Healthy Options: A Specialty Wellness Retailer
Healthy Options is not a regular supermarket, but a specialized retailer focusing exclusively on premium, all-natural, and organic products for a holistic healthy lifestyle. The company, founded in the Philippines in 1995, has become a market leader by offering an expansive and curated selection of goods that cater to health-conscious consumers. Its inventory includes a wide array of items, from dietary supplements and organic pantry staples to natural beauty and personal care products. By prioritizing products free from artificial preservatives, additives, and harmful chemicals, Healthy Options positions itself as a trusted source for consumers looking to make informed and better choices for their health.
More Than Just Food: The Healthy Options Product Range
While natural food is a major component of its business, the store’s offerings are far more diverse, touching upon multiple aspects of wellness. Their shelves are stocked with products that are often hard to find in conventional stores, providing a convenient and comprehensive shopping experience for those committed to a natural lifestyle. The breadth of their selection is a key differentiator in the market.
Supplements and Vitamins
This is a cornerstone of the Healthy Options business. The store offers a vast selection of high-quality dietary supplements and vitamins, catering to various health needs. Since 1999, they have partnered with Vitamer Laboratories, a US FDA registered pharmaceutical company, to manufacture their own in-house brand of supplements. The categories include:
- Bone and joint health supplements
- Immune support vitamins
- Herbal remedies
- Specialized products for weight management and sports nutrition
- Kids' supplements, like chewable vitamins
Organic Food and Pantry Essentials
Healthy Options is a haven for individuals seeking organic and wholesome food items. Their grocery section is designed to provide clean-eating alternatives to everyday staples. A customer can expect to find:
- A wide variety of organic fruits and vegetables
- Specialty grains and flours, such as those from the brand Bob's Red Mill
- Pantry items like nut butters, almond milk, and apple cider vinegar
- A selection of sugar-free and gluten-free snacks, cereals, and candies
- Gourmet ingredients and specialty food items sourced globally
Natural Beauty and Personal Care
The store extends its natural philosophy to personal care, stocking a wide range of beauty products free from harsh chemicals. Customers can explore:
- Cruelty-free cosmetics and hair dyes
- Natural skincare, including cleansers, toners, and oils
- Environmentally-friendly feminine and baby care products
- Aromatherapy essentials and diffusers
A Filipino Success Story: The Origins of Healthy Options
The company was founded by Romy Sia and Christian Tan in 1995, inspired by a personal need. Sia's son developed a severe food allergy, and the family found it challenging to find food free from artificial additives in the Philippines. This frustrating search led Sia to open the first store in Shangri-La Plaza, with the mission of making clean and natural living accessible to Filipinos. This origin story highlights the company's commitment to quality and integrity, as it was born from a genuine desire to solve a personal health challenge.
Why Choose Healthy Options?
Customers are drawn to Healthy Options for several compelling reasons, which set it apart from conventional retailers:
- Quality Assurance: The store is known for its rigorous selection process, ensuring that products meet high standards for natural and organic integrity.
- Specialized Expertise: The staff are often knowledgeable about the products and can provide guidance to customers with specific dietary needs or health goals.
- Community and Advocacy: Healthy Options actively promotes a conscious lifestyle through campaigns advocating for sustainable farming, cruelty-free beauty, and reducing food waste.
- Convenience for Health Buffs: It serves as a one-stop-shop for individuals and families on a natural diet, saving them from having to visit multiple places to find specialized items.
Healthy Options vs. Conventional Supermarkets
| Feature | Healthy Options | Conventional Supermarket |
|---|---|---|
| Product Focus | Exclusively all-natural, organic, and premium wellness products. | Broad range of products, including processed foods with additives and preservatives. |
| Sourcing | Globally sourced, high-quality, and often specialized or imported products. | Primarily local and mass-produced goods, with limited organic or specialty sections. |
| Target Customer | Health-conscious individuals, vegans, athletes, parents, and those with allergies. | General public, catering to a wide variety of tastes and budgets. |
| Additives | Strict policy against artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, and GMOs. | Standard inclusion of chemical additives and preservatives in many products. |
| Price Point | Generally higher prices due to premium, imported, and organic sourcing. | Lower prices for most mass-produced goods. |
Conclusion: A Hub for Conscious Living
In summary, Healthy Options is a specialized health and wellness retailer that has become the largest of its kind in Asia by catering to the discerning health-conscious consumer. It is a store designed to support a lifestyle of intentional, natural living, offering far more than just organic food. With a wide selection of supplements, pantry goods, and personal care products, Healthy Options serves as a comprehensive hub for those who prioritize their health and the environment. Its success is built on a foundation of providing quality, natural products that empower people to take control of their well-being, a vision that has resonated strongly since its inception in 1995. The growth of this store highlights the increasing demand for cleaner, more sustainable product choices among modern consumers.
For more information on living a healthy lifestyle, the World Health Organization (WHO) offers comprehensive guidelines on balanced nutrition.
