Eric and I were lucky to have Whole Foods come to our home and prepare a fantastic three-course-meal on a budget.
But the real purpose of our trip was to see how to actually save money and shop at Whole Foods on a budget.
Straight from the Whole Foods experts, here is what we learned on how to save money at Whole Foods.
Whole Foods on a Budget
Meal Plan Based on That Week’s Specials: So many times, I come up with my menu plan (menu planning, btw, is the best way to save money on groceries!) based on what I saw on Pinterest that week. This is the backwards way to do it.
The right way to save the most money is to actually base your menu around that week’s specials. For example, if salmon is on sale, you can make these awesome Honey-Lime Salmon Kebabs! If you don’t know what to cook, ask the employees…which brings me to…
Whole Value: Whole Foods is committed to providing the best value. When you shop at Whole Foods, feel free to talk to the employees and ask for help! Everybody is so nice and so very cool!
On our tour, we met the Whole Foods finalist for fishmonger in the world–yes, that’s an actual competition where they have to fillet a fish the fastest and cleanest. These people love to talk about food and they’d love to help you prepare a fabulous meal on a budget.
Cut the Cheese: Do you ever become overwhelmed by that large cheese selection? I know I do.
Eric and I discovered the $4 cheese bin a while ago, where you can get great pieces of cheese for under four bucks. But did you know, you can ask the cheese monger to cut any piece of cheese for you to fit into your budget? I have a feeling this will definitely be the most dangerous tip since everyone knows Eric and I fight over cheese. Seriously, you can create a really great cheese plate with about three different $4 selections of cheese. Heck, tell the cheese monger to select some cheeses for you!
One Size Does Not Fit All: As with the cheese, you can get a specific amount of anything, including fish, beef and chicken, just ask! If you only need a half pound, no need to pay for the whole pound, right?
Be a Wino: To go with that cheese plate, you can pick up some bottles of wine. And did you know that if you buy six bottles of wine, you get 20% off? That’s like having a $10 bottle of wine for $8!
Meal Plan with the Whole Deal: If you don’t know how to get started meal planning, check out The Whole Deal–your store’s local value guide, which comes filled with coupons, recipes, and an actual one-week meal plan based on specials that will be going on in your store!
Buy what’s in season: Lucky for you, the store specials are often based on what’s in season. Chef Nick says that you’ll always find deals based on what’s in season, like tomatoes for $4.99 a pound, when they’re normally $5.99 or more. The day we went shopping, we got deals on corn, figs, and peaches, which all made in appearance on our menu.
Be adventurous: Of course, what’s on sale may not be something you’re comfortable trying.
Here’s a secret–I had never tried a fresh fig before in my life. It’s just not something I grew up with and had no idea how to actually prep it. Now that Chef Nick showed me how, I can actually prep them myself! If you don’t know how to cook something, ask the employees! Again, they love to help.
Chicken is Chicken: One of the favorite tips I learned was that the chicken at the butcher counter is $7.99, but the pre-packaged chicken right below the butcher counter is only $5.99, and guess what? It’s the same chicken!!
The only difference is that it is pre-packaged, which helps Whole Foods save time and money because they are not personally preparing an order for you. I had no idea it was the same.
Buy Frozen: If it’s not in season, buying it fresh will probably be expensive. So turn to the freezer for deals on out-of-season produce. Here’s a big tip about cooking from frozen–it’s best if you steam the food, not boil it. Boiling causes the extra water to affect the texture, whereas steaming actually helps bring out the flavor. That’s an expert tip right there.
Buy in Bulk: Buying in the bulk section saves you money because you’re not paying for the packaging. Whole Foods has a TON of bulk foods. Our local store has bulk honey in several different flavors, bulk soy sauce, a make-your-own-granola station… do you ever hate when a recipe calls for something obscure like pastry flour or some weird spice you will only use once? This is perfect to buy in bulk.
Bring in Your Bags: Not only are reusable bags great for the environment, but at Whole Foods, you’ll get rewarded between 5 and 10 cents for every bag you bring in. And if you’re one of those people that can never remember to bring them to the store–keep them in your trunk! That way you’ll never be without them 🙂
If you still feel overwhelmed by your local Whole Foods and just don’t see how it will ever fit into your budget, take a Value Tour. Every store offers shoppers a Value Tour, where you go around and learn about how to navigate your local store. I highly recommend it, even if you’ve been shopping at your local Whole Foods for a while, because you will most likely learn something new!
I was so, so impressed with Whole Foods and their staff of knowledgeable and passionate employees. You can really tell that everyone loves working there.
Every time Eric and I shop at Whole Foods, it feels like an experience. And I hope that you can join in and take part in the experience as well!
Whole Foods has graciously given me $25 gift cards to give out to FIVE lucky Newlyweds on a Budget readers.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Winners will have 72 hours to respond once notified, otherwise a new winner will be chosen.
I was not paid by Whole Foods for this post, but I did receive dinner and a week’s worth of groceries for free. However, Eric and I have been regular Whole Foods shoppers for a few years and opinions are entirely our own. We really do love Whole Foods.Â
187 comments
My favorite tip is to buy in bulk. That way I can only get what I need.
Thanks for the contest.
Match up coupons and sales.
My tip is to do price matching
Thank You
The tips I like is, Meal Plan Based on That Week’s Specials.
My tip would be to buy in bulk and use coupons
I like being made aware of the “chicken is chicken” tip!
coupon clipping for us!
Look for sales and bring your coupons!
Bring in Your Bags is my favorite. I would love to get paid for bringing in bags.
I like the tip that chicken is chicken. I love learning new ways to save money.
I take coupons and I look for sales.
The cheese bites under $4. We usually just go to stock up on gluten free products but I’ll definitely be checking out these other deals. Thanks for the tips!
Never go to the store without a list.
My favorite Whole Foods money-saving tip is to watch sales and match coupons.
I use coupons and buy things when they are sale.
My favorite money-saving tip is to bring in your own bags.
Clip coupons and see what’s on sale!
Stick to your list, and shop around the perimeter of the store (produce and other staples) rather than the less-necessary stuff on the aisles!
I save money via bulk buying.
Hope to win!
I always try to find the best deals while shopping, so I go with a few different meal options in mind.
I use coupons a lot and I am happy that they take them.
I love the fact that they take coupons.
Go when there are specials and use coupons to match up with those specials.
They take coupons, both manufacurers and whole foods coupons. Also check to see what is on sale.
I plan our weekly menu based on advertised specials and what is in season. I make a list and stick to it. No impulse buying.
my favorite tip is Buy in Bulk.
It is important to buy what is on sale and make your menus based on that. Thank you
Always buy in season and stay away from prepared foods.
Thanks!
Would have to say to purchase what is in season
i shop matching coupons up with the sales to maximize savings. i love whole foods.
Buy Frozen: If it’s not in season, buying it fresh will probably be expensive. So turn to the freezer for deals on out-of-season produce.
See what’s on sale and create a menu accordingly!
Check out the sale flyer before you go and plan your meals accordingly. That way you can make a complete list and then just stick to the list!
Watch for specials and use store and manufacturer’s coupons
Look around at the products that are on sale. They generally run specials every week.
My best tip is to use coupons and keep an eye out for sales.
Buy produce that is in season and use coupons as much as possible.
Use coupons.
I plan my family meals for the week and cut out my coupons for the meals and make a list Thanks for the chance!
I love Whole Foods! I buy on sale and use coupons.
I like the BUY FROZEN tip and how to steam food rather than boil. Retaining flavour and nutritional value is so important.
I buy the produce that’s in season, since it’s often on sale.
We always make a list and stick with it, clip coupons and eat before going grocery shopping.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
Meal Plan Based on That Week’s Specials
Clipping coupons always helps me save a few bucks.
I love the tip of bringing your own bags, help the planet and your wallet.
My best tips bring your own bags and make a shopping list
my favorite tip is to Buy in Bulk.
Choose wisely, never buy anything there that you can get at a regular grocery store. Stick to the specialty and gourmet offerings.
I love that you get rewarded for bags that you bring in!
i love the cheese tip the best! mmm cheese! 🙂 off to whole foods!
At Whole Foods, I usually shop sales and use coupons.
I like the tip buy in Bulk. I already do that and it really saves me money.
My favorite tip is the one about chicken, I love being able to buy in bulk too.
I need to start using reusable grocery bags. Thanks for the tips!
I think you get more for your money when you buy in bulk.
I like the “chicken is chicken” tip.
My tip is to bring your own bag.
Whole foods is a little expensive in my area but when I do buy there I make sure to buy sale items.
I’ve never really shopped at Whole Foods, but reading this makes me think that maybe I could start.
My tip is to bring your own bags.
I’ve never shopped at Whole Foods because I thought it was cost prohibitive but maybe it is worth a shot.
I save money by buying what is on sale.
Menu planning based on the weeks’ sales and daily values is the best way to save at Whole Foods
have to go with bring in your bag.
Buying in bulk is always great!
I didn’t know Icouldget20% off of 6 bottles of wine, what a great deal
Buy in bulk!
I always try to buy the fresh fruits and veggies that are in season – they’re much cheaper!
i have never been there ,but they are building one it opens next month
I always bring my own bags and shop the sales whenever possible.
Buy In bulk
Shop only sale items..you can get some great deals if you are looking at sale items only
Taking the Green Bags along!!
Pick up the Whole Deal guide for coupons (or print online). Save it until the month following the edition (i.e. save August Whole Deal until September), the coupons don’t expire until the end of that following month. Within that following month sometimes those items will go on sale which you can combine the coupon with the sale price to save even more 🙂
Go with a list and stay with what is on it. Also those samples can make you go off budget really easy.
vmkids3 at msn dot com
Love that chicken tip. Such a simple and smart idea.
I love that one about the prepackaged versus not prepackaged. That is something I never really thought of!
I like the bring my own bags tip.
Hello! My tip for shopping at Whole Foods is to look for fresh produce that is in season. It’s usually priced much less at that time. Thank-you!!
I like bringing my own bags
I guess I would say that my favorite money saving tip from the list is the Chicken is Chicken part. No need to spend more on the same thing.
I like that you can save buy purchasing pre-packaged foods … I hadn’t realized they did that!
The best Whole Foods tip I know is to study their ad to see what’s on sale before starting to shop. This store does not have the nickname Whole Paycheck for nothing! 😉
Bring in coupons. They will take one competitor coupon and one whole foods coupon together for the same products
I always move things around in the meat department, I have found amazing deals just by looking under trays.
I like the bulk bins. I really enjoy the fact that I can get a lot of different foods.
Triple dip = stack WF coupons with manufacturer coupons for items already on sale!
here’s another tip if you’re having trouble coming up with a menu based on the specials. Use Whole Foods’ “Health Starts Here” recipe finder: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes
you’ll not only find delish recipes with the high standards of Whole Foods, but they are healthy options too and usually not very difficult.
I’m going to go out on a limb here and say I don’t have any tips for shopping at Whole Foods! LOL I know, I’m the type to shy away and think everything there is expensive. When I do go I head towards whatever is on sale. I usually stick to Trader Joe’s since it’s smaller and I know my way around, but the Whole Foods hot food area and deli is the best!
My favorite Whole Foods money-saving tip is to buy frozen. There is a lot of waste when things go bad in the refrigerator. Thanks for the giveaway!
LOVE Whole Foods! I’m on a very tight food budget, but shop almost exclusively at WF. I think ppl think it’s so expensive (and some things are), but the sales and bulk items are great value and always reliable quality. So great!
Julianne
http://reallifesurreallife.blogspot.com
I like the tip for bringing your own bags.
bringing my own bags.
My favorite tip was the $4 cheeses. I will have to look for them the next time I visit Whole Foods!
We use coupons!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Whole Foods! One tip that I absolutely live by: Write out all of your recipes for the week. I always base them on the sales for that week and I only buy what is absolutely necessary to make those meals plus some kids food sale items! When I go in without a plan I always pay WAY too much! Now, I save over $100 per week by writing out what I need. I also don’t have any spoiled food in my fridge!
I enjoy bringing my own bags.
Buying in bulk saves money
We do not shop when we are hungry. We plan our menu ahead and look at the sales too. That way when we get there, we know what we are getting.
I stick to my list! There are so many delicious little treats on every aisle!
I shop their sales and bring my own bags.
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I always buy in bulk when I can.
Buy in Bulk, I do this a lot, especially with dry foods and canned.
Bringing in your own bag to safe money
The pre-packaged chicken does save money, doesn’t it — and it’s fine! Definitely a good way to save.
I have not been to Whole Foods yet, but I have heard they a have really great selection! I would bring my own bags and try to buy in bulk and whats on sale! I try to check meat first…see whats on sale, and then menu plan around that!
The $4 cheese bin is a gem!
Never shop on an empty stomach – you will always end up getting too much !!!
You have to shop their sales to save money. It’s hard to coupon there, unfortunately.
I love that I can use whole foods coupons and regular coupons to save $
I also think that buying in bulk is a great way to save.
Love the tip about the prepackaged chicken. I didn’t know it was the same!
I used reusable bags and always get gets chopped salads with leftovers used for wraps from their salad bar.
I shop seasonally, especially for produce!
I love Whole Foods!
yes, I keep my reusable bags in my car so I never forget them!
I’ve never actually been into our nearest store. (oh no!)
But I’m reading all the tips for when I do. 🙂
Great tips! I will have to find out $4 cheese bin!!!
Check the sales 🙂
always check out the sales.
Buying in bulk saves money
My tip is to use coupons.
My favorite tip is to buy in bulk and bring my own bags.
Always check the sales before getting to the store.
Check out the sales online before going in to save some cash!
My tip is to watch for sales on items one typically uses. This is followed up with purchasing in bulk, which can lower the cost of everyday items tremendously.
This is the coolest thing ever. Nice work — a total social media win! Awesome recipes, too.
I like buying from their bulk bins to save money.
Entered the rafflecopter form as “Wild Orchid”
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
Check the produce area first. Always a few great deals.
I love buying from the bulk bins…especially getting fresh-churned almond butter! It is MUCH cheaper, and tastes so much better without any added sugars or oil.
My favorite tip is to bring your own bags. It not only save money but saves the environment.
Always check the sales before you go!
How I miss Whole Foods! I used to go there all the time, but it did get pricey. Thank you for this post. Great tips! I will have to remember them for when I move back to the states.
I liked the tip about checking for specials. I know I should do this, but I really could be better about it!
I had no idea you could ask for a tour of the store. Thanks for the tip about the bulk section. I was gifted a bread maker but have been overwhelmed by recipes bc of all the different types of flour called for. Now I can get just what I need to try a recipe and not have waste if we don’t like it!
I didn’t know you could ask to have cheese cut for you! Awesome tips!
I subscribe to their email list so I know when they are having sales ahead of time!
Did not know u could get a tour of the store. Thanks for sharing!
Check their circular for coupons!
Thanks for the nice giveaway.
Didn’t know it’s the same chicken in both places and I didn’t know you could ask the cheese counter to cut the pre packed cheeses as well! Wonderful tips!
Stick to the grocery list to avoid buying the unnecessary
My favorite is to check the store circular for coupons.
These are some great tips! In the past year, a whole foods has opened up right by where I live/work, but I definitely don’t shop there much because of the fear of spending way too much money. I feel less intimidated now!
My fave tips are to shop the Whole Foods 365 Everyday line of products and the bulk food bins!
I had no idea that WF employees were so helpful! They have so many great ingredients there, I’m glad that they help us get the most of them!
I also am looking forward to the cheese bin!
I love these tips. Didn’t know about the $4 cheese bin! Can’t wait to check it out.
A whole foods just opened up down the street and ive been worried about having to take out a second mortgage to pay for what is sure to turn into an addiction 🙂
Love these tips! I am a newlywed on a budget and will definitely start reading your blog!
I feel fortunate that I do not have a Whole Foods nearby. I think I could do some damage in that place!
My favorite whole foods tip is “chicken is chicken” that you shared. Crazy that there is a difference in price!
I love Whole Foods, but we live about 45 minutes away. I had no idea about the tours!
Use their coupons!
I was just there today and I definitely saved money by checking out their coupons online and by looking for sales in store!
I love buying in bulk at Whole foods, and the $4 cheese bin!
365 Value Food Brand is less expensive, but high quality
Thanks for the tips. I also believe this helps you to eat healthy and in term help to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
i like bringing the bags! you are helping the environment and also saving money!
I like the Bring in Your Bags tip.
I like to plan my groceries for the week around the sale items!
My favorite tip is to buy in bulk!
I never go to Whole Foods since it’s too expensive. But I might try it if I win a gift card.
That chicken thing is so random but actually makes total sense!
There is a Whole Foods right across from where I live. It is awesome and torture at the same time. Thanks for all the tips, especially since we to call the place “Whole Paycheck”.
I like the Bring in Your Bags tips
I always have specific needs when I go to Whole Foods – like quality fish or meat or fun food like cheese and wine!
I like the buy frozen tip
I stay connected to their facebook page, and they announce specials! Also, I use their coupon booklet and look up their new weekly sales. I also try to find online coupons. I don’t have any one special way, just a combination.
I also use ibotta (a money saving app) to get good deals at Whole Foods!
Buying in bulk
I just got Cherry Lemonade there this past weekend thats delicious! I love shopping the meat dept for their specials
Their cheese is my favorite! But, I go their so rarely because they seem so expensive
I rarely go to Whole Foods (just because Fred Meyer is closer), but it is an experience when I do go there. I didn’t know about the chicken — so that’s my new favorite tip 🙂
Oooo I love the cheese tip. I didn’t know that!
These are all awesome tips! Fingers crossed I’m one of the winners 🙂
I love the tip about the prepackaged meat! I never would’ve known it’s the same!
I enjoyed this! I’ve never been to Whole Foods, but I’d love to try it.
Great giveaway – I love Whole Foods! 🙂 We’ve used the $4 cheese area a lot to try new things on a budget but still feel fancy on the weekends with our drinks/grapes/crackers. I did not know about the chicken, however, so that tip was great!
I liked the tip a lot about asking them to them cut up the cheese
My favorite tip is to buy in bulk – I love the bulk section especially for grains and nuts.
Buy sale and in bulk
Im obsessed with Whole Foods!!! I love the tip about the chicken being the same! I guess I never thought about it, but it is the same meat… I’ll only buy prepackaged from now on!!
My favorite thing to do is get on the Whole Foods website to check out the sales flyer and see what is on special before I go. That way I can plan our meals for the week around what is on sale!
Great post and great giveaway. I adore the bulk bins at WF!
My fav tip is to shop around the specials. I started a new meal plan and am eating a lot of chicken. I need to start looking at the adds to see which stores are offering the best prices. Basically, looking at those adds period is helpful and I usually just toss them.