By blog team member, Kiran. To learn more about Kiran, check out our team page!
While some people detest grocery shopping, I actually love it—always have. And so, I consider myself very fortunate to literally have 12 options within a five mile radius of my home. Those options include Trader Joe's and Earth Fare, and the latter one I frequent during most weeks. But occasionally I'll make the 20 minute trek to Whole Foods Market. Because I. Love. It.
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Okay, okay, I know that sounds a bit hokey, but it's something about the environment of the store that I'm particularly fond of, as well as all of the organics, bulk bins, and wide variety. I could go on. I'm often asked how in the world one can shop at Whole Foods Market (WFM) without paying an arm and a leg (have you heard the term "whole paycheck?"). So I'm happy to share some of my tips for saving money while shopping the store. Oh, but first I want to tell you that Whole Foods Market played no part in this article; I'm simply just a fan.
8 Ways to Save at Whole Foods Market
1. Don't buy everything you need. Tempting as it may be, don't do your entire shopping at WFM. By skipping many packaged products and buying just the basics, you can make sure you don't leave with the "whole paycheck" feeling. Sure, you can get lost in the aisles and aisles (and aisles!) of fabulously fancy packaged goods, but unless there's a super sale, skip it.
Plus, much of the packaged products are in fact highly processed and can add up fast. Just because it's offered at Whole Foods doesn't mean it's a real food. You must read the ingredients no matter where you shop. Also, be sure to be selective in the produce department. Again, not everything is organic! Don't assume that just because you are at WFM that it is.
2. Consider the 365 brand. WFM's store brand, 365, has some really good products for some really good prices. I personally love their whole wheat pasta. I've purchased a 16 ounce package of organic whole wheat pasta for $1.39. Their butter is also really good. 365's organic quinoa is priced much lower than other brands, as is their chicken broth. Another note: Don't assume that all 365 products are organic. Be sure to read labels.
3. Shop the bulk bins. Not too long ago, I did a post on buying in bulk from the bins, which ends up not only saving money, but it's also good for the environment. If you don't have a family member with food allergies (who might be affected by cross-contamination), this is a great way to go. Don't forget to make your own nut butter while you're there! And on that note, if you bring your own jars, they do a tare weight (they weigh your jars first and subtract out the weight) AND give you 10 cents off for every jar/reusable bag that you use. Not a huge savings, but I'll take it!
4. Bring your bags. Okay, so it's not going to be a grand savings, but you will get a small discount for doing so, and you're doing good for the planet. So bring your own bags.
5. Health Starts Here. One day while gazing at the prepared foods, I discovered this deal: 4 for $4 Health Starts Here foods. While I'm not always 100% sold on buying just any prepared foods, I do feel good about theirs because they're typically made with whole foods, they contain healthy fats (nuts, seeds, avocados - no oils added), and more.
In a nutshell, you get to choose 4 varieties for just $4. I've gotten everything from quinoa burgers to roasted beets, kale/quinoa salad mixture, an almond butter/kale/cabbage salad, and more. It's a great way to try out different foods (which may give you inspiration in your own cooking!) for a low price.
6. Stack your coupons. I must say that I have not done this a lot myself, but I know they allow it. Basically you can download coupons from their website then look up the product online, and see if you can find more coupons for the same product. Couple them together and you can get some great deals. Note: Different stores have different policies for this. So be sure to inquire within your local store.
7. Tune into your local store. I was in California last year and happened to be at a WFM on a Wednesday, when they had $2 off per pound at their hot/salad bars. I just assumed that every store did this, which I later found out was not true. Stay in touch with your local store and stay abreast of particular savings by following their social media sites. By doing this, you can also take advantage of some really good local one day and weekend sales. For example, my store in Charlotte had $6.99 buckets of grilled or BBQ chicken for the weekend of July 4th—a savings of $3 each. I've also seen bundle sales, specific cheese sales, and a Lent sale (with various fish), etc.
8. And last but not least, don't forget the Kids Club! My kids love going to WFM almost as much as I do, and they also love the many samples along the way and the offerings at the Kids Club. Sign your kids up for a membership, and that way they get to pick a piece of fruit, an applesauce, box of raisins, or a fruit leather up in the front of the store. They always let me peruse much more while they are happily munching.
How do you save money at Whole Foods Market?
Sema says
Just be careful about that bin buying. I've seen too many people sticking their HANDS into the open bins. Only buy from the drop-down bins if you treasure your health.
Linda says
Another tip would be buying organic produce on sale in season and then freezing it to use when prices go up in the off-season. I'm just starting to do this...blueberries are my first experiment.
Lindsey says
Well, sure you'd love grocery shopping if you had access to Whole Foods and places like Trader Joes or EarthFare. What about those of us who'd have to drive 1-2 hours one way to reach those places? All I have within 30 minutes' drive is a small Food Lion (with almost no organic options other than milk and a few boxed cereals). I grow my own, frequent 30-45 minute, once-a-week, get-it-if-you-can farmers' markets and small nurseries to get fresh organic produce.
I always bring my own bags but never get a discount for it-- no one has even heard of it in my town (I moved from a much more metropolitan place).
Once every couple of months I go to TJ's in the city where I'm from but have to bring freezer bags and the like. Whole Foods? Not if I have TJ's.
This was a fine article for those who have access to great stores-- what about those of us who don't?
Julie says
Lindsey, I had that problem too. You should see if Azure Standard delivers to your area. If not, you could try to become a drop location for them.
Lindsey says
Thanks for the tip, but from checking I don't believe they deliver to my area (southern Virginia). :/ Too bad!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hello Lindsey. It sounds like you are doing your best with what you have available! Do consider, as Julie mentioned, stocking up on some staples with what you can find online. And, while I know it is an expense, it does help to have plenty of freezer space to help with stocking up. I totally get it the dilemma. I grew up in a town where the closest "health food" stores where more than an hour away. If I still lived there my shopping would have to be far more well planned. This blogger may help, too: http://wholesomemommy.com/how-to-shop-the-conventional-grocery-store-for-real-wholesome-food/. ~Amy
Lindsey says
Thanks for the tips-- we live in a rural area and have a deep freezer as well as a chest freezer, and a regular freezer/fridge combo. :) The chest freezer usually has wild game (deer / turkey). The deep freezer is my garden veggies and fruits from the yard, as well as homemade biscuits / pie shells / meats and sprouted breads and homemade chicken broth-- as well as stuff I squirrel away from TJs and the like. :) I wish I had more fresh options-- for now I plan, plan, plan. I've found boxed or bagged dry goods from Vitacost (such as coconut oil, sprouted flours, raw honey) are a good bet, too. I appreciate the tips, guys. It takes some getting used to as I loved having such great options nearby in the past!
Anna_PMorgan. says
I have that habit of buying everything in one go! Glad reading this post, I guess it is all about perfect management both financially and logically. I am listing my flaws now; bulk buying,taking no carry bags,carelessness blah blah. Thanks suggestion :)
Natalie says
OT, sorry, but Can I drink cider? Instead of wine? I don't like wine do like cider?
phan nhuom toc says
8 way to save your wallet:)
Devanie says
I see the 365 products show up quite often at a deep discount at Grocery Outlet.
Margaret Anne @ Natural Chow says
I shop at Whole Foods all the time, but you've listed a ton of great ways to save. People always think organic and local food costs too much but if you know how to save then that's gold!
Maggie says
Most stores also have Facebook pages where they will post the one day deals, upcoming sales and events. Good way to keep an eye out for deals.
And I too use Ibotta. Very little work for some savings - it all adds up.
A.M. says
Check your Whole Foods not all allow you to bring your own cantainers. Ours has a big sign in bulk food area that says you CANNOT bring your own containers due to health laws.
Aviva says
I love the whole wheat whole foods pasta better than white pasta. I. Love. Whole foods. Whole. Wheat Pasta! It tastes good with butter. )just a bit) and some salt and pepper
Robin says
I buy whichever fresh bakery bread is on sale or has a coupon in their flyer and ask them to slice it for me. Cheaper than any of their packaged sliced breads and we like the taste better, too.
Camilla says
Great post! I shop a lot at Whole Foods too but really look for deals and use their coupons. If you look for deals they are not as expensive as people think plus I love their 15% off Tuesdays in the Health & Beauty section.
Stefanie says
Good comment on not buying everything there. I have found that the processed food brands they sell are much cheaper in other grocery stores for the same brand. I love the 365 organic pasta sauce. And my huge hang up is dropping $25+ in the tasty cheese dept! So if I can get out of there with only one cheese to try I have done well!
Katy B. says
Currently, there is a promotion through my Amex Blue Card that offers $10 back after spending $75 at Whole Foods (in addition to the 5% cash back I receive for using my card at a grocery store). This may just be a one time promotion, but it is a great one and worth looking in to if you have an American Express card.
Anna V. Lambros says
Loved your suggestions in buying at Whole Foods! I pass it by every time I go to the direction where it is, so that I will not spend any money, but now, I know what to look forand not spend a "whole paycheck!
Thanks,
Sarah says
I love Whole Foods, too! Unfortunately, our closest one is about 45 minutes away, so when we go it's kind of for fun. My husband usually comes with me and we enjoy ourselves a little too much (=spend too much). I can't seem to stay away from the hot bar, either!
Scott Christ says
Great post, Kiran. I love WF, but like other commenters, I tend to stock up on the more expensive items (grass fed beef and wild salmon, for example) when they're on sale. I try and make sure at least half the stuff I buy at Whole Foods is on sale ... then get the rest of what I need at my local farmer's market and Trader Joe's.
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Great approach, Scott. It's definitely possible if you shop the sales and stock up. Thanks for the comment!
Nathan the FFK says
We do a lot of the 365 brand because it's actually cheaper than Walmart for some things! Great tips!
Marjorie says
This is so helpful! Also I love to stock up when they are having specials (ex: grass-fed beef). I have a deep freezer, so that helps.
Funrun says
I guess I'm lucky our local grocery stores carry organic produce, fruits, meats, poultry, dairy, etc for reasonable prices and most of the produce and meats & dairy is locally grown & raised. Their daily non-sale prices are far cheaper than buying similar products at WF. The local stores also put their organic products on sale quite a bit so I stock up on the things that I can when they're on sale. I only buy my vitamins at Whole Foods. I would buy them on-line for a slightly cheaper price but I always procrastinate on buying them until I'm completely out so I need them right away.
Megan says
Another good tool to help with savings are two iPhone apps. One is called Checkout51 and it allows you to scan your receipt after you buy something and get a rebate for it! It's not instant money, but once you reach $20 they send you a check. I only buy 1-2 things a week off of it, like this week it had apples and Annie's mac and cheese. Plus you can usually find coupons online for some products!
There is another app like this called ibotta, but these have specific stores you have to shop at. WFM is one of them, and I have found a LOT of the specific products they offer have online coupons available too, which you can use together!
Polly @ Tasty Food Project says
Excellent tips! The reason why I don't go to Whole Foods as often is because of the hefty price tags. I will consider these options next time!
Meg says
I was so happy to stumble upon this post! I am a HUGE WFM fan and for the past almost year have just about exclusively shopped there and haven't had to increase my food budget. I save with lots of the tips you mention - also using the case discount (makes my luna bars even cheaper than target) and taking advantage of big sales on meat and freezing it. The only time I don't do well is when my Mom tags along.... she's still new to the store and caught up in all the "pretty stuff." When we spent $100 on a family dinner I told her I feed both my husband and I all week for that!
Sadie Haynie says
I buy their " morning fresh" brand milk. Its in a glass bottle that you can return to the store to get a $1.25 back for a bottle return. This makes it 2.75 a 1/2 gallon! This milk is not labeled organic but it is according to morning freshes website. They just don't pay to have the organic label.
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Good to know!
Kim says
Also, WF will give you a discount when you buy a case of anything. For instance, the single serving organic yogurt my son loves is discounted when I buy 12. So instead of buying weekly, I buy it every two weeks because I'm getting more. It's not much, around 10-15%, but for something we use consistently it helps. My store also has a punch card for vitamins and another for bakery items.
Cindy says
You can use one of their store coupons for multiple quantities. Just tell them how many you have. I also often do the case discount. Sometimes I have gotten one day sale items- I bought eight organic whole chickens once for half off.
Phoebe says
They also have meat deals, if you buy over $100 worth of meat. It was at one point that if you spent $100 in meat (packaged or not) you'd get 10% off. Now they have "stock your freezer" offers as well, where you can get a bundle of meat for $100.
Anna says
I remember seeing some 20/20 type piece about how stores like Whole Foods or Fresh Market are designed to entice the sense and basically, make you want to spend money - everything from the lighting to the way the vegetables are stacked. It was really interesting, and I'm a total sucker for it. Going to Whole Foods just puts me in a good mood...until I get to the register of course :).
That said, I've found the 365 butter to be the best deal around - $2.79 for one pound. The organic butter was a decent price this weekend too, about $4 I think. I do a lot of baking, and it's usually even cheaper than the regular supermarket brand, and about $1 less per pound than Trader Joe's. It's not organic, but decent quality, and I really only use it for baked goods for other people. Can't afford to get the good stuff in the quantities I need :)
Emily says
I have never looked at the butter...$2.79? Thanks for the tip!
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
I am so with you, Anna! I am a total sucker for the environment of the store - which is why it's great to try to save money there, also:).
Melissa says
I check the sales flyer for my local WFM each week and use it to build part of my weekly meal plans. It's a great way to save on some of the more expensive items, like fish.
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
That's awesome, Melissa. Have you seen their online meal plans also? They often use ingredients that are on sale which helps.
Emily says
Oh...one more thing! I just learned the last time I was there that they do a case price! Whole Foods has the cheapest plain organic yogurt that I can find. $2.99/32 oz...even cheaper than conventional yogurt at the grocery store. I bought 5 and the cashier told me that if I got one more container, I would get 10% as then it was a case. $2.69 for yogurt is unreal.
Emily says
I wasn't aware of the Kids Club. I will be looking into that. My 3 year old will love it! Thanks for the tip! To add onto your stacking the coupons: the ibotta ap is another way to stack. The ap gives actual cash back at Whole Foods. The last time I was there I got back $0.25 on eggs and $0.75 on Plum Organic baby food. There is almost always cash back for milk (doesn't matter what brand) and some of the cash rebates can be up to $4 on one item. It's also a nice way to try new products without having to pay the full price. I have more to say...but this will just sound like a big advertisement...not my intention!! You did ask how we save at Whole Foods though. ;) Here is the link: http://ibotta.com/r/nzyna
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Love it. Thanks for sharing!!
Heather says
I forgot to add - Be sure to check out their Friday ONE DAY Deals. Sometimes they have an amazing sale going on. Discounts can often by 50% or more.
Heather says
Don't forget their case discount. Buy a case of something and save an extra 10%. Be sure to ask at Customer Service what counts as a case. Four gallons of organic milk count as a case and with my teenage boys I can easily use that much in 1 to 2 weeks. I will also stock up when they have something I often use on sale by buying a case. I have done this with Larabars and Eden Organic beans.
Melissa says
Many of their meats you can save extra money by buying more than 3lbs. Sometimes it's in conjunction with a sale and it ends up being a really good deal on much better quality meat than other grocery stores. I buy some from a farm and some from WF, but I've totally switched from buying a regular store after seeing how much I can save and get better quality meats!
Karen says
Check with your particular store to see if the will accept stacking of coupons. Not every location will. Found that out the hard way.
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
So true - which is why I included that note within the post. This actually goes for all of the suggestions, as each store has their own specials/they are not 100% consistent for all stores.
Melanie says
Thank you for this post! WFM is my go-to organic and real food store. I do several of these tips already (love their kids club; it's where my son first decided raisins weren't so yucky after all), but had no idea about the coupon stacking or glass weight of jars.
Maria Alison@Ten at the Table says
I love this! I will have to try number one. I seem to spend too much there every week.
Margaret Anne @ Natural Chow says
Thanks. I didn't know about the stacking of coupons. I love the discount for bringing your own bags.
Tricia K. says
Wow, can't believe you didn't mention the case discount! 10% off anything bought as a case! I do this for our milk and anything we typically "use" when it is on sale & stock up, double discount!