One Life Natural Foods

This review is specifically for the acai bowl at the juice bar in the back, not for the actual store. The acai bowl is $ 8 and from a look at the bowl, has the potential to be quite large, but looks can be deceiving.
To make your order, you have to write it on the ticket in the back of the store, bring it to the front to pay, and then go in the back to give them your ticket to make your bowl — seems more complicated than it needs to be. The bowls were made in about 5 minutes, and I never actually heard a blender go. It tasted almost like cherry juice in a bowl, topped with a bit of semi-​nutty granola, five small slices of banana and a handful of very frozen blueberries. The texture of the acai itself was all liquid, it was like a non-​thick smoothie in a bowl. We love lots of fruit on our acai, and so flavorless frozen blueberries and a few slices of banana did nothing for us. No honey on top also meant less sweetness.
As I’ve mentioned in other reviews, Santa Monica just doesn’t seem to be able to do acai as well as other parts of LA! We’ve tried many bowls, and we both felt this was one of the least impressive we’ve had. Skip and try Paradise Bowls or Backyard Bowls instead.

i miss NY deli’s :(came here for a breakfast bagel sandwich with egg, bacon, and cheese. it was very sad looking and not very tasty. the bacon was not crispy and after I realized the egg was «cooked» in a plastic container in the microwave, I asked him to remake it on the pan which finally made the sandwich… acceptable…to eat. i ended up having a few bites and throwing it away. never again.
the lunch is fine and the sandwich/​soup combo is affordable. Overall the convenient supermarket store is great for any last minute things.

They made the best green smoothie I have had. What’s more is that I saw them out everything into the juicer– 3 handfuls of fresh spinach and kale each, 4 large stalks of celery, lots of parsley, and of course frozen bananas. Thick texture, extremely healthy, packed packed packed with hearty ingredients, and a smooth taste with a tiny kick

Unless I am in the area on foot (parking is a nightmare) & absolutely need something I have just shopped here for the last time. I was tired & hungry after work & did not feel like fixing dinner so I picked up a can of vegan chili thinking that sounded good. When I looked at the price my eyes popped out — $ 5.19 cents! That is seriously outrageous. Then I went to pick up a vegan energy bar — this same energy bar is 0.65 cents cheaper at the Venice Whole Foods — which is already expensive to begin with! Conventional bananas are 0.99 per pound (that is the cost of Organic Bananas at Whole Foods). Conventional bananas are 0.79 at Whole Foods and 0.69 at Haggen. The prices here just keep going up and up & it’s not worth it for me to come here anymore. The final straw was when I was standing in line & in walks a lady with her dog (not a seeing eye-​dog or certified companion animal either — just your average dog on a leash). She proceeds to greet the clerk waiting on me & he gives her a friendly hello but says nothing about the dog. I love dogs– but since when are they allowed in the store? The clerk made no mention of this at all. Not happy with the service either. For the most part — unfriendly. Not coming here again (unless it’s for something cheap!).

Was having some headaches last week and went in and talked to Tony the owner who suggested I try a few things! I lived the customer service and the down to earth communication. I’ll be going back for all my whole food needs.

This is a TERRIBLE place to go. I have been here a few times now. I have yet to receive decent customer service here. From the angry scowls of the cashiers to the irritated faces of the juice bar baristas, this place makes me angry every time. I understand Santa Monica is a very trendy spot and it is hip and cool to go to these health food stores and get your organic pressed juices, smoothies, and herbal vitamins but this store is not worth it. Are the smoothies good? Umm, sure I mean they blend strawberries, bananas, and apples ok. They are NOTHING special. If I could find ANY store like it even if it wasn’t within walking distance I would hop in my car and make the trip. If you like ok smoothies, disgruntled employees, and baristas that look like they would rather be shoveling elephant $hit in the circus than making your smoothie than this is the place for you. Like to be ignored, told no with an attitude, then get ready to enjoy your new favorite spot. However if you are like me: spending your hard earned money in an establishment, want to see a smile and maybe a little pleasantries when you enter a mom & pop type store, and or just want to hear «Here is your smoothie have a nice day» Then run as far away from this place as possible. You will get none of that here.

So after stopping in only once a year earlier on our second trip we used this grocery as our main stay for the week.
This is a nice little organic grocery store with fruits veggies and lots of other things. It is not going to be your complete chain grocery store but that is not what this shop is trying to be. In terms of grocery shopping in the Santa Monica area this is one of the few options. They have all types of organic items and fresh produce. It was difficult to find the price on things so be aware of that. Items are pretty affordable and it is convenient for breakfast items or to pick a few things up to scrap together a meal.

I used to love this place but the past few times I have been in I have received terrible service. There is a woman in the front is very unfriendly, and has no customer service skills. I felt very unwelcome, there are too many other places in Santa Monica for juice, organics and herbs to come back here

Expensive to be healthy.

A lot of products you don’t seem to find anywhere else especially for people with allergies and intolerances: great variety of flours, snacks tea… nice people working there too… but the best of the best the wellness shot available in different volume at the juice bar!

This place has a nice feel to it. I didn’t go in for anything specific I just knew that I was hungry. Everything in this place was expensive. The small bag of chips I got were almost 4.50. Plus a soda I ended up spending almost $ 7. I think unfortunately for me, I will never come here again. Although they have good selection they are way too expensive for me. It’s cheaper to buy the items yourself and make it at home.

One Life has been in the same place for over 30 years that I know of (so I’m told). Maybe more.
I believe it was started by the father of family.
It is now being run by Tony, who I think is the oldest son.
There are also twin sisters who also help out at the register and elsewhere.
The head of the second floor vitamin, minerals, sundries and herbs section is Jack. Jack is very knowledgeable about it all. He always accurately answers my questions about every product.
Tony and his two sisters are always very nice and cordial to me. It is a pleasure to shop there.
There is a juice bar and fresh fruits and vegetables for sale. Also spices, organic wine, bread and milk and juices.
Parking is also the street at a lot. You can also park on the street at a meter.
If you are like me spending a $ 100.00 or more is easy. However, I am a big health nut. This is typical for a health food store.
I also like that this is a Christian owned business. This is another plus.
I therefore highly recommend One Life.

Made a stop Sunday morning to purchase a very specific herbal remedy recommended by my doctor. Climbed the stairs to the second floor, and was transported to what seemed like a magical potion shop filled with all of the vitamins, supplements, remedies, and herbs you could ever imagine. The shopkeeper was friendly and able to provide helpful assistance, and I walked out with exactly what I needed! Prices most likely far more expensive to what you’d find on amazon or maybe
, but they have a vast selection.

The negative reviews I’ve read for One Life are a good read — and funny too, well written. I’m sure all of those experiences are accurate and people do need to know about the funky issues. However, that being said, I had a good experience here.
They have a HUGE section of bulk herbs if that’s what you’re looking for. I also found their prices very, very good. Better than Whole Paycheck and better than Co-​Opportunity where I do shop a lot. (Neither had what I needed in this instance so that’s what brought me to One Life).
Anyway, I’m all for out-​ing bad service I just can’t say that I experienced that myself here. The man who was manning the herbal shop (upstairs) was very helpful and knowledgeable. He was a little unusual in mannerism but he was indeed helpful.

I really wish this store could get it together. I would love to support a local, non-​chain food store in the ‘hood, but after 15 years of reluctant patronage, this place has finally driven me away for good.
Some of the employees are nice enough, but one of the main employees (owner? manager?) is just awful — she once witched-​out on another employee who had actually done me a big favor, totally undoing the excellent customer service he’d provided. She’s notorious in the ‘hood for her rudeness. Ask anyone who’s shopped there regularly, and they will know exactly who I’m talking about.
On top of that: all too often, I’ve purchased food that had gone waaay bad — I’m talking moldy bread, soured dairy, stale crackers. There’s a reason this place has earned the nickname «Half-​Life» among locals in the know.
Most of the grab-​and-​go pre-​made food in the fridge is a bland bluck-​fest.
This place just sucks the life-​force out of you. Give it a skip.

is the website I went to in the hopes of expressing my feelings about the store. The contact us offers no contact information other than an invitation to come to the store.
I spent $ 36.05 for a bag and let me tell you what I endured. The line to the single register blocked the stairway so maneuvering my way up was a problem. I went immediately to the spice jars and was casually glancing. The clerk spoke to another employee who had just come in. When I began scooping the spices into the bag, I got yelled at for having my plastic shopping basket on the counter. «It’s dirty. Put it on the floor!»
She should only know that using one scoop for every herb, spice and tea is offers cross-​contamination that is far worse than my basket.
I wanted to pay downstairs and was told, «No! Read the sign.» «Sign? Where?» When I went to pay, I asked which credit cards are accepted. She replied, «Practically all of them.» Very useful. She r an out of tape in the register. At the end she asked me if I’d like a bag in such an abrasive tone that I knew she was angry that I hadn’t brought my own. I said that I wouldn’t but asked for my shopping basket back. She told me that she would hold the basket as I put the items in it.
If you are ever upstairs and someone named SHARON is at the register, just turn around and run away.
Grains were Bob’s Mill bags. I had expected bins of loose assortments. I needed to pick up a small amount of corn starch and I was not about to pay $ 3.00+ for a bag when all I need is a few tablespoons per year.
When I went to get some greens I saw the price of watercress looked decent. The leafy greens and herbs were clustered together. Sorry, but dill and basil should not be close to things that needn’t pick up the oils. Watercress was nowhere to be found. So I went on a hunt for nothing.
When it was my turn to check out, one of the items was missing the price. The clerk didn’t know what the price was so he consulted the book under the register. He rang up $ 4.09. Is anything ever priced at $ 4.09? When all was said and done and paid for, I went back to the shelf and found the item that was priced at $ 3.50. I brought that item to the clerk’s attention. I showed him the receipt. While he gave me the difference in change, I never got asked if I had found everything that I was looking for. I also wound up saying, «Thank you,» to him.
This was a completely depressing shopping experience. Natural food stores are supposed to be inspiring and uplifting. I was treated with rudeness and felt I was paying the price for it in spades. I’m in public service at a government agency. I wouldn’t even treat a REPUBLICAN with such contempt.

A great local store for your healthy appetite and living. Great juice bar, natural foods, and fresh made salads, sandwiches and wraps. They also offer sushi rolls, fresh veggies and fruits and more! Love trying the different drinks and snacks as well. Vitamins and more upstairs.
Prices are reasonable to expensive (expected with the healthier variety). Service is ok. I haven’t had a bad experience, just needs to be more upbeat and attentive. life is awesome, this place needs to express that better. Still I go and get my healthy grub on.
Support local. :)

One Life Natural Foods is a great little health food store. Two levels, with an entire selection of herbs on the top floor.
I like stopping in a smaller health food store occassionally. You will find them carrying brands that Whole Foods, Ralphs or Vons don’t carry.
I thought One Life had a good selection. I got some organic lentils, couscous mix and a mac and cheese mix.
I spent alot of time looking at their tea selection. They did have a big variety of teas. Some brands I have not tried before, so I picked up a few boxes.
They take credit cards and ATM. Parking is best on the little one way side street. Main Street gets very busy, but I found plenty of parking on the closest side street.

Awesome. A legit natural foods store right in the middle of Main Street.
AND they have a juice bar! Ding ding ding ding ding!
Everything you could think of is here. Fresh juices are definitely the highlight. Go for any and all of it. They also have a limited salad bar in the back that does the job just fine.
The only thing that was a little weird for me was the system of paying for the juice. You have to order the juice, go to the front to pay, then walk back to the juice bar, then they’ll make the juice. It’s too much back and fourth for me.
All in all though, I can’t complain. Ang + Fresh Juice + Main Street = big smile!

*** a fave stop on old Main St for me. ***
i’m walk’n slowly along w/​the boy today
when he says «dad, i wanna smoothie».
ahhh, i thought, a chip off the block …
that’s perfect for this lazy afternoon.
One Life has withstood the test of time.
i’ve bought shots of wheatgrass from
here for years. they carry some of
the best organic produce so they
make remarkably good smoothies.
we had a «Sea Horse» made of apple,
rice milk, banana, celery and spirulina.
damn, that’s good … better than Naked
green juice and Trader Joe’s juice too.
we bought some juicy ass peaches
to take home, but they didn’t survive
the ride home … we’ve gotta shower
off now since we made a big mess. ;)
*** also had a shot of wheatgrass, yum! ***