Vital Vittles

Tasty, healthy loaves. That’s all we really need.
Pro tip: Berkeley Bowl West sells Vital Vittles, but the loaves are close to half the price at the retail bakery, which is located around the corner. Bonus: The retail shop also sells big, delicious muffins and other baked goods, and it smells amazing. It’s well worth a trip during their business hours, for both your taste buds and your wallet.

A nearby tea shop wasn’t going to open for another 30 minutes, so I decided to keep walking down San Pablo and found this well hidden gem. Well, secret no more — I am determined to tell everybody about how amazing this little bread bakery is! This is a tiny tiny shop — which reminded me a LOT of Acme bread just a mile away — but without the crowd!
I went in and was instantly in Heaven with the wonderful smells of freshly baked bread. As I was looking through the 8 different kinds of multi-​grain bread, the sweetest (& cutest) lady behind the counter asked me if I needed help. After I replied that I was just browsing, she gave me a yummy sample of their fresh wheat bread. Mmm, so soft and wholesome — I liked it!
I went with the whole grain cinnamon roll and asked if she could warm it up. As she left it warm in the oven rather than microwave (I was in no hurry to leave, indeed more time to smell the amazing baking going on), she gave me an ENTIRE vegan coconut almond muffin to «sample» on. When my friend arrived, she gave her an entire muffin too! Woahh, a small local bakery with such amazing service?! So amazing!
Btw, the cinnamon roll? I could not have made a better choice. First of all — it was a ‘day old’ and only cost me $ 1.50 for a HUGE portion. It was also the perfect treat (especially with my tea!) The whole grain left a super delicious texture of grainy bread. And unlike Cinnabon and the like, this roll had a thinner layer of gooey cinnamon so the roll wasn’t outrageously sweet. Instead, you could really taste and enjoy the flavors of the delicious, fluffy bread. Such a great find! Vital Vittles, you made my hump day Wednesday 50x better.

I’ve driven by this Vital Vittles location many times, but Monday, on the way to Berkeley Bowl West, I noticed a banner up on the building announcing an outlet store. We’d been buying Vital Vittles breads at the Berkeley Grocery Outlet, but it had been hit or miss and the last few times I looked there wasn’t any. I almost made a U-​turn on my way home to check it out, but decided not to. Just as well, because they would have been closed. The store is open Tuesday through Friday from 8AM to 3PM.
Alan and I stopped by this afternoon. They had several different types of breads and a couple of types of muffins. We bought the three seed bread w/​millet, I think, a bran muffin w/​blueberries for Alan and a muffin w/​coconut and almonds for me. The bread will go in the freezer. It’s one of our favorites and will be so much better than the boring wheat bread we had our sandwiches on at lunch today. The muffins will be for breakfast tomorrow and we are looking forward to them. This will be a regular stop for me in the future when our sandwich bread supply gets low.

This is one of my favorite bakeries. There is no pretense here, just really good baked goods. I’m a huge fan of their whole grain breads. Nutritious baked goods, that smell good and tastes even better. The operation is wide open so you can see much of what they do. The staff is friendly, making the whole experience a treat.

Just coming here is a treat. i love the smell of fresh baked bread as you walk through the door and the energy of the bakers doing their thing. The cinnamon rolls are healthy and delicious. Not so overly sweet that I feel guilty giving it to my kiddo and yet she LOVES them. I always buy two loaves of bread at a time and stick one in the freezer for later, cause let’s face it, their hours make it hard to get here for most people. And I think their sliced bread is way better toasted. Totally worth a trip. Check the hours before you go.

I came by here expecting something similar to acme. It isn’t really a bakery in the French-​boulange-​messenger-​boy-​with-​baguette-​sticking-​out-​of-​bag sense. There are no baguettes or loaves in paper bags. This bakery is a sliced bread, plastic bag, sold to supermarkets kind of bread.
That said, the bread is lovely. The woman here was very friendly, gave us samples, and smiled a lot. Definitely stop by if you need some healthy and yummy (and vegan!) toast-​making material. Looking for an acme alternative? Skip it.

Time: 2:27pm
Purpose: Driving on San Pablo ave stuck on slow moving traffic with lane merging ahead. Saw the sign and I knew right away what was in store for me. I’m a bread snob also Alvarado street, udi’s and vital vittles are my always go to choices.
Ambiance: Warehouse kind of feel with a entrance all the way in back past their parking lot. Old school feel with equipments you don’t find in modern day bakeries.
Staff: Middle age Asian woman speaks English with no trouble. You can tell she has been there a long time. The rest of the workers just kept on doing what they have to won’t even turn to see who’s up front.
Cleanliness: It’s pretty messy, unorganized but they know where to get their items so I won’t hold them to it. What do you expect old school place is gonna have old school material and equipments.
Eats: Ginger snap cookies 2pc pack 1.00,coconut chocolate chip 2pc pack 1.00,cinnamon roll 1.75,loaf of raisin bread 2.50 for under 7.00 I just load up on my weeks worth. I love the cinnamon roll very tasty soft and moist the lady told me those are sold only that this location can’t be seen in retail outlets they deliver to. Coconut chocolate chip was hard to break apart as I try and it just crumbles on me at least have a piece of parchment wax paper doesn’t cost a lot. Raisin bread was good as the slices were soft I’m eating it now as I write this review.
Products: Muffins, bread loafs (assorted flavors), cookies, gluten free bars… that’s all I can see while there maybe there are more items not put out yet.
Expectations: Cheaper than if you were to buy it at a local grocery store. Even day old items are just as good I’m glad to find this place it will be my go to carbo load from now on. Even though place looks run down don’t think of it as bad its a sign that they’re around for a long time the quality shows over time. Parking can be found out front as the area is like 75% empty parking everywhere. Cash only so don’t go in thinking to swipe card not going to happen.
Final Thoughts: I kind of reminds me of a place in SF Chinatown how fortune cookies are made and so on premises. I like these kind of places because its basic with nothing fancy about them just healthy eating with no guilt.

Fantastic baked goods… healthy and delicious. While being in exile from the Bay Area, this was the ONE thing I would request that friends ship to me: SESAME MILLET ROLLS.
Great prices. Staff is always friendly and attentive. Thank you!

Some of my very favorite sliced bread. I can’t count the ways I use Vital Vittles bread.
First off, they’re whole history is amazing; always all organic, freshly milled, dairy-​free, and 100% whole wheat. What’s not to love? Before you even walk into the place, the smells are overwhelming with the scent of milled flour and warm bread and baked goods. And when you walk in, the entire mill is on display and you can see everyone hustling and handmaking the bread at every part of the process. Not to mention, the employees are SUPER nice and helpful. I love walking in and seeing them smile at my arrival.
Seriously, you can’t go wrong with whatever you pick. There are so many varieties of bread – either sweet or savory. Personally my number one favorite is the sesame-​millet sliced loaf. The whole millet grains stud each slice and give it a nice crunch. I definitely love their raisin bread – perfect for morning toast with butter and jam. Their Russian sourdough is awesome too! It’s super tart and flavorful, and lasts so long. If you’re looking for something on the savory side, the corn bread is also very very good and not lacking in corn flavor at all.
The freshly baked muffins and cookies are amazing too. Anything with chocolate and coconut. The muffins are super moist and chock full of flavor without being too sweet. You can tell that it’s healthy, but still indulgent too.
Be sure to check out their day-​old section too. They have discounted loaves that are still perfectly tasty.
I love Vital Vittles!

LISTEN UP!
Vital Vittles Delivers
Throughout the USA
Probably throughout the World
Though I’ve yet to test them on International Delivery.
So, you have absolutely no excuses not to eat a healthy lunch. No reason to wolf down that nasty little cholesterol laden scone from (mention big chain here.)
I wanted to bring a box of whole wheat organic rolls (with no trans-​fats) to the hardworking veterinarians at UCDavis. You know, the ones who are too busy caring for your critter to remember to care for themselves. Lunch on the run seems to happen frequently when there is a Code Blue on a blood hound. Or respiratory failure in a rabbit. Asthma attacks in an aardvark?
I’m sure the vets at UCDavis have seen it all. Except lunch. They forget lunch.
So…
I ordered up a box of Vital Vittles «Organically Great» rolls. Had them sent to my house so that I could deliver the munchies in person. When Smiley goes in for his next appointment on Wednesday. The packages of rolls arrived today via truck.
Fresh.
Popped them in the freezer.
They will be delicious upon arrival on Wednesday at noon
And should be scarfed up by students, veterinarians, residents
The whole needy batch of bipeds who care for your quadrupeds.
Unless of course I eat all of them first. Which could happen. Yummy, yummy in my tummy…
Hold the thought: VITAL VITTLES DOES DELIVER NATIONWIDE (for a very small fixed price delivery charge.)
Check their website it you want to give it a try,

Vital Vittles was established in 1976 by Joe & Kass Schwin, in 1980’s they were joined by the Tran family. Together they produced 100% whole grain bread on their own original natural, granite stone mill. The flour grinds the day before it is used for baking, to insure freshness. It was recently Huong Tran developed a complete line of VEGAN pastries.
Various grocery stores in the Northern California carry their bread, but you can visit them at a small store front in Berkeley. Here they provide baked goods which are only offered at this particular store. Alongside are some day old breads and pastries. If you don’t mind eating day old, the price is reasonable and taste as good (1.75-$ 2.00).
Raisin Roll (VEGAN) was delicious especially when toasted and smothered with Earth Balance Butter.
Real Roll (VEGAN)…even if it’s 100% whole grain, I prefer it not to taste like it. It was too wholesome for me.
Chocolate Blueberry Muffin (VEGAN) was to die for. Try it out.
Banana Nut Muffin (VEGAN) had a good balance of nuts and bananas. It wasn’t quite moist but was great with Coffee as a breakfast treat.
Cinnamon Roll was NOT vegan.

LOVE their 9 grain and 12 grain breads.
I can’t wait to go buy some more, just simply amazing taste. Sometimes I even eat it just out of the bag, no toasting, no butter, no jam, nothing. Just pure goodness.
THANKS YOU GUYS FOR MAKING THE BEST BREAD IN BERKELEY!!!

The reviewers know what they are talking about!
This easy-​to-​miss hole-​in-​the-​wall is a gem offering super bargains. Just go to Whole Foods and you’ll see when you compare prices!
The blueberry muffins are my favorite. I was initially discouraged by their brown-​wheaty look but they are very tasty. They are hearty and moist and, despite their whole wheat constitution, do not taste anything like cardboard. I am convinced they are healthy too!
Among the breads, I like raisin best.
Unfortunately since I live on the Peninsula, their hours are prohibitive for me. I am jealous of all you Berkeley folks…

Bread is fresh and amazing. Read their website about how they hand make their bread and when you go in there you can see the whole operation! Yep they sure do make em by hand!
OMG the smell walking into this place was unreal. I just wanted camp out all day. They have day old bread for half price too. Ask for the fresh muffins too! They are to die for! Also the whole grain cinnamon roll is one of the best I have ever had. You get the nutty whole grain taste but with the pure goodness of a cinnamon roll. Soooo amazing!!!
Also purchased a fresh loaf of whole grain raisin bread. Went home, demolished he cinnamon roll and then made french toast with the raisin bread. Mmmmmmm
This place isn’t the most noticeable driving down the street and looks shut down. Dot worry. Just walk to the right of the sign, past all the delivery truck and you will see a screen door that says open. Think Mr Miagi’s house form Karate Kid! Haha
Check this place out.

I am seriously picky with muffins. Lots of times I just rip the top off them and then sadly stare at the bottom, wondering what to do with it. I’d be like Elaine from Seinfeld and try my best to make top-​only muffins.
That was before my weekly muffin fix with Vital Vittles, which I catch Thursdays at the North Berkeley farmer’s market.
I’ve tried banana nut, pumpkin, coconut, blueberry bran, raisin bran, and mint poppyseed. All have me wanting the whole muffin, not just the heavenly top. The top of these muffins is nice and crispy instead of squishy and is practically like a cookie, and the bottom is flavorful muffin-​y goodness. I’ve bought these for coworkers and friends, and they all agree.
Thank you, Vital Vittles, for solving my muffin problem. Top of the muffin to you.

The 12-​grain bread is my favorite loaf of bread available in Berkeley.
The smell of a toasted slice really turns me on.

I could crave the banana walnut all day.
Tried this $ 2 steal today at the Berkeley farmer’s market on MLK x Derby. Wow. Chock-​full of banana chunks, moist, oatmeal-​y, and totally satisfying. This is good quality, pure wheat/​grain goodness! How can anyone say carbohydrates are bad for you after eating this?
Props for being un-​knowingly vegan-​friendly, having fresh hearty whole-​grain products, and a million flavors of muffins for me to try next (banana walnut, check; also, coconut, chocolate coconut, a pecan roll, blueberry flax amongst others)…

Vital Vittles has big organic, whole grain vegan love for YOU! While I confess that my absolute favorite bread is Acme’s seeded sourdough baguette — life would be so much less delicious if I didn’t have Vital Vittles baked goods in my kitchen. Great products available at most local groceries in the East Bay — a «do not miss»!

I am in desperate need of your coconut muffin! Which apparently other people are as well, since it’s almost impossible to get at Farmer’s market these days. I also love your poppyseed muffin, which has a surprise kick, mmm
I must admit the first few times I bout your loaf bread I did not know it was vegan! Once I noticed, I was super thrilled… vegan bread and muffins, I am in heaven!
The millet bread is probably my favorite. I love light toasting it with a little honey or almond butter on top, YUM.
Kudos to you for mastering the art of vegan bread and pastry making!

Half of my daily fiber intake probably comes from their bread. Everything Vital Vittles bakes is made with their freshly-grind-every-morning-100%-wholewheat flour. All their bread are packed with fiber and deliciousness. They have at least 12 types of sliced bread, different muffins, cookies, cakes (sold by the slice) and cinnamon buns. Everything is wholewheat and dairy free (mostly vegan but some items have honey as a sweetener). I especially love their seasonal persimmon bread, but they are only available for 6 weeks or so around Decemeber. And unfortunately Christmas only comes once a year =(
Their products are over-​priced at supermarkets tho, so get them at the Farmers Market on Tue, Thur, or Sat in Berkeley, or at their bakery on San Pablo. If they happen to have any day-​olds, those are a even better deal! $ 2.50 for the day-​old, $ 4 for the loaf (compared to $ 5 at Whole Foods and they’re not nearly as fresh)