Gesundheit (good health) is a national obsession in Germany, so health nuts will be right at home in Berlin. You won’t need to search hard for gluten-free, diabetic-friendly and organic goods.

Large organic supermarkets such as Bio Company, EO Biosupermarkt, VIV Biofrischemarkt and LPG (which stands for ‘lecker, preiswert, gesund’ or ‘delicious, economical and healthy’) have a wide range of fresh fruit and veg, cheese, biscuits and sliced meats from certified organic suppliers, and usually a bakery selling scrumptious bread and pastries. Even budget supermarkets, such as Aldi, have a decent selection of organic goods, and nationwide pharmacy chains, such as Rossmann, stock organic ranges, including baby food, tea, and breakfast cereals.

Some local organic stores, particularly in Kreuzberg, offer the same goods at competitive prices, notably Himmel und Erde Naturkost, which is also right next door to the organic wine store, alles fließt (see Alcohol).

If hunger pangs strike while browsing the aisles you’ll be well catered for at EO Biosupermarkt’s adjacent bistro, while Naturkost Konstanza in Wilmersdorf serves vegetarian meals between 12:00 and 15:00. Biolüske in Steglitz is the first organic supermarket with an integrated cooking studio, where you learn to make exotic meals under the guidance of an expert before enjoying the fruits of your labour over a glass of good organic wine (evening courses from €79; book ahead as they tend to sell out).

Some organic shops also offer home delivery – the efficient Naturkost-Lieferservice takes orders over €25 by fax or phone, for a €3.50 delivery fee and an extra €1 if they have to carry your goods up several flights of stairs. Märkische Kiste delivers fresh veggies, eggs, beer, wine, bread and dairy goods to anywhere in Berlin and Potsdam (€1.89 delivery, plus €8 refundable deposit for the box).
For the ultimate farmers’ market experience, head to Domäne Dahlem, a 15 hectare working farm/open-air museum, not far from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Farmers gather here to sell their organic goods on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings, but there is also a range of inedible goods, such as flowers and sheepskins.

It is not simply food that is taking an increasingly eco-friendly edge in Berlin. When you hit the sack, why not slip into earth-friendly, organic cotton sheets from Grüne Erde – the multi-level store has everything, including well-known German cosmetic brands made with organic ingredients, such as Dr Hauschka and Weleda.