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Whole Foods Alternatives That Are Actually Affordable

whole food alternatives
Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / ElasticComputeFarm

While Whole Foods Market is a great place to shop for organic, all-natural products, the prices make it inaccessible for many people. Try one of these affordable Whole Foods alternatives instead.

Want to do your grocery shopping in a sustainable way without breaking the bank? Whole Foods offers a great selection of organic and local products, but the prices can be prohibitive. Check out our list of Whole Foods alternatives so you can buy your groceries responsibly while also protecting your wallet.

1. Sprouts Farmers Market

Sprouts Farmers Market is a great place to get fresh produce at fair prices.
Sprouts Farmers Market is a great place to get fresh produce at fair prices. (Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / elizadean)

Sprouts is a supermarket centered around health and wellness. Sprouts Farmers Market carries a variety of organic foods, dietary supplements, and vitamins. With a range of locations across twenty-three states, Sprouts is a great place to pop in for fresh, organic produce, dairy products, baked goods, and even protein supplements and probiotics. They also offer a range of bulk products where you can do zero-waste shopping.

2. Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe's is a cuter, cheaper Whole Foods alternative.
Trader Joe’s is a cuter, cheaper Whole Foods alternative. (Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / conversationswithval)

Sometimes referred to as the ‘poor man’s Whole Foods,’ Trader Joe’s is a nationwide chain with affordable prices. While not all of their products are organic, they have many organic options. Anything you purchase from the Trader Joe’s official private label is guaranteed Non-GMO as well. Head to TJ’s for fresh produce, fun snacks, and delicious frozen foods. Not only is the food great, but the stores are known for their kind staff and fun layout. Each store even has its own unique mural representing the surrounding community.

3. Whole Foods Alternative: Natural Grocers

Pick up some organic produce at your local Natural Grocers.
Pick up some organic produce at your local Natural Grocers. (Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / NatureFriend)

Natural Grocers is a health and grocery store located in twenty states, offering organic and Non-GMO groceries ranging from free-range eggs to fresh produce and bulk foods. Natural Grocers also offers a range of personal care products, pet products, and even books. All of Natural Grocers‘ products are certified organic, or at least Non-GMO. They also prioritize fair trade certification, compostable packaging, locally sourced products, and humanely raised meats.

4. Southeast Coast: Earth Fare

Check if you have an Earth Fair in your area.
Check if you have an Earth Fair in your area. (Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / stevepb)

Earth Fare is a Southeast Coast health and wellness supermarket offering organic and natural groceries. Earth Fare stands out with its pledge to sell only food free of added hormones, artificial fats and trans fats, artificial sweeteners, antibiotics, high fructose corn syrup, artificial preservatives, artificial colors or flavors, and bleached or bromated flour. This Whole Foods alternative makes it a point to prioritize the health of people and the planet.

5. East Coast: Wegmans

Pick up some organic cheese at your Wegmans.
Pick up some organic cheese at your Wegmans. (Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / PublicDomainPictures)

Wegmans is a popular East Coast chain with a wide variety of organic and vegan products. The company makes a concerted effort to eliminate waste, reduce its carbon footprint, provide sustainably sourced products, and give back to the community. Wegmans is a great place to shop for certified organic products at an affordable price.

6. Kroger

Check out Kroger for your next organic shopping trip.
Check out Kroger for your next organic shopping trip. (Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / StockSnap)

Kroger is a one-stop-shop supermarket offering groceries, home goods, and more. Kroger is present in thirty-eight states across the US, and has recently been offering more and more organic products. They even carry their own organic brand, called Simply Truth Organic.

7. Costco

You have to sign up for an annual Costco membership, but it's well worth it.
You have to sign up for an annual Costco membership, but it’s well worth it. (Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / Squirrel_photos)

Costco is a huge shopping warehouse, offering products ranging from groceries to electronics, bedding, and kitchenware. By selling in bulk, Costco keeps its prices affordable while providing high-quality products. This is a great place to shop for the whole family, or for non-perishable products that you can keep in storage. Costco is a nationwide chain with over 800 store locations. They offer a wide variety of organic goods, even outselling Whole Foods in organic sales.

8.Whole Foods Alternatives: Your Local Farmers’ Market

Go to your local farmers market for fresh, organic produce.
Go to your local farmers market for fresh, organic produce. (Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / JillWellington)

If you don’t have any of these grocery stores in your area, check out your local farmers’ market. Farmers’ markets are a great way to get some fresh air, go for a stroll and get to know your community while picking up some fresh food. Grab a coffee and croissant and have a little breakfast in the park while you’re at it.

9. Online Grocery Shopping

Get your groceries delivered right to your home.
Get your groceries delivered right to your home. (Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / Mittmac)

Online grocery shopping has gotten much more popular in the last few years. This can make life a lot easier for busy parents, disabled folks, students, and more. You can access fresh, organic foods from a variety of websites.

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