Our Mission
To improve people’s lives through the products we carry and the foods we create.
Our Story
In 1997, motivated by the power of proper diet and healthy food choices, Aaron Gottlieb and his wife Erica opened Native Sun. As self-described “health educators,” Aaron and Erica set out to improve their own lives as well as the lives of their customers. They sought out the best in organic foods, free of genetically engineered ingredients (GMOs) and other potentially harmful additives. The store soon developed an industry-wide reputation for thoroughly researching its product sources and maintaining the highest product standards. Over the next decade, Native Sun grew, introducing a second location in 2006 and a third in 2015. After 20 years in business, what continues to set Native Sun apart from its competitors is our commitment to exceptional standards of product quality and customer service.
Aaron Gottlieb, Founder
Awards & Praise
Best Health Food Store
Void Magazine, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
Times Union Bold City Best, 2015, 2016, 2017
Folio Weekly, 2003 – 2013, 2016
Jax4Kids.com, 2009
Top 12 Right to Know Grocers
Organic Consumer’s Association’s
“Diligent Dozen,” 2013
Best Healthy Fast Food
Void Magazine, 2018
Best Snack Food
Void Magazine, 2018
Best Gluten-Free
Jacksonville Magazine, 2018
Best Smoothie + Juice Bar
Jacksonville Magazine, 2018
Best “Health-Conscious Eats”
Jacksonville Magazine’s Fabulist, 2018
Companies That Care
Jacksonville Magazine, 2009 – 2011, 2017 – 2018
Best Organic Cuisine
Folio Weekly, 2009-2011
Socially Responsible Retailer Award
Natural Products Association, 2010
Best Vegetarian Cuisine
CW 17, 2018
Folio Weekly, 2010
Jacksonville Magazine, 2009
Best Organic Goods
Jacksonville Magazine, 2010
Snail of Approval Award
Slow Food First Coast, 2010
Best Organic & Health Foods
CW 17, 2018
Natural Food Retailer of the Year
WholeFoods Magazine, 2008
Best Healthy Eating
CW 17, 2018
Times Union, 2016, 2017
Top 50 Retailer Award
Better Nutrition Magazine, 2008
100 Top Shops
Jacksonville Magazine, 2004
Editor’s Choice Award
Water’s Edge Magazine
Top 100 Health Food Stores
Health Food Business