14 Whole Foods Products Actually Worth the Price Tag

Share this post or pin it for later!

Whole Foods is known for being pricey, but some items offer better value than you think.

Though MarketWatch once ranked it the most expensive grocery chain, the 2017 Amazon acquisition has dismantled its “Whole Paycheck” reputation with lower prices and better deals.

Grab these surprisingly cost-effective Whole Foods products on your next grocery run:

Pasta

Are you searching for an easy and affordable at-home dinner? Dry pasta is surprisingly wallet-friendly at Whole Foods.

A 16-ounce package of the 365 spaghetti noodles is around $1.30. Meanwhile, brands like Barrilla and Rao’s charge closer to $2 to $3.

Alcohol

Whole Foods stores often sell beer and wine varieties you won’t see at other grocery markets. Since Whole Foods sources some items from local vendors, it’s a great place to find unique, reasonably priced sips. There are usually many wine options under $10 each, and select locations offer deals like 10% off your purchase of six bottles.

Yogurt

Shoppers can save big by buying yogurt from the generic Whole Foods brand. At retailers like Publix and Sprouts, a 32-ounce tub of organic yogurt can cost anywhere from $6 to $8 or more. However, the 365 product line available at Whole Foods sells the same type of yogurt for just $5.

Almond Milk

You can stretch your grocery budget further by picking up almond milk at Whole Foods. A generic 96-ounce jug of organic, unsweetened nut milk costs around $5.30. This price is far less than similar competitors like Califia Farms, who often charge over $6 for a container half the size.

Flowers

Pick up your next floral arrangement at Whole Foods. Most Whole Foods stores have an impressive floral section with fresh blooms arranged by professional florists.

In a comparison of seven grocery stores, The Kitchn found that Whole Foods had the best deluxe bouquets in the $20 to $30 price range. It also noted that the store’s flowers were among the freshest and most vibrant.

Bakery Items

Many shoppers rave about the Whole Foods bakery section. Its fresh baked goods are a hit, from hearty sourdough loaves to indulgent brown butter chocolate chip cookies. The berry chantilly cake, which has layers of fresh berries, vanilla cake, and cream, is one of the store’s most famous bakery offerings.

Organic Eggs

The in-house Whole Foods brand, 365, often sells organic eggs at a lower price than other grocery chains. Target and Walmart, for instance, typically charge $5 or more for 12 organic eggs. At Whole Foods, a dozen organic eggs from 365 will cost closer to $4.50.

Steak

Whole Foods is one of the best grocery stores for high-quality, reasonably priced steak. You’ll usually find organic, grass-fed cuts for far less than your local butcher. Grab a sirloin or ribeye on your next Whole Foods trip, and stock your freezer with extras if they’re on sale.

Shampoo and Conditioner

Maximize your budget by switching to 365 brand shampoo and conditioner. If you haven’t been browsing the beauty aisles at Whole Foods, you’ve been missing out.

The store’s generic shampoos and conditioners, which come in irresistible scents like lavender or a rosemary and mint blend, are about $7 each for a 16-ounce bottle. Similar hair products from brands like OGX and Mielle Organics cost anywhere from $8 to $11.

Specialty Cheese

Create the ultimate cheese board with Whole Foods’ selection of specialty cheeses. The stores are well-stocked with familiar classics and unconventional options. In addition to the full-size cheese portions, some Whole Foods also offer smaller servings at discounted prices.

Produce

You can’t go wrong purchasing produce at Whole Foods. The grocery company is famous for its impressive selection of high-quality fruits and vegetables.

According to CNET, Whole Foods is the ideal place to shop for organic produce. It found that products like grapes and broccoli cost dollars less per pound at Whole Foods than at Aldi, Stop & Shop, and other chains.

Fish

With rigorous quality standards, Whole Foods sells some of the best seafood on the market. Every seafood product offered at Whole Foods is responsibly farmed or sustainably wild-caught. While wild options are generally more expensive than farm-raised, they’re more nutritious, better for the environment, and contain fewer contaminants.

Prepared Foods

One significant appeal of grocery shopping at Whole Foods is its hot bar area. This section lets customers self-serve portions of prepared food items priced between $9 and $13 per pound.

The hot bar often boasts familiar favorites like grilled chicken and mac and cheese and vegetarian, dairy-, and gluten-free options. It’s a fantastic way to sample multiple dishes and create your ideal plate of food when you can’t decide on one item.

Crackers

Whole Foods stocks an impressive selection of gourmet crackers—perfect for your next snack plate. The 365 line offers everything from water and pita crackers to cracked wheat and rice cracker styles.

These are often dollars less than their name-brand counterparts. Carr’s water crackers, for instance, are over $5, while the 365 version is just $3.

Switch to the Costco brand and start saving

Costco’s in-house Kirkland Signature product line can help you save big. These generic products available at Costco are just as good, if not better, than big-name brands.

15 Cheap Costco Products That Outperform Their Name-Brand Counterparts

Target has incredible deals on everyday essentials

Ditch the name-brand companies in favor of Target’s privately owned labels. These Target items make it easy to save without sacrificing quality.

13 Generic Target Products That Outshine Big-Name Brands