For years I struggled to incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables in my daily diet. I’ve recently found juicing to be beneficial for quickly and easily consuming nutrients that I have been lacking. As I’ve researched juicing, I’ve been impressed with its many benefits. It can boost energy, support detoxification, aid in digestion and help with weight loss. I’m not a nutritionist and this article is not meant to offer health advice. Instead, I’m simply sharing my experience as part of my own journey to a healthier lifestyle.
When I travel, or when I’m too busy to meal prep, I love finding and frequenting healthy food stores that sell nutritious juice. Ranked in order of preference, here are four of my favorite places to buy cold-pressed juice.
Toastique in Alexandria, Virginia
Founded by Brianna Keefe, the health café boasts gourmet toast, juice, and coffee. I’ve come to love Toastique’s beet juice, which is equally filling and delicious. It is smooth, light, and tasty. In addition to beet juice, I’ve also tried Toastique’s avocado toast. It is simply divine. Topped with smooth avocado, radishes, tomatoes and micro greens, the dish is drizzled with olive oil. It is literally unforgettable.
When I visit Northern Virginia, I make time to stop by Toastique. While they have locations in the Northern Virginia and the D.C. area, Toastique is a national treasure with shops in California, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, and more.
Zen Press Juice and Café in Old Town, Alexandria.
I will never forget the day I stumbled upon Zen Press. It was the summer of 2024 and I was visiting Northern Virginia. I was trying to be more health-conscious and selective about what I consumed. I was drawn to the store by its floor to ceiling window, inviting layout, its bright interior and its friendly staff. It also helped that the owner’s support dog was sitting obediently on one of the small couches inside the business. My daughter and I stopped in to see if the health cafe was as cool on the inside as it appeared on the outside. It was.
Filled with plants and the aroma of freshly made treats, I was immediately intrigued and excited. I ordered beet juice and ginger shots and loved both. This is one of those places that makes you feel healthier just by opening the door. For these reasons and more, I look forward to stopping by Zen Press again and again.
Northstar Café in Columbus, Ohio
Northstar is a fabulous farm-to-table, worker-owned eatery. They note on their website that they use locally grown, organic, and artisan-produced foods. Their food is superior in taste and appearance: it always looks fresh. I love Northstar because they are environmentally conscious and health-obsessed. It is not surprising then that I’ve always found their food to be flavorful.
While I’ve long enjoyed this establishment, I recently fell in love with their organic carrot juice. It is tasty and packed with nutrients. If you live in the Columbus, Ohio area or the Cleveland, Ohio area, you should definitely visit this establishment.
Hello Juice in St. Louis, Missouri
Hello Juice offers a slew of cold-pressed juices, smoothie bowls and healthy snacks. Interestingly, their juices have human names. I tried the “Brenda” which is a beet juice blend that includes lemon, ginger, beets, and apples. I was tempted to try the Ken, which is a carrot juice blend that includes.
Founded in 2018 by Jen and Jon Maness, Hello Juice is a health-focused juice bar that offers appetizing juice blends, organic smoothie bowls, toast and gluten and dairy-free snacks. In addition to their juice and smoothie bowls, the company also has a pre-packaged delivery service called, Hello Eats. One of the goals of the company is to support the community in making healthy and nutritious food choices. They pride themselves on making healthy food accessible to all. Shouldn’t we all aspire to this?
Jennifer R. Farmer is a public relations executive by day and a bakery lover by evening and weekend. Learn more about the bakeries she’s visited and enjoy on our blog
