Whole Foods Market has a well-deserved reputation for being a premium retailer with a strong focus on natural, organic and sustainable foods. It also has a reputation for high prices, which is only partly deserved. If your grocery list skews toward healthful foods, Whole Foods can actually be a lower-cost option than mainstream supermarkets despite its commitment to higher quality.
A recent comparison turned up value pricing on a number of healthy options across several product lines. The best bargains will vary depending on the time of year _ watch for local produce in season, for example _ but these examples will tell you where to look in your own local store to get a better deal at Whole Foods.
WILD-CAUGHT SOCKEYE SALMON
For a versatile mealtime option, salmon can be appropriate for just about any cooking method imaginable. Its flesh is rich, mellow and flavorful, and it's high in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Wild-caught sockeye is a "best buy" or "good alternative" according to Seafood Watch, making it an ethical choice as well as a healthy one.
Whole Foods price: $21.99/2 lbs., or $11/lb. (frozen fillet portions)
Wal-Mart Supercenter price: $10.90/12 oz., or $14.53/lb. (frozen fillet portions)
ORGANIC SPRING MIX
Having your own garden filled with tender baby lettuces would be ideal for salad-lovers, but it's not always a practical option. For the rest of us, store-bought spring mix is the best alternative. The organic 365 store brand spring mix at Whole Foods Market worked out to be cheaper than the comparable Wal-Mart brand by about 20 cents per pound.
Whole Foods price: $1.99/4 oz., or $7.96/lb.
Wal-Mart Supercenter price: $2.56/5 oz., or $8.19/lb.
ORGANIC STEEL-CUT OATS
Your local Whole Foods market can be a cost-effective place to pick up healthy whole grains, especially if you go to the bulk section. Consider the market's steel-cut oats, for example. Not only are they an unusually virtuous breakfast _ they can lower your bad cholesterol and blood pressure, moderate your blood sugars and improve your digestion _ you can also prepare them risotto-style for dinner.
Whole Foods price: $1.69/lb.
Wal-Mart Supercenter price: $2.88/24 oz., or $1.92/lb.
ORGANIC RAISINS
One of the simplest ways to improve your diet is replacing unhealthy snacks with better ones. Raisins are a perfect example; you can eat them all on their own or use them as a sweetening ingredient in your own homemade granola bars or energy bars. Get these from the bulk section as well.
Whole Foods price: $3.99/lb.
Wal-Mart Supercenter price: $2.79/10 oz., or $4.46/lb.
