Natural health food in its purest state doesn't include artificial sweeteners, additives, preservatives or colors. Thousands of Americans turn to natural foods every year, some even choose organic or Vegan diets, as a result of nationwide food recalls. Not only is health food nutritious and great tasting, it can usually be trusted to be safe.

Stores that specialize in healthy food tend to become a hub for people looking to live a more natural lifestyle. As a shop owner or manager, you have the opportunity to provide customers with quality foods and products that are good for their entire family.

1. Understand that the term "natural health food" can be a marketing scheme; know how to spot the good stuff

2. Stock health food products focused on improving overall wellness

3. Give customers the tools they need to live a healthy lifestyle

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Know what is really healthy food and what isn't

Every health food company is not created equal. If you're going to sell the products in your stores, you want to make sure they are high quality and worthy of being connected to your business. Evaluate the quality of each item, in terms of freshness, nutrition, taste and appearance. Focus on foods that don't contain artificial colors, sweeteners, preservatives, flavors or hydrogenated fats.

I recommend: Buy health food wholesale from United Natural Foods, a company that distributes more than 60,000 products. Contact United Natural Foods for help with store planning, design, equipment and wholesale purchases. Purchase supplements and fruit concentrates from Brownwood Acres Food.

Buy health food products for the mind, body and soul

It's one thing to be the source of local health food in your community. It's quite another to be the source of healthy living. Include supplements and vitamins in your shop, along with all-natural organic products such as clothing and makeup.

I recommend: Wholesalesupplementstore.com sells supplements aimed at helping with numerous health concerns, weight issues and body building. The company will ship your order immediately if made during regular business hours and send you an email confirming shipment. Buy wholesale vitamins through NHS. Organic Essence wholesales body products to health food stores. Fax your information to become part of a Partnership Program. Consider adding products from The Organic Farm Store to your shelves. The company wholesales bath and body products, beeswax candles, organic fertilizers and pet care products.

Offer customers health food recipes to promote them to buy a variety of products

Health food stores shouldn't solely rely on selling single products. Instead, help your customers live a healthy life by bringing it all full circle for them.

I recommend: Search for health food recipes through the Food Network. The site is packed with recipes for healthy treats, snacks, complete meals and desserts. Print free recipes from Organic Authority by selecting a category. The George Mateljan Foundation, a non-profit group that provides information about the world's healthiest foods, has more than 100 recipes online.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you want to buy natural health food from a wholesaler, you need a current tax ID number, a business address other than your home and a business phone number.