Vegan store with several outlets and an online store. Stocks a wide range of products, including faux meat, vegan cheese, snacks, confectionery, drinks, shoes, handbags, jackets, belts, t-shirts and wallets. Moved back to Johnson St after refurbishment, Mar 2019. Instagram: @vegangrocerystoreau. Previously named The Cruelty Free Shop. Reported closed June 2023.
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Last update on 25 Jun 2023 by Guest
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Added by beancurdled on 04 Jan 2015
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38 Reviews
First Review by chocoholicPhilosophe
economydreams
Points +1449
Decent range of stock but far too expensive! - Edit
Every time I come in here I am shocked by the price. They have a decent range of stock and I understand that a lot of their stuff is imported so it’s more expensive for them. However, there are other shops in the city that sell the same things but manage to not make it so you have to remortgage your house to buy something from them.
Read moreFor example, they sell Schmidt’s Deodorant for around $20.20 whereas a local organic shop up the road manages to sell it for $17.95. This is the theme running throughout the shop, everything is a couple of dollars more than other retailers (including independent businesses) in the city. This really adds up if you’re buying a few things! It also adds to the reputation of veganism as being really expensive!
I’m also not a fan of the name “cruelty free” but that’s another story.
Pros: Imported Products , Good Range
Cons: Far too expensive
Guest
amano
Points +169
Coffee Variable - Edit
I have had a couple of good strong soy lattes here.However,on 2 out of 2 occasions first thing on a Saturday morning(last being 24/11/17 we have ordered 2 strong soy lattes and have been served what could only be described as warmed up soy milk.The color/crème was pale and there was absolutely no smell or taste of coffee.A
Read mores this has happened once too often they were both returned.As a Sydneysider, but someone who has lived in Melbourne and visits regularly,I am perplexed by the' good coffee' reputation Melbourne has when this repeatedly occurs at many inner Melbourne cafes.Mind you ,it is extremely difficult to get a well made strong tasting and smelling coffee in Sydney.Fortunately we do have a couple of places that can locally on the Northern Beaches.This serving weak coffee when specifically asking for and paying extra for additional shots is totally unacceptable.Of all places, a Fitzroy vegan establishment should be able to make an acceptable soy latte.This needs immediate attention,certain staff are clearly incompetent/not being trained properly.The chocolate mudcake is good,the pecan slice the first time was good,however too doughy when sampled again on 17/11/17
Updated from previous review on 2017-12-10
Pros: All vegan, Some desserts are excellent
Cons: Too often poorly made coffee
Guest
WoodyAndBertie
Points +866
Yes, it's expensive but... - Edit
...but it does have a wide range of vegan stuff in the one location which has to be a plus...and they are about to move (12th April 2017) to a new store at 124 Johnston Street, Fitzroy which is supposed to be the world's biggest vegan store !
Read more.
(and our dogs love their vegan dog treats)
Pros: Wide range
Cons: The prices - so high !
Guest
PotatoesTho
Points +13680
Where Veganism is a luxury - Edit
The Cruelty Free Shop has a wide range of desirable vegan products where most stock is priced at a premium; the same goods can be found at many other locations at much lower and more affordable prices.
Read moreBest time to shop:
On clearance days when items nearing their best before date are on sale.
Pros: Vegan, Location, Wide variety
Cons: Over priced
Guest
sglcklch
Points +3703
Decent selection despite sticker shock - Edit
I stumbled upon this little store. Selection was good for the limited space. They even have Chinese faux meat products for sale. But I'm sure you can find much better deals at Chinese markets. Likewise, some of the other price tags gave me major stick shock. I can only speak to products originated from the US, and all of them cost more than a double here. I guess this store can be great for those who live nearby and need something quick.
Read morePros: good selection for the tiny space
Cons: pricey
Guest
beancurdled
Points +1675
handy - Edit
A small, bright, and airy shop with a surprisingly diverse range. The selection of vegan cheeses is particularly impressive - from basic pizza melts to artisanal varieties, some of which I'd never even heard of, let alone seen stocked in a store. I also like that they open up boxes of single serve ice-creams like Toffuti Cuties so that you can buy just one to satisfy your cravings. I got choc peanut butter cups and they were awesome! Another product I'd never come across before. I was also happy to see they sell vegan condoms.
Read moreApart from mock items that are also stocked by major supermarkets with big buying power, I found their prices comparable to any other retailer. Service is friendly and laid back. My only quibble is that I came in hoping they would stock some cruelty free make-up in vivid colours, like OCC perhaps. They do stock their own range of mineral make-up but all the colours are drab, "natural" hues...a bug bear of mine when it comes to vegan make-up.
A little update: after a few visits, something that I find a bit unpleasant about shopping here is the sickly sweet smell of the candles they sell. Not appetising at all.
Updated from previous review on 2015-12-17
Guest
Pips
Points +1690
Cool Store Filled With Vegan Stuff - Edit
This place has a ton of vegan stuff. The staff are very knowledgeable. Every store should be like this!!!
Read moreGuest
Rabbitnom
Points +93
Thank you for existing - Edit
All the vegan groceries and fridges. Friendly service and knowledgeable staff. Lovely store both in person and online. Give them your money and get the goodies
Read moreGuest
Aloo
Points +7705
For all your vegan needs - Edit
Welcoming shop where everything is cruelty free! Possibly the biggest range of alternative food, dog food, cosmetics and laundry stock of all the shops in Melbourne. Although some items are more pricey than others, most are reasonable. Given it's location and range, you are bound to find what you need in one trip which is a big drawcard when you may need a particular item for an occasion. You know you will get it (and I reckon you might end up with more than what's on your shopping list). :)
Read morePros: Biggest range, Friendly , Easy to find what you need
Guest
peacewithinthepineal
Points +102
Great variety - Edit
Many things in this shop! Makeup, laundry, snacks, clothing apparel, frozen goods, books, DVDs, body products!!!
Read moreCons: Its not cheap but you get what you pay for.
Guest
chocoholicPhilosophe
Points +865
Not cheap, but an exciting range - Edit
Many of the items available here can be found cheaper elsewhere, but many others cannot be found in any brick-and-mortar shop in Melbourne. It's a small, speciality shop, so the prices are not going to be particularly competitive, but it's worth going in for a browse and treating yourself to something.
Read moreThey have a huge range of vegan cheeses, including some gourmet ones (Miyoko Schinner's), a big selection of mock meats and ready-meals, handbags and wallets, and cookbooks, among many other things. Also vegan marshmallows. I've never been a huge marshmallow person, but when something is no longer an option for you, suddenly you want it, so I bought some last time I was in. If there's a vegan product that you want that they don't stock, it's worth talking to the staff about it, they might be able to get it in for you.
I'm not in the area often, but when I am, I make sure to go in, and I always buy at least a small something, because I want to ensure that Melbourne's only vegan grocer stays in business.
Pros: Amazing product range - all vegan, Really friendly, helpful staff
Cons: On the expensive side
Guest
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