• About
    • Contact
    • Terms of Service
    • Disclosure Policy
  • Write for Us!
  • Advertise

Money Propeller

Propelling you toward your money goals by discussing lifestyle, career and savings.

  • Authors
  • Career
    • Career
    • Education
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle
    • Clothing
    • Food
    • Housing
    • Sports
    • Weddings
    • Travel
  • Money
    • Money
    • Investing
    • Saving
    • Stories
  • Observations
  • Link Ups
  • Blogroll

4 Ways to Save Money at Whole Foods

By Joshua 18 Comments

4 Ways to Save at Whole Foods

 

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.

Filed Under: Food, Money, Saving Tagged With: groceries, Save Money, Whole Foods

About Joshua

Joshua is a high school instructor and touring musician who writes about humor and Catholic living at The Josh Greesonbach Show

Comments

  1. May says

    February 28, 2015 at 21:23

    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 BoringMy Profile

    Reply
  2. Aaron says

    February 26, 2015 at 13:36

    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 StartMy Profile

    Reply
  3. Tawcan says

    February 26, 2015 at 12:56

    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 darknessMy Profile

    Reply
  4. DC @ Young Adult Money says

    February 25, 2015 at 22:58

    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 OffersMy Profile

    Reply
  5. diane @smartmoneysimplelife says

    February 25, 2015 at 18:02

    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 ForeverMy Profile

    Reply
    • Anne says

      February 25, 2015 at 20:24

      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 FoodsMy Profile

      Reply
  6. Tonya@Budget and the Beach says

    February 25, 2015 at 15:58

    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!My Profile

    Reply
    • Anne says

      February 25, 2015 at 20:14

      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 🙁

      Reply
    • Charissa says

      February 26, 2015 at 13:10

      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.

      Reply
  7. Kristy as Giftie Etcetera says

    February 25, 2015 at 13:18

    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?My Profile

    Reply
    • Anne says

      February 25, 2015 at 20:27

      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 FoodsMy Profile

      Reply
  8. Brian @ Debtless in Texas says

    February 25, 2015 at 08:11

    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 BadassMy Profile

    Reply
    • Anne says

      February 25, 2015 at 20:40

      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 FoodsMy Profile

      Reply
      • Brian @ Debtless in Texas says

        February 26, 2015 at 07:38

        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 BadassMy Profile

        Reply
  9. Holly@ClubThrifty says

    February 25, 2015 at 07:50

    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 BrokeMy Profile

    Reply
    • Anne says

      February 25, 2015 at 20:40

      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 FoodsMy Profile

      Reply
  10. How To Save Money says

    February 25, 2015 at 06:10

    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 BooksMy Profile

    Reply
    • Anne says

      February 25, 2015 at 20:41

      Definitely!
      Anne recently posted…4 Ways to Save Money at Whole FoodsMy Profile

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

Follow Us:


Subscribe today and receive our calculator for free!

On Your Mark, Get Set, Blog!

airbnb

advertise here

vayable

Free Money!

Tangerine Refer a Friend Open a new Tangerine Account with $100 using my Orange Key 23676924S1 and we both get a free $25.

Popular Content

The 20/10 Rule that Does Wonders!

Airbnb is an affordable and flexible way to travel

Stock up and save big! Have fun while saving your pennies

Affiliates

Money Propeller is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Money Propeller also participates in other affiliate programs from time to time. That means that if you click through a link and make a decision to purchase, Money Propeller will receive some compensation from the vendor, at no cost to you.

The Bottom

You made it all the way to the bottom! Thanks so much for reading.
Did you know that The Bottom is the name of a town on the island of Saba, in the Caribbean? I went there on a trip once.
The other bottoms I think about are my own bottom, and the bottom of the champagne bottle. Often when I find the bottom of the champagne bottle, my own bottom grows. Funny, that.

Thanks for reading!

- Anne

Disclaimer

The content on this website is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as professional financial advice. Should you need such professional advice, consult a licensed financial advisor or tax advisor. This website may be compensated by companies mentioned through advertising, affiliate programs or otherwise. Please click here for disclosure full details.
Copyright Money Propeller All Rights Reserved
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptReject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

SAVE & ACCEPT