In autumn, the days grow shorter, the weather shifts, and sometimes even familiar things no longer bring as much joy. In moments like these, you crave something delicious, aromatic, and beautiful—simply a small gift for yourself. It was with this mindset that we visited Erewhon Manhattan Beach.
But Erewhon offers more than just a chance to buy unique groceries. You can also find inspiration for a cozy home, sweets, seasonal drinks, cosmetics, and a variety of personal care products. And we certainly found a few things!
The produce section was an instant reminder that fall doesn’t have to be all gray skies. Green grapes, artichokes, leafy lettuce, vivid tomatoes, and baskets of small tomatoes brought plenty of color to the display. I was particularly struck by how artfully the vegetables were arranged—it looked just like a carefully composed still life at a market.
Nearby, a towering stack of citrus sat above baskets of green figs, with peppers and other produce in the foreground. This is the sort of section where even browsing can be enjoyable.
It’s hard to get by in autumn without a little something sweet!
I don’t think every pick-me-up needs to come with an ambitious plan. Sometimes the appeal is as simple as choosing a chocolate bar that looks a little different from the usual options. Erewhon’s chocolate shelves offered quite a lot to look at, including its own branded bars and colorful packaging from Spring & Mulberry, Wild West, and other brands.
The honey section had a completely different kind of appeal. Rows of Malibu Honey, Erewhon Local Raw Honey, and honeycomb made it easy to imagine a cozy breakfast with toast, yogurt, or a little cheese. The labels and jars were interesting in their own right, though I would check the price and size before picking one.
A few steps away, jars of fruit preserves and jam offered more inspiration. Apricot, raspberry, strawberry, and blackberry flavors stood out, along with some less everyday combinations. A good jam isn’t a cure for a gloomy afternoon, of course, but it can make an ordinary breakfast or dessert feel more like an occasion.
Some of the most inviting finds were the ingredients for treats I could make at home. The baking shelf had vanilla extracts, alternative sweeteners, and ice cream cones. It’s the kind of selection that inspires a low-key plan: make something simple, put on a movie, and call it a good evening.
Frozen fruit was another easy option. Bags of raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, cherries, banana slices, and diced mango could be used for smoothies, yogurt bowls, or a quick fruit dessert. I liked the idea of keeping something colorful in the freezer for days when fresh fruit isn’t what I feel like preparing.
Then there were the ready-to-enjoy sweets. The freezer included GoodPop fruit pops and Alecs Culture Cup ice cream, while the refrigerated dessert case had individual slices of cake and pie. The labels included options such as flourless chocolate cake, cheesecake, coconut cake, and seasonal pies. I didn’t need to try every one to appreciate the variety.
Photo: IMG_8065.jpg — Individual cakes, cheesecakes, and pies in the dessert case.
And what’s on offer for the season? For me, fall and pumpkin spice are a natural pairing. One of the most seasonal details I spotted was a pumpkin beside a sign for a Pumpkin Spice Smoothie made with ingredients including pumpkin puree, spices, and kefir. It was exactly the sort of display that made this visit feel like an autumn outing rather than a routine grocery stop.
The Tonic Bar menu kept the seasonal theme going with a Pumpkin Spice Latte, Apple Cider Chai, and Golden Latte. I liked seeing those choices side by side: one familiar fall favorite, one apple-and-spice option, and another built around ginger and turmeric. Menu items and availability can change, so I’d check what is offered on the day of a visit.
The store also offers drinks to suit any leisure activity. Elsewhere in the store, refrigerated drinks added another splash of color. I found a variety of bottled juices and teas, from Yaupon iced tea and sparkling drinks to brightly colored fruit beverages. Whether I wanted a refreshing sip or just to see something new, the beverage shelves were worth a look.
Another shelf featured Wilderton non-alcoholic aperitifs and Kin drinks. They’re a reminder that an evening treat doesn’t have to be a dessert. A nicely served beverage can be part of the ritual, too—especially if I’m staying home rather than going out.
And what if you’re craving something savory? With honey still on my mind, I paused by the cheese counter, where wedges and wheels of artisanal cheeses offered a wonderful savory alternative. The selection included different styles and textures, and some ready-packed cheese assortments. Paired with fruit and crackers, even a modest cheese plate could turn a quiet evening into something more enjoyable.
But you can treat yourself to more than just food! What made this visit especially interesting was the seamless transition from browsing snacks to exploring personal care products. The cosmetics and body care section offered plenty of intriguing finds—ranging from bar soaps in unique packaging to more understated essentials for daily use. I loved the idea of bringing home something that could make my everyday routines a little more enjoyable. It might seem like a small detail, but even just the introduction of new scents is enough to lift one’s mood.
There were deodorants from brands such as Humble, Salt & Stone, and others, in a range of scents and designs. The oral-care shelf was interesting, too, with Davids tongue scrapers, bamboo toothbrushes, and Cocofloss toothbrushes. Not every everyday purchase needs to be exciting, but it’s pleasant to discover something thoughtfully presented.
According to the American Dental Association, you should replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed, as worn bristles are less effective at cleaning your teeth. Not every everyday purchase needs to be exciting, but it’s pleasant to discover something thoughtfully presented.
The shelves also included balms, salves, and hand sanitizers. A Honey Shine calendula salve display and several small bottles of Erewhon hand sanitizer caught my eye. Fall is also a great time to rethink your skincare routine. As temperatures drop and the air becomes drier, skin can lose moisture more easily, especially when indoor heating comes into play.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, switching to richer moisturizers and gentle skincare products can help prevent dryness and irritation. It’s also a good season to address any lingering skin concerns and prepare for colder weather. Still, I would choose skincare based on its ingredients and suitability for my skin, rather than on big promises from a label.
Finally, the bath and body section offered a relaxing-at-home idea I could get behind: Erewhon Premium Bath Salts alongside OSEA body scrubs and polishes. A warm bath, a favorite fragrance, or just a quiet evening with a little less screen time sounds like a perfectly good way to finish a fall day.
Do You Have to Spend a Lot to Enjoy Erewhon?
Erewhon is positioned as a premium grocery and wellness store, and many products are priced accordingly. That’s worth remembering if, like me, you’re visiting partly for the experience. I don’t think a mood-lifting shopping trip needs a cart filled to the top. One chocolate bar, a small dessert, or a product I’ve genuinely wanted to try is enough to make the outing feel special.
My approach would be simple: wander first, read the labels, compare prices and package sizes, and choose only what I know I’ll use. The fun is in discovering new things, not in buying everything that looks beautiful on a shelf.
A Little Fall Pick-Me-Up, My Way
I didn’t leave with a grand theory about how to beat the fall blues. I left with a reminder that small pleasures matter to me: bright produce, a tempting dessert, a seasonal drink, or an idea for a self-care night. Erewhon Manhattan Beach brought all those possibilities together in one place.
And sometimes, when the season feels a little dull, a change of scenery and a small treat are exactly what I want.
Planning your own visit? Erewhon Manhattan Beach is located at 1700 Rosecrans Avenue in Manhattan Beach, California. Check the store’s current hours and seasonal menu before heading out.