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375 Lyons Avenue, Newark, NJ

Makola African Market Produce
Premier African Grocer in Newark, NJ

Authentic Flavors of Africa, Right Here in Newark.

Discover premium imported ingredients, fresh tropical produce, and authentic cultural staples. Makola is your family's local source for the tastes of home.

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Years in Newark

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Authentic Products

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Community Rating

100%

Freshness Guarantee

Brass bowls heaped with ground spices — paprika, sumac and dried herbs — on a dark wooden table
Direct Importer

From West Africa to NJ

Our Story

Bringing the Heart of Africa to Newark.

Founded under Charlottfields International Food Distributors, Makola African Market Imports was born out of a deep passion for preserving culinary heritage. We recognized that families in Newark and across New Jersey were searching for the authentic ingredients, rare spices, and fresh tropical produce required to create the true tastes of home.

What started as a vision has grown into a bustling community hub on Lyons Avenue. We take pride in being direct importers, ensuring that everything from our vibrant red palm oil and dried crayfish to our fresh yams and plantains meets the highest standards of quality and authenticity. We aren't just a supermarket; we are a bridge connecting our local community to the rich, diverse agricultural bounty of Africa.

  • Community Focused

    Proudly serving and supporting the vibrant Newark community for over a decade.

  • Direct Importers

    Sourcing directly from farmers and producers across Africa to guarantee authenticity.

Our Aisles

Everything You Need for an Authentic Feast

From fresh staples to rare spices, our shelves are stocked with the highest quality goods imported directly to meet your culinary needs.

Fresh Tropical Produce

Hand-selected weekly deliveries of essential staples including fresh yams, green plantains, cassava, hot peppers, and fresh greens like bitterleaf and ugu.

Authentic Spices & Oils

Elevate your dishes with our extensive selection of Egusi, dried crayfish, Suya spice, locust beans (iru), and premium, unrefined red palm oil.

Imported Meats & Seafood

Hard-to-find proteins essential for rich stews and soups. We carry premium hard chicken, goat meat, authentic stockfish, and smoked catfish.

Pantry & Grains

Stock your pantry with our massive selection of Gari, pounded yam flour, plantain flour, various rice grains, and traditional canned goods.

Health & Beauty

Nourish your skin and hair with natural, imported beauty secrets. We stock raw Shea butter, authentic African black soap, and natural hair oils.

Wholesale Orders

Running a restaurant or catering an event? We offer bulk pricing and special ordering on cases of ingredients, meats, and produce.

On Our Shelves

Brands Our Customers Come Back For

A small taste of what's stocked right now. Select any photo to see the label up close — and remember, the aisles hold far more than fits on one page.

  • Jar of The African King Brand Oblayo dried white corn, labelled 100% natural
    The African King Brand

    Oblayo Dried White Corn

    Dried white corn • 100% natural • Jar

    Whole dried white corn in a resealable jar. Soak it and boil it down as the base for traditional corn dishes and porridges.

  • One litre bottle of African King Zomi palm oil with a yellow cap
    African King

    Zomi Palm Oil

    Approx. 1 litre • Bottle

    Zomi is palm oil gently heated and spiced until it deepens in colour and aroma. This is the everyday bottle for soups, stews and rice dishes.

  • Two litre jugs of The African King Brand Zomi palm oil, marked Product of Ghana
    The African King Brand

    Zomi Palm Oil, 2 Litre

    2 litres • Jug • Product of Ghana

    The same spiced palm oil in a family-size jug, imported from Ghana. The label lists one ingredient and nothing else: 100% palm oil.

  • 13 fl oz can of Peak full cream evaporated milk
    Peak

    Evaporated Milk

    13 fl oz / 380 ml • Can • Full cream

    Full-cream unsweetened evaporated milk in the familiar blue-and-gold can. A pantry standby for tea, coffee, porridge and baking.

  • 125 gram tin of Africa Queen sardines in vegetable oil, a product of Morocco
    Africa Queen

    Sardines in Vegetable Oil

    125 g • Tin • Produit du Maroc

    Moroccan-packed sardines with a ring-pull lid. Three ingredients on the label — sardines, vegetable oil and salt — and a natural source of omega-3.

  • Wrapped 1.5 pound pack of Thomas' Buns Bread from Thomas Star Bakery
    Thomas Star Bakery

    Thomas' Buns Bread

    1.5 lbs / 682 g • Bakery bread

    A generous pack of soft bread buns baked by Thomas Star Bakery. Good with tea in the morning, alongside a bowl of stew, or split for sandwiches.

The Makola Difference

Why Newark Shops With Us

We don't just sell groceries; we provide the foundation for your family's meals. Our commitment to quality, authenticity, and our local community sets us apart from generic supermarkets.

Visit Us Today

Guaranteed Authenticity

We source directly from trusted African producers. No cheap substitutes.

Weekly Fresh Arrivals

Our produce and meats are restocked weekly to ensure peak freshness.

Knowledgeable Staff

Not sure which yam is best for roasting? Our friendly staff is here to help.

Fair, Competitive Pricing

Premium imported goods shouldn't break the bank. We offer honest prices.

Word on the Street

Don't just take our word for it. Hear from the Newark locals who make Makola Market their weekly stop.

"Finally found a place in Newark that carries proper, authentic Egusi and unadulterated red palm oil. The quality is unmatched compared to other local spots. The staff is always welcoming and helps me find exactly what I need for Sunday dinner."

A
Adebayo O.
Newark Resident

"Makola Market is a gem on Lyons Ave. Their fresh produce section is incredible — the yams and plantains are always perfect. I also buy my goat meat here; it's clean, cut exactly how I ask, and always fresh. Highly recommend!"

N
Ngozi E.
Verified Customer

"I run a small catering business and get all my bulk spices and grains from Charlottfields/Makola. Their wholesale pricing is fair, and they never compromise on quality. It saves me trips to the city knowing I have a reliable supplier right here in NJ."

D
David M.
Local Chef

Ready to Cook Something Special?

Whether you're recreating a family recipe or trying a new dish, we have the authentic ingredients you need.

Visit Us

We're Right Here in the Neighborhood.

Store Address

375 Lyons Avenue
Newark, NJ 07112

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Store Hours

  • Monday - Saturday 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
  • Sunday Closed