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Whole Foods Market
Written on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 by That's Camping
Article Categories: Food • Food-Reviews

The Whole Foods Market corporation is committed to high quality standards. Quoting from their web site:

We carry natural and organic products because we believe that food in its purest state — unadulterated by artificial additives, sweeteners, colorings, and preservatives — is the best tasting and most nutritious food available.

Our business is to sell the highest quality foods we can find at the most competitive prices possible. We evaluate quality in terms of nutrition, freshness, appearance, and taste. Our search for quality is a never-ending process involving the careful judgment of buyers throughout the company.

I arrived at the Woburn, Massachusetts Whole Foods Market early this afternoon, and was blown away. Yes, I have visited many natural grocery stores, but this felt different right from the beginning.

Let me be clear, this isn't the store for normal grocery shopping. It could be expensive to purchase items like laundry detergent or canned peas. Oh that is, unless you want environmentally friendly soap or organic peas. wink Stick to Market Basket or Shaws for the bulk of your grocery needs.

Details of My First Visit

I initially encountered the produce department, and I immediately noticed the "design" of the veggies and fruit. Everything looked fresh and green (except that the tomatoes were a little squishy.) Yes, the prices are higher than other grocery stores, but I don't mind paying extra for better quality veggies and fruit. I felt like a kid in a candy store.

Speaking of a candy store, right past the produce, you walk by the chocolate deli. Fudge and other chocolate delights can be purchased.

Dairy is next, and it was wonderful to find products that I normally didn't find at our local Shaws or Stop and Shop. For example, the pint size Silk soy milk and individually sized Kozy Shack pudding 4 pack.

I wandered to the meat display case, and was overwhelmed with the choices before me. I ordered lots of chicken sausages (some really yummy flavors), along with skin-on boneless chicken breast and some beef burgers filled with mushrooms and onions.

As I walked toward the far end of the store, I realized what sets the Whole Foods Market apart from the other natural food stores. The prepared foods department is special. Buffet tables were set up for hot foods, cold foods, a vast salad bar, and a chowder bar. The dessert bar offered large cakes and other spoonable desserts. I was amazed at the choices; I don't think I remembered it all. I believe there was a set price of $7.99 a pound, and there were tables set up beyond the registers, so all you needed to do was pay and find a seat for a quick lunch or dinner.

Beside the self-serve prepared food buffet tables, there was the display cases filled with bakery goods, panini sandwiches, sushi, sliced deli meats, salads, meats, rices, fish, and the list goes on.

I can't wait to bring Mike back into the store for dinner one night! And since I love fish, and Mike doesn't, I plan on purchasing a single serving of prepared fish or crab cakes, and Mike can choose another dish. It makes perfect sense! I also have plans to find some food items for our next vacation!

Overall, it is not outrageously expensive, but it might not be the first place to visit for your weekly shopping list. But if you sometimes yearn for healthier food choices, I highly recommend visiting the Whole Foods Market once a month or so.

Sign up for their Flavors Newsletter, or if you are into audio, they also offer a podcast as well.

Article Categories: Food • Food-Reviews

Comments

The comment area is open for approximately one year after the article date.

  1. That chocolate deli is incredible!  My fat cells cry with joy whenever I walk by there! I just want to dive into that chocolate fountain.

    I’m a big fan of the bulk foods at Whole Foods (although, if you’re looking for bulk spices, you’ll need to go to the Whole Foods in Bedford).  I like to get my sushi fix there, too.  Try their Chicken Tikka Masala from the hot food buffet, when it’s available.  It’s great!

    Posted by Twinnish on 06/28/06

  2. THAT is what the chocolate thingie is called! I was quizzing Mike last night trying to figure out what to call it. Chocolate Deli! Gotta go change the article now.

    I noticed they did offer little containers of spices, but not in bulk. Was the Bedford store a different natural food store at one time? The name escapes me.

    Anyway, we are going back there soon, I can’t believe how much time I wasted by not checking this place out before! I will be sure to try the Chicken Marsala…

    Posted by That's Camping on 06/28/06
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