Whole Foods—affectionately nicknamed “Whole Paycheck”—is my grocery-store paradise, especially when I’m traveling. While some find shopping for the week a chore, I genuinely enjoy it. Whole Foods stands out among grocery chains for its wide selection of healthy options: fresh produce, eco-friendly and non-toxic cosmetics, natural home-cleaning supplies, and many pantry staples.
I recently shared a Trader Joe’s shopping guide, and because I shop both stores regularly (often needing items from each to feel fully stocked), I wanted to create a dedicated Whole Foods guide. Below are my favorite picks and tips to help you shop smart and get the most value.
Produce
I follow the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists to decide which fruits and vegetables I buy organic. Prioritizing organic for high-pesticide items helps reduce exposure. If a store doesn’t carry an organic version, I’ll often choose a different item. Whenever possible I opt for organic, grass-fed, ethically raised, and sustainably produced foods.
Price differences between Whole Foods and stores like Trader Joe’s can be significant. For example, I typically buy organic bell peppers, avocados, fresh berries, Persian cucumbers, broccolini, zucchini, bok choy, bananas, and lemons at Trader Joe’s for value, while purchasing clover sprouts (when available), organic mixed greens, oranges, and sweet potatoes at Whole Foods. To save money, shop seasonally and locally: in-season produce tastes better, is cheaper, and is more nutritious. Also check Whole Foods’ website for weekly coupons before you shop.
Snacks
Whole Foods has a fantastic snack selection. Favorites I routinely grab include:
- Simple Mills crackers and snack-size portions, plus their baking mixes and cookies
- Siete tortilla chips
- Lesser Evil popcorn
- Brown rice crackers
- Bulk-section nuts and seeds—sprouted varieties are ideal since they’re easier to digest and boost nutrient availability
- Eating Evolved chocolate
- RXBARs
- Purely Elizabeth granola
- Jilz Crackerz
Condiments and Dry Goods
Go-to condiments and pantry items I recommend:
- Primal Kitchen dressings and avocado mayonnaise—favorites include Ranch and Green Goddess made with avocado oil
- Sir Kensington’s ketchup and Spicy Ground Mustard
- Wedderspoon Manuka honey and to-go Manuka packs
- Bob’s Red Mill finely ground almond flour
- Simply Organic spices
- Navitas Organics cacao butter—1 tsp to 1 tbsp adds a white-chocolate note to matcha lattes without sugar
- Rao’s homemade marinara
- Chosen Foods avocado oil spray
- Nutiva coconut manna
- Fourth & Heart ghee
- Siete hot sauce
Wellness and Supplements
I stock up on supplements and nutritional boosters at Whole Foods, Amazon, or Thrive Market depending on deals and availability. Items I consistently buy at Whole Foods include:
- Manitoba Harvest hemp seeds
- Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides—unflavored peptides dissolve well in hot or cold liquids and are easy to add to recipes and beverages
- Gaia Herbs black elderberry syrup, Quick Defense, and oregano oil for immune support
- Kor Wellness & Vitality shots
- Flaxseed oil
- Bulletproof Brain Octane (MCT oil)
- Cocokind skincare—matcha stick, chia facial oil, cleansing serum, and raspberry facial toner; I especially love the chia facial oil
- Dr. Bronner’s soap
Refrigerated and Frozen
Top refrigerated and frozen picks:
- Vital Farms pasture-raised eggs
- Bonafide Provisions bone broth—great for cooking or sipping and supportive of gut health
- Coyo original yogurt—the creamiest dairy-free yogurt, available only at select stores
- So Delicious unsweetened coconut yogurt
- Kite Hill cream cheese varieties (plain, chive, jalapeño)
- Majestic sprouted hummus (select locations)
- Siete tortillas—grain-free and gluten-free
- Bragg’s ACV ginger spice beverage
- Perfect Bar (Peanut Butter Chocolate is a favorite)
- REBBL adaptogenic elixirs
- Harmless Harvest coconut water
Meat
For proteins, I often find better prices and quality for wild-caught salmon, organic chicken, and grass-fed beef at Trader Joe’s compared to Whole Foods. Compare prices and choose what fits your budget and standards.
Other Household Items
- Ecos laundry detergent
- If You Care parchment paper
When using Whole Foods’ ready-to-eat salad bar, be mindful of dressings and prepared foods that may contain inflammatory vegetable oils (canola, sunflower, safflower, corn, soybean), artificial colors, or additives. Stick to single-ingredient items when possible and always check ingredient lists before filling your box.
RGE Whole Foods Shopping Guide
Produce
- Organic mixed greens
- Clover sprouts
- Organic sweet potatoes
- Jicama
- Organic oranges
Snacks
- Siete tortilla chips (lime and ranch are favorites)
- Simple Mills crackers and baking mixes
- Lesser Evil popcorn
- Brown rice crackers
- Sprouted nuts and seeds
- Eating Evolved chocolate
- RXBARs
Condiments and Dry Goods
- Primal Kitchen dressings, avocado mayo, and unsweetened ketchup
- Sir Kensington’s ketchup and spicy mustard
- Wedderspoon Manuka honey
- Bob’s Red Mill finely ground almond flour
- Simply Organic spices—Ceylon cinnamon and vanilla extract
Wellness / Supplements
- Manitoba Harvest hemp seeds
- Vital Proteins collagen peptides
- Gaia Herbs elderberry syrup, Quick Defense, and oregano oil
- Kor Wellness & Vitality shots
- Flaxseed oil and MCT oil
- Cocokind skincare essentials
- Dr. Bronner’s soap
- Tom’s toothpaste
Refrigerated / Frozen
- Vital Farms pasture-raised eggs
- Bonafide Provisions bone broth
- Coyo original yogurt and So Delicious coconut yogurt
- Kite Hill cream cheeses
- Majestic sprouted hummus (select stores)
- Siete tortillas
- Bragg’s ACV ginger spice beverage
- Perfect Bar and REBBL elixirs
- Harmless Harvest coconut water
Other
- Ecos laundry detergent
- If You Care parchment paper
Use this guide to make the most of your Whole Foods visits—prioritize organic for high-pesticide produce, shop seasonally to save money, and always read ingredient labels to avoid unwanted additives. Happy shopping!