Nov. 8, 2023

This paid piece is sponsored by Pomegranate Market.

It’s a big meal – but it doesn’t have to leave you feeling less than healthy.

As you plan your Thanksgiving feast, there are local, natural alternatives to many of your favorite dishes – and putting the meal together is as simple as a trip to Pomegranate Market.

“You can be health-conscious and address guests with dietary restrictions while also enjoying an amazing Thanksgiving meal,” general manager Matt McFarland said. “Essentially any element of your dinner, we’re able to help deliver with a more natural or organic approach.”

 The turkey

It doesn’t get more local than selecting a turkey from a local farm.

Pomegranate Market works with Ferndale Market, which is near the Twin Cities, to offer natural free-range turkeys.

“A lot of turkeys will be pre-injected or dipped in a broth first, which can be challenging to those with dietary needs,” McFarland said. “This is a natural turkey, which is great, so if a customer is coming in with gluten sensitivity, for example, they have a turkey that meets that need.”

There also are other organic turkeys, so there’s an option for every taste and budget, he added.

“For the same market price you might pay elsewhere, you can get a free-range turkey.”

The sides

Think of your favorite Thanksgiving side dish, and chances are the team at Pomegranate Market can help you source natural ingredients for it.

“I’ve been ordering for the holidays, so we are stocked up and know what people are looking for,” said Natalie McFarland, Pomegranate Market’s grocery manager.

“We’ve made it really easy to walk in the store and find what you need right in front or along the perimeter.”

 

The Pomegranate Market team can help you find green beans, corn, crispy onions, stuffing, cranberries and broth to help complete your meal.

Or, let the Pomegranate Market Bistro do the cooking for you.

“We’re pre-making many sides in the Bistro, so that will offer more convenience if you don’t feel like cooking,” said Josh Heesch, Pomegranate Market’s marketing coordinator.

“You can order everything from garlic and herb rosemary mashed potatoes to turkey sage gravy, vegan mushroom gravy, green bean almondine salad and sweet potato casserole.”

Order by Nov. 15 for pick-up Nov. 17-22. Stop in the store at or order online here. 

The sweets

While you’re at the Bistro, pick up a homemade apple crisp, vanilla bean or pumpkin cheesecake for dessert. Or, enjoy a locally made gluten-free pumpkin pie from Heart of the City Bakery.

“We also have crusts available for those who want to bake their own pies, including gluten-free, plus we offer baking flour, organic and local eggs and other dairy products from local vendors and local farmers,” Natalie McFarland said.

“It’s just a great way to put together a natural Thanksgiving meal.”

And, of course, Christmas is right around the corner. So when you stop in the store, look for Christmas items including fun chocolates and candy canes – while supplies last.

Enter to win

What’s the only thing that makes Thanksgiving dinner even better? How about getting all or some of it for free?

“This year we’re doing a new giveaway raffle, where people can sign up multiple times for to win five prize, from gift cards up to a full Thanksgiving dinner,” Heesch said.

The giveaway ends Nov. 15 and winner will be drawn Nov. 16-17. To enter online, click here.