Whole Foods tops “worst prices” grocery store list for 2015

Consumer Reports released the results of their latest supermarket survey – what supermarkets have the best and worst prices? They surveyed over 62,000 readers and the data reported that little has changed since the previous survey in 2005. The cheapest are still the cheapest, the most expensive are still the most expensive.

On a local level, Whole Foods is the only big gun to make a notable mark on Consumer Reports’ list this year (no mention of Safeway or Lucky). The chain, which prides itself on organic food and a natural lifestyle, had prices that were “extremely high…among the highest of any chain.” They surveyed consumers who noted the priciness of the chain, but seemed to not care – people are willing to pay more for premium, natural foods that are fresh. They also want more pre-prepared foods and Whole Foods helps give Sonoma competitors Sonoma Market, Glen Ellen Village Market, Lucky’s and Safeway runs for their money.

For the cheapest prices, you’d have to go out of the Valley – Costco and Trader Joe’s topped the best prices list. If you tend towards Sam’s Club and and Target, you’re picking up groceries at two chains which are the lowest on the list for “freshness.”

While many of us want to shop local, it can be a bit pricy to frequent speciality markets and stores – even farmers’ markets. However, the more we shop at local establishments, we can only hope that prices can be lowered as more people jump on the local bandwagon.

Want to keep your costs down no matter where you shop? Here are some tips:

1. Use coupons. Duh! You’d think this one would be ingrained in every shopper by now, but, it’s amazing how many people don’t use coupons. Whether they arrive in the Sunday paper, you pick up a coupon book when you arrive at the store (like at Whole Foods, they have a great coupon book), or you print them off online on websites like organicdeals.com or coupons.com – don’t forget the coupons! Concerned about wasting paper? Coupons.com lets you download coupons to your phone.
2. Buy generic if it’s available at where you are shopping. Store brands are cheaper and research shows you can save up to $20 per visit by shopping for store brands. Also – most of store brand products are made often in the same conditions (if not the same facility) with the same ingredients as their big name brethren. Whole Foods has made it hip with their 365 brand, which offers natural and organic products.
3. Don’t forget the senior discount if you are of the mature set (55+). Sonoma Market and Glen Ellen Market offer 10% off your purchase on Tuesdays and Whole Foods gives you a 12% discount on Tuesdays. Check out this awesome list of other senior discounts around Sonoma Valley here.

If you’re a hardcore locavore (or you want to be) and you shop at the farmers’ markets as much as you can – being a regular helps. Farmers and boothkeepers at the markets will lean towards discounts and other perks for regulars, too!