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This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.

Whole Foods has a reputation for being expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. If you want to save money on groceries, here are six tips to help you navigate Whole Foods so it doesn’t eat up your whole check.

1. Specials – The Whole Foods I frequent in Los Angeles has specials every Thursday. Other locations have specials on different days so make sure to ask when they reduce their prices. I’ve heard grocery stores do this during their least busy day to attract more customers. We also publish Whole Foods coupons and deals shared by The Thrifty Mama every Wednesday.
2. Manufacture coupons – Contrary to popular belief, organic product have coupons. Although these coupons may be harder to come by, the first place to check is the manufactures’ websites. In a previous post about natural cleaners I wrote about the Seventh Generation brand that carries products including laundry soap, baby diapers and feminine products. If you sign up for the brand’s weekly newsletter you will receive coupons. Other organic product companies also offer their customers coupons.
3. Get The Whole Deal – Every two months, Whole Foods publishes The Whole Deal, a guide that includes coupons, budget-friendly recipes and weekly meal planner among other things. These guides are usually located near the entrance of the store. You can also view a PDF version on their site and print coupons at home. I’ve scored coupons for $1 to $2 off on organic milk, protein bars, Greek yogurt and laundry detergent.
4. Go generic – Shop the Whole Foods 365 brand. This line includes items like shampoo, cleaners and canned tomatoes. This brand tends to be less expensive than the name brands. I am a sucker for the 365 brand shampoo. It’s $2.99 for a 32-ounce bottle.
5. Bulk bins – If you are buying beans, rice, granola or oatmeal head to Whole Foods bulk bin section first to check out the prices. These prices tend to be less expensive because you are not paying for packaging. Make sure to compare shop for the aforementioned items. I’ve was able to get a better price on packaged granola when I used a coupon.
6. Case discount – Most Whole Foods will give you 10 percent off for purchasing a case of an item. Make sure you need a case of whatever item you are buying or else you’ll  be spending extra money on something that will most likely go to waste. Before heading to the check out line, ask if the discount applies for the items you are buying.

Are you a frequent Whole Foods shopper? Let us know. We’d like to hear your tips for saving money when shopping Whole Foods.

Tagged: cheap whole foods, grocery coupons, grocery sales, how to save at whole foods, whole foods, whole foods coupons, whole foods deals, whole foods sale on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 · 6 Comments »