While the bargains may not be as discounted as your usual grocery store, there ARE ways to save at Whole Foods. I’m a new Whole Foods shopper as I stepped in the store for the first time ever this weekend. To say I was a bit shocked at the prices was an understatement.  Bryan, my husband, asked “Are you going to blog about THIS?” Of course, don’t I blog about it all. If you keep reading, I will give you some tips to SAVE! Yep, I did sniff the coupons out!

Why was I exploring? In the past three weeks, I’ve stopped eating meat for a variety of reasons. Mainly because I was just getting grossed out at what it is but also for health reasons. I can say, I haven’t missed it at all. Though, going vegetarian does require more planning and less options when dining out. I knew that Whole Foods would have more options and some ideas for how I could expand my choices.

Why Whole Foods? Whole Foods has high standards on their products. They offer only the highest quality natural and organic products available. They have superior customer service, empowering work place, environmental/socially responsible, and believe their supplier relationship are a true partnership. You can read more about all the good stuff here. Just walking into the store, you truly feel it is a different type of shopping experience.

I found some great vegetarian products to try that I wasn’t able to find offered at my local grocery store. Some veggie burgers, veg chicken patties, and Asian Brown Rice Salad found in the Deli section. The Asian Brown Rice Salad is yummy cold or warmed up. I used it as a the filling for some won ton wrappers I also found in the store.

My husband grabbed a couple of 6 packs of the Whole Foods Cola and the Creme Soda. Both have no sodium, no caffeine and are made with 100% cane sugar which is something good I guess? I’m not really hip on all the specifics of eating the healthiest foods possible but it sounds good and they tasted good. Not cheap by any means and probably still not the healthiest choice but a better choice.

As I was checking out the cashier handed me a booklet with coupons.

My eyes lit up.

Did you say coupons?

So the booklet has many, many coupons in it for the items they carry as well as some money saving tips and budget recipes!

::Savings Tips::

1. Weekly Sales Specials. You can view the ad online at Whole Foods.
2. Sign up for the Whole Foods “Whole Deal” newsletter to receive the best store specials twice a month. Stock up on the items you use on a regular basis when they are on sale. Same strategy as with other grocery stores but the lowest possible price may be higher than your normal grocery store items.
3. Coupons are also found in the magazine Delicious Living. Of course, I eyed this the moment we walked into the store.
4. Whole Foods offers a volume discount. You can get more information at the Customer Service Desk. If you buy a full case or a certain amount of your most used item, you may get a discount.
5. Buy generic. Whole Foods has their own product selection called the 365 Everyday Value line. You can save by buying the generic Whole Food Items.
6. Follow @WholeFoods on twitter to get news, updates, special events, and more
7. Manufacturer’s coupons for items they sale are accepted.
8. Sign up for Mambo Sprouts for printable coupons as well as home mailers sent 3 times a year. Follow @mambosprouts on twitter too!
9. Local Produce is usually cheaper and is more environmentally friendly.
10. Sign your children up for the Kid’s club and they will get a free item like an apple or orange when you shop.
11. His Better Half says if you sign up for their monthly adult tours, you will get freebies & coupons!

Related Links

• Top 8 Inexpensive Buy at Whole Foods from inkitchn.com
• Whole Foods Corporate Site
• Mambo Sprouts printable organic coupons
• Three Under Three at Whole Foods
• Whole Foods Seasonal Savings

Be sure to check out more Whole Food Savings!