How Heinen’s Makes Grocery Shopping Easy and Enjoyable

The following information was provided courtesy of local cookbook author and chef, Carla Snyder.

With all the chores to accomplish in an average day; work, childcare, household maintenance and family responsibilities, most of us would agree that life is complicated. But guess what? Grocery shopping doesn’t have to be.

With over 94 years in business, Heinen’s doesn’t fool around when it comes to offering the best possible shopping experience. Whether through the highest quality products, location or friendly and helpful associates, Heinen’s ultimate goal is to become a trusted partner in a complicated world.

A grocery store as a partner you might ask? Heinen’s understands the challenges of shopping and preparing meals for today’s families and would like to help. Read on to discover how Heinen’s can make your next grocery shop less of a chore and more of a “sure”.

Heinen’s has made shopping easier by providing a grocery experience that encourages you to taste, gather and discover. For those of us looking for mealtime ideas, the Produce Department is the best place to begin. Once you’ve picked up the usual fruit and veg for the week, you can peruse the plethora of inspirational seasonal produce and bag up what looks best. Then move on to the finest meat, poultry and fish, canned foods, frozen foods and dairy with a stop at the Bakery and Prepared Foods Department. With plenty of options and new products to discover, it’s easy to create delicious meals for your family.

Friendliness isn’t a necessary aspect of shopping for groceries, but it sure does make it more pleasurable. Heinen’s associates are always ready to help, whether it be searching for a bottle of wine or an unfamiliar herb or vegetable or ordering an item that may not be available in-store. Check out is fast and efficient (how do they remember all those produce codes?), and if you’d like your groceries packed lightly so they’re easier to carry, all you have to do is ask.

Knowledge is power, and Heinen’s associates know their stuff. Wondering how to cook those pork chops? Ask the butcher behind the meat counter. Curious about an unfamiliar citrus fruit? Just ask the produce associate how to incorporate it into your menu.

Did you know that Consumer Reports ranked Heinen’s as one of the Top 3 Grocers in the nation for produce quality and variety? Due to Heinen’s decades long commitment to supporting local farmers and growers, they offer a wide selection of organic and Midwest-grown produce. Harvested and delivered to Heinen’s stores at peak ripeness, it often arrives the same day it’s picked. Daily offerings of freshly squeezed orange juice, convenience-packaged fresh cut fruit and vegetables and fresh ground nut butters all point to Heinen’s focus on fresh.

The art of sourcing, preparing, selling and educating customers on quality meat is in the DNA of Heinen’s, and it is just as important today as it was back in 1929 when Heinen’s opened as a butcher shop. Heinen’s Butchers can tell you exactly where every piece of meat was sourced, and they may have even visited the farm where it was raised. It can be confusing to understand all the lingo on packaging such as organic, grass fed or antibiotic free, but Heinen’s Butchers are there to explain it all. They can also cut meat to your preferred portion size and offer suggestions for how to prepare it. By offering pre-marinated, pre-crusted and pre-stuffed meat and poultry items, along with pre-shaped and seasoned burgers, Heinen’s makes it easy to get a delicious meal on the table in no time.

Cooking seafood can be intimidating, but with a little help from Heinen’s Fishmongers you’ll be cooking seafood like a pro. They can tell you where the fish came from and how it was caught, remove the skin or prep your seafood any way you like. They can even help you host a clambake! Seafood is seasonal, so it’s best to check with your local store to make sure they have your seafood of choice. If not, there’s a good chance they can special order it for pick-up.

With more than 400 cheeses sourced locally and from around the world, Heinen’s Cheese Department has something for everyone. The trained Cheese Associates in every store can help you create your own signature cheese board or offer ready-made options to pair with your favorite wine and beer. Heinen’s Hand Selected Cheeses are chosen by expert Cheesemonger Anne Somoroff from a global network of artisan cheesemakers. From the creations of local creameries to aged Parmigiano Reggiano from Italy , only the highest quality, unique cheeses make the cut.

Heinen’s deli cases are filled with an assortment of award-winning meats and cheeses, including Heinen’s own Two Brothers varieties. Order a deli tray if you’re entertaining a crowd or stop by the Deli To-Go case where you’ll find the most popular deli meats and cheeses sliced and packed fresh daily in half-pound portions. Don’t see what you want? Heinen’s deli kiosk ordering system is the perfect way to order if you’re in a hurry. Just place your order at the express deli kiosk as you enter the store (available at most locations) and while you shop, your order is prepared for quick and convenient pickup.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration or in need of a hassle-free meal, Heinen’s Prepared Foods Department has what you’re craving. From restaurant-quality main dishes to sides and appetizers, you can mix-and-match to create wholesome and delicious meals for any occasion. Take a walk through the grab-and-go section and you’ll see Heinen’s Daily Bites selection, which features the same prepared and pre-packaged salads, sandwiches, sides and main courses you know and love now packaged to make creating a cohesive meal easier. Don’t forget sushi, too! Rolled fresh in-house daily and available on special discount every Wednesday, it makes a perfect lunch! Feel like getting your hands just a little dirty? Check out the weekly What’s for Dinner meal inspiration for creative dinners that can be on the table in 30 minutes or less using minimal ingredients!

Heinen’s full-service, in-store bakeries specialize in artisan breads, signature desserts and sweet treats for any occasion. There’s nothing quite like a loaf of bread hot from the oven, and shopping at Heinen’s Bakery makes it easy to enjoy that fresh-baked flavor without any of the work. Custom order a cake or specialty bakery tray for your next party or choose from an array of mouthwatering desserts. From award-winning gluten free chocolate chip cookies and seasonal fan-favorite treats, like the Daffodil Cake and Yule Log, to vegan and nut free sandwich cookies, Heinen’s can satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.

Whether looking for white, red or bubbly, Heinen’s skilled Wine Consultants are always there to help find that special bottle. Good wine doesn’t have to be pricey. In Heinen’s Wine Department, there is an entire section dedicated to top quality wines priced at under $15. They’re arranged in easy-to-choose categories as well, so even a wine novice can feel comfortable and confident making a selection. Don’t see the wine you have in mind? Ask your local Heinen’s Wine Consultant to order it for you.

Heinen’s Floral Department is known for its flower market-like selection at excellent, everyday pricing. By purchasing directly from growers and supporting local sources, such as Sunny Meadows in Columbus, Ohio and Eagle Creek Growers in Mantua, Ohio, Heinen’s makes it easy and inexpensive to feature colorful, fresh flowers in your home every week!

With pantry staples, lunch box stuffers and local products made by artisans in our own back yard, you’re sure to find everything you need in Heinen’s center aisles. Check out Heinen’s and Two Brothers products, which are hand-selected by Heinen’s experts to reflect a commitment to sourcing top quality, premium products. Because of lower overhead, Heinen’s brand products can sell at a lower price point with higher quality than many national brands. Even in the smaller sized Heinen’s stores you’re sure to find everything you need.

Parcel Pickup is a service that has been around since the beginning and is a testament to Heinen’s commitment of providing the best in customer service. If your cart is too full or you are unable to load your groceries into your car, drive up to the front of the store and an associate will load them for you!

Did you know that Heinen’s now has a mobile app? Heinen’s has brought the same quality and service you expect in-store to the palm of your hand with a mobile app that allows customers to order groceries for curbside pickup and delivery. Groceries are picked and packed by Heinen’s own associates, and you can even order alcohol! Click here to learn more and download. Not a fan of shopping on your phone? It’s just as easy to shop with Heinen’s on your computer!

Every market is defined by local flavor and character and Heinen’s actively shares its values, vision and passion with customers on a daily basis. By utilizing all the benefits that shopping at Heinen’s has to offer, you can save time, money and maybe even enjoy that weekly shop!