These Amish Grocery Stores In Illinois Are Known For Their Amazing Homemade Fare
When I think of the Amish communities in Illinois, I can’t help but picture the simplicity and authenticity they bring to everyday life. Their grocery stores, in particular, are nothing short of amazing for anyone who truly values quality, homegrown food.
There’s something about walking into a store where the air is filled with the irresistible scent of freshly baked bread, and every corner is stocked with jars of homemade jams and cheeses that taste like they were crafted just for you.
These aren’t your typical grocery stores; they’re a glimpse into a world where food is made with care, using time-honored recipes passed down through generations.
The bulk foods, the rustic treats, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere make shopping at these Amish stores in Illinois an experience unlike any other. If you’re looking for something more than just a quick grocery run, these spots will leave you with a new appreciation for homemade, honest food.
1. Shawnee Country Store – Ava
When you pull up to Shawnee Country Store in Ava, you will immediately notice how different it feels from your typical grocery run.
The building itself has that authentic country charm that makes you want to explore every corner, and trust me, you will want to because this place is packed with goodies. Located at 133 Foss Rd, this store has become a favorite stop for locals and travelers alike who crave real, honest food.
The baked goods section will make your mouth water before you even get close. Fresh pies, cookies, and breads line the shelves, and everything is made from scratch using traditional recipes passed down through generations.
The aroma alone is worth the trip, but once you taste their cinnamon rolls, you might find yourself planning your next visit before you even leave.
Beyond the bakery, Shawnee Country Store offers an impressive selection of bulk foods, canned goods, and pantry staples at prices that will make you wonder why you ever shopped anywhere else.
The staff is incredibly friendly and always happy to help you find what you need or recommend their personal favorites. Many customers rave about the homemade jams and jellies, which come in flavors you would never find at a regular store.
2. Girods Country Market (Amish) – Oblong
Girods Country Market sits right in the heart of Amish country at 17227 N 2250th St in Oblong, and it has earned a reputation as one of the best places to find authentic Amish products in southern Illinois.
The market is run by an Amish family who takes tremendous pride in offering quality goods that reflect their values of hard work and craftsmanship. Every item on their shelves tells a story of tradition and dedication.
What sets Girods apart is their incredible variety of homemade cheeses.
From sharp cheddar that has just the right bite to creamy Swiss that melts perfectly on sandwiches, cheese lovers will think they have found paradise.
They also offer cheese curds that squeak when you bite them, which is the true sign of freshness and something you absolutely must try if you have never experienced it before.
The bulk food section is another highlight, with everything from baking supplies to snacks available in quantities that suit your needs. You can buy as much or as little as you want, which is perfect for trying new things without committing to huge packages.
Their selection of spices, flours, and grains is particularly impressive, and many home bakers make the drive specifically to stock up on hard-to-find baking ingredients.
3. Amish Farmers – Rolling Meadows
Right in the Chicago suburbs at 2122 S Plum Grove Rd, Amish Farmers offers Amish‑sourced products, bringing a taste of the countryside to suburban shoppers.
This location makes it incredibly convenient for suburban families to access the quality and freshness of Amish products without traveling hours away. The store has become a beloved neighborhood spot where people know they can find real food made the old-fashioned way.
Fresh produce is a major draw here, with seasonal fruits and vegetables that taste the way they are supposed to because they are actually ripe and fresh.
The difference between these tomatoes and the ones at your regular grocery store will blow your mind, and once you taste the sweetness of their corn, you will understand why people drive from all over the area. Everything is picked at peak ripeness, which means maximum flavor in every bite.
The bakery section deserves its own paragraph because their baked goods are legendary among regular customers. From dinner rolls that practically melt in your mouth to pies with flaky crusts and generous fillings, everything tastes homemade because it is.
Their cinnamon bread is a customer favorite that often sells out quickly, so smart shoppers arrive early to snag a loaf before they disappear.
4. Beachy’s Bulk Foods – Arthur
Arthur is the heart of Illinois Amish country, and Beachy’s Bulk Foods at 263 N Co Rd 200 E is one of the reasons why food lovers flock to this area. This store specializes in bulk foods, which means you can buy exactly the amount you need without paying for fancy packaging or brand names.
The savings add up quickly, and the quality is often better than what you would find in regular stores because everything is fresh and turns over quickly.
Walking through Beachy’s is like exploring a treasure trove of ingredients you never knew existed. They carry unusual flours, grains, and baking supplies that are hard to find elsewhere, making it a favorite destination for serious home bakers and people with special dietary needs.
Their selection of gluten-free products is particularly impressive, and many customers with food sensitivities rely on this store for safe, affordable options.
The candy section will bring out your inner child with its enormous variety of sweets sold by the pound. From old-fashioned favorites like horehound candy to chocolate-covered everything, you can mix and match to create your perfect candy selection.
The staff is always helpful in suggesting combinations or explaining what different items are, which is great when you are faced with so many delicious choices.
5. Shady Crest Farm Market – Arthur
Shady Crest Farm Market at 2046 N Co Rd 1800 E brings farm-fresh goodness directly from the fields to your table. This family-run market takes pride in offering produce and products that come straight from their farm and neighboring Amish farms, ensuring everything is as fresh as possible.
The connection between the land and your kitchen has never been shorter, and you can taste that freshness in every bite.
During growing season, the produce selection is absolutely amazing with fruits and vegetables picked that morning. The strawberries in spring are sweet enough to eat like candy, and their sweet corn in summer is the stuff of legends among locals.
They also offer U-pick opportunities during certain times of the year, which makes for a fun family outing and ensures you get the absolute freshest produce possible.
The market also features a wonderful selection of homemade jams, jellies, and preserves made in small batches using traditional recipes. These spreads capture the essence of each fruit in a way that mass-produced versions simply cannot match.
Their apple butter is particularly popular and makes an excellent gift for anyone who appreciates real, homemade food. Many customers stock up during their visits because they know these products will not last long once they get them home.
6. Country Bulk Food Store – Arcola
Arcola is another hub of Amish activity in Illinois, and while there are several bulk food stores in the area, the Country Bulk Food Store at 435 E Co Rd 200 N may no longer be in operation under this name.
The concept is simple but brilliant: buy only what you need without paying extra for packaging, advertising, or brand names. This approach results in significant savings, especially on items you use regularly like flour, sugar, oats, and rice.
The store layout makes shopping easy even for first-timers, with clearly labeled bins and helpful staff ready to answer questions. They carry an impressive range of products including baking supplies, snacks, dried fruits, nuts, and specialty items you would never find at a regular grocery store.
Their selection of dried beans and legumes is particularly extensive, perfect for anyone trying to eat healthier or incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet.
One of the best things about Country Bulk Food Store is how it encourages you to try new things without a big commitment. Want to experiment with a new type of flour or grain but not sure if you will like it?
Buy just a small amount to test it out first.
This flexibility makes cooking adventures much less risky and more fun, and you might discover new favorite ingredients you never would have tried otherwise.
7. Villas Country Store – Flat Rock
Villas Country Store at 10354 E 340th Ave in Flat Rock offers a genuine slice of Amish life in a peaceful rural setting. The drive to get there takes you through beautiful countryside that reminds you why supporting local, traditional businesses matters so much.
This store has maintained its authentic character while serving the community for years, and regular customers appreciate that nothing here feels commercialized or rushed.
The homemade baked goods are the star attraction, with everything from bread to pastries made fresh daily using time-tested recipes.
Their dinner rolls are so soft and buttery that they practically disappear at family meals, and their fruit pies have that perfect balance of sweet filling and flaky crust that makes you want another slice. Many people plan their visits around the baking schedule to ensure they get their favorites while they are still warm.
Beyond baking, Villas offers a solid selection of canned goods, preserves, and pantry staples that reflect the Amish commitment to quality over quantity. Their homemade noodles are a customer favorite and make any soup or casserole taste special.
The store also carries locally produced honey, maple syrup, and other specialty items that make wonderful gifts or additions to your own kitchen. Shopping here feels personal and unhurried, exactly the way grocery shopping should be.
8. Miller Farms Discount Grocery – Campbell Hill
Miller Farms Discount Grocery at 915 Calvary Cemetery Rd in Campbell Hill was once a beloved local store, but its current status or location may need to be verified.
This store has built a loyal following by offering excellent products at prices that make you do a double-take because they seem too good to be true. The secret is their direct relationships with suppliers and their commitment to keeping overhead low, which means the savings get passed directly to customers.
The grocery selection is surprisingly extensive for a store in a small town, with everything from fresh produce to frozen goods to pantry staples. They also carry overstocked and closeout items from major brands at deeply discounted prices, which makes treasure hunting part of the shopping experience.
You never know exactly what you might find, but the prices are always right, and many customers make regular trips just to see what new deals have arrived.
What really sets Miller Farms apart is their selection of Amish-made products mixed in with the discount groceries. You can find homemade cheese, bulk foods, and baked goods alongside regular grocery items, giving you the best of both worlds in one convenient location.
This combination makes it possible to stock your entire pantry in one trip while saving money and supporting local Amish producers at the same time.
9. Heartland Bulk Foods – Cuba
Heartland Bulk Foods, located near 20177 N Depler Springs Rd in Cuba, is a popular destination for bulk foods throughout the region. The location might seem remote, but that is part of its charm because you get to enjoy a scenic country drive before arriving at a store packed with amazing products.
The peaceful setting reminds you that good food and simple living go together beautifully.
The bulk food selection here is truly impressive, with seemingly endless options for baking supplies, grains, snacks, and specialty items. Their spice selection alone could keep you browsing for quite a while, with varieties you have probably never seen before and prices that make experimenting affordable.
Home cooks and bakers particularly appreciate being able to buy exactly the amounts they need rather than purchasing huge containers that might go stale before getting used up.
Heartland also features a wonderful selection of homemade goods including jams, jellies, pickles, and relishes made by local Amish families. These products showcase traditional preservation methods and recipes that have been perfected over generations.
The store feels welcoming and unhurried, with staff who actually know their products and can offer suggestions based on your needs. Many customers describe shopping here as a relaxing experience rather than a chore, which is exactly how it should feel.