First Visit
If you’re planning to check out Mom's Organic Market Cherry Hill NJ, don't just wing it. Go with a plan to maximize the experience without blowing your budget.
- Bring Your Own Jars: Don't just bring bags; bring glass jars for the bulk section. Stop by the customer service desk first so they can "tare" the weight. It’s satisfying to fill up your own containers and avoid more plastic waste.
- Check the Sales: They have a monthly "MOM’s Flyer" with some deep discounts. This is the best time to stock up on pantry staples like organic olive oil or canned beans.
- Try the Free Coffee: They usually have a carafe of organic coffee near the front. It’s a nice little perk while you browse the wellness aisle.
- Look for Local: They carry a lot of Jersey-centric brands you won't find in the big national chains. Keep an eye out for local honey, regional coffee roasters, and produce from nearby farms during the growing season.
- Review the Recycling List: Before you head out, check your garage for those old batteries or that bag of corks you’ve been saving.
The best way to experience MOM’s is to treat it as a supplement to your regular shopping. Maybe you get your staples elsewhere, but you come here for the produce, the bulk spices, and the peace of mind. It’s a different kind of grocery experience—one that values the planet just as much as the profit margin.