21 Mistakes To Avoid When Shopping At Whole Foods

Whole Foods is a grocery chain found in 45 different states across the country. As the name implies, the grocer focuses on offering customers healthier organic and natural food options. In 1980, when the first Whole Foods Market opened in Austin, Texas, it was probably impossible to predict the success the market would have. The company has grown substantially and now operates more than 500 stores in North America and the United Kingdom.

If you've shopped at Whole Foods, then you likely already know a lot about the different products and quality you can expect from the retailer. However, did you know that you might be making some mistakes each time you visit the store? In fact, there are several common mistakes that Whole Foods customers make that can end up costing them extra money, miss out on some of the great products offered by the grocer, and more. If you want to make sure that you don't end up making these common mistakes — or stop making the ones you've already fallen victim to — then keep reading.

Don't shop at Whole Foods if you haven't downloaded the app to your phone. Having the app can make it easier for you to take advantage of those extra savings that are only available to prime members. When you sign in to your Amazon account, you'll get a special code that can be scanned to verify your membership and make sure you get all of the available deals. 

Beyond taking advantage of Prime member discounts, the Whole Foods app also makes it easy to flip through weekly advertisements, build and access a shopping list, or even order lunch and dinner to-go from select stores. You can download the Whole Foods Market app for both Apple and Android devices.

Some days it's nice to walk around the grocery store, grab the items on your list, and peak at other product offerings. On other days, it can feel like you barely have time to breathe — and the prospect of finding time to go to the grocery store seems impossible. On those days or any other days when you want to have more time, consider setting up a curbside pickup order with Whole Foods. 

As an Amazon Prime member, you won't have to pay for the convenience of having someone else take care of your shopping for you. You can shop online, or through the app, and set up a one-hour pickup window to have your groceries brought right to your trunk. It's that easy.

We already mentioned that Amazon bought Whole Foods in 2017. Because of this, the grocer has also turned into a return hub for Amazon customers. If you purchased an item through Amazon that wasn't what you expected or didn't work properly, you can easily send it back to the online retailer by dropping it off at Whole Foods. 

Start by initiating your Amazon return through the Amazon app or website, and select your local Whole Foods as the drop-off location. You'll receive a QR code that you can scan at the self-service kiosk or the Customer Service desk to complete the return. You don't even have to package or box up the item to send it back.

If you're out running errands or even driving through another state and looking for somewhere to stop for lunch, don't overlook Whole Foods. In addition to the aisles of produce, meat, and various other food items, the store also offers a hot foods bar.

You can grab a container and choose some of your favorite items — it's just like eating from a nice buffet. Some of the selections you might find available include roasted chicken, whitefish, pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, orange chicken, sesame noodles, grape leaves, hummus, and roasted vegetables.

Don't rule out the flower and plant section at Whole Foods the next time you're looking for a gift or a new arrangement for your dining table. Doing so would be a big mistake. You'll find that most stores carry a wide selection of beautiful flowers — many of which are organic or grown by local farmers.

You can even ask one of the florists to make a custom arrangement for you using the different flower varieties you pick out. Whether the flowers are for you or someone special in your life, the personalized touch is certain to be appreciated.

The meat department isn't the only section of the store where you'll find exceptional service. The Whole Foods fishmongers in the seafood department will work with you to improve your seafood shopping and cooking experience. If you want to have your fish deboned or have the skin removed, ask. They'll complete these services for no additional fee. 

The in-store fishmongers also have beautiful tips for cooking seafood, meal ideas, and other useful advice. If there's a specific type of fish that you don't see, ask. They can place a special order for any seafood that is in season, as long as it meets the company's quality standards.

While many grocery stores have done away with bulk departments, Whole Foods has not. Overlooking all that the bulk department has to offer would be a big mistake. You'll find that there is a wide selection of nuts, beans, rice, pasta, seeds, and so much more to choose from. Some of these items are more specialty options that won't be easy to find through other means. 

Second, because you can buy as much or as little as possible, you won't end up spending more than is necessary to make a recipe you want to try. This can also help reduce food waste.

If you've been skipping over the cheese department because you're assuming it offers the same stuff you'll find at any other grocery store, you've been making a big mistake. The Whole Foods cheese department is certainly unique. They offer an impressive selection from around the globe. 

Beyond the vast selection, you can also get expert advice and recommendations from one of the Certified Cheese Professionals or cheesemongers. Don't forget to ask for a few samples to help you find exactly what you're looking for.

If you're in need of a custom cake for a birthday, family gathering, or even a wedding, you'd be remiss if you didn't check out what Whole Foods has to offer. One of the team members in the bakery will be able to work with you to learn more about precisely what you're looking for, the size of the cake you'll need, and any other special considerations. 

Once you've worked together to come up with a plan, simply schedule a time to pick up the cake and share it with your friends, family, or co-workers. If you didn't think to order ahead of time, don't worry. You can find several ready-made cakes in your store (along with individual slices) if you're just craving a little something sweet.

One fact that many people don't know about Whole Foods is that they will cut the grocery offerings to match your specific needs. For example, if you only want half a watermelon because you know a full one will go bad before you'll eat it, just ask. They'll cut the melon in half and only make you pay for what you use. 

The same goes for loaves of fresh bread from the bakery, fish filets, cuts of meat, and even wedges of cheese. No more spending more money than is necessary or wasting so much extra food that you just won't use.