5 tips for shopping at Sprouts grocery store in Centereach

Forget the Pepsi and Lays potato chips — the new Sprouts Farmers Market, an Arizona-based supermarket chain that spans 25 states, opens its first Long Island grocery store today in Centereach. First-timers should know it's something of a cross between Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, both in aesthetic and price point, that hinges on healthy living. Here's what to know about the shopping experience:

1. It's all about the produce

The produce section is at the heart (literally the middle) of the 25,000-square-foot store, a former L.A. Fitness gym. Sprouts' "live and eat better" mantra stems from the Boney family's fruit stand that inspired Sprouts back in 1943. Colorful and robust, 50% of the produce here is organic and comes from local and regional partners. If you’re not sure what’s in season, the produce sign cues customers about fresh options.

2. But you'll enter through the meat department

The same standard applies to the proteins: Poultry (no antibiotics), meat (grass-fed), seafood (sustainably sourced) — which lie at the front of store, upon entry. "Most people are gearing their meal around protein, so that’s why we bring protein to the front of the building," explained Mychael Ramirez, Sprouts’ public relations manager. 

Just past the raw and frozen meats, are the refrigerated convenience items. Here you'll find prepared and packaged sides to pair with marinated meats, grab-and-go salads, sandwiches, snacks and par-cooked family meals. There are affordable takeaway deals like Sprouts’ build-your-own sandwich counter, fully customizable and starting at $4.99. There is $5 sushi on Wednesdays, plus salad and wellness bowls that start at $8.99. Don't miss favorite items like Sprouts’ roasted chicken and Hatch chili peanuts, a fiery, seasonal Southwest delicacy hailing from Hatch, New Mexico.

3. Dietary needs are embraced here 

Tags throughout the store highlight gluten-free, organic, paleo, vegan, dairy-free and keto products, as well as what brands are from local producers. The options feel endless here, with cult brands including Delizza’s gluten-free mini eclairs and cream puffs ($8.99), Katz’ gluten-free doughnuts, Drizzilicious rice cakes ($4.49), Jolly Llama sundae cones, Jonny Pops popsicles ($7.49/six) and Made Good cookies. For the kids, pick up a package or two of the extremely popular Sprouts brand chicken nuggets ($11.99), also gluten-free. Dairy choices abound from almond to pistachio milk, coconut to cashew milk, whole grass-fed to 2% to oat, as do a variety of baked goods in both full grain and diet sensitive varieties, plus Sprouts' daily-baked muffins ($5.99/four), loaves of bread, croissants, cookies ($5.99/dozen), pies and cakes. 

4. There's an expanded bulk food section

If you haven’t heard of some of Sprouts’ featured niche brands, check out "Forager Finds," a mid-store section dedicated to up-and-coming brands that get a 90-day trial phase at the store. Just beyond the Forager Finds, a by-the-pound bulk section full of nuts, grains, granola, snacks, spices — in case you don’t need a whole jar of Chinese five spice for a one-off recipe — coffee, pretzels, plantain chips, and vegan gummies and candies made without artificial dyes, colorings or artificial flavorings.

5. Browse the extended wellness section

The health and wellness section at Sprouts (think: Whole Foods) offers more than 7,500 products spanning powders, proteins, peptides, vitamins and supplements, overseen by a national wellness team to help visitors find what they need. Sprouts also has its own body and health care line called Real Root, full of oils, soaps, shampoos that are paraben and sulfate free.

Sprouts Farmers Market, 1934 Middle Country Rd., Centereach, 631-590-3493, sprouts.com; Open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.The chain is adding two more Long Island locations in 2027-2028, in Smithtown and Levittown.