Whole Foods is a wonderful store filled with a variety of delicious, fresh foods of all sorts. But that variety comes at a high cost– at least it may seem that way at first.
The prices of certain items in Whole Foods can be staggering. With ostrich eggs for $39.99 and some bottles of cooking oils for $25.99, as Slate.com reports, some of the prices at Whole Foods can be enough to scare folks away.
Is there really no way to shop at Whole Foods without breaking the bank?
Of course there is! Here are four ways to save money while shopping at Whole Foods.
Make Your Own
One of the nicest things at Whole Foods is their prepared foods section. While some of their items are reasonable prices, some of them fall into the stuff-that-could-break-a-budget category.
For example, small containers of freshly made guacamole are sold for $5.00 and fresh cold pressed juice is $9.99.
Instead of paying these high prices, simply make your own.
Whole Foods uses their own produce to make these items, so you know that what you make will be very similar, if not identical, to what they sell.
Buy Sale Items
As seasons change, Whole Foods makes it a point to offer seasonal items at lower prices, at the beginning of seasons, and for holidays.
For instance, before the 4th of July celebration gets underway, Whole Foods offers grill meats at reduced costs.
Around Saint Valentine’s Day, Whole Foods offers lower prices on steaks and lobster tails, two staples of Valentine’s dinner.
When fall rolls around, hit Whole Foods early for Halloween candy available at prices lower than they will be later in the season.
As spring arrives, visit Whole Foods early to stock up on sunscreen at a reduced cost.
Also keep an eye on Whole Food’s website for up-to-date sales information, and to learn about upcoming events that give patrons a chance to taste new foods.
Bring Your Own Mugs and Bags
An easy and eco-friendly way to save money while shopping at Whole Foods is to bring your own mugs and bags.
If you plan to purchase a coffee to enhance your shopping experience, bring your mug and enjoy a discount, because you will be charged as refilling your coffee, rather than purchasing a new one.
And when you bring your own bags to Whole Foods, you are rewarded with a $0.10 credit. You may either put this credit toward your total, or you may donate it to a charity of your choice (one that has partnered with them).
Find Items in Your Price Range
One of the nicest things about Whole Foods is that they have such a large selection. Not just of different products, but of the same product.
For instance, when looking for staples such as ketchup or salad dressings, Whole Foods has entire shelves devoted to these items.
The prices of these items vary greatly. So if you go to find ketchup and the first one that you see is $15.00, don’t let that scare you away! Continue browsing their offerings and find one that works for you and your budget.
So the next time you visit Whole Foods, save money by making your own juices and dips, purchasing sale items, and taking advantage of lower prices by bringing your own bags and mugs.
What are your favorite ways to save money at Whole Foods?
For additional ideas about saving money at Whole Foods, visit The Washingtonian.
Now I am totally craving guacamole!
These tips work at other food stores too. I can spot sales/markdown stickers from across the store. I try to always bring my own bags – saves money and environmentally friendly too.
May recently posted…Personal Finance Can Be Delightfully Boring
Luckily, I don’t live near a Whole Foods. But I’ve been in one, and was appalled at the cost of things. I can’t imaging having it be the only store nearby where you have to go to if you’re out of a last-minute item such as eggs, milk etc for a recipe. I’d feel like I’m getting robbed every time I walk in there.
Aaron recently posted…Travel Like a Local and Get $10 to Start
Great tips. Another tip is to shop around. We often find the same products elsewhere for 10-20% cheaper.
Tawcan recently posted…Stepping into complete darkness
I’m not gonna lie, the prices scare me! We typically shop at Cub Foods (a mainly Minnesotan grocery store chain) and Target. I do think Whole Foods has quality products, though, and would consider shopping there if I was confident I was able to keep my grocery bill down.
DC @ Young Adult Money recently posted…Mail Credit Card Offers > Online Credit Card Offers
We don’t have Whole Foods in Australia… It sounds like a store I’d like to visit as a curiosity, I’m not sure about shopping there.
But, there are bargains everywhere, you just need to be focused on finding them.
diane @smartmoneysimplelife recently posted…3 Tips to Banish Takeout Forever
I’ve only been in a few of them, as there aren’t many in Canada either. They are fun, there are lots of interesting products!
Anne recently posted…4 Ways to Save Money at Whole Foods
I save money on whole foods by not shopping at whole foods. hee! Actually we have an awesome one where I live, but I only buy a few speciality items here and there. I have to say though, WF’s has a champagne tasting every wed and for $10 you get 4 (generous) champagne tastings PLUS a tons of apps. Plus we know the guy pouring the wine so we often get extras. It’s the best happy hour in town!
Tonya@Budget and the Beach recently posted…Following My Passion for Storytelling!
WHOA. Sign me up!!! That is an amazing thing to know! Two liquor stores next door to each other used to do that every Friday evening where I live (tiny samples and food), but now only one does and it’s the one that didn’t have food 🙁
I agree with Tonya and that I normally do not shop at Whole Foods. I may go in there for a specialty item once in a while or just to browse if I happen to be near one with some downtime before work. There are a lot of interesting items in the store, I just have not found a way to fit Whole Foods into my budget on a regular basis. I like the tips you listed though.
I had no idea that Whole Foods does a bag refund. I’m been using that at other stores forever, but since I only buy a few key items at Whole Foods, I never used to bring my bags! I’m changing that.
Kristy as Giftie Etcetera recently posted…Is Fifty Shades for You?
Awesome, I’m so glad you got something actionable out of the article! A similar store by my parents gives a larger discount if it is one of their branded bags…. so my Mom snapped up an extra one she saw at a fundraiser she organizes, it’s worth $0.25 every time she goes shopping!
Anne recently posted…4 Ways to Save Money at Whole Foods
We save money by not shopping at “whole paycheck” at all. They have their flagship store in downtown Austin…and while it is nice, no thanks. We have so many other awesome options available to us that costs so much less, it is better to just avoid it.
Brian @ Debtless in Texas recently posted…Yearly Bonus, Gender Roles, and Why My Wife is a Badass
I bet their flagship store is pretty darn impressive in terms of the variety of products on the shelves!
Anne recently posted…4 Ways to Save Money at Whole Foods
They have a ton of everything and the place is huge. There is beer on tap and they make some delicious food so you can go in and eat or grab something and run. Best salad bar I have ever had, especially with a side of samosas.
This is yet another reason to avoid, you want to eat everything.
It is a sight to see, definitely check it out if you ever make it out to Austin!
Brian @ Debtless in Texas recently posted…Yearly Bonus, Gender Roles, and Why My Wife is a Badass
We have Whole Foods and Earth Fare and I just try not to go to either of them. That’s the only way I can “save money” there- by not shopping there at all. Too many things I want!
Holly@ClubThrifty recently posted…How Rich People Go Broke
I know exactly what you mean! Mrs.Frugalwoods mentioned dried mango today… I bought some, and now I’m eating all of them!
Anne recently posted…4 Ways to Save Money at Whole Foods
Buy produce that are in season. Not only will they be cheaper, but the quality will be a lot better too.
How To Save Money recently posted…How to Save Money on Books
Definitely!
Anne recently posted…4 Ways to Save Money at Whole Foods