Instituto Chao

This nonprofit grocery in Vila Madalena sells organic produce, grains, bread and cheese at cost price – exactly what it pays small farmers, with zero markup. Why it matters: founded in 2015 as an associacao, Instituto Chao makes organic food affordable while paying fair prices to agroecological producers, and it runs on radical transparency – all its expenses are posted by the register and shoppers decide whether to add a voluntary 30% contribution to keep it alive. Browse crates of whatever is in season, grab fresh sourdough and artisanal cheeses, and watch how locals treat the shop as a neighborhood hub as much as a market. Go Tuesday to Saturday in the morning for the best selection, and bring your own bags.