This Whole Foods review is based on my personal experience and I was not paid for the review. However, this post does contain other affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Please read my disclosure page for more info.
The term “organic” has become a hot button for many people, but I feel strongly about knowing where my family’s food comes from. It’s important to us that farm workers are not exposed to pesticides and fungicides, and that they earn a living wage. We also want to eat real food in it’s natural state instead of meals laced with chemicals, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and highly processed ingredients.
These are some of the main reasons, besides convenience, that I’ve been a loyal Whole Foods shopper for so long. However, over the past couple of years Whole Foods started changing in ways that made me increasingly unhappy.
Whole Paycheck?
Whole Foods Market has long been criticized and made fun of, earning the nickname “Whole Paycheck” due to the expensive cheeses, meats, specialty organic grocery items including vegetarian and vegan options, hand-crafted kombucha and other fermented foods. Fresh baked breads range from $6 to $8 per loaf. It is common to find $36 facial powder in the cosmetic department and $8 bars of soap in the bodycare section.
Yes, it smacks of privilege to be able to shop at Whole Foods. It’s easy to make fun of that, too. I appreciated the humor in this “Whole Foods Parking Lot” video.
There’s nothing amusing about having to work longer because you can’t afford to retire due to an expensive lifestyle, though.
My grocery costs have always been dramatically lower whenever I’d shop at Lola’s, a local Mexican market, or at Trader Joe’s. Many FIRE bloggers rave about Aldi’s or shop at Costco. But none of these stores carried enough fresh organic produce or other products I regularly buy, based on our family’s values.
I had some favorite products that kept me coming back to Whole Foods.
Then a funny thing happened . . .
Whole Foods began to change, and I started to notice. It happened over the course of several years, even before Whole Foods was sold to Amazon. Little aggravations continued to add up until I finally had to admit that Whole Foods sucks.
This will be the year that I ditch Whole Foods, and here’s why:
1. Whole Foods no longer carries the products I love.
First, Whole Foods stopped carrying one of my favorite bottled teas. Then another one. I can no longer get my favorite soap at Whole Foods. My favorite first aid salve was dropped. Many of the supplements I liked were discontinued. Food choices were eliminated.
Employees don’t have a say anymore about which products get offered in the stores. All product decisions are made at the corporate level, based on profit margins. I’ve complained about this, and the employees I’ve talked to have shared that they are not happy about it, either.
2. It has become increasing difficulty to find things in the store.
OK, I admit that many grocery stores periodically rearrange all the products inside the store. It’s a common ploy to keep you in the store longer so that you’ll add more items to your cart as you search. I’ve found that Whole Foods does this more frequently than other grocery stores I shop at, and it’s aggravating.
For products I can’t find anywhere else, I’ve resorted to ordering online from other retailers. By starting my online shopping trip through Rakuten (formerly Ebates), I get great discounts and earn cash back on every purchase. Sign-up through my link so you can save more money, too.
3. No more case discount on Whole Foods’ 365 products!
I used to buy cases of Whole Foods 365 brand unsweetened almond milk in the aseptic packages. It was nice to get a 10% case discount. However, Whole Foods doesn’t give a case discount on 365 brand products anymore.
The employees are stuck in the awkward position of having to explain that the 365 brand is “already discounted” even though I can buy almond milk for the same price at Trader Joe’s. Unfortunately, I liked the 365 brand better. I may start making my own fresh almond milk at home, with my high-speed Vitamix blender, instead.
4. What you see on the shelves is what you get, and the shelves may be empty.
Whole Foods stopped keeping inventory in the back storeroom, so when something is out on the shelves, you have to special order it or wait for it to come in. This is very inconvenient and annoying.
5. Employees appear to lack training about the products.
In the past, I could always count on Whole Foods employees to understand what I was looking for, and to know about products in the store. I don’t expect anyone to suggest herbs or supplements to cure an illness (FDA comes down hard on that), but I do expect employees to know the basic definitions of the products in the store.
The last time I was in Whole Foods, the employees working in the bodycare department did not know what a first aid salve or herbal balm was! How can this be?!! When I finally found a first aid herbal balm (myself), it wasn’t suitable for my needs. Of course, there was ONLY ONE BRAND.
6. Whole Foods wants me to pay extra to shop there.
Since being acquired by Amazon, Whole Foods offers an “extra” discount to Amazon Prime members. Sorry, I’m not going to pay extra just to shop in a store that’s already expensive. The cost of being an Amazon Prime member isn’t worth the extra discount at Whole Foods.
It’s just another attempt to separate me from my money.
7. I’d rather support local business owners who treat their employees better.
Whole Foods has historically paid employees less than other grocery stores in my area. At $15 per hour, it’s hard for cashiers to make ends meet in the high cost of living area where I’m located.
It has not felt good knowing that the average Whole Foods employee barely earns enough to get by while Jeff Bezos made $1,681,840.00 in salary and other compensation in 2017 (as disclosed to the US Securities and Exchange Commission). Update: Jeff Bezos’ net worth in 2020 is now $204.8 billion.
As mentioned earlier, Whole Foods Market makes buying decisions at the corporate level, and local employees don’t get a say in what the store offers. Contrast this with Oliver’s, a small local grocery chain where the employees also own the store!
8. Whole Foods lacks compassion regarding our homeless population.
The Whole Foods store closest to me is near an area where homeless people gather. Inside the store, the bathrooms are locked and require a code to get in. This is done to prevent homeless people from using the restroom.
Customers find it annoying that the bathrooms are locked. I wish Whole Foods could deal with this differently and show more compassion toward our local homeless population.
It took some time, but Whole Foods has finally lost my loyalty.
My Revised Shopping Strategy for Healthy, Inexpensive Food
Our local employee-owned Oliver’s Market has become my new go-to store for grocery shopping. I’ll also continue to shop at small health food stores and local farmer’s markets. There are a couple items that I still like to buy at Trader Joe’s and Lola’s because I can get them cheaper there.
We tend to cook meals from scratch and stay away from processed foods. This helps keep food expenses lower. Even kombucha and other fermented foods can be made at home to save money. If only I could get my husband or daughter to start making homemade bread!
More Ways to Save Money On Food
Foraging for wild foods is another way to lower foods costs. Our family enjoys collecting edible mushrooms during the cooler wet months. To do this, make sure to learn proper mushroom identification and be mindful of where collecting is allowed.
This year, we will also increase the produce grown in our backyard garden. Homegrown veggies are fresher, taste better, and cost less. I’ve got a huge collection of seeds, and it’s time to get my plant starts going.
The money I save by growing more of our own produce will go straight into my retirement savings! I’ve written before about other strategies I use to lower food costs, but now I’d like to hear yours. Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Another one to add to the list: they’re inconsiderate and sneaky with their employee scheduling.
A friend of mine is an immigrant who isn’t qualified for many jobs. She was thrilled to be hired by Whole Foods (they seem to have a reputation in the Vancouver area as a good employer.)
But the stories she’s told me about how they schedule her and others in her department are deeply upsetting.
For example, they’ll schedule her for 6 days in a row—which normally would mean they’d have to pay her an overtime rate on the sixth day. But they’re sneaky about it, and ensure that they stay within 40 hours over the 6 days. That way, they’re not legally obligated to pay the overtime rate.
How awful and unfair is that? Who wants to work 40 hours over 6 days, for minimal pay?
They also ask for scheduling preferences (e.g. no Sunday morning shifts so she can go to church). But these preferences are never considered.
I’ve lost a lot of respect for Whole Foods based on the stories my friend’s told me.
That is very uncool. Sadly, I’ve heard of other retailers doing it, too.
I hope your friend finds an employer who values and respects her, Chrissy!
I’m glad I’m not the only one who was beef with Whole Foods! That place used to drive me nuts every time I went so I don’t!
The growth of giant retailers is not always a good thing. That’s another reason I like smaller, local businesses – there is usually better customer service! Hopefully retailers will get the message when consumers vote with their dollars!
I know a lot of people rave about Whole Foods but I’ve never really gotten into it. I moved back to the US from an island and since then I’ve definitely just found the cheapest place to buy food and Whole Foods wasn’t one of them!
Yes, there are definitely other choices. Thanks so much for stopping by, Alexx!
#7 is the top reason why I don’t shop there. I’ve noticed that even produce and other foods that COULD be local, just aren’t.
I think it’s because purchasing decisions are made at the corporate level, far removed from the communities where each store is located. Sad.
Thanks for stopping by, Angela!
It only took one reason for me to not shop there. The one by us was built about a year ago, and I went there right after it opened. I walked around and looked at all the prices, which I more or less have memorized from my supermarket, and couldn’t justify paying the difference. Just this week, they announced that they will begin delivery here, which most people I know would not ever use due to the added cost on top of something that’s already pricey. Great post. 🙂
Thank you, Josh!
Yes, it’s easy to see how the nickname “Whole Paycheck” stuck.
I usually purchased the items I knew were less expensive elsewhere.
I don’t have Whole Foods where I live, but a lot of the things you have listed here are reasons why I dislike the grocery store we have. Unfortunately, it’s the only one in town, so I have no choice but to shop there. My garden will absolutely be expanded this year to help reduce how much produce we have to buy at the store.
That is a great idea, Sarah! Growing your own produce not only saves money, but it’s fresher & tastes better.
Reading all of your reasons makes me very glad that I don’t live near a Whole Foods! I do like Trader Joe’s for cost and small size — but they use SO MUCH plastic packaging.
I’m looking forward to learning about saving money from you!
A Whole Foods recently opened near my home. One of the reasons it’s dead to me is the plastic packaging. It makes me so upset. The store is a plastic mess. I’ve even seen fresh cheese wrapped in plastic, and then stuck in one of their plastic containers.
It’s pretty hard to avoid plastic packaging in just about any grocery store, Meryl! You’d think Whole Foods would try to do better.
Lee, I meant to point out one of my very first posts was all about saving money on groceries.
Check it out:
https://www.babyboomersupersaver.com/navigating-black-holes-and-cheap-healthy-eats/
That’s a good point about the amount of plastic packaging used at Trader Joe’s, Lee! At least some of TJ’s produce is sold without packaging. The items I purchase most often at TJ’s include produce, frozen mangoes, and nuts. I’ve quit purchasing most of the processed food items at TJ’s, though. I’ve found the quality & savings to be better when I make meals from scratch. I also try to purchase items I need wherever they are on sale.
Thanks for stopping by!
Great article. Fully agree that local shops are great, also to bypass corporate decisions by large stores. Although a bit more expensive (at least here) you give back to community, get fresher more local products with less plastic 🙂
So true, Isabel! My family & I have made a pact this month that we are going to avoid plastic as much as possible, especially single-use plastic like packaging. This can be a challenge, but we’re up for it!
I completely agree with you! I’ve never had a Whole Foods close enough to shop at regularly, but whenever I’ve been there I haven’t been impressed.
They are putting a whole foods in the city closest to me which is supposed to open this summer.. I will always choose organic and natural foods over conventional, but I will continue to shop elsewhere for it.
Yes, my preference is organic and natural, unprocessed foods, too. I’m grateful that more stores are providing these options, and lucky to live in an area where there are year-round farmer’s markets. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts, Iris!
Interesting yet true post!! Thanks for sharing !! ❤️ https://jessierenea.com/hard-work-is-great-but-the-condition-for-success-isnt-the-same-for-everyone/
Thank you, Jessica! I appreciate you for stopping by!
It is a bummer that Whole Foods doesn’t give you a great experience. Even though I am a huge Whole Foods shopper, I can definitely see some pain points that the market has. Its acquisition by Amazon wasn’t the best move because Amazon treats their employees like trash as it is. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
Yep, I used to be a huge fan, but no more. I’m finding that locally owned small chain grocers and farmer’s markets are able to supply better quality, increased variety & an overall improved shopping experience. Thanks for stopping by, Nancy!
You certainly have a point. I still can find everything I need there but there are other places equally good and far cheaper. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Margarida! I appreciate your comments – it’s good to be aware that we have choices as consumers. Sometimes you can even find better products, from local producers, which makes me happy!
Lovely post, I’ve never actually thought of whole foods like that! It’s interesting to see it at another person’s angle. I’m glad that I usually shop at our local markets! Anyway, thanks for sharing this very helpful post!
Yes, local markets are a great community resource and the prices are usually better. Thanks for stopping by, Kaye!
As of yesterday I am in complete agreement. As I was shopping for my favorite vegetarian selections there were a lot of “last chance” sales. So they are discontinuing even more stuff that I like. And then I got home and realized since the cashier did not know how to ring up a bulk spice he just charged me what it would have cost for a bottle of the spice. Argh so more untrained cashiers. It isn’t worth it for me to drive all the way back but that definitely was the last straw for me. They are offering way more conventional vegetables at organic prices and mislabeling organic produce. Forget it, they lost my business!!
So sorry that happened to you, Vivian! Whole Foods will usually give you the item for free if they’ve rung it up wrong. Why not put the spice & your receipt in your car, then return it when you’re already going that way? At least you won’t make a special trip.
I used to drive out of my way, a distance, to shop at Whole Foods once in a while. I thought my prayers were being answered when one moved into my city last year. But it’s no answer to my prayers. It’s full of mass-produced foods. They sell Cheerios and other big brand cereals. The baked goods are awful, and only a few items are made there, but probably with shipped raw or frozen mixes. Sometimes the produce looks ripe, but when you cut it open, it isn’t. It’s happened to me too many times. The local products are mostly gone. The prepared foods are overly salted, the fine chocolates are gone and replaced with brands I can get anywhere. Not only is the produce department full of plastic bags, but I can’t even buy an echo-friendly alternative if I forget mine. WTF? I’m done with Whole Foods.
Yes, watching Whole Foods replace many locally produced items with mainstream big brand products has been a real turn-off. I agree with you, Meryl, that Whole Foods prepared foods have gone down in quality, too. Now I’m making the effort to prep & cook my own lunches instead of buying prepared foods, so the savings will go straight to my retirement nest egg!
I feel this. I love shopping for my produce at the farmer’s markets during the summer, but once winter hits I seem to be forced back to Whole Foods. I can get my dry goods at Costco, but produce is another beast altogether!
It’s hard when the choices are limited, Rheanna. Where I live, we have year-round farmer’s markets but that doesn’t work where it snows! Have you ever tried sprouting seeds for fresh greens in your kitchen?
OMG, I didn’t know stores changed things around to keep you there longer! That sounds shady, especially is they do it often.
– aimlief
Oh, that’s just my perception, lol. It takes me much longer to shop to find the items on my list when everything’s been moved around inside the store! Thanks for stopping by, aimlief!
I have shopped at Whole Foods from the very beginning. I was living in Austin and my boyfriend was friends with the guy who started it. In Austin, originally, it was sort of competing with the local food co-op, and at that time it had more bulk items, lower prices. . . but Whole Foods really made an effort to be a special store, carried items you couldn’t find anywhere else. They sold rhubarb wine from Oregon. Where else could you find that?
And cheeses of all sorts. Shampoo you could buy in bulk, and the best yogurt. Although, the products always changed. When I moved to NYC in 1998, I was pleasantly surprised to see there was Whole Foods in NY, too. I continued to shop at Whole Foods, even as the prices went up and up and the products changed. I moved to California in 2012, which is when I first heard the term ‘whole paycheck” and yet I continued to shop at whole foods in California, although I was more particular about what I bought (only those items not available elsewhere). Again, prices going up and product selection changed. Shopping at whole foods always connected me to living in Austin at a special time in my life. And then, they sold it to Amazon. products changed, now more like other grocery stores, less special items, little reason to shop there. And, I don’t know why the guys who owned Whole Foods needed to sell out to Amazon anyway. I don’t really want to buy my groceries from Amazon. So, I don’t go to whole foods anymore either, makes me sad, but they have no loyalty to me, and I no longer have any loyalty to them.
Yep, very sad, Karen. Thanks for taking the time to read & comment. Very cool history you shared!
I love this look at Whole Foods! My parents used to shop there years ago, well before it was acquired by Amazon.
I admit there are big corporations that treat their employees well but I cannot help but feel most ‘big’ corporations are big because they have let go of honesty and most good ideals.
Thank you, Jaya! I appreciate your comments & hope your parents found a place to shop that works for them. I think sometimes we can make a difference with where we choose to spend our money.
All good reasons to quit WF. I also wonder how much healthier their food really is. Although I admittedly still shop there. Also, Jeff Bezos making $1.7m in 2017? Now I think he probably makes that every few hours!
Thanks, Contrarian Saver! The healthiest food is the stuff that’s not processed. WF still has plenty of “healthy” food that is really just junk food. Thanks for stopping by!
I work at Whole Foods right now and I completely agree with all of this, and it gets worse each and every day for the employees: cliches; favoritism; an ATL told me that, at our location, people are hired also based on looks she was straight up told this: she is a model for her other job). I went for a supervisor position and was told I shouldn’t apply again… an 18 year old girl was hired for the role, she is very pretty. She started just over a month (her first job) before and got the position… when a few others had been going for the position who had worked there a year or more, with more experience.
I just want to make a correction in your post… it’s the 365 brand that had the case discount, not the 465… brand. That’s my only correction.
Thanks for reading & commenting, Sophie! I’ve made the correction to reflect that Whole Foods signature brand is called 365 (not 465). Thanks so much!
Funny, I used to live directly next to a Whole Foods and it was great. I’d get their 365 products all the time (esp the personal pizzas). But the prices kept getting higher, and I eventually moved. Now I can’t remember the last time I went to one. And I have no desire to change that.
Yep. It’s convenient, but with less choice and higher costs, it’s just not attractive. Thanks for reading & commenting, My Hollywood!
It’s really sad when a brand/company that bases itself on an ethical, & sustainable model and is known (usually) for treating employees well and for being open and diverse decides that this no longer serves them (when it has since it’s inception); this doesn’t surprise me though. I only get my cheese from WF as it’s the only store that labels it clearly if it’s vegetarian — that’s pretty much the only time I’ll be in there. Thanks for writing about this — it’s such a shame.
It is a shame, Molly. They could do so much better. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts, too.