For more than 25 years, college students, providers for big families, and other thrifty individuals have been stretching their dollars at Whole Foods Market, getting both quality and value.
It’s time to share your favorite buying tips and low cost recipes, and to pick up some great advice from other frugal foodies. You can submit a video on our YouTube page OR simply type in your tip below.
If we mention your tip on our Whole Story blog, we’ll send you a $25 gift card. Now that’s a value!
With winter here and the slow cookers out of storage, many dishes are a bit thin, soups cassroles etc. I use the 365 Brand Instant Mashed potatoes to thicken them. My mother used this trick when I was young. My favorite food fact is that a roasted whole chicken has about 2 1/2 cups of meat…just what most casserole or quick dinners call for. save lots of time buying one and using the meat for dish and making broth or soup from the carcass.
We are not vegetarian, but we entertain friends that are. So we make sure to inquire whenever we invite people over, what they do or do not eat.
What we have done the last couple of years is buy a pumpkin just after Halloween and set it out, uncut, to decorate our front stoop. Then, the week of Thanksgiving, we cut it up, roast it (salt, pepper and a little olive oil), and roast the seeds (season with something like Tony’s). We bag it and put it in the fridge until turkey day. The roast pumpkin is yummy as is, or can then be turned into soup or pumpkin risotto. And the seeds make a nice topping for the soup! This year, we tried a batch with no seasonings, and I’m going to try it out as pumpkin pie.
I love the healthy, beautifully decorated, and especially the variety of cakes available in the bakery at Whole Foods. Ever since I started visiting whole foods, it has been my habit to stop by the bakery to see what variety of cake I can get. The specialty of the whole foods bakery is that they provide a piece of any cake. This way you can buy and taste it without buying the whole cake. If you like a piece of cake after tasting, you cal also go ahead and buy the full cake as the same cake is also available in full size. Our family love tasting a variety of cakes at the same visit. So I end up buying variety of small portions of cakes packed independently. Our family has really learned the value of shopping at Whole Foods. You can also do the same by getting a cut pieces of cake instead buying one full cake. Whole foods have an expert baker who will help you in selecting right cake piece for you. So next time you visit whole foods don’t forget to visit the bakery section. A new world of cakes is waiting for you. I am sure that you will love my idea.
Something a lot of shoppers might miss — on your way around the store check out the calendar of events sheet available at the Customer Service booth (mine’s right by the entrance and produce at my favorite Boulder, Colorado store). Every Thursday at my store in the summer, they did a different $3 delicious dinner, and the donation went to local schools! A $3 dinner is not something you find these days… plus, they do regular fall and winter food tasting events as well. This way, you can pay very little (or nothing, as some of them are free!) to try some of the delicious foods at Whole Foods, and maybe even get new ideas for recipes or new fruits/vegetables to try at home.
I love buying in the bulk section instead of buying granola and nuts separately. You can save a fortune, plus you can experiment with combining different types of nuts, granolas, and other snack foods to create nice school lunch additives without packing on the “unhealthy factor”. I also love buying lunch at Whole Foods. If you work near a WHole Foods, I recommend buying your lunch THERE! You can find wholesome, delicious lunch items for a dollar! Today, I found four small bread bites (quite filling, actually) for 93 cents! There are also soup, salad, and vegetable bars where you can combine all sorts of tasty ingredients to form your own perfect lunch. WHole Foods is great!
We save money by organizing our coupons in the same order as the aisles of our favorite Whole Foods store (we use a mini file box, but there are many coupon sorters available). This way we can easily pull out the coupons as we shop each aisle, and great money saving products are never missed. We also can see if an item we have a coupon for is already on sale - double the savings! And we are always on the lookout for coupon books at the registers. We end up saving a ton each trip to the market by having coupon organization!
One of the best ways our family saves money is by finding creative ways to stretch our leftovers. The Washington Post just ran a story that the average family of four wastes $590 of food each year! Our family is no different - they start complaining when a dish reappears more than once, but I’ve learned to jazz up our leftovers or make an entirely new dish with remainders. Allrecipes.com is a cooking resource I couldn’t live without - they have a feature that allows you to type in what ingredients you have, and suggests hundreds of recipes that you can make. It’s the only way my family will eat our leftover turkey for the next week!
Pumpkin-Mince Pie:
This was a creation from the 1960’s by my Grandmother’s cook, the late Anna Kesman. Now, there was a woman who could bake!
Take several (who could bake just one of these?) Whole Foods brand 365
Organic Everyday Value pie crusts. If mine are a 10, these are a 9+!
Put a layer of mince meat on the bottom of each crust. You can use Crosse & Blackwell or any other prepared mincemeat, or make your own.
Then prepare a simple pumpkin custard from scratch, or follow the instructions on the can of pumpkin or however you like. Pour the custard over the layer of mincemeat. Bake as usual.
Note here, I put a ring of crumpled aluminium foil about the crust edge until almost done to prevent over-browning of the crust edge.
A mincemeat pie is usually entirely too rich. Pumpkin alone needs a little zip. This combination is a total winner! I have to setup an assembly line every year making these for friends. Your friends and family will be amazed at how yummy this easy-to-make pie really is!
Topsy Turvy!
Having cooked probably 70 or more turkeys over the years, I have learned (FINALLY) how to have that entire bird moist and flavorful!
First, soak it for 24 hours or more in brine. Mix salt and sugar (2:1 mixture here) in water and imerse the bird. This will hydrate the turkey. Next, use a “V” shaped rack in the roaster and turn the bird up-side down. That’s right, put the breast down. Good heavens how that works!
You do not end up with the Norman Rockwell turkey, but if it is carved in the kitchen, who cares? The breast meat will be succulent and the dark meat will not be greasy.
Try it. What do you have to lose but tough, dry aweful breast meat? You too will become a believer!
I do like the point someone made about planning shopping lists precisely so that food doesn’t end up in the garbage, and reusable bags have also been mentioned as a way of doing right for the environment while getting a discount.
The problem with both of these is that they can’t help you if you are scatterbrained like me and you often FORGET your list or bags!
Here is a simple but elegantly effective suggestion that really helps me remember my bags and list: get your family in the habit of putting your LIST in your reusable bag! And while you’re at it, instead of writing on the back of an old envelope or scrap paper, try putting your lists in a mini notebook so that you are able to refer back to the things that you commonly buy. That could save you money and time.
Happy Thanksgiving shopping, y’all!
This tip is for gas conserving environmentalists that do not have a Whole Foods in their area. Make your organic shopping an afternoon out with like-minded friends. Fill 1 car and do your organic shopping together. After, sit & chat over a Whole Foods deli meal at the store, or bring to one of your homes.
On average, Americans throw away 14% of the food that they buy. That means $600 down the drain! How can you stop this radical flow of lost money? Well, the obvious solution is planning and buying only what you need! Instead of going grocery shopping each day for just one ingredient, compose a grocery shopping list (and make sure your list reflects meal plans). You should also have grocery shopping days. That way you can buy everything you need in one trip.
Over the weekend, I plan what I want in my school lunch next week. Then I give the shopping list to my mom and on Sunday we buy what we need and only what what we need. It’s a lot easier than running around the store looking for one item like peanut butter. So what is the solution? The solution is planning.
After 40 years of marriage and cooking for 4 men, I’ve learned to plan my menu from what’s in the refrig and what’s on sale at the store. We waste very little if anything because nothing is forgotten in the frig. It takes a bit of creativity but that’s fun too. We try to be as organic, healthy and environmentally conscious as we can.
Easy Crisp Green Beans w/ Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
3 LBS French green beans
3 tbsp unsalted butter
2 shallots, minced
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, diced
1 1/2 tbsp freshly grated lemon zest
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
3/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1. Bring large pot of saled water to a boit. Add green beans and cook about 2 min
Prepare an ice-water bath to shock the beans. Plunge the beans to stop cooking.
2. In a skillet heat butter over medium heat. Add shallots and saute until tender, about 3 min. Add tomatoes and cook about 2 min. Add beans, lemon zest, salt and pepper to taste. Cook until beans are heated through, about 5 min.
My grandmother is not able to leave her house or cook for herself so when I visit her I cook large quantities of healthy foods like chicken, vegetables, and rice or pasta. I separate the large portions into single meals and put into freezer-safe trays (like the ones you can recycle from frozen dinners). She can then pull out one meal at a time and pop it into the oven.
Before I shop, I check my cupboards first. I look for ingredients that have just been sitting unused, then think about dishes I can make with those ingredients. I buy my fresh produce at Whole Foods as well as any other ingredients I need to complete the dish. I call it Cupboard Cuisine.
What to do with Thanksgiving leftovers . . . used to be a problem around our house. We would make turkey soup, turkey BBQ wraps, turkey salad, even an old family recipe for turkey quiche with dried cranberries and stuffing topped with creme fresh. We were creative with every aspect of the meal, but we were overlooking the obvious: invite more people so there’s no leftovers. We decided that in stead of buying a smaller turkey, we’d invite people we know, our family knows, folks from church . . . whoever didn’t have family to celebrate with became part of our tradition. Each year the faces change, but party grows. Now, we buy two turkeys - and the goal remains not to have any leftovers. Amazingly, in this tough economy, we have more the be thankful for than ever just from keeping our focus on giving.
I save the washed trimmings and peelings from organic vegetables in a bag in the freezer. When the bag is full, I throw the lot into the crockpot with water and make a delicious vegetable broth. I use this broth for risottos, a base for soups and for braising. It’s much cheaper than buying vegetable stock or making your own using whole vegetables.
Turkey makes great soup stock! Use the bones with some meat still on them as a soup starter, add some seasonal veggies and seasonings, and simmer.
I *love* the Bulk Foods aisle. The selection of beans and grains is especially good as well as economical. I buy arborio rice there to use in risotto, a great comfort dish. Heat 2T olive oil in a large stainless pan over medium heat and saute’ 1 small onion, chopped, with 1 garlic clove, chopped, until translucent. Stir in 2 cups arborio rice until grains are coated with olive oil. Add 1/4-cup dry white wine and stir until the liquid is evaporated. Begin adding 6 cups of vegetable stock in 1/2-cup increments. Stir in each addition until the rice begins to look dry then continue to add another 1/2-cup until the rice is cooked and appears creamy (about 25-30 mins). Top with grated parmigiano-reggiano or romano cheese. A variety of items can be added after the first addition of stock. Sliced mushrooms, cubed butternut squash and fresh pesto are some of my faves. Risotto leftovers freeze well and can be made into croquettes and incorporated into other dishes such as frittatas.
A great way to save money is to make your own vegetable stock that can be used as the cooking water in your grain dishes or as a base for soups and stews. You can also drink it warm like tea.
Instead of using your fresh and perfect vegetables, try using the vegetable scraps — the onion and garlic peels, carrot stalks and all of the odds and ends that would otherwise end up in the compost. Just be sure to wash these parts well. Boil the scraps in water for 30 minutes to one hour. You can add herbs and spices. Once the veggie scraps are soft, strain the broth from the scraps. Use the broth as you like, and discard the scraps, after truly getting your money’s worth!
I try to maintain a colorful diet and love trying new recipes with vegetables I don’t usually buy. Each week I head to my local Whole Foods and buy a few different veggies (trying to pick what may be on sale that week to save money as a bonus). Once I’m home, I’ll focus my weekly recipes on those vegetables. This way, I try new things and don’t end up throwing away unused produce.
Great twist on an old favorite, packed with flavor from hidden veggies! My husband and one year old son love this dish…
Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf:
Combine:
1-1/2lb ground turkey
3/4 cup rolled oats
1/2cup catsup
1 beaten egg
1T worcestershire or soy sauce
2 cloves minced garlic
1/2t salt
1/4t black pepper
1/4cup cut up or shredded provalone or mozerella
Saute:
handful of each chopped - Onions, Peppers and Mushrooms
Once cooled a bit, add to above mixture
Form loaf on greased sheet or in pyrex dish
Bake at 350 for about 50 minutes
Also good served on a roll!
I bought a 22 oz. insulated thermos that’s saving me the $3-5 dollars that I used to spend on coffee or tea everyday. I just drop in 2 cheap Whole Foods teabags and fill it with boiling water and soymilk in the morning, then sip hot tea whenever I feel like throughout the day.
My best-ever $-saving idea was to teach my husband to cook! He was never motivated to learn until I showed him what he was spending on his charge card every month eating out. We both have demanding jobs with unpredictable schedules, so if I didn’t cook or had to work late, he would just hit a restaurant on the way home. When he saw that charge card total, he was SHOCKED and he was off to WF the next day! I showed him some basic, easy dishes and he has done a fantastic job with them. The best parts are that this is so much healthier for him AND he has been making dinner for me, too! The moral of the story is that economizing turned out to be a great thing in ways I never expected.
I’m very budget concious, but not willing to sacrifice my body and my health just to save a few bucks. That’s why I shop at Whole Foods. The quality of their products is excellent, and I stay within budget by purchasing almost exclusively items that are on sale. Basics like milk have to be bought no matter what, but, for example, I can choose fruit and veggies for the week based on which ones have the lowest price. This also ensures that every week there’s something new and exciting in my refrigerator!
Even though the economy has slowed down, I am committed to provide healthy food from Whole Foods to my family! One of my “MANY” frugal techniques is whenever I buy Salsa, I buy Whole Food brand “Spicy” salsa. I like my salsa spicy but not so much for my daughter. So I add one Whole Foods brand Tomato can into Salsa and it becomes perfect “medium” Salsa! This Salsa is “must” on our Friday movie night.
Thanksgiving is upon us. This is my first time ever making dinner for my mother. After several consultations with her, I have decided to order a 20-22 lbs Free Range Turkey from Whole Foods for my 10 guests. When getting a fresh Turkey, schedule your pick up on Tuesday or Wednesday. The Medical College of the University of Wisconsin says a fresh turkey can be kept, uncooked, in your refrigerator for no more than 2 days! This way, you don’t have to freeze it.
And pick up the Holiday Meat Guide, the entertaining calculator is AWESOME for first time entertaining cooks like myself. It was spot on with the size of Turkey that my mother suggested. My family likes leftovers!
In order to make my money stretch as far as I can with
the organice produce and other products I buy at Whole Foods,
we have a daily “all-in-one smoothie” ritual in our house.
In the mornings, we throw into the blender anything
leftover in the fridge..usually something green like
spinach or kale, some yogurt or oj as a base and then
to sweeten it up, frozen or fresh fruit and a bit of honey.
This smoothie packs a ton of energy and anti-oxidants,
keeps you full for the morning and gives you a great head start on your daily fruit and vegetable servings for the day!
The Thyen family
Chantilly, Virginia
Check out the free samples near the health/beauty aisles. I have found some wonderful products: Mychelle products and EgyptianMagic. After trying the samples and doing some research I found out they are great products and I love them! I love looking for samples! It helps you save money by using them for free the first time. If you don’t like the product you didn’t waste your money! Thanks, Terrilee
Face it, to be healthy you have to spend a little bit more cash. What is worth more, your health or your material needs? Even so, you can still find awesome deals, specially if you cook your food yourself. Stay away from prepared foods unless it’s a treat or if you’re short on time. Same thing goes for other brands other than 365 or 365 organic, these are the most affordable brands out there. If they are not available or don’t cary what you need, then use the coupon books for the other brands. If you like wine, expect to pay, unless you buy the items on sale or buy by case for the 10% discount. Try to buy items by the case. For meat items or cheese or bodycare vitamins etc… use the essentials go with time, read, compare, enjoy and have some gelato!
VALUE SHOPPING TIP
First and foremost, shoppers should sign up for the Whole Foods Value Tour, an hour-long trip around the story by a knowledgeable staff member, during which bargain items are highlighted and pointed out, and department heads are introduced. This was a big help to those of us who find grocery shopping in a large supermarket filled with so many wonderful items to be a tad overwhelming!
When friends tell me that Whole Foods is too expensive to shop because of lack of coupons I say, “No way!”
I use coupons every time I shop at Whole Foods.
The first group of coupons come from the Whole Deal booklet. That’s a no-brainer. Also, most product packages list a website where I can sign up for a newsletter and/or print out coupons. Many times the companies will send me coupons in the mail as well.
Before shopping at Whole Foods I go to the website to look up the current sales and then plan my grocery shopping around that.
I simplify my cooking by preparing a variety of whole grains and keeping them separately in covered containers in the fridge. If you keep grains stored separately from other ingredients, they will keep up to three or four days without losing freshness. Each day I combine a different grain with fresh, organic meats, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds and/or soy products to create quick, exciting dishes all week long. I also grow fresh herbs to instantly enhance the flavor of these dishes. This system cuts down on both cooking and shopping times.
So others have already mentioned using coupons, bring your own bags, focusing on non-processed purchases.
My tip is to shop quickly. Time is money, so organize your shopping list so that you are not having to zig-zag across the store. By the way, this is also helps other shoppers and the store (since it can serve more people per hour).
I go counter-clockwise around our store, starting by loading up with produce (organic sweet potatoes are an all-around good value, by the way), then fish, meat, cereals, eggs, milk, cheese, wine (you can’t skimp on those red wine bioflavanoid and resveritrol ;)). Usually, by the time I get to the checkout, I have just enough time to grab some glutino frozen pizza. Total time: 10 minutes.
I read a lot of very helpful tips, and realized that I had been unconsciously saving money at Whole Foods, when consciously, I always got sticker shock when it came time to pay eighty dollars for two small bags of groceries. So, I started saving money(and time)from the start to the finish of my food shopping experience at Whole Foods. I had to, I’m unemployed, and have to keep a watch on my wallet as much as I watch what goes into my body. Here are some of my tips:
Travel (2 tips)
1)I save money by walking from Federal Hill and back. It is a wonderful walk that can be done completely along the inner harbor, and people watching (not to mention the exercise). I make sure that I buy enough frozen products, that no matter what, my perishables don’t perish. This walk also limits the amount of food I buy, because I have to carry it.
2) I know this is cheating a little, but I have two hours of free downtown parking at Whole Foods by shopping there. I have been known to buy a novel at B&N, or some “free-range” shampoo ;)” and other cheap items on sale at the CVS next door. I’m only shopping for one, so I can do another errend and then shop in less than two hours. Stay away from trying to skim through War and Peace; think of it as a nice excuse to get to go to these stores with no additional parking/gas costs. Bring any coupons, and buy on sale if possible.
Free stuffed:
I am a bad boy. I skip the stuff I don’t want that much, and help myself to a really great free treat (if there is one). A friend and I feasted on lox and bagels, and skipped lunch plans that day. Any department will give you free samples if you ask. I tried new apples that have become my faves(thank you apple lady), and found a Herve’ Mons’s Camembert by asking for a taste. It is a splurge, but it is still “reasonably cheap” and you don’t need to eat much good cheese, buy something cheap to put on your scrambled eggs.
Sale!
So many people mentioned buying what is on sale. I bought a whole carton of power bars that were nearing their sad short shelf life. I ate them in two weeks, saved tons o’ money, and wished I bought three more cases that were left. I saved like a dollar on each bar!
Eyes/ Stomache
My mom used to tell me that my former was bigger than my latter, and I learned not to take such big servings until I finished what I had, and went back for more of what I really wanted more of, or just made room for dessert. Same goes for shopping. I can’t tell you how much money I literally threw out by not eating something (produce especially) before it turned to a fuzzy lab experiment. I buy less, and take better car of what produce I buy. For example-spring mix lettuce. Most red leaf lettuces start to turn bad before the hardier bitter leafs and herbs. Pick and choose, or get a salad spinner to get most excess moisture out of the leaves. Spin every time you use, and pick out the red leaf tasty wimps out before they spread their rot to the rest of the lettuces and herbs.
Lastly, try something new every time. You may decide that the price difference of a lesser product at “Super-Save a Fresh a Lot Mart” is only a little less expensive for an inferior product. ex./ I buy high fat Cream on top ygurt for many reasons, but most importantly, it feels like a ten cent more treat every day. My other grocery stores only sell the lowfat, and I use it as a cheap form of good fat.
Two more things,
Eat before you shop for food. At least shell out the money for a cup of joe. You will do a lot less impulse shopping. than the two bucks the coffe costs. Caffeine is a hunger blocker, and you might not buy those fair trade/ organic chocolate and gold covered Brazil nuts, if your belly wasn’t grumbling so loud.
Happy Hunting!
I shop and compare all the grocery stores and find the best value for the quality at Whole Foods. Also, base your dinners on the store specials and use your freezer for left overs.
I follow a meal time schedule Monday-Friday. I eat Breakfast at 7:30 Lunch at 12:00 and Dinner at 5:30 with a 10:00 fruit and another fruit/pretzel snack around 3:00. The times dont need to be precise everyday and if it cant be followed exactly a granola bar always comes in handy. Doing this allows me to see what I actually eat more clearly and helps me to plan my grocery list. I always prepare dinners at night making sure to leave left overs for my lunch the following day. Youd be surprised at how much you save at the grocery store when you get what you NEED.
I also bring a calculator with me(small enough so when people see me they don’t think I am too anal). I set a limit and get the necesseties first, if I have money left over I let myself indulge.
I love to cook a healthy meal for my family and Whole Foods is the best place to do so. All of the fruits & vegetables are always fresh and never bruised. However, my favorite department is the fish department. This is the absolute only place where I’ll buy fish. It’s always fresh and consistently delicious.
After stopping off at the fish counter I’ll stop over to the produce section and grab what I need to make my meal. It’s always delish thanks to this wonderful store.
Hi Whole Foods! Sorry this is not a tip but a question. I used to get all the tips direct to my e-mail inbox, but haven’t been getting them for some weeks now. Did something change? I can’t see where to “re-subscribe”.
Thanks! — Amy
Whole Foods is my familys favoite store. We are a young growing family with two toddler boys. Our two goals with grocerys are to maintain a budget while not sacrificing healthy eating. Whole Foods really does help with this!
In raising my boys I don’t want them to grow up eating fast food. So, rather then taking them to a fast food restaurant - we do a family outing to Whole Foods instead. The prices in their deli section really are just as good as going to a fast food resarant. My three year old loves their fresh pizza and olive bar! There is something their to please all my family. It’s a treat and leaves me happy knowing it’s very healthy!
-Terri
Whole Foods is honestly our familys favorite store. Me and my husband joke that if we won the lottery we would shop and eat there ALL THE TIME!!! We all just love it!
We are a young growing family currently with two toddler boys. We really try to spend our money wisely so we can reach our goals and values in life. I am a stay at home mom so yes our one income has to be stretched.
Here goes my favorite buying tip for frugality with grocery spending. Once a week make a menu plan for the upcoming week ie every Sunday. With this menu take inventory of your pantry, cupbards, and fridge. Then, make your grocery list for the week. STICK TO YOUR GROCERY LIST while doing your shopping! And, don’t grocery shop on an empty stomach!
My boyfriend and I really enjoy pizza/movie nights on Fridays after a long work week. $15/ delivery pizza was adding up quick, so I started buying Whole Foods frozen dough (less than $2) and making my own. Sauce and cheese are only a few bucks as well and last us several weeks. I also enjoy adding seasonal veggie toppings depending on the weekly deals. The homemade pizzas are healthier and cheaper than anything we could order and on top of that, we have fun making them together.
-Lucy in Boston
When we’re having chicken for dinner, I always buy it whole or at least bone-in. They’re cheaper than boned cuts and once you learn how to fillet a breast, you can do anything!
The best part is that you can save the bones and trimmings for stock. I keep them in the freezer until I have enough to make a big potful. The same goes for veggies — buy whole, unprocessed veggies (e.g., whole celery instead of just the stalks) and save the trimmings in the freezer until you’re ready to make a stock. It’s practically free and very delicious!
We find that a good way to save money is to have available healthy snacks from Whole Foods, such as cut up organic carrots, veggies, fruits, organic milk, fruitaBu’s and healthy baked goods; instead of having the kids buying empty calories at Duncan Donuts, Starbucks and the fast food places. This leads to immediate savings. An added bonus is that we will stay healthier and need fewer doc’s appointments over our lifetimes !!!
Thank you Whole Foods.
the produce is so fantastic here. i have learned about so many vegetables and fruits i would have never tried before. i like the organic prices for my budget too.the produce guys and gals are so helpful every single time.i wont shop anywhere else. im trying my way thru the bulk items too. be sure to try the organic non sweetened soy milk absolutely the besttasting.friends dont believe its soy!
For those of us who love the nutritional value and low cost of beans, but cannot stomach the results of bean consumption, I suggest the Anasazi beans in the bulk food section. They cook up faster, are tastier, with no tummy distress. A terrific bargin. To the beans in a slow cooker, add a can of fire roasted stewed tomatoes, a teaspoon of cumin or curry powder, fresh basil and thinly sliced kale for a wonderful dish. We depend upon Whole Foods as our safe, clean foods resource. Thank you, Whole Foods.
For those of us who love the nutritional value & low cost of beans, but cannot stomach the results of bean consumption, I suggest the Anasazi beans in the bulk food section. They cook up faster, and are tastier, with no tummy distress. A terrific bargain.
We depend upon the whole grains (oat groats, kamut, hulled barley, millet) for our breakfast staples to keep us well nourished & healthy. Use a slow cooker, add a dash of chicken or vegetable broth/flavoring and you have a wonderful base for fruits or sauted vegetables. We trust Whole Foods as our safe, clean food source. Thank you, Whole Foods.
I have a great use for leftover cooked grains from dinner. Add a little milk (or soymilk), a few shakes of cinnamon, and some chopped up, thawed frozen fruit (365 peaches are great!), and simmer for about 10-15 minutes on medium-low heat. Stir a few times, and remove the lid to cook a few minutes longer so the rest of the moisture cooks out. Add raisins or dried cranberries, a tablespoon of tahini or peanut butter, and a few squirts of honey. This is rib-sticking warm goodness that’ll keep you full for hours. Great on a rainy day!
I love the Wholedeal Flier! I use it to plan out a full week of menus, using the coupons of course, and then stick to my list! Also, I try to buy ingredients that I can use in at least 2 recipes for that week. Turkey Bacon is featured in the current flier. I used in in my organic mac & cheese casserole, and then again on pizza night, with fresh tomatoes and spinach. Thank You Whole Foods!!
1 Head of cabbage is very inexpensive and can be bolied in a stock pot full of water to add a surprisingly intense flavor-just from a simple head of cabbage!
For more flavor,I was surprised to find yellow squash made the soup taste delicious. 1-2 squash are inexpensive and nutritious.
Add in potatoes, barley, lentils,onion, and cheaper cuts of meat to slow cook and create a very delicious, nutritious, and inexpensive meal, that should last a week for one-two people.
Whole Foods is now a part of the campaign for safe cosmetics. I love that I can go pick up any skincare or makeup product in the store, and it’ll be safe for me!
We buy the family pack of chicken on sale- thighs or breasts, make a marinate with lemon juice, herbs, and spices, then divide them into servings for two, and put them in the freezer. This saves time as well as money, because I take it out of the freezer in the morning, and it’s ready to go for dinner that night, with some of the prep work already done.
We eat tons of vegetables with each meal, and prefer to add the meat into the stir-fry- this also reduces portion size, saving further on cost of the meat. Several nights a week we eat tofu or tempeh. For these, I coat them in a sauce (Soy Veh! comes to mind), and/or additional herbs and spices for more intense flavor, fry separately, then add to stir-fried vegetables when done.
To get the most nutrition out of each meal, we add a small amount of seaweed, either with the vegetables or in the rice water, and we add “kitchen herbs” like black sesame seeds, dried or raw ginger, and garlic, plus other warming herbs and spices that promote digestion.
Another tip:
We love the Lotus Foods specialty rices, and, instead of cooking them alone, add them to our regular basmati or brown rice, either by a 50-50 ratio or 3/4-1/4 (specialty in lesser amount).
Another tip:
To ensure we get fruit through the winter, we buy apples and pears by the bag- a money saver. Here’s the recipe, it’s super-simple: cut about 6 apples, pears, or both, depending on what’s available, into 1-inch chunks. Add dried fruit: prunes, raisins, apricots- whatever you prefer. Also, add walnuts or almonds, and nutmeg and/or cinnamon to taste. If you love ginger, put some of that in, too. Put this in a 3 quart saucepan, add a little bit of water (because the water in the fruit is enough, as the cellulose breaks down). Cook for about 30 minutes, or until the fruit is mash-able. Add a dash of lemon juice as a preservative after cooking.
This can be added to oatmeal for breakfast, or with yogurt for lunch or a snack, heated up or cool.
One more:
When we have leftovers, we take those that will blend well, and make a “fried rice” concoction. Cook a new batch of rice right in the frying pan, first coating with oil and sauteeing before adding the water, then, when it’s fluffed and done, add in the leftovers, adding additional seasonings (see above) to make it “gel.” It’s always delicious, a great way to not waste food, and it’s fast!
One of the things that has SAVED MY FAMILY MONEY and MADE OUR MEALTIMES HEALTHIER is for me to stock up on frozen vegetables. The 365 brand is so much superior to what you’l find in a ‘regular’ grocery store- and not much more expensive! For example, I buy 6 or 7 bags of broccoli florets, corn, peppers, ionions, spinach at a little over $1 each and add them to everything-as I need them throughout the week, never wasting (as I would with fresh) because I can just use what I need and save the rest!
Freeze, freeze, freeze! Use frozen fruits and veggies when you can - they’re cheaper, keep much longer, and are just as nutritious. If you realize you’re not going to eat all of the fruit you bought, clean it, cut it up, and freeze it in ziploc baggies. Non-fat milk freezes particularly well, so next time it’s on sale grab a few extra gallons. Make sure you have a glass first, because it will expand in the freezer. You can also freeze breads, eggs, and extra batches of soups and stews - perfect for winter afternoons.
Don’t stick too closely to the recipe - or the shopping list. By all means make a general list, but place a star by the absolute necessities, and play it by ear with the rest. If a recipe calls for broccoli, you can probably replace it with zucchini, green beans, or whatever is on sale. Consider recipes and shopping lists a “guide” and let the sale signs point the way!
I keep some “clamshells” in my freezer. Often, when preparing veggies for dinner, there will be extra. Rather than cook it all (and often throw it out a few days later), I put all extras in one of the clamshells. I have one for veggie chili ingredients, one for soft tomatoes (soup), one for stock stuff, and a couple for different fruits. These are easily kept filled in the bountiful summer months, and used up when the weather turns cooler. The fruits make great pie/cobbler additions. I even keep one for oatmeal and other hot cereals that make great bread. This way, my family don’t have to eat more than they want, yet I waste nothing.
My favorite savings tip is to let Whole Foods cater a Saturday date-night for me and my husband. Rather than going out to a resturant and having a sitter (which costs!), we can wait until our children go to sleep and have a late super filled with a variety of exotic foods (which are even more reasonably priced and result in less waste since we decide the portions) from the “prepared foods” department; we pair that with great cheeses, fresh bread, and a glass of the 365 label wine and taste the foods of the world - prepared with wholesome ingredients -from the comfort of our home without breaking the bank (or evening using our car).
Every few days at our house we serve Mussgo Buffet. We bring out all the leftovers and everything must go - even if it’s just a bite or a single slice of bread.
With the holiday season rapidly approaching, I have found a way to help with the extra food expenses. I like to plan out my menus several weeks in advance and then spread out my shopping for Thanksgiving and Christmas over several shopping trips. I then absorb the extra costs over several weeks, rather then taking a big hit all at once. This also helps me to take advantage of any special sales(stock up and freeze things if you can) and allows me to try some of the goodies I don’t normally buy.
There’s 5 of us to feed and who doesn’t need to stretch the budget? So, we’re stocking up the pantry for winter again. Since 6th grade HomeEc I am a comparison/label shopper. All those years ago I took it seriously when they told us, “Read the label, set a better table.” I’ve left out any item found with hydrogenated anything on the label. I read that Whole Foods did the reading for me and nothing in the store has that stuff in it. No more label checking. Then I discovered the 365 brand. I checked it out, comparison & label - Wow! Ok, now I don’t have to comparison shop either. What a kicker 365 is, great products at the best prices. I just stock up on organic 365 beans, pasta, sauce, etc … all the staples for my pantry, some for my frig/freezer, and even 365 personal products like shampoos, conditioners, and lotions. I create all sorts of economic meals when the pantry is full. And with the money I save buying 365 personal products, we go ahead and treat the family to lunch from the deli with a special desert from the bakery on our way out! It’s not just a shopping chore, it’s really an outing.
I always keep a stack of Whole Foods paper bags behind the driver’s seat in my car. That way, I never have the excuse that I “forgot” my bags again when shopping. Not only is this good for the environment by reducing waste, I always get 10 cents off each bag when I go shopping!
A ‘cooking for one’ avoiding waste tip: try to anticipate leftover veges that will need to be eaten or thrown out – spend a few minutes after dinner and cook up the soon-to-be-thrown-out-veges and store in fridge then eat as a snack while watching tv, take them for lunch to work the next day or simply re-heat for dinner the next nite. a few minutes will save lots of money and avoid lots of thrown out spoiled veges.
Always pick up a copy of The Whole Deal
when your at the store, it has lots of great coupons. Look for what’s on sale and don’t buy more esp. produce and meats than you need. If you live near by a whole foods go often so everything you cook is the freshest!
Instead of buying food portioned out in 100 caloires… buy the normal sized items and ration the portions out yourself. I find that this saves you money AND you get more 100 calorie portions out of it.
Believe it or not, this money-saving tip actually saves time too! What could be better?
Recruit two equally-busy neighbors and create a dollar-saving cooking club. Each family cooks twice a week and makes enough for all three families. You save money by pooling your budgets and buying ingredients in larger, less-expensive quantities. And you save time - without sacrificing quality - because all you have to do is warm up a healthy, homemade dinner 4 days a week! (Everyone is on their own on Sundays.)
To increase savings, I recommend taking advantage of the Whole Foods case prices, which save you 10% immediately. Then try the great family-friendly recipes in the “Feed a Family of 4 for Under $15” booklets you can find right in the store, and use the “365” brand foods to save even more.
These days it’s pretty rare to find a budget saver that’s a win-win-win, but this one saves money, saves time and – most importantly to me – doesn’t sacrifice good, healthy food to do it.
The nearest Whole Foods Market store is over an hour away by car, so we wait until we have another reason to be in the area (e.g., doctor’s appointments) before shopping at the store. This saves on gas. Even though we drive a Prius, doubling up on the reasons for a trip still saves gas.
Whole Foods stores have health healing products and helpful personnel. I was diagnoxed with an infection in my intestines; very painful. I walked to our Whole Foods staore and researched my affliction. I purhcased the “Essential Foods” suggested: Pro-biotics, fiber, vitamin B-complex, Aloe Vera juice, and flax oil, along with carrots and greens. Within 3 weeks I am feeling much better. Thanks to Whole Foods.
Beans are a great way to stretch a meal and add protein to your diet. The best way to save on beans? Ditch the can! I used to buy all my beans in cans until I realized I could spend the same amount on dried beans and end up with 3-4 times more food! If you plan ahead and put them in a slow cooker over night, you’ll have all the beans you need for your recipes the next day. Whole Foods has a really awesome selection of dried beans and peas in the bulk bins that are even cheaper than the prepackaged dried beans!
I try to make sure I’m drinking plenty of water each, but I don’t like to drink just plain water. So I add just a little bit of juice to it and it totally gives it a light, but great taste. It doesn’t take much - approx. 1/8 cup juice and the rest of the cup water. This is great for kids too. Full strength juice is usually too much sugar, but adding a little juice to water and they think they are drinking juice! It also is a great money saver!
I am purchasing the large container of yogurt rather that the individual packs. Also thinking more about other items like whole mushrooms vs. sliced, preparing my own salsa and guac rather than pre-packaged. We buy delicious Amy’s frozen pizza and prepare a great tossed salad rather than calling the local pizza delivery spot- cutting back but not compromising taste.
When the money is running a little short, its time to make sure the perimeter of the store is on the radar. Many of the packaged foods we like can be made by hand and save a considerable amount of money. Instead of buying a fancy granola cereal, go to the bulk foods section and buy oatmeal, various nuts and seeds. Get some sugar cane or honey or fresh fruit (will need to dehydrate if you want to keep the cereal for any time). Then with a little creativity add the ingredients together. Congratulations: cereal. Then head to the dairy section and get yourself some organic milk. Eat and enjoy.
I have recently shifted to US & was really confused about doing shopping for food items but visit to Wholefoods Market was like ‘love at first site’. It is just amazing. Although I am not so fond of cooking but fruit & vegetable section is so tempting that I have started loving cooking. The best buy for me is a basket of mixed fruits, to which i add fresh milk cream, sugar & few drops of vanilla essence & mouth watering fruit cream is ready. . . yum!!
I started shopping at Whole Foods back when the California store was the only one in SF and I was working at a start up .com company. I fell in love with the products - then decided to go back to school for my Ph.D. and so for 6 years we had one income in what is already a VERY expensive city no matter where you buy your groceries.
As many others have said, if there is a 365 brand of what you like - these products are often better than name brands and cost less.
I also get coupons at http://www.mambosprouts.com and check the Whole Foods Whole Deal and the Whole Foods website for coupons. Recently they had a $5.00 off $25.00 or more and I used that more than 8 times in a couple of week period as I am lucky that I live just blocks from Whole Foods and so shop often during the week.
Another key is to buy from the bulk section. Everything from staples like polenta to treats like wasabi peas are less pricy in bulk.
Also, as convenient as the prewashed packaged greens are they are much higher in price than lettuces unwashed by the head so I bought a salad spinner I like and I wash my own greens - it takes a minute or two and shaved several dollars off of each week’s grocery bill.
I love to cook with fresh herbs and got sick of buying them so I bought seeds at Whole Foods and now we have our own rosemary, thyme, oregano and marjoram and this being California we have them year round.
Even though cost isn’t as much of an issue as it was during those years in school, I still see no reason to spend more than I need to spend and we also shop seasonally (no strawberries in December - they aren’t even good then) and forage - there are raspberry fig trees in the local park (YUM) and I enjoyed learning how to locate my own chantrelle mushrooms - it’s fun and puts me back in touch with the earth - the source of all of our foods.
I go to Whole Foods because even a little bit of organic food is far healthier and nutritious than processed foods sold elsewhere. The health benefits gained from organic foods far outweigh any additional cost.
My wife and I like to try new kinds of fine cheese. Our Carmel store has a small bin to try “snack sizes” that are often smaller and not as expensive for the new types we haven’t yet tried.
In order to save money, shop the Bulk department.
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Plan your meals ahead of time, make a shopping list and stick to it.(Dont go shopping when you are hungry
Buy organic, eat less but it healthy food, Whole food is the best place and best value for organic selections.
After years of getting hungry an hour or two after breakfast I decided to make my own cereal. Not only is it cheaper and healthier but It keeps you full all the way to lunch and gives you bounds of extra energy. From the bulk station I take home and mix in a large tupperware container oats, bran, flax seeds, dried fruit and nuts. With a little imagination you can vary it from month to month.
I buy a lot of chicken breasts and use it with different kinds of pasta, potatoes, or rice. I love creating my own sauces and buy herbs that add so much aroma to all my chicken dishes. Almost all the time I have leftover chicken I don’t want to freeze. What I do is I shred the chicken, heat it up and mix it with softened cream cheese and arugula to make a little pizza pockets using either Whole Foods bought pizza dough (whole wheet dough is very good for you) or wonton wraps. The result is delicious and satisfying.
I was looking through a magazine when I found a really creative roasted salad. I am a particularly picky eater and didnt care for some of the vegetables that were included so I decided to follow parts of this recipe using my own ingredients. My creation was fantastic and extremely cheap. Here it is:
- 1 Lg. Sweet Potato (cubed 1in.x1in)
- 1/2 bag baby carrots, (Small bag,cut 4 ways into strips)
- 1 Red onion (slice into wedges)
- 2 TBSP Olive Oil
- 1 Cup Orange Juice
- 1 TBSP Rosemary
- Dash of Salt
-Strain sweet potato and combine all vegetables in Lg bowl. Pour 1 TBSP of the olive oil, 1/2 cup of OJ and dash of salt over the veggies. Mix well. Sprinkle the rosemary over the veggies and continue to mix. Pour the vegetable and OJ marinade onto a large baking pan and cook in oven at 375 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until sweet potatoes are soft, turn vegetables half way thru. When done pour the rest of the OJ and olive oil and serve!!
There is no other store like Whole Foods. I love how they present their food. It makes me feel good about what I eat and how I feel about my food. Also, while in college I’ve learned how to cook and now I really enjoy it. Buying everyting at Whole Foods gives me the opportunity to prove myself. I love 365 brand because it saves me a lot of money. I could sleep in the bakery department. Their bread is out of this world and I’ve tried every one of them. My favourite is Italian and Flax Seed Bread. Very healthy as well.
Fruit and veggies section is exeptional and I always buy all my produce organic. If you didn’t know organic produce starts with #9 on the label, so that way you know for sure that your fruits and veggies are organic. You get what you pay for. I like to pay close attention to that.
In the pasta department they have pasta from Italy I couldn’t find in any other store and it is my favourite one. It comes from where the best pasta in Italy is made and it is packed in a brown paper bag.
Also, try to buy San Marzano tomato sauces because they are the highest quality and the best taste. When you buy a bag of organic romaine lettuce there is a coupon for any San Marzano product on the packet.
I could go on and on about everything I buy at Whole Foods. I just love it and shopping there makes me happy and I feel content and satisfied about the way I eat and live. It is important to take care of yourself and Whole Foods give me that opportunity. Thank you!!!
I shop around so trust me I know!! If you are a vegetarian bordering on a vegan like me, there aren’t many choices for a vegan milk drink that comes close to real milk. The problem is that most vegan milk is too sweet. Unsweetened soy milk is what comes closest to real cow’s milk! So where to turn for a vegan unsweetened milk without the Silk, Edensoy, hazelnut or oat vegan milk prices? The best value for vegan unsweetened milk anywhere is Whole Foods Organic 365 Everyday Value Unsweetened Soy Milk in the dairy section, right next to the real milk. I shop around so trust me I know that only Whole Foods, not any other supermarket in this region, has a store brand unsweetened soy milk. If you buy a case of it, with the 10% case discount it comes out to $1.44 per quart everyday. Unbeatable!!! And if you’re like me and use a small fridge to cut down on your energy costs, you only need to refrigerate them after opening. But there is a ‘use by’ date! If you don’t prefer the unsweetened like me, there’s also plain, vanilla and chocolate, and all vegan! One last thing-don’t worry about the potassium citrate and sodium citrate in these products. They are natural preservatives made from combining sodium or potassium with citric acid. Oh, yes, it’s the land of inexpensive vegan milk at Whole Foods!!!!
Whole Foods Market have a great selection of fresh veggies and herbs. I love to use onin, green onion, ginger, and garlic in my dishes. However, each time I don’t need a lot of it to flavor the dish. So when I get them from the store, I would chop them or mince them while they are fresh and freeze them. This way they are already ready to use when I need them. These items freeze well and will save you money and time.
I love the bulk section of the store. As a recent college graduate not making much money, this section is the place to shop. You can buy HUGE bags of quinoa or barley, even polenta, for a fraction of the price. I also love the 365 brand. Everything from their shampoo and body wash to their frozen fruits (which are AMAZING once that particular fruit has gone out of season, just buy and stock in your freezer!!) are sooo cheap that you’d be silly NOT to buy it.
I buy a rotisserie chicken at Whole Foods every week. It is really worth it. I peel all of the chicken off, and I can get at least 2 or 3 dinners out of it. It stays fresh for a few days after purchasing it, it’s great for a quick meal with rice, or on a organic hamburger bun with cheese! So delicious and fresh.
Eat the sales! Don’t plan a menu ahead of time: buy the sale items, then plan your menus. (Mark-down at the meat counter means even more savings.) Maybe that favorite casserole will feature turkey, instead of pork…or maybe rice will replace noodles. Adjust your seasonings and you may have discovered a new favorite. Typically sale prices, especially on produce, mean it is the best season—hence, the freshest—for that item. We had to adjust our “gotta have it now” mentality concerning food. Just about everything I purchase is on sale or mark-down. The savings we enjoy enable us to have an occasional non-sale treat.
With the wind blowing in a change in seasons, it’s easy to for scratchy throats to erupt. My mom reminded me recently to gargle with salt water–which I hated to do while growing up because of the processed salt our family used.
However, using Whole Foods’ 365 Sea Salt today brings on a soothing taste to my sore throat.
Recipe: Drop 1/4 teaspoon 365 Sea Salt into 4-6 ozs. of warm filtered water. Stir to dissolve. For the first mouthful, swish it around and spit out. Start gargling; okay to swallow. It’s become so soothing I don’t even spit out any more.
Do this before sore throats develop into coughing paroxysms!
I’ve recently discovered something wonderful and inexpensive at Whole Foods- The 365 Brand of shower gels, shampoos, and conditioners. I just love the citrus, lavender, and even fragrance-free shower gels. They lather up nicely, and are dirt cheap compared to supermarket and pharmacy prices. A large 16 ounce bottle of shower gel is just $2.49, substantially cheaper than the eight to ten dollar bottles at my local grocery store.
It’s autumn and Whole Foods is full of beautiful winter squashes in all shapes and — usually too big — sizes. With just two of us at home and no freezer space, even a large butternut makes too many leftovers. But here’s a different approach. 1) As Whole Foods advises, use a sharp, heavy knife to cut the squash into inch-wide rings, rounds, or slices; 2) Use a vegetable peeler or paring knife to remove the rind from the pieces; 3) Cut the pieces into chunks and pack them into a clean glass jar with a tight sealing lid; 4) Stash the jar in the refrigerator. A gallon jar will hold even a good-sized cushaw.
To prepare the meal at hand, just pull out as many chunks of squash as you need. Add a handful to a soup or stew, casserole or roasting pan. A few chunks in the microwave and a potato masher makes enough puree for a pie or muffins. It takes some work up front, but storing squash this way allows for creative and simple meals for as long as the squash lasts. Nature designed squashes to last a long time, so we always find ourselves at the bottom of the jar before the squash knows it’s time to be gone. Good to the last chunk. Don’t forget to toast the seeds in the oven!
I try to live like people did before the invention of “conveniences.” I made a concerted effort to cut down on using paper products such as paper towels and napkins. The only time I use paper towels is when I am preparing meat products.The rest of the time I use cotton kitchen towels. I use to spend about $10 a week on paper towels. The money I save allows me to be able to spend more on organic food and seafood.
If you really want a bang for your buck you MUST try the truffle salt sold at Whole Foods. It’s $8.00 less than I’ve seen it anywhere else and can transform simple scrambled eggs, pasta or popcorn to gastronomic nirvana!
My best tip for saving money at the grocery store is making a weekly meal plan before going shopping. Sounds dull, but it really works and keeps me from just picking up stuff that I end up not cooking. Having a meal “game plan” for the week also helps me get organized in terms of making dinners each day.
The second tip is to use a slow cooker. It’s great to come home to a cooked meal, and the preparation is usually really simple. We typically end up freezing half for another day. It’s true that the slow cooker allows you to use cheap cuts of meat (the slow-cooking makes the meat tender).
Final tip: Do a lot of the prep work for weekday lunches beforehand. I make snacks on Sunday evening for our lunchboxes (I use small plastic containers). I use the 365 nuts, raisens, dried fruit, and Ghiradelli chocolate chips to make a nice trail mix. i put a couple of cookies and crackers into little ziploc bags, so that I just need to pop these things into the lunchboxes each day. i also slice up some veggies (like celery sticks, carrot sticks, or green pepper slices) to use for a few days. This makes making lunches really easy (just make sandwiches each day; everything else is done), and brown-bagging it is a huge money-saver.
Hi -
I just love the shopping experience. It can not be beat. But What I really find cool is how many people I see on the street with the Whole Foods reusable shopping bags. I am so bad that I also go to other grocery stores with them - I don’t live near a whole foods. But what is really cool is that I am never the only one. lots of folks use them at the other grocery chains as well.
Instead of buying jars of baby food,I buy organic vegetables at Whole Foods and puree them. I pour the puree into ice cube trays which makes individual servings sizes for my baby. The night before I take out what I’ll need the next day. Also, ice cube trays work great for leftover wine. When you need to add some wine to a meal just defrost a cube.
I love the Whole Foods Reusable bags. The designs are really nice, and they are durable too! I use them all the time. One day, when I was getting ready for a baby shower, I decided to fill one of the reusable bags with “green” baby supplies and cloth diapers. It was the biggest hit at the shower. Since then, instead of buying traditional gift bags for birthdays, christmas etc., I buy the whole foods reusable bags, use tissue paper and give the gift that way. I have had so many people comment on how incredibly useful it is. Not only does the person get a great gift, but they can reuse the bag time and time again. The bags only cost one dollar, which is a lot less than traditional gift bags, and you can help save the environment all at the same time!
I like to buy 365 frozen fruit such as the peaches, blueberries, strawberries and mango. I keep them in my freezer and make a frozen fruit smoothie most mornings (1 cup of frozen fruit, 1 cup of goat’s milk (I’m lactose intolerant) and 1 cup of orange juice). The price per smoothie is minimal and the taste is delicious.
Frugal Recipie:
Shredded Saucy Chicken & Vegggie Healthy Burrito Filling
(This recipe makes quite a bit & you will have left overs. )
4 Bonless Skinless Chicken Breasts, shred them using two forks
1 can black Beans rinsed & drained
1 can kidney beans rinsed and drained
2 green peppers diced
2 red peppers diced
2 yellow or white onions diced
4-6 celery stalks diced (I use 6)
4-6 carrots peeled & diced (I use 6)
1/2 bag frozen corn
1 cup uncooked brown rice
2 1/2 cups chicken stock
3 cans diced tomatotes
1 package of taco seasoning (your choice)
Fresh Cilantro to your taste.
In a large frying pan, or stock pot, Saute’ onion, celery, carrots red & green pepper in olive oil, for 2 minutes, add diced tomatoes,
chicken stock, brown rice, taco seasoning, & chickn broth, stir this mixture well. Bring to a boil & then lower heat & simmer 45 minutes, add shredded chicken kidney beans, black beans & frozen corn, cook until chickn is heated. Add fresh cilantro just before serving.
When I make this, I usually get 4 - 2 quart containers of this as left overs. I put the left overs in the 2 quart size food saver bags (I make them), so this will lay flat in the freezer and not take up so much space.
This is a hearty but frugal burrito/taco/quesadilla/enchalada filling, since it makes so much.
Everyone swears by the bulk section, and I’m no different. The variety of items that are available in the bulk bins can not only save you money but time shopping since you can skip walking down several other aisles in the store by getting all your grains, cereals, beans and more in the bulk bins.
However, the best thing about the bulk goods section is THE FREE NUTRITIONAL AND HOW-TO INFORMATION BOOKLET Whole Foods provides about the bulk foods they sell.
If you are like me, the first few (or dozen) time you shopped at Whole Foods you stood in front of that impressive bulk bin section thinking “Wow, look at all this great stuff…but I have no idea how to use any of this!” Then my husband (gotta give credit where credit is due) discovered the booklet and the world of bulk shopping (and cooking) opened up for us.
In the bulk foods booklet there are descriptions of every item that is sold in the bulk bins along with nutritional information, instructions for how to prepare the items, and tasty recipes to try to jump start your culinary talents.
When my husband and I prepare our shopping list for the week we will pull out the booklet and leaf through to see if there is a new grain or bean we can use for the week’s menu. Having an idea about how to use the items makes such a difference. This has helped us move away from things like boxed Tabouleh or Couscous and helped us make these items on our own and for less (plus less packaging).
To get your own copy: You can find several copies of them sitting on the little ledge that separates the bins. If there isn’t one there, ask a Whole Foods person and they can find one for you.Enjoy!
Save money and eat healthier by making your own instant oatmeal packets, hot chocolate powder etc using ingredients from the bulk food department (keeping the salt and sugar content down). My favorite instant oatmeal is apple and cinnamon. I make up a bag of mix at the beginning of the week, then just add water each morning.
For two for a week.
7 cups small flake oatmeal
1 cup powdered oats (grind in food processor)
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup diced dried apple
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp fresh grated nutmeg
scoop 1/2 c of mix into a bowl cover with boiling water. Let sit 5-10 minutes. Enjoy. (for creamier oatmeal, add 1/2 cup dried milk powder to mix)
The reusable bags at Whole Foods are great…not only do you get 10 cents off each purchase when you use them but you also have these great bags to use anytime.
I take my bag everywhere! To the mall, to carry things to/from my car, I am constantly using them. For only $1 each, they pay for themselves fast each time you shop at Whole Foods and you also have cute bags to use for anything!
I went to whole foods for more organics food to watch my weight and to have a healthier lifestyle And I love this store its AWESOME !!!!!
Just a quick tip, eggs at whole foods are much lower price than at a conventional grocery store.
Save money by buying the essential oils at Whole Foods and make your own face/body oils and aromatherapy blends. Not only is fun to do but they make great gifts!
I found a great way to save money and time by using leftover fresh veggies from the week. On Sunday, I make a big pot of stew, usually chicken. I buy the 365 chicken stock, suatee veggies leftover from the week, roast some chicken, add spices such as cumin and fresh garlic, and for a a starch, I use whatever is on sale, maybe brown rice or barley or potatoes. 365 canned black beans are a great addition. Then, I use the 365 plastic soup bowls and freeze the stew in the individual soup bowls. So, with a little effort using leftovers, I have my lunch taken care of for the week. I then microwave my soup at work in the bowls. I’m creative with it and vary my recipe every Sunday. This way, I can alternate lunches and have some variation. This has saved me a ton of money on lunches and its healthy so I don’t have to worry about my weight!
My husband has a condition commonly known as “Candida,” which means that he can not have any yeast or gluten products in his food. This makes shopping at your typical grocery store nearly impossible, not to mention extremely frustrating. Every label for every product must be read, and most end up being returned to the shelf. But, luckily, Whole Foods has turned this nightmare into a scrumptious dream. All the gluten free products on the shelves at Whole Foods are labeled “gluten free” with bold, easy to detect signs. It makes my job not only less stressful and tedious (because I don’t have to pick up every single item to see if there is gluten), but also invigorating because there is SO MUCH CHOICE, even within the limitations presented by the Candida. Whole Foods is packed with specialized foods for people like my husband who have more unusual dietary restrictions. At Whole Foods, I can find not only bread and baked goods that are gluten and yeast free, but a wide range of products that you would never even guess are out on the market and available to consumers. We are both eating better than ever before, which is ironic since none of the products contain yeast or gluten! If you have any dietary restrictions, Whole Foods will make the situation more than just livable. It will make your shopping, cooking, and eating experiences safe while also turning them into culinary adventures!
Friday Night pizza- instead of ordering out a pizza from your closest pizza joint (which is mostly unhealthy if edible @ all), we order a whole pizza at Whole Foods. It’s ready by the time we finish our shopping, cost much less than at the pizza joint and is delicious! I have not yet mastered making my own- the kids still prefer Whole Foods pizza over mine!!!
The Whole Food Market saves me money in many different ways; When buying vitamins I choose the 365 or Whole foods brand & get a vitamin card stamped at the check out. After 5 purchases the next one is free up to $9.99.
I also save by buying the bulk foods such as cereal, nuts & honey. Why pay for a lot of packaging?
I travel quite a distance to go to my favorite Whole Foods Store about once every two weeks. I find that even when I factor in the gas money, I save money on the organic products such as gallons of milk so it makes sense to make the drive. I have a basement freezer, so I buy frozen products in bulk and eat them for the month. I buy all the fresh organic fruits and vegetables, and I make my own baby food for my baby son. I’m able to use freezer trays and make food that will last for weeks. It saves so much money from the jarred food and it is such a simple thing to do! I think that making the trip to Whole Foods every other week not only means my family is eating the healthiest and freshest food possible, I’m also helping my young family save money.
I am a poor college student that is also concerned with eating healthy, good food. I have found that it is easy to save money by centering my meals around foods that are naturally inexpensive but at Whole Foods are still excellent quality! This includes beans, potatoes, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, barley and other grains like oats, quinoa or millet. These foods are high in protein, fiber, and expand when you cook them. I cut down on meat and use it in small amounts to flavor dishes. For example, I use 4 ounces of spicy Italian sausage to flavor a whole batch of tomato sauce.
Another tip is to buy a whole chicken instead of parts. Even when you buy organic or free range, if you utilize the whole bird it is very affordable. You can use the freshly roasted breast for one dinner, thigh meat for sandwiches, the carcass to flavor broth, and so forth.
It is also important to remember to buy produce that is in season and to utilize your freezer for extending the life of perishable foods and leftovers.
I shop at Whole Foods frequently on a very small budget. As a single person, I am thrilled that the meat department will wrap up a single chicken breast so I don’t have to buy a package of four during my weekly trip. I am always concerned that it would go bad before I would be able to finish the package. I also take advantage of the bulk foods department. I don’t bake very often, and my pantry is small, so it’s really nice to be able to buy just enough cornmeal to make one loaf of cornbread, rather than buying a large package and storing the rest for months, only to find that it’s not so fresh the next time. The dried beans in the bulk department are also good for this. I like to soak dried beans in water while I’m at work, then come home and make a satisying soup or dip. They taste much much better than soups or dips made with canned beans, and are cheaper too.
I love walking into Whole Foods and seeing the plump red strawberries at the door, or vine-ripened organic tomatoes piled appealingly with fresh basil and mozarella. The tempting way the food is displayed, with all its colors and seasonal appeal, makes me want to pile it all in my cart. But until recently, I considered a trip to Whole Foods a splurge. I thought my conventional grocery store was much cheaper. Not so. With the economy sliding ever downward, I finally got out pen and paper to compare prices, and discovered I can give in to the temptation of beautiful, healthy, organic products in Whole Foods and still save money. Checking just the basics, I discovered the organic milk is at least 20 cents less expensive at Whole Foods than at the cheapest local grocery store; raw cheese, which is easier for me to digest, was a full dollar less (on sale), and I can save another 20 cents on a pound of organic butter. Plus, Whole Foods carries products I’d never find in a conventional store — phenomenal cheeses, a great selection of olives, gorgeous produce and the best fish around. With the money I save, I can even get one of my favorite jumble cookies from the bakery. Thrify shopping has its rewards!
My 12 year old son has both a dairy and sesame allergy. I have found that instead of trying to substitute soy for recipes that call for dairy, it is easier to use the vegan recipes and dishes that are at the store and add meat for anyone who wants it. I also have been buying single servings of the vegan dishes that are on the hot bar and serving them at home. Then I get the recipe off the website and try make it myself. We just did that with the meatloaf and it was excellent. This has really increased the variety of choices that we are serving for dinner.
It’s amazing that when I go to whole foods I actually spend less that if I went to any other grocery store. I look at the website for whats on sale, and plan my meals around them. I only get what I need and I know that what I am buying is healthy and good quality. I so happy I discovered whole foods
I love the recipes in “The Whole Deal” but often have leftovers from dinner. While we plan for one leftover night each week, I do something for myself at least once a week - I take a one-serving portion of my favorite dish and freeze it for a future lunch. It saves on buying a meal at lunch, gives me variety (and soemthing to look forward to) and prevents wasted food!
When I buy seafood I go directly to the frozen pre-bagged section for their 365 values bags: Usually 2 servings per bag for a very low price! Now that my husband and I are in early 60’s we eat much less especially at dinnertime, so the portioned packaging helps me to buy low and waste less.
I’m a full vegetarian who has encouraged some friends to save money by eating vegetarian 3 times a week. You’ll save on the cost of meat and become vegetable savvy — there are so many to use in so many different ways.
Another tip — to make a healthy refreshing beverage, I’ll get a bottle of the concentrated fresh squeezed lemon juice and dilute it to make lemonade. It is so strong that a little goes a long way. And you can use stevia or raw honey as a sweetener making it healthier than sugar. Much less expensive than buying pre-made lemonade in the carton. And, you have the option to make one glass at a time insuring that part of a carton doesn’t go to waste.
The meat department at Whole Foods is amazing…kind of like a neighborhood butcher shop from the old days. We get a great deal on meats by taking advantage of Whole Foods’ service of cutting the meats to our needs before packaging them up. For our family of two, we can get two meals out of just one Top Sirloin steak, and the butcher is nice enough to cut up the meats for us and package them separately. This saves us money and time, and we’re getting quality, healthy meat at a great price! Thanks Whole Foods!!!
We buy organic canned soups and chilis for quick meals. To cut sodium and costs (on already cheap options) we will buy a can of organic beans (Pinto for soups like Minestrone, and Kidney or black for chili) and combine 1 soup with 1 bean or 1 chili with 1 bean and we’ve cut down on the cost and the sodium content of the meal, but not the price or the flavor!
I would imagine for larger families you could even combine 1 can of soup with 2 cans of beans and add frozen veggies to really round out the quality of the nutritional content!
Happy eating!
I have two picky eaters in my home, I avoid gluten and dairy and my husband likes low carb. One meal we all like is steak - which is unfortunately pretty expensive. I tried using less expensive meat, but my family can tell, Instead, I started having the very friendly butchers at WF’s cut two NY strip steaks in half width-wise, making four steaks that look just as big, but are thinner (my kids don’t know the difference and think they’re getting a “big” steak). I have broccoli and two fruits on the sides to supplement the steak, everybody’s happy and I haven’t spent a fortune!
With our budget getting tighter, I thought I would have to skip shopping at Whole Foods. But with the help of recipes and tips from WF, I have been able to continue shopping there. Thanks!
I have recently returned to work full time and have finally found out why people rave about their slow cookers. I LOVE getting home from work and walking into my kitchen that smells wonderful! What a little thrill to know that dinner is already done and I only have a salad or rolls to prep and dinner will be complete. Having two teens and a hungry husband, I need to get dinner on the table quickly before someone gnaws off a table leg!:) The recipes on the WF website are fantastic. They allow me to prepare a budget friendly, quick and tasty meal in one pot. Quite a feat! Thanks again Whole Foods for acknowledging the current economic situation and helping families eat healthy through it all.
1.) Eat at home and take lunches to work
1.)Plan, plan, plan your meals for the week and make a shopping. This reduces impulse buying and makes it easier to eat at home (no fretting over what to eat tonight!!).
2.)Learn to eat leftovers and be creative in preparing meals. It reduces costs and saves time in wondering what to cook tonight or bring to lunch.
3.)Buy in bulk and when items are on sale. USE COUPONS and STORE BRANDS.
4.)When possible buy unprocessed foods, they are cheaper and better for you.
5.)Branch out to foods you may not have tried before. It adds variety and depth to your meal planning.
6.)Try to plan according to season when using fresh vegetables. The in season fruits and vegetables tend to be less expensive. Also, buy local if possible.
6.) Make eating meals at home more fun by inviting others over for a pot luck occassionally.
It takes a little effort but it is worth it because your combining two basic needs…food and community. Keep it casual and simple and homey to reduce stress.
There are many ways to save money but the most effective way is to be consistent in whatever method you choose.
Sometimes I work at home, so I pour leftovers from morning tea or coffee into a glass that I put in the fridge for the afternoon iced caffeine fix. Cheaper than going out to the cafe! Also, frozen 365 Whole Foods fruits makes a great base for cocktails with friends before we go out. And don’t forget that fruits or produce that are no longer fresh enough to be eaten raw can be cooked into delicious sauces or soups. The easiest example is applesauce, which you can make just by cooking sliced apples in a little water. You don’t even need sugar! Add a little lemon if you want and put in the blender, or eat as is. For soups, it is worth getting a quality dry or liquid stock as a base. Seitenbacher is my favorite, which I just found Whole Foods carrying. It will dress up he most humble vegetables and make your guests smack their lips. Bon appetit!
As a vegetarian, it’s important to think about getting the right balance of foods, and especially when you’re trying to save money! I try to build meals around a protein element, and try to balance cheaper elements with a few more expensive items. Canned or frozen beans and dry lentils are an easy and affordable protein source. Elements like avocado, cheese, and nuts are important sources to increase the protein punch. And don’t under-estimate herbs and spices. A sprig of a fresh herb from your window box or cut herbs from the store can instantly dress up a plate of vegetables and turn it into cuisine. If you buy cut herbs, trim the ends and put them in a glass of water and keep them in your fridge, where they will last for about a week. Way better than them wilting after a day and having to throw them out! Also, depending on your appetite, frozen blueberries and yogurt can be a good lunch or snack, as is cereal! I agree with the other posters that other important tips for your wallet and health are to avoid impulse/snack purchases, and to check out the Whole Foods 365 store brand. I do find that this line is competitively priced. Good luck!
I like to find the items on sale in the weekly ad and plan my week’s menu around it. For example, this week there is a great deal on the seasonal acorn squash, so I will plan to have acorn squash soup, roasted vegetable with acron squash, acorn squash stuffing, acorn squash curry and acron squash biscuits. This save time and money because I am buying a sales item, eating something seasonal, roast a large batch of squash at once but use it in different forms throughout the week without eating it in the same way.
At the start of this year, our family was enjoying a comfortable, healthy lifestyle which included frequent visits to our favorite bookstores, smoothie, juice, and coffee shops, and our beloved organic natural food stores. However, by early spring, due to an out-of-state employment relocation, with one house for sale on the bleak real estate market in the midwest and another house under construction on the east coast, our lifestyle habits began rapidly changing to adapt to newly introduced economic strains. By late summer, leaving the midwest house vacant and unsold, we moved into the new house and quickly found finding ourselves struggling to pay dual mortgages, utilities, homeowner association and household maintenance fees, property taxes, and heavy relocation expenses. Again, we adjusted the family budget accordingly. Now in the fall season, with the midwest house still unsold and living on one income in the midst of a national recession, the family budget has undergone additional compromise and readjustment, in attempts to continue accommodating our healthy lifestyle habits, during such drastic downturning of financial conditions. Unfortunately, in these tough economic times, our story is not an uncommon one; many families across the nation are in the exact or similar financial situations. Family household budget cuts have been severe and there doesn’t seem to be much hope for a swift economic upturn any time in the immediate future.
However, despite the currently dire national economic outlook and given our strained domestic circumstances, by incorporating resilience, discipline, and creativity into our personal food/grocery budget, we have managed to continue shopping for organic and natural foods and household supplies at our beloved Whole Foods Market, while maintaining the healthy lifestyle of which we’d previously become accustomed. Of course, we’ve put into practice the usual signifcantly cost effective, money saving tricks: eating out less/eating in more, advanced meal planning (making more comfort foods, such as soups, stews, and casseroles, then freezing leftovers), avoiding grocery shopping while hungry, and COUPONS, COUPONS, COUPONS! We’ve also incorporated little things that add up: purchasing much more frozen produce and shopping for less expensive store brands (the 365 brand has proven to be of comparable quality to the corporate brands), making our own snacks and treats instead of impulse purchases of snack foods, reusing tea bags, etc., and practicing much more slow food cooking, as opposed to purchasing prepackaged convenience foods. (Often, if we do choose to eat out, we choose to eat from the Whole Foods bar, getting enough to have leftovers the next day.)
Thanks to the considerable inspiration and motivation, money saving coupons, 365 Sure Deal special offers, and budget recipe suggestions provided in each edition of The Whole Deal, our family has not been forced to give up our healthy living practices. On the contrary, we’ve continued to make socially responsible purchases to encourage and support our healthy lifestyle habits, promote fair trade and offer support for the local organic farmer, and to maintain the practice of our occasional try-something-new-and-exotic-in-the-kitchen, we so often previously enjoyed. Thanks, Whole Foods guys, for making it possible to stretch our dollar even further, affording our family the luxury of not being forced to compromise our healthy lifestyle eating and shopping habits. We are grateful for our local Whole Foods Market and its ongoing endeavors to help its consumers save money, while subsquently helping to help save our planet.
1. Always bring your reusable bags.
2. Refill water jugs.
3. Stock up on sale items such as pastas and rice.
4. Buy in season fruit and vegetables even if you have to clean them yourself.
5. Buying organic is cheaper and more effective than buying processed chemically “enhanced” food. The money you pay for chemicals at other grocery stores is just not worth it.
6. We are a family of two and Whole Foods has perfect portions such as New York Strip steak which we can almost always get for 5-6 dollars each. (try 10-20 at restaurants)
7. Freeze left overs such as chili which a pot of chili can be made for around 10 dollars with organic products.
8. The 365 brand is cost effective and full of quality.
9. Talking to team members helps locate deals, they always know what is on sale.
10. Kashi offers vendor coupons online on their cereals and snack foods.
11. Buy in bulk so you buy exactly what you need and there is no waste, so you are not paying for things you throw out. Since we can’t eat an entire melon in a week i buy the half prepped at the store.
12. Shop weekly, to keep up with sales and that way you don’t overspend and buy things you don’t need.
Eating organically cured most of our lactose intolerance
SavingSaving money is a must when you’re a working college student. To keep myself in check and out of the red I never use a grocery cart. Before I go into the store I’ve already decided what is on my grocery list. If it’s only one or two items I’ll go in without my canvas bag. If it’s an armful of items I’ll get my bag from the trunk of my car and I begin my shopping. I love this method because I’ve really noticed a difference in my arm strength and it would be impossible to pick up impulse items if I had no way to carry it to the register. On occasion someone will as if they can get me a basket and I just smile and so, “No thanks, I’m enjoying my workout.”
I learned how to cut a whole chicken into pieces. How satisfying it is to take a $2.50/lb chicken plus 15 minutes and get $6.50/lb chicken breasts! I cook the rest of the chicken into soup and can save the breasts for a fancier meal later.
Several years ago, I attended a silent meditation retreat at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in northern California. Every morning we were treated to an amazing hot breakfast consisting of a different type of grain. Toppings such as tahini, honey, and a variety of nuts and dried fruits complemented the dishes.
I’d never liked hot cereal, but these combinations were excellent! Seeking to recreate this soothing and affordable meal on my own, I consulted the bulk bins at Whole Foods Market. Many organic grains are not only affordable, they’re delicious, easy to make, pack a serious nutritional punch, and give you that satisfying “full” feeling all morning and even into the afternoon.
Confused by which grains to buy and how to cook them, I consulted a WFM staffer, who shared her tip for quick-cooking steel cut oats. I am forever grateful for the info, as I’ve incorporated this budget-conscious food into my regular menu planning and couldn’t be happier. My husband’s even hooked (and he can be a bit picky about his cereal choices!).
At $1.49/pound, the organic steel cut oats outperform most boxed cereals in price, and they’re easy to cook, too. Here’s all you have to do:
The night before, combine water and oats in a 2:1 ratio (2 cups of water for 1 cup of oats) in a small saucepan. (I add a dash of cinnamon and a little salt for flavor.) Cover and let sit on the stove top to soak (do not cook overnight!). Upon rising, add a splash of milk or a non-dairy alternative, and cook the mixture for 5-10 minutes covered on low heat. After that, take off the lid and stir occasionally until you reach desired consistency. Add your favorite chopped nuts, dried/fresh fruit, honey, and tahini or peanut butter, and you’ve got a serious winner for a soothing breakfast.
(You can also substitute any of WFM’s affordable frozen fruit by thawing a small portion overnight, and then adding it to the mixture when cooking.)
Although the following two value tips shouldn’t sound new to some people, for others it might be. Since the beginning of the year I’ve been circling items that I need to get on my Master Grocery list BEFORE I head out for the store (which are mostly on the outer aisles or perimeter of the store). That way, I don’t waste time wandering aimlessly in the store and buying on impulse. Although it took a while to come up with my personal Master Grocery list, it was well worth it.
Second, upon waking, I write down and plan what I will need to cook/prepare for all three meals and any snacks in between. This way, I won’t eat something that might not be so good for me out of convenience. Sometimes, I meal plan the night before if I know I will have a particularly busy morning.
Hopefully, these two tips will be of value not only to your pocketbook but, more importantly, to your waistline and health and encourage you, for those that can, to cook all 21 meals per week (or very close to it)!
My husband and I enjoy fresh, healthy foods and are always experimenting in the kitchen.
Here are some of my favorite budget tips:
1) A fancy dinner at a pricey steakhouse can cost over $100 for a couple. I recently made filet mignon (fresh from Whole Foods!) with a side of roasted red potatoes and salad for under $15. Certainly, this isn’t everyday cooking, but you’d be hard pressed to eat anywhere for two for under $15.
2) If you have a pricey meal one night , enjoy a less expensive meal the next. Tofu is a steal at $1.50 for the Whole Foods 365 Brand. Pair it with a ready made sauce (e.g. Seeds of Change), jasmine rice, and naan - yum!
3) Eat real food. Why pay $4+ for a 12-pack of diet soda when you could enjoy a 1/2 lb. of fresh salmon, a loaf of whole grain, organic bread, or a few cups of raspberries for the same price?
4) Add spicy peppers to your meals. Jalapenos and Thai peppers are excellent toppings for homemade pizza and cost pennies. Most pizza joints will only use jarred peppers; fresh is best!
5) If you do eat out, seek out local, “ethnic” restaurants. They’re always less crowded and I’ve found the staff to be more than happy to introduce new foods to you, all at a reasonable price. Seafood, beer and wine are typically well-priced at these places, too.
Enjoy!
I recently saved a lot of money on Nature’s Path brand Organic Peanut Butter Granola cereal. There was a sale of two boxes for $7 and I purchased at least eight boxes which should last for a long time. Considering that a box of this flavor usually costs over $4.50 each, saving over a $1 each time I purchase a box helps a lot.
Take an extra 30 minutes once you get your groceries home and clean/prep them right away. A large package of chicken or meat gets broken down into meal-sized portions beforing going into the fridge and freezer, celery and peppers get sliced, and more time-consuming items like leeks get cleaned so that they’re ready to use for dinner during the week. It makes cooking during the week less stressful when your ingredients are already prepped and ready to use.
I try to stretch my budget, reduce my waistline, and eat healthy. Buying the lowest fat ground beef you can find can be more expensive and makes for a dry burger since it is so low in fat. Try adding cooked wheat bulgur (about 1 cup per 1.25 pounds of beef) - it adds lots of moisture to the meat, while further cutting fat and adding dietary fiber. Add your favorite spices for meatloaf or burgers. I can even get two meals (for 4) out of about 1.5 pounds of ground beef this way, too!
Once a week my family has “Must-Go” Night. On these nights, we attempt to eat all of the foods in the fridge/pantry that would otherwise spoil. This lends itself to some unconventional meals (think hot dogs with a side of scrambled eggs) and no one has the exact same menu but we don’t waste any leftovers. It also makes dining a bit more fun for the kids - they love have strange combinations of food!
Yes, it’s healthier and less expensive to cook than to buy prepared food products. But, for those who don’t have the time or skill, here’s an example of what I call “semi-cooking” — and one that takes advantage of the investment we’ve probably all made in a cupboard full of spices and herbs: instead of buying prepared pasta sauce, buy a can of plain tomato sauce or chopped tomatoes [try 365 BRAND for best value]and add your own dried seasonings. Use generous amounts of those that you normally see on the ingredient list of the prepared sauces, but don’t be afraid to be creative. Try a few pinches of cumin, cinnamon, paprika, dry mustard — whatever you have on the shelf. For more flavor and interest, you can include diced leftover veggies, the last 3 olives in the jar in the fridge, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, a dash of balsamic vinegar or leftover wine. Just mix it all up, heat to a simmer, and taste as it cooks. Yummy, quick, economical, and fun!
When I am pressed for time, I will search for an interesting new food item in the Prepared Foods case. Because the ingredients are listed on the container cover, I try to replicate the recipe when I have the time to cook. I buy all of the ingredients and voila…I end up with my own version of that prepared item…and it ends up being a lot cheaper when I make it, myself!
I’ve had lefover mish mash of my healthful veggie spreads and pestos. Many of which taste incredible all together on Whole grain pita bread with a few extra toppings such as spinach leaves and goat or feta cheese and sundried tomatoes. Pop in the oven or toaster oven for 5-10 minutes and call it a gourmet pizza. Of my mish-mash spreads, I often have basil pesto, edamame dip, small bits of leftover garlicky cooked beet greens, etc. Always buy the lush looking beets at Whole Foods Market!
Go Nuts!! - As a foreigner from Taiwan, Whole Foods have a lot to offer when I go back and visit my family and friends. My family love the nuts here. There are wide varity of healthy choices and flavors you can choose from. For example, salted and unsaled, whold cashew or half cashew, almond, pine nuts, pecan, walnuts, etc. You name it; they have it! My favorite is the organic roasted hazelnut in the bulk area! Also, the raincoast cookie and two bites, they are just too wonderful to pass. Whold Foods is really a good place to shop when you want to show people what excellent and diverse organic food is!
I love making one-pot meals. I add fish or meat, seasonal vegetables, legumes and fresh herbs. To make one-pot meals I shop at Whole Foods for organic produce and grocery that are on special. A one-pot meal is a smart choice for the budget conscious, it is easy to prepare, a great time saver and packed with nutrients.
Whenever cutting up produce, SAVE everything you are not using in your recipe towards SOUP STOCK. Just keep these items in a gallon-sized zipper bag that you keep in your freezer. Some examples: onion & garlic skins, the ends of green beans, carrot tops, almost any kind of veggie peel (just don’t use eggplant peel — it will impart an acrid taste to your stock), broccoli stem’s peels, eggplant’s leaves (the white part), the bottom of a stalk of celery, the roots of green onions/scallions, & so forth.
The way I handle these produce remnants for stock is to take a large piece of cheesecloth & tie it around all of these veggies. Then you can simply remove the cheesecloth (squeeze it out first — wait until the stock has cooled), & you’ll have your stock all ready! The advantage of using cheesecloth over a colander is that it is hard to find a bowl large enough to collect the stock when draining the veggies out of the liquid.
In the morning I heat up a full teapot of water. After making tea, I pour the rest of the super hot water into a very well insulated thermal carafe. The water is still hot for late morning tea, lunchtime instant soup, and/or afternoon tea. If there is any left, I use the warmer water to heat for cooking pasta or frozen veggies at dinner time. It saves a lot of energy on the stove or microwave and also saves time because I can just pour and go!
Shopping for 1 person can add up. I love the pre-cut selection of mixed vegetables that Whole Foods offers!! It is economical for me instead of buying 1 of everything (red and green peppers, onions, aspargus and a head of broccoli). I marinate the veggies and put them on the grill with chicken. Then, I cut the left overs up and serve cold in pasta the next day for lunch. Sometimes I will even use some of the mix for my salad fixings first. It works great for the single working person!
I like to build a meal around one vegetable, and Whole Foods has the BEST produce. When I spot an especially good deal on organic broccoli, for example, I’ll stock up on and buy several pounds. Dinner that night might be chopped broccoli with pasta, garlic, & olive oil. Next night I’ll stir-fry the broccoli with a couple of chopped veggie burgers. The following night I’ll steam the broccoli and serve with a peanut dipping sauce as a snack or as a side dish. This is a wonderful way of adding more veggies to my family’s diet.
One of the (many) things I love about Whole Foods is its special attention to special diets. Take advantage of the WF website - they have lists of all the products offered at their store that are Gluten-Free! Amazing. I think it is really important to be well-prepared before you grocery shop. If you are on a special diet (vegan, gluten-free etc.) make sure you know what products ahead of time fit your needs and this will save you a lot of time! Thanks Whole Foods!
I love Synergy Kombucha Tea, by G.T. Dave,it is a treat. To reuse the nice glass bottles, I wash them and refill them with organic sun tea sweetened with stevia. That way I have a great drink to grab on the go, and it is healthy too. Made from the sun with no electricity or gas! I save money by having this ready in my fridge!
I love yogurt and particularly flavored yogurt. To save money, I buy the 365 brand plain yogurt in the 32 oz carton and mix in a few teaspoons of honey or 365 jam for breakfast or for an afternoon treat. This means I cut down on packaging - by not buying so many small yogurt cups - and save money at the same time.
Freeze leftover coffee in an ice cube tray. Then whenever you want iced coffee, just add cubes and your favorite creamer to cooled coffee. Not only do I avoid pouring extra joe down the drain, I save a few bucks by making the iced version at home!
I finely chop whatever veggies are left over at the end of the week. I then toss with a little olive oil and Italian seasonings from the the bulk spice section in the store,(my favorite area.) I then spoon it on whatever green leaf veggie I have left, like Romaine or Endive. Roll it up and insert a toothpick to hold it all together. Healthy,Raw,and Economical!
Need another use for leftover mashed potatoes? An english friend of mine told me about a wonderful thing called Bubble and Squeak. Add a little cabbage and whatever leftovers you have to your mashed potatoes, mix it all together, and fry it up in a skillet on the stovetop. The name comes from the noise the cabbage makes when it is cooking.
Cooking for one with long work hours is really hard sometimes but I know I have to do it to avoid buying lunch at work or getting takeaway for dinner. I combat it by cooking on weekends. I make three dishes on the weekend for the week: one hearty, one lighter, one sweet. And then I buy a huge bag worth of fruit of varying ripening speeds to supply 5 days’ worth of snacks. It can be hard sometimes, but I’ve gone since January now without ordering out. It was one of my New Year’s resolutions for 2008… and it’s working.
Serve bean or lentil soup as a main dish at lunch. It’s filling, nutritious, and cheap. Double the recipe each time you cook, so you can put a batch in the freezer and serve it another day. You save on your energy bill by only cooking one day instead of two, and you save YOUR energy–lunch will be made for you when you need it most!!
For those days you just don’t feel like cooking, buy a whole foods frozen stir fry pack and a vacuum sealed tofu pack (they last a long time). It takes 10 minutes to prepare a whole meal. SCORE! And if you cook enough, there will even be leftovers for a packed lunch the next day! DOUBLE SCORE!
Go for the team/family approach on volume discounts! In just my own household, there are not enough of us to utilize the volume discounts, but between our home, my parent’s home, sister’s home with three kids and other friends that are committed to eating healthy-we can buy together and divide it up. This is a great way to save and also helps save gas on everyone going to the store to get the same items.
The all time best food for a budget has got to be TVP (texturized vegetable protein). Talk about bang for your buck, TVP has a tremendous amount of protein with virtually no fat. In it’s dry form it is about $2 a pound in bulk from Whole Foods. You can re-hydrate it in warm water, add tomato sauces and use tvp like you would meat in lasagne and meatloaf recipes. If that’s not enough, it makes a great protein powder. Just whirl it in your blender and add it to your favorite smoothie recipe. TVP is packed with protein, for just pennies!
Homemade soups and stews are a great value, especially for families. This is the perfect time of the year for a big bowl of hearty, creamy soup or stew. I like to take my favorite soup or stew recipe and add Barbara’s Potato Flakes during the last stages of cooking. Adding potato flakes is a great economical and flavorful way to thicken soups and stews and they give your recipes a more “velvety” texture. It’s also a great way to stretch a buck!
Here’s our family plan:
1. Starting Wednesday look at ads for lowest prices on meat - that’s usually the base (and priciest).
2. Thursday plan next week’s meals around the base - usually 4 meals (e.g. if base is chicken sausage: all sausage grilled Monday, with pasta and sauce Tuesday, Hoagies Wednesday, quiche Thursday). Friday meatless meal (because meat goes bad pretty quickly) featuring beans and rice or tofu. Many times stir fry, fried rice, or rollups. Lunches are leftovers. I always pick one new dessert recipe to try out to keep it fun. Even if the family is sick of the meals at least dessert is satisfying!
3. Friday night - go shopping! Not very busy…I only get the fruit and veges that are on sale. If there is an unexpected markdown, I buy it all and freeze it in the chest freezer. My challenge is to always keep it under $50 a week (family of 4). If it’s not then I put something back, or debit the following week’s budget.
4. Saturday: Precook/soak/sort anything needed for next week.
5. Sunday night, make the dessert (can also serve as weekday breakfast in a pinch).
6. Monday and Tuesday - look for new recipe ideas (fun days!).
Other random tips: Buying in bulk is more fun and user friendly if you have matching see-through containers instead of a bunch of unknown (is it flour or protein powder?) lopsided bags on a shelf. I use square stackable ones for the best use of shelf space.
We have saved money by shopping the ready to grill section and prepared food section at Whole Foods instead of eating out. My husband and I both realize how we have no control with what goes into the food we eat at restaurants and it can get expensive eating out. So when we have the urge to eat out, we buy amazing already cooked dishes or ready to grill kabobs and burgers and enjoy a meal that is much less than if we went out to eat and virtually little to no effort.
For every one dollar I spend at Whole Foods Market, I save at least ten dollars in medical expense. You may not see this savings immediately…but I guarentee you will see it.
I bring my own grocery bags to get a reduction on my bill. I buy 365 soy milk by the case for a better price. I contact manufacturers for coupons and use them at checkout. I also buy many products on sale and shop with a friend once a week, so that we don’t have to take two cars and spend the extra money on gas. On Thursdays, I get flowers in the evening for a reduced price.
2 words: bulk department. Another 2 words: salmon patties. Toast some wholemeal bread, chop onion and celery. Pulverize it all in a blender. Mix it with a can of salmon and an egg. DONT PICK OUT THE BONES OR SKIN - I’m serious - they’re good for you and will mush up. Add salt, pepper or the spice mix of your choice (Tony Chachere’s, Old Bay, whatever) and make patties. Oil a baking sheet, put ‘em in the oven for 15-25 min or so at 400. Serve them with dill and sour cream, or a garlicky yogurt dip.
I like to feed my infant organic