Does anyone shop WHOLE FOODS?

We finally got a WHOLE FOODS MARKET about 30-45ish minutes away from me. Are they priced reasonably? I want to check it out but don't want to waste a trip if they are ridiculously priced (Like many healthier foods can be). I have a$650-$700/month food budget for 2 adults and 2 kids. Is it do-able with WHOLE FOODS MARKET?

Are you by any chance living close to Okla. City? We have a Whole Foods opening here today. I'm wondering the same thing!

my sister has one near her, the prices are a little higher but the choices are better (healthier).

I love Whole Foods. They are a bit more pricey than the typical grocery store; HOWEVER the quality of food at Whole Foods is MUCH better. Mostly organic, very fresh and IMO worth a few extra bucks ($20 for a typical trip). The thing is that my local Whole Foods is 2 miles from my work, so I'm not spending 45 minutes each way just driving there. It is a great store, but if you can get quality healthy foods closer to you home, then I wouldn't make a special trip.

They are a little more pricey but you should be able to fit them in your budget. Like she said above, you can buy the Whole Foods Brand "365".

You mean WHOLE PAYCHECK??? :laugh: Your budget definitely sounds doable! I prefer smaller markets because I don't like crazy crowds. Our WF is always packed. But they have a great selection of things you won't find at other markets. But, then they are over priced on some items. I paid 2x as much for eggs, as I do for the same exact eggs at a smaller organic market. They do have their own store brand and those prices are usually very reasonable as well.

I shop there regularly, but do not buy things there that I can find elsewhere. I go there for things that I cannot find at my nearby redneck WalMart. Grocery shopping was complicated for me before I became vegan. Since being vegan ... nothing has changed. I make my list and go to Whole Foods first. It's the farthest away and most expensive. I'll get things there like specialty seasonings (my redneck WalMart definitely doesn't carry za'atar or sumac, for example), sprouted tofu, bulk items like raw cashews, quinoa, and flax seed. Then I go to Target. Then the fruit stand where I am usually commented on for all my fruits and veggies. Last is WalMart because I hate it so.

One of my friends worked there for 4 years in undergrad and used to joke that people called it "Whole Paycheck". It can be pricey if you're not careful. I've found that the grains (eg. quinoa) are decently priced because they're in bulk and there is a HUGE selection. They definitely have everything you could imagine for special dietary concerns - lactose-free, gluten-free, low-fat, etc. Compared to your local grocer's the meat and produce is more expensive. They have a coupon flyer at the entrance to every store I've been in and you can use that, along with internet coupons from specific brands, to save some $$$.

The 365 brand is the store's brand so all of those products are cheaper. They're a bit more pricey than generic supermarket but if you require organic or have special dietary concerns, then go for it. If not, I find that most of what they sell can be found in your local grocer's. People can get tripped up thinking that organic means lower in fat or calories so beware.

PS: If you have a sweet tooth, I recommend the Late July cookies. They're not exactly kale and spinach with tuna but they're delicious and have a small bit less carbs, calories, sodium and sugar than Oreos.

What are whole foods? I though that means fruit veg meat and fish , and seeds and grains that you can get in any supermarket.Someone educate me please.:embarassed:

I LOVE Whole Foods and shop there for all my fresh foods: meats, veggies, breads, dairy, etc. I save my other shopping for Trader Joes and Safeway (soaps, processed food, etc) and am able to stay in my budget.

After reading Michael Pollan's book Food Rules and realizing how little Americans spend to eat "real food" (less than 10% of income which is the lowest in the nation) I made a commitment to eat out less and spend my money for good, organic, whole food. Food rule #44 is: Pay more, eat less!!

Just know the prices of things you can get elsewhere, as others have said some things are expensive! But overall I'd say they are reasonable on most things. And if they are just opening the new store they will probably have sales!

We finally got a WHOLE FOODS MARKET about 30-45ish minutes away from me. Are they priced reasonably? I want to check it out but don't want to waste a trip if they are ridiculously priced (Like many healthier foods can be). I have a$650-$700/month food budget for 2 adults and 2 kids. Is it do-able with WHOLE FOODS MARKET?

Are you by any chance living close to Okla. City? We have a Whole Foods opening here today. I'm wondering the same thing!

Yes, I am! (:

I keep looking for people who live in or near OKC. Too bad you don't live in OKC, I could use a walking buddy. I hope Whole Foods turns out to be a good place.

Ooooh! Ooooh! I live close to OKC (Yukon)

I agree with what others are saying..I actually just went to my local WF this morning I LOVE it!! The prices aren't always the best, but I find that it's worth it. Sometimes there are really good deals too, today I noticed that the vegan chili I buy at the local Shaw's was $2 cheaper at WF!