At What Minneapolis Grocery Store Can I Find Protein Powder? (St. Paul: low income, for sale)

[Milesperhour]

Since moving to Minneapolis, I've had a hard time finding protein powder at a grocery store or at Target. I have food stamps, so I'm trying to find a place that takes EBT and also sells protein powder. The only place that I've found so far that sells it has been a Target in St. Louis Park. I haven't seen it for sale at Rainbow, Cub, or Target otherwise.

If anyone knows of a place, I welcome your suggestions. Only, please try to keep them to Minneapolis. I bike and don't own a car, so I'm really hoping for a nearby place where I can buy this. I also work in Midway St. Paul during the week, so I wouldn't be opposed to a store between Whittier and there. Thanks!

[codydog2]

Whole foods has a section with health supplements. I am not sure if they have what you are looking for but they would be worth a shot. Or one of the coops may have it, most of them also have a supplement section.

[Beenhere4ever]

I'd recommend you go anywhere but Whole Foods. They overprice EVERYTHING. I've seen it in many stores. Sears in the fitness section. Any nutrition store like GNC. I think Walgreens. The "real coops" (Whole Foods isn't a food coop, its a corporate chain). Went to Walgreens.com, there it was on the front page. walgreens.com

[ceeb4]

Walmart carries protein powder. Not sure if there is one close to you, but that's where we buy ours.

[golfgal]

Ask your local store to start stocking it. I know our store has a suggestion box for things we would like to see.

[xandrex]

Originally Posted by Beenhere4ever

I'd recommend you go anywhere but Whole Foods. They overprice EVERYTHING. I've seen it in many stores. Sears in the fitness section. Any nutrition store like GNC. I think Walgreens. The "real coops" (Whole Foods isn't a food coop, its a corporate chain). Went to Walgreens.com, there it was on the front page. walgreens.com

The OP needs a place that also takes SNAP. I'm not sure if places like GNC are part of the program. Your best bet is probably a Walmart or Target. They're going to have the cheapest prices (definitely something to keep in mind since SNAP allotments aren't very big, even at the maximum amount!) and both accept SNAP.

Drug stores like Walgreens typically have higher prices, so there's really no benefit to going there unless it saves you time to visit one of these places (check on their SNAP availability, I'm sure they take it).

That said, Whole Foods does overprice things, but the extra price might be worth it for the OP if the supplements are of a higher quality than what is offered at Target and Walmart.

[Beenhere4ever]

Originally Posted by xandrex

The OP needs a place that also takes SNAP. I'm not sure if places like GNC are part of the program. Your best bet is probably a Walmart or Target. They're going to have the cheapest prices (definitely something to keep in mind since SNAP allotments aren't very big, even at the maximum amount!) and both accept SNAP.

Drug stores like Walgreens typically have higher prices, so there's really no benefit to going there unless it saves you time to visit one of these places (check on their SNAP availability, I'm sure they take it).

That said, Whole Foods does overprice things, but the extra price might be worth it for the OP if the supplements are of a higher quality than what is offered at Target and Walmart.

I can imagine Whole Foods saying "our prices are worth it for the quality". And I think "says who?"

[Sunny72]

Thank goodness for your food stamps I wouldn't want you to do without the necessities

[Beenhere4ever]

Actually, whey powder COULD be a economical substitute for hamburger on a calorie for calorie basis. Burger might be cheap, but they sock you for saturated fat of which we need zero in our diet. I don't know exactly how to build a diet around protein powder, but if you merely measure out the protein requirement, you could get your protein very cheap. The point of food stamps is to make money stretch.

[Milesperhour]

Originally Posted by Sunny72

Thank goodness for your food stamps I wouldn't want you to do without the necessities

I have food stamps because I am an AmeriCorps member. As an AmeriCorps member I work full time but make under minimum wage. Rather than a salary, I am paid a living stipend, which does not count as income where food stamps are concerned. Thus, all AmeriCorps members have food stamps to supplement their low income.

Beenhere4ever makes a good point about protein powder. I've known vegetarians to use it as a source of protein. I happen to be using it because I work out.

Thanks for your advice everyone. I haven't looked at Whole Foods yet. Everything the Wedge had was tiny and super expensive. The one I got from the St. Louis Park Target was huge and $20, and lasted me six months.