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Heck, there's a HUGE difference between Whole Foods as it originated (which absolutely rocked) and Whole Foods now (so far from its roots that it's like comparing artificially-fertilized foods with organically-grown foods, with WF being the former).
Good point.
I have not had the opportunity to shop at Whole Paycheck since I left Denver, but even before we moved in 2005, they had begun selling non-organic foods.
OTOH, after spending about 20 months in a tiny town with ONE crappy PigglyWiggly before we moved to our current location, Whole Foods looks pretty good.
I love their produce and bakery sections, and their 365 Sesame Goddess dressing. We don't have one here, so I always stock up on their demi-baguettes and dressing when I visit my parents.
We have an Earth Fare here, which takes the place of it most of the time. I like being able to get irish cut oats, fresh produce, and good unpasteurized cheeses. I'm also addicted to Blue Sky Ginseng Cola, and their flavored seltzers. I don't shop there for all my groceries..I feel that would be pretty silly and wasteful. But I will pay the premium for the things I can't find anywhere else.
I just go to Whole Foods for some cheese or good steaks and that's it. I think it's expensive compared to the rest of the supermarkets to go there regularly.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlueWillowPlate
And with the abundance of cashiers, the lines are usually quick, the shopping experience is pleasant.
That's true. People working there are always very nice, they even remember us and what we bought last time, they ask if everything was tasteful, or they have good recommendations.
I'm curious about Trader Joe's. I've heard it's like a non-expensive Whole Foods.
Now, I have heards lots of buzz about "Trader Joe's" but there doesn't seem to be one in Florida (or even Asheville). Anyone have experience with this store?
I love Trader Joes...there are 2 in our area. But I don't go there for anything organic. Their regular fruits and vegetables are great, their frozen foods are delicious and inexpensive IMO.
Their stores are small compared to a regular grocery store, but they pack alot under their roof and their prices are great! And believe me, I'm a bargin shopper! I don't do expensive!!
We go to Whole Foods only for special occasions. They do carry "sushi-grade" fish, though, and their "fish monger" is excellent. He'll even slice little pieces for us to taste, and can recommend the best buy. Nice thing is that there is no "fishy" odor in their fish department. So you KNOW it's fresh!
They have a good rice and legume mix - harvest blend, I think they call it. I love it. And they are about the only place I can find wild rice around here.
I don't like most of their brands, however. And they are "pricey" compared to other places. Their prepared foods - salads and such - are strange combinations of things that don't appeal to my palate - nor my DH.
There is a HUGE difference between Whole Foods (the chain) and organic foods. Heck, there's a HUGE difference between Whole Foods as it originated (which absolutely rocked) and Whole Foods now (so far from its roots that it's like comparing artificially-fertilized foods with organically-grown foods, with WF being the former).
There's also a difference between Whole Foods and whole foods.
I agree 100% with you TexasHorseLady .. it was great in the beginning, but the place and prices really turn me off now. I don't go anymore, the prices are totally rediculous and it's gone from a health oriented store to more of a collective junk store with a superior attitude and matching prices.
Too many turnovers of new owners has taken it far from what it first started out as, IMO.
I thought everything at Whole Foods looked like very good quality last time I was there.
But after seeing a woman pay over $100 for a bag of groceries, I realized that my family would die of starvation if we shopped there for our groceries, as our food budget wouldn't get us very far!!!
Just exaggerating a bit, but really it is very expensive. If I was a millionaire, and money was no object, sure I'd shop there but it probably won't be in this lifetime.
I had never been until this year, and was very disappointed, both at the selections of items and the prices. I think I would have to take out a morgage to buy seafood there! Wasn't wild about the produce either. The only benefit of the store I see is that all items are "natural" and it would make shopping easier for those who only want all natural.
If I need natural, exotic or mom & pop brand items, I prefer HEB CENTRAL MARKET or even SUN HARVEST. SUN HARVEST is not what it used to be, but I think they still have a better selection of "non-fancy" natural items than WHOLE FOODS. jmo
It's amazing what the media actually convinces us we need to buy. I like buying fresh stuff when it is in season.....but I'm not going to pay 3X the amount for some organic baked chip.
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