The Pantry

In the age of trendy boutique grocery stores, The Pantry is a salt of the earth, true to its roots and down right excellent local health food store. Think co-op grocery straight out of the 1980s housed in a thoughtfully designed space with modern products and a community feel that reflects the very best of Invercargill.

A non-profit store owned by the South Alive Trust, The Pantry is a recipe for success. All proceeds are invested back into community projects which in turn benefit the very people that shop here. It’s a positive feedback loop that just makes sense and has been a hub for community, sustainability and learning since 2017.

The refillery, café, cooking school, distillery and workshop space are all equally important components of The Pantry.

Tidy rows of jars and bins line the shelves of the refillery and are stocked with grains, dried fruits, coffee beans, oils, flours, spices, beans, nuts, seeds and lollies. The spice section stocks everything from classic black pepper to freekeh, fenugreek and carob. Flours include pea, masa corn, self rising, spelt wholemeal, coconut, sorghum and beyond.

Those with dietary restrictions are anything but forgotten. The Pantry sources an impressive selection of organic, keto, gluten free and vegan products. Travellers too can replenish their stores with nutritious snacks, natural body and cleaning products and a hot meal from the in house café.

The Panty’s café treats are all made on site or sourced from other Invercargill businesses. Organic, fair trade coffee is always available and on most days you’ll find visitors noshing on cakes, wraps and salads which are gluten free, dairy free or vegan, without sacrificing even a smidge of flavour.

The back right section of The Pantry is dedicated to Koha Kai, another non-profit venture that offers cooking courses for disabled adults. Students at Koha Kai provide meals for over 1700 local school children. After honing their skills in the gleaming stainless steel test kitchen, Koha Kai students prepare yummy yet healthy frozen meals which are also for sale at The Pantry.

The distillery section of the shop is reminiscent of a laboratory with beakers, tubes and tools all neatly presented. Novice brewers and those who are nearly ready to go to market, can find everything they need to keep the home brews bubbling. Monthly workshops at The Pantry cover topics such ashome brewing, sourdough bread making and fermentation. There's also ample opportunity to learn new skills and stock up on the supplies needed to implement those skills.

Fresh grocery items will soon be on offer at The Pantry but in the meantime you can order raw milk, buy fresh organic eggs and honey, grind your own peanut butter and reduce your carbon footprint by bringing your own containers. Whether you live in Southland, or are just passing through, The Pantry delights, inspires and fills hungry tummies with lovingly sourced and wholesome food.