I’m in love. Like over the mango, head over hummus, match made in honey type love, with Oakville’s newest and most beautiful grocery retailer, Farm Boy. Located on the south side of Upper Middle & Joshuas Creek Drive (click here for address & hours), I had the pleasure of attending the grand opening of Farm Boy this week where I got a peak into their wonderful world of uber fresh produce, premium meats, specialty items and their own brand of just about everything your heart desires. Seriously, from vegan mayonnaise to coconut oil to soups and pizza (and everything in between), the Farm Boy brand carries over 800 unique products which are carefully featured throughout the store …and at incredible prices might I add.

With 26 locations in Ontario and the plan to open at least 50 more over the next 5+ years, Farm Boy’s growing presence is stealing the hearts of foodies everywhere.  What I love most about this retailer is the farmers market type feel. The produce is overflowing with freshness, and unlike conventional grocery stores their aisles are fully stocked with specialty items from local partners. I’m a sucker for unique products and as someone who loves food and trying new things, I was in heaven walking up and down the aisles of Farm Boy learning about products and brands I’ve never heard of. Farm Boy’s CEO Jeff York and Marketing Director Carolyn Trudel were kind enough to take me on a tour of the store, sharing tips and pointing out some of their favourite products, which of course I’m excited to pass along to you guys:

• Farm Boy sausages are made in-house using real, fresh ingredients. Nitin and I grabbed a few for dinner last night and we were in sausage heaven. I opted for the Italian Hot & Sassy and Nitin went with the El Diablo and Sriracha Sweet Chili. Delizioso!
• Their soups fly off the shelves, with the Roasted Butternut Squash being one of their top sellers. Carolyn’s person favourite is the Mushroom Kale, which is just as delicious as it sounds and looks!
• The hot bar changes for breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers a wide assortment for even the pickiest of taste buds.
• The salad bar creations aren’t what you’d typically see in a grocery store. The healthy creations truly set Farm Boy apart from the masses, and I love how they don’t shy away from showcasing their full ingredient list.
• You’ll find grocery items mixed within the produce area, because hey, Farm Boy isn’t your typical grocery retailer.
• The Eggnog is one of their best sellers during the holidays.
• Farm Boy tests and introduces new products to their line-up every week. While it’s hard to pick just a few, some of my favourite Farm Boy products include their:
  • Organic Chocolate Milk
  • Chocolate Truffle Hot Cocoa
  • Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Chocolate Covered Double Roasted Almonds ….do you think I have a chocolate problem?
  • Garlic flowers (great for cooking).
  • Lemon Garlic Dressing
  • Vegan Mayonnaise
  • Delightfully Delicious Dill Pickle Dip
  • Guacamole
  • Gelato (it’s currently on sale 2 for $10).
  • Fresh pizzas
  • Crazy D’s Prebiotic Soda

Hosting for the holidays this year? Here are some of my go-to Farm Boy products that I’ve added to my Christmas menu!

• I’m a charcuterie board nut, probably spending more on artisan cheeses, spreads and pickled goods than anything else. A few of my charcuterie board features this year include:
  • Kalamata & Green Olives
  • Organic Baby Dill Pickles
  • Pickled Roasted Red Peppers
  • Pickled Beetroot Slices
  • Pickled Spicy Eggplant
  • Pickled Hot & Sweet Peppers
  • Ajvar Traditional Balkan Red Pepper Spread with Eggplant (this was recommended to me by Carolyn because it’s great on crackers, bread, chicken, etc). 
  • Cheese! Everything from blue cheese to brie to aged cheddar to mozzarella.

• I picked up their Turkey Gravy to give in a whirl before the holidays and to sum it up in one word; scrumptious! 

• Save the trouble and pick-up their 25% reduced sugar Cranberry Sauce. 

• Add some pop to your roasted veggies with Farm Boy’s beautiful selection of colourful carrots.

• Ok, first off I’ve got to say that I’ve never cooked a full turkey before. I usually kick back and worry about the apps or sides while my brothers go nuts for prepping the big bird. However, I must say that the fresh organic turkey looks quite inviting and probably something Nitin and I will attempt this year.

• The Farm Boy bakery has some great choices for creating the perfect dessert platter, including brownies, cookies, small pastries and cakes.

From friendly faces that greet you at every turn to a wide assortment of fresh products, I think it’s safe to say I’m a Farm Boy gal for life.

Welcome to Oakville Farm Boy!

I would love to hear your Farm Boy experience below. Happy shopping lovies!

xx, Kiki