Organic Energy

Organic Energy stands as a longstanding and trusted provider of certified organic and biodynamic foods in Australia’s capital region. Located at 8A Barker Street in the heart of the Griffith Shops, this family-run store has introduced Canberrans to the benefits of high-quality, ethically produced fruit, vegetables, and wholefoods since 1986. The founder, Karen Medbury, established the business after a transformative visit to California, where the incredible abundance of organic and raw foods sparked a passion she was determined to bring home to her community. What began as a quirky backyard packing operation – with boxes of fresh organic produce being packed every Wednesday for local families – has blossomed into a dynamic retail destination, deeply embedded in the local food culture of Griffith ACT. From those humble beginnings, Karen was the very first person to make certified organic fruit and vegetables accessible to Canberrans, and she continues to lead in nutrition and health movements, including championing the benefits of wheatgrass and raw food nutrition.

Today, Organic Energy remains guided by its original philosophy: quality produce, good health, and excellent service. The team is known for being knowledgeable and approachable, helping shoppers navigate a diverse selection that extends well beyond everyday groceries. The store has been a certified organic retailer since 1996 and maintains rigorous certification standards, undergoing regular inspections to ensure every product meets the highest benchmarks of authenticity and sustainability. From Australian-grown fruit and vegetables sourced from certified organic and biodynamic wholesalers in Melbourne and Sydney, as well as seasonal local farms, to raw food delicacies, nuts, seeds, and freshly grown wheatgrass, every item on the shelf reflects a genuine commitment to ethical sourcing and environmental care. Customers are welcomed into a clean, well-organised space where labels clearly distinguish organic, biodynamic, and conventional produce, empowering everyone to make informed choices about what they eat.

Services

The range of services at Organic Energy is designed to make organic living both accessible and enjoyable. The retail store at Griffith Shops offers a full spectrum of certified organic fresh produce, dried fruits, nuts, seeds, and specialty items, all carefully curated. Beyond the essentials, the shop is renowned for its house-made gourmet raw food selection, which includes raw vegan ice creams, raw crackers, kale chips, chia cups, cookies, and mousse cake slices – all created on-site using organic ingredients wherever possible. These products are vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and completely free from refined sugars, catering to a wide array of dietary needs without compromising on flavour.

For those who cannot make it to the store, a comprehensive weekly home delivery service covers all suburbs in Canberra and the surrounding regions. Orders can be placed easily through the online shop or by phone, with the same quality and care applied to every box that leaves the store. The delivery service has a convenient online order cut-off time of 9am on Tuesdays, with the option to call the shop if an order is placed after that window. Additionally, Organic Energy runs raw food preparation classes in conjunction with a Canberra-based health expert. These educational sessions teach participants about the health benefits of a high-percentage raw organic vegan diet and provide practical skills for preparing easy, delicious raw vegan fare at home.

Fresh Juice Bar

A standout feature of the Griffith store is the fresh juice bar, where customers can enjoy vibrant, nutrient-dense juices made to order. Using the same high-quality organic produce that lines the shelves, the juice bar offers a quick and refreshing way to incorporate raw, living nutrition into a busy day. From green blends featuring leafy vegetables and wheatgrass to fruity combinations that showcase seasonal harvests, every drink is crafted to deliver both exceptional flavour and maximum health benefits. The juice bar has become a favourite stop for locals looking to boost their energy levels naturally, and the team is always happy to suggest custom blends based on individual tastes or wellness goals.

Why Choose Organic Energy

Choosing Organic Energy means joining a community that values integrity, transparency, and genuine care for customer wellbeing. The store’s certification as an organic retailer, upheld without interruption since 1996, guarantees that customers are buying genuinely organic and biodynamic goods – a promise backed by regular, rigorous audits. This dedication to authenticity extends to the staff, a loyal and tight-knit team who share Karen’s passion for organic food and health. They are always ready to offer personalised advice, whether a customer is new to organic shopping or a seasoned enthusiast looking for a specific ingredient.

Another reason locals and visitors alike return is the unwavering commitment to sourcing. Organic Energy partners with five certified wholesalers based in Melbourne and Sydney, and builds direct relationships with local growers during the summer months, ensuring that produce is not only certified but also exceptionally fresh and flavourful. The store’s philosophy is that organic food, while reflecting the true cost of ethical production, should be celebrated rather than seen as a luxury. By dealing directly with dedicated farmers and producers, the business ensures fair prices for growers while providing Canberrans with food that is free from synthetic chemicals and grown in living, healthy soils.

The range of house-made raw products sets Organic Energy apart from a typical greengrocer. Every raw cracker, kale chip, and dessert slice is prepared in-house with meticulous attention to dietary inclusivity – all items are vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free by nature. This in-house creativity extends to the educational offerings, with raw food classes that empower customers to take their health into their own hands. Together, these elements create a holistic shopping experience that nourishes the body and educates the mind, all under one roof.

Product Range and Quality

The breadth of products available at Organic Energy is impressive. Customers can browse detailed categories including fruits such as Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, and Pink Lady apples; Cavendish bananas; Hass avocados; seasonal berries; citrus; stone fruit; melons; and grapes. The vegetable selection spans brassicas, root vegetables, salad greens, potatoes, onions, garlic, and a full range of fresh herbs. Each item is clearly labelled by weight or unit pricing, with organic and conventional options transparently marked so shoppers can make confident decisions based on their preferences and budget.

Beyond fresh produce, the dried fruit, nut, and seed selection provides pantry staples such as almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, macadamias, pecans, pepitas, pine nuts, sultanas, currants, moist prunes, and mango. The store also stocks eggs, oils, and juices, rounding out the essentials for a wholefood kitchen. The raw food cabinet is a destination in itself, filled with sweet and savoury options that change with the seasons and creative inspiration. For those seeking a true superfood, the organically grown wheatgrass – available both as fresh trays and in juice form – remains one of Karen’s signature offerings that has helped define the store’s identity since its early days.

Location and Atmosphere

Nestled within the beloved alternative hub of the Griffith Shops, 8A Barker Street offers a shopping experience that feels both friendly and purposeful. The store is clean, well-organised, and exudes a welcoming atmosphere that makes browsing a genuine pleasure, as noted by countless customers who describe their visits as the highlight of their week. The layout allows easy exploration of the fresh produce displays, the raw food cabinet, the juice bar, and the extensive dried goods section without feeling cramped or rushed. The staff’s warmth is frequently mentioned in reviews, with special praise for their kindness towards families and children, as well as their expert knowledge that helps even the most confused shopper find exactly what they need.

Public transport access is convenient, and the location includes considerations for cycling, with bike-friendly surroundings that align with the store’s eco-conscious ethos. The Griffith Shops area itself adds to the charm, offering a village-like cluster of local businesses where Organic Energy has been a cornerstone for nearly four decades. Whether visitors are stopping by for a quick juice, picking up a pre-ordered delivery box, or spending time exploring every shelf, the store’s atmosphere turns a simple grocery trip into an uplifting ritual.

Operating Hours

Organic Energy observes consistent weekly trading hours to serve the Griffith community and beyond. The store is open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 6:00pm, providing ample opportunity for both morning and afternoon visits. On Saturdays, trading hours run from 8:30am to 5:00pm, allowing weekend shoppers to stock up on fresh organic goods. The store is closed on Sundays and all public holidays, a rhythm that allows the team to rest while maintaining the freshness and quality standards for which they are known. For those using the online store for home deliveries, the weekly order cut-off every Tuesday at 9am helps customers plan their shopping conveniently, with the friendly phone line always available for special requests or late orders.

Commitment to Organic Certification

Maintaining organic certification since 1996 is no small feat, and Organic Energy wears this achievement as a badge of trust. To be a certified organic retailer, the business submits to regular inspections by recognised certification bodies that scrutinise every aspect of the supply chain. This process verifies that certified organic and biodynamic farms – from which the store sources – undergo years of rigorous soil testing, chemical-free cultivation, and continuous compliance before achieving their status. For customers, this means every apple, bunch of basil, or bag of almonds carrying the organic label is backed by a system of accountability that starts on the farm and continues through to the shop floor.

The store’s commitment extends to transparency around conventional produce as well. When seasonal local produce is available that has not undergone the full certification process, it is clearly marked as conventional, allowing customers to choose based on full disclosure. This honest approach educates the community about the realities of organic farming while supporting local growers who may be transitioning to organics or producing excellent food without the official label. Karen’s decades-long advocacy ensures that the conversation around organic food remains grounded in both science and soil, inspiring new generations of conscious eaters.

Community and Education

Community is at the heart of every initiative at Organic Energy. The raw food preparation classes are a prime example of how the store goes beyond retail to foster genuine learning. Conducted with a Canberra-based health expert, these hands-on sessions demystify raw vegan cuisine, showing participants how to create satisfying meals that harness the full nutritional potential of uncooked, plant-based ingredients. Attendees leave equipped not just with recipes but with a deeper understanding of how a high-raw diet can support overall wellbeing, energy levels, and vitality.

The store’s digital presence also serves an educational purpose, with a blog and recipe section that shares seasonal inspiration, health tips, and updates on new products. Social media channels keep the community connected, while the email newsletter delivers updates directly to inboxes. This multi-layered approach builds a supportive network where customers feel informed and encouraged rather than simply sold to. Combined with the in-store staff’s willingness to share knowledge, Organic Energy creates an environment where learning about organic food is as natural as eating it.

Home Delivery and Online Shopping

The home delivery service has been refined over years to offer maximum convenience without compromising the careful selection that defines the in-store experience. Covering all Canberra suburbs and surrounding regions, the weekly delivery service allows customers to order online through a clean, intuitive shop interface or to call the store directly. The online shop clearly lists products by category, with transparent pricing and weight options, so customers can build their basket with confidence. Delivery logistics are handled with the same attention to detail as the shop floor, ensuring that produce arrives in peak condition and that any special instructions are followed.

Customer service stands behind every delivery: if something in an order does not meet expectations, the team encourages a call as soon as possible after delivery to make things right. This responsive, personal touch in an increasingly automated world reinforces the family-run values that have defined Organic Energy since 1986. The 9am Tuesday cut-off for online orders provides a reliable weekly rhythm, while the phone line remains open for late additions or unexpected needs, proving that flexibility and care sit at the core of this service.

Ethical Sourcing and Sustainability

Every purchasing decision at Organic Energy reflects a deep consideration for the land, the farmers, and the broader ecosystem. The store’s five certified organic and biodynamic wholesalers, based in Melbourne and Sydney, represent supply chains that prioritise soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare. During Canberra’s summer months, local farms supply seasonal produce, reducing food miles and strengthening the regional food economy. This dual approach ensures a consistent year-round supply while celebrating the unique flavours that come from nearby soils and microclimates.

The philosophy is clear: organic food costs more because it reflects the true cost of food production – fair prices for farmers, no damage to the land or water through synthetic chemicals, and protection of human health. By choosing organic, customers become active participants in a system that rejects cheap shortcuts in favour of long-term sustainability. Organic Energy’s enduring presence in Griffith proves that this model is not just idealistic but commercially viable and deeply valued by a growing community of conscious consumers.

Quality Customer Experience

Customer feedback consistently highlights the exceptional experience of shopping at Organic Energy. Reviews describe a team that is genuine, friendly, and exceptionally skilled at creating a pleasant atmosphere – even going out of their way to interact warmly with children and make every family feel welcome. The cleanliness and organisation of the store receive frequent mention, as does the outstanding quality of the produce itself. One reviewer notes that the store offers consistently high-quality, fresh, and ethically sound products that make every visit a pleasure, while another shares that the weekly trip to stock up on safe, nutritious organic goods is a much-anticipated ritual.

The combination of superior product knowledge and approachable service means that no question is too small. Whether a customer is curious about the difference between biodynamic and organic certification, seeking recipe ideas for a newly discovered ingredient, or needing help with a home delivery order, the staff respond with expertise and genuine enthusiasm. This level of care transforms shopping from a transactional chore into a meaningful exchange, building loyalty that has sustained Organic Energy for nearly forty years and promises to carry it forward for many more.