Nature's Market: My Little Blue Zone
PHOTOS BY KAITLYN ZWAGERMAN TYLER
Nature’s Market in Manchester offers a unique shopping experience focused on health, wellness, sustainable living, and community. While the sign out front proudly displays the name “Nature’s Market,” to locals like myself, it’s simply known as “John’s.” John Maltezos, born in Greece, immigrated to the United States in 1975 and founded Nature’s Market 31 years ago.
From the moment you walk through the doors, you feel the pride that John, his wife Nam, and their team have in their work. With Vermont on track to becoming a Blue Zone—a region noted for its long-living residents—I can’t help but think of my own local market where human connection, essential to happiness and longevity, thrives. For those prioritizing a healthy lifestyle, the market offers organic produce and locally sourced products free from synthetic pesticides and GMOs, supplying local favorites such as Mighty Food Farm, Earth Sky Time Farm, Misty Knoll, Battenkill Brittle, Anna’s Blooms, and countless others.
Whether you’re seeking gluten-free items, vegan options, non-GMO snacks, or specialty health foods, the market caters to a wide range of dietary needs. The market also boasts an extensive natural wine selection, featuring handpicked wines from around the world, sake, and a craft beer selection showcasing some of Vermont’s finest brews. Additionally, they offer a wide array of functional health drinks, artisanal sodas, imported specialty waters, nonalcoholic wines, canned cocktails, kombuchas, and craft beverages.
Nature’s Market’s international food section is a treasure trove of imported spices, Asian specialties, and gourmet European items. Shoppers can also find a selection of bulk grains, freshly ground (in-store) nut butters, and eco-friendly household products. The freezer section is stocked with high-quality convenience foods—from plant-based burgers to artisanal ice creams and gelatos.
Throughout the pandemic, Nature’s Market’s dedication to our community brought a comforting sense of normalcy during uncertain times. Reflecting on the challenges, John recalls, “When the pandemic struck, I was reminded of my mother’s wartime stories— when there was no food and people went hungry.” Concerned for the well-being of his regulars, John observed individuals were stockpiling goods. To ensure there was enough for everyone, he made the tough decision to close the doors for in-store shopping and to switch to online ordering. “Our newly renovated store turned into a makeshift warehouse,” John explains. “We set up tables everywhere to manage orders. Sometimes, if someone ordered a pound of beans, we’d have to limit it to half a pound to make sure there was enough for the next person.”
On a more personal note: when the doors finally reopened after all that time, stepping inside brought tears to my eyes—it felt like, for the first time in so long, life was finally returning to normal. What a profound realization that my local market could have such an impact on my overall sense of well-being.
I love picking up my kids from school and stopping by “John’s” to grab whichever ingredients we need for dinner on the way home, knowing that every item, carefully vetted by John, assures me that when I buy frozen chicken tenders they’re getting only the best. Nature’s Market has rightly earned its loyal followers like us. It’s a place where the values of health, community, and sustainability come together, making it one of the many reasons I’m grateful to live and raise my family here in Vermont!
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