Whole Foods Market
What People Are Saying About Whole Foods Market
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short
Whole Foods is a vegetarian's dream grocery store, with a focus on natural and organic goods and a gargantuan selection of fruits, vegetables and vegan products. But carnivores won't feel neglected, as stores also boast a vast selection of top-quality meats, poultry and fish. Also expect fresh-baked goods, housewares, a floral department and a well-stocked vitamin and personal-product section. Deli offers hot and cold prepared foods and artisanal cheeses.
User Reviews
Anonymous
January 08, 2007
I'm tired of people complaining at the prices at Whole Foods. If you don't like the prices, don't shop there. Most people do not understand the philosophy of Whole Foods - to provide locally, sustainable produce to you that is environmentally and socially conscious. I shop there for the best chicken (Rosie - $13-15 per whole chicken); fresh organic produce and organic/grass fed meats. That's it. Go there because you want the best tasting for you and your family. Don't go there if you have issues with your budget.
read full reviewAnonymous
January 07, 2007
I come from Britain. Over there we have supermarkets like Sainsbury's which provide healthy, wholesome food without especially blowing their trumpet about it. This kind of shopping still lies far in the future for the USA; in the meantime we have Whole Foods. What is it like? Well, it's not all bad. It is the only place in this country I have found muesli which was not loaded with sugar, or things I would take for granted in the UK like wholemeal pasta or baked beans not sticky with corn syrup (the elixir of obesity for many Americans). As a vegetarian though, I was amazed at how many unhealthy and meaty (and I know these aren't synonyms) items the store sells, somewhat belying the business name. For example, I was repelled that they sell marshmallows containing gelatin made from boiled bones, in a shop called Whole Foods! The other obvious problem is the cost. The salads are nice, but at these prices they should be. In fact you could eat at a restaurant for what you would pay for a snack here, which rather defeats the purpose of this store's existence. The baked goods are disappointing and pricey. I recognize that my nausea at the smell of cooking chicken will probably be a minority opinion. Overall, I find the overall value for money here rather poor. If you're ever in the UK check out Sainsbury's for how shopping should be. Perhaps one day it will be like that here too.
read full reviewAnonymous
January 06, 2007
Expensive. Really, really expensive. Nice inside with very fresh food and lots of it. Many things you won't really find anywhere else which makes this more of a gourmet or specialty food place but not really a health food store, a misconception I think this company tries to capitalize on. The place sells hard-to-find food and most of it is not local so it's not even very good for the environment but still, if you must have a 10 dollar block of Wensleydale cheese or organic Champagne or frozen Buffalo patties, this place will seem like an absolute Mecca. I happen to be vegetarian and I sometime suffer from the delusion that if I want fresh, homemade soup without chicken in it, I should go on over to Whole Foods. I am usually badly disappointed and much the poorer when I arrive home. Their fresh soups are fresh but they are not that great. I find them oddly over-spiced and hideously expensive. Whole Foods is home of the world's most pricey salad bar. Expect a small cardboard box with an average-sized salad in it to cost around the 8 dollar mark. I mean, it's salad, people. You can buy a bag of it on the other side of the store for three dollars. The Whole Foods brand does have some nice stuff and not too badly priced. I bought some very reasonable whole wheat pasta and some ketchup made without corn syrup but it still costs more than things you find in a Safeway or Albertson. So: if you must have real creme fraiche or free-range bison meat, this is your store. If you have trouble coughing up $12 for frozen pizza then maybe try Trader Joe's or The Berkeley Bowl which have organic and free-range foods for a pittance compared to this place. NOTE: Most of the food offered here is NOT LOCAL so in no way could you consider this an eco-friendly store. It's for yuppies who like the look of eco-friendly without doing their homework. Giving them your money just encourages t
read full reviewThe Details on Whole Foods Market
The Extras:
Select locations offer catering, including sandwich and party platters, hot entrees and sides, wraps, salads, sushi and more. Wedding and special-occasion cakes with vegan options may also be available. Check the Whole Foods website for participating locations.
