5 Whole Foods Items Worth the Extra Cost
Written by
J. Arky
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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The joke used to be that when Whole Foods was started, it actually was supposed to be named “Whole Paycheck” because of how expensive the store’s products were. Currently, Whole Foods is a lot more affordable, but still is one of the mainstream grocery stores where products can cost higher than other supermarkets.
However, there are still some products on their shelves that are worth shelling out the extra dollars for. GOBankingRates asked some shopping experts about the five Whole Foods items that are worth the cost. Here’s what made their list.
Organic Creamy Peanut Butter
- Price: $4.39 for a 16-ounce jar
“I am a big fan of their peanut butter options, specifically their Organic Creamy Peanut Butter,” said Matt Rogers, registered dietitian at Tropical Oasis.
Roger admitted that it can be difficult to find peanut butter that is both unsweetened and contains no salt, but Whole Foods offers it from their own brand.
“It’s not very expensive, but it’s going to cost you at least $1 to $2 more than most other peanut butters, like Jif,” Rogers said. “It’s a healthier option that still tastes really great, so I think it’s a great thing to have in your pantry.”
Sea Salt Soap by Hand in Hand
- Price: $5.79 for a 5-ounce bar
Priscilla Mensah, founder of Super Power Soap, recommended the soaps at Whole Foods and said, “Unlike commercially made soaps that remove glycerin and other natural moisturizers from the bar, these soaps retain their natural moisturizers and thus naturally hydrate your skin in the shower.”
In particular, Mensah highlighted the Sea Salt Soap by Hand in Hand as “worth the higher price than getting the 10 pack of soap for $4 at Walmart. Your skin will appreciate the luxury and you only get one set of skin so treat your skin well.
“Not only is this a wonderfully sustainable bar of soap that gives a bar away for each purchase, you’ll also see on its ingredients label that it contains cocoa butter, shea butter and that also wonderful naturally occurring glycerin that’s going to hydrate your skin,” she said.
Organic Grade A Dark Maple Syrup
- Price: $8.49 for a 16-ounce bottle
“This Grade A dark amber maple syrup is packed with deep robust flavors without additives and herbs and preservatives,” said Ranveer Brar of Kashkan Restaurants. Brar pointed out how this is good not only for pancakes — it can be effectively used to baste meats, cook sauces or marinades and drizzle onto vegetables.
“A delicious glaze awaits potato salad or roasted salmon or chicken when maple syrup is mixed with mustard and fresh onions or dill,” Brar added. “We tend to purchase most of the ingredients locally although we appreciate the reasons why it may be prudent to stock certain products from Whole Foods even when they cost more.”
WFM Coffee French Roast
- Price: $12.99 for a 12-ounce bag
Whole Trade organic fair trade coffee beans allow you to grind fresh beans for the perfect cup of coffee at home, according to dietitian Valerie Maclin.
“At $12 for a 12-ounce bag of bold French roast or breakfast blend, you get fair wages for farmers and an incredible aroma to wake up to,” Maclin said.
Wensleydale and Blueberries Cheese
- Price: $21.99 per pound
This Wensleydale and blueberries cheese is $21.99 a pound and it’s delicious, according to Melanie Musson, shopping expert with Insurance Providers.
“Whole Foods’ cheese section is vast and you can find cheese there that you can’t find at other stores,” she said.
“If you love a good charcuterie board or a wine and cheese party, you won’t want to skip shopping in the cheese section at Whole Foods,” Musson added.
Please note, pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
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