Forest Greens Juice Bar: Featuring Food as Nature Intended

As a stay-at-home mom, Annemarie Ranallo, owner of Forest Greens Juice Bar, had always believed in the power of food to heal, energize and bring people together. Her interest in nutrition, whole foods and gluten-free cooking intensified when her oldest son struggled with severe eczema and asthma. Conventional medication failed to alleviate his conditions.

As Ranallo changed her family’s diet and introduced green juices into their daily routines, her son’s symptoms improved, and she observed a remarkable transformation in her family’s overall health. The experience inspired her to open Forest Greens Juice Bar in Lake Bluff in June 2019 with a mission to make achieving wellness through food more accessible for everyone.

Forest Greens sells a variety of bottled cold-pressed juices made fresh daily. The location also features a healthful menu of paleo, vegan and gluten-free foods that include homemade soups available fresh and frozen, acai bowls, salads,  vegan “chicken” and “tuna” salads, power bars and raw desserts. Breakfast, lunch and dinner options are available for grab-and-go or dine-in.

“My hands-on experiences of studying nutrition, and experimenting with whole foods and gluten-free recipes, along with a deep passion for healthy living, gave me the confidence to bring Forest Greens to life,” says Ranallo.

More Than Juice: Making Whole Foods Delicious and Nutritious

Crafting a menu for Forest Greens came easily for Ranallo. “The menu reflects what I personally love to eat—simple, vibrant meals made from real, whole ingredients.” She also gathered community input and learned that many others craved clean, flavorful food they could feel good about.

All menu items are gluten-free, Ranallo emphasizes, and she’s committed to transparency and quality in every step.

Cold-Pressed Juices and Refreshers

 Cold-pressed is a method that extracts juice from fruits and vegetables without heat, preserving nutrients and antioxidants. Seven varieties of juices offer combinations of superfoods, fruits and vegetables to help boost endurance, digestion, energy and more. The cold-pressed bottles of juice are made daily so customers can enjoy the benefits of fresh juice with grab-and-go convenience.

The juices and refreshers—drinks formulated to increase energy, flush toxins and cool the body—are made with whole, clean foods. Ranallo strives to use organic ingredients whenever possible. Common ingredients include coconut water, which offers natural electrolytes. Chia seeds, another ingredient used in many of Forest Greens’ menu items, are packed with fiber and plant-based omega-3s. Spirulina, known for its antioxidant benefits, is another superfood featured in the juices.

Raw, Vegan and Seasonal Offerings

 Some foods on the menu are also made with raw ingredients. “Raw foods are packed with enzymes, vitamins and minerals that can be lost during cooking,” affirms Ranallo. “Eating raw—especially fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds—supports digestion, boosts energy and can enhance overall vitality. It’s not about being 100 percent raw, but about incorporating more living foods into your daily routine.”

The core menu stays the same throughout the year, but Forest Greens also offers seasonal items with fresh, in-season ingredients. They source from local farms and vendors that share their commitment to quality and sustainability. “This helps us keep our offerings vibrant while supporting our local community,” notes Ranallo.

Beyond Food: A Wellness Space

Forest Greens also offers wellness shots, cleanses and coffee.

While she strives to offer healthy, flavorful food, Forest Greens is about more than eating—it’s a space rooted in wellness and intention. Ranallo explains, “We focus on plant-based, nutrient-dense foods made with clean, gluten-free ingredients you can feel good about. Our community-driven approach makes healthy eating feel exciting, approachable and genuinely enjoyable for everyone.”

Looking Ahead

Going forward, Ranallo intends to collaborate with local wellness professionals, potentially open more locations, and offer meal plans and detox packages. “The goal is to continue evolving while staying rooted in our mission of whole-food wellness,” she enthuses.

After experiencing firsthand how good, healthy food can improve well-being, Ranallo is motivated to help others experience that same level of vibrancy—from customers trying their first green juice to regulars that have made lasting lifestyle changes. “Being part of someone’s wellness journey is a privilege, and it inspires me every day,” she reflects.

Forest Greens Juice Bar is located at 123 N. Waukegan Rd., Ste. 100, in Lake Bluff. For more information, call 708-658-4231 or visit ForestGreensJuiceBar.com