If you’re ready to make healthier choices and embrace clean eating, creating a whole foods shopping list is a great way to get started. Whether you’re heading to your local grocery store or shopping at popular chains like Aldi, Costco, or Walmart, having a list helps streamline your trip and ensures you stay on track.
A well-planned whole foods shopping list provides everything you need for a variety of meal ideas, from nourishing meals for kids to satisfying options for adults. Plus, it’s possible to build a whole foods shopping list that aligns with your budget, making it easier to stay on course without overspending.
Whether you’re following a WW approach or embarking on a Whole30 journey, this guide will help you navigate your grocery trip with confidence and clarity. From affordable whole foods store shopping lists to practical tips for managing whole foods shopping list costs, you’ll find everything you need to make clean eating a part of your everyday life.
Here’s a healthy Whole Foods shopping list to make your next shopping trip stress-free and nutrient-packed:
1. Whole Grains
- Whole Wheat
- Brown Rice
- Quinoa
- Oats (Steel-cut or rolled)
- Farro
- Bulgur Wheat
- Barley
- Whole Grain Bread (Look for no added sugars)
- Spelt
2. Vegetables
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Eggplant
- Bell Peppers (all colors)
- Carrots
- Onions (Yellow, Red, and Sweet)
- Garlic
- Spinach
- Kale
- Swiss Chard
- Bok Choy
- Brussels Sprouts
- Lettuce (Romaine, Butterhead, etc.)
- Broccoli
- Potatoes (Sweet & Regular)
- Cauliflower
- Asparagus
- Mushrooms (any kind, including shiitake, cremini, and portobello)
Fruits
- Apples
- Oranges
- Grapefruit
- Pomegranates
- Bananas
- Watermelon
- Melon (Cantaloupe or Honeydew)
- Pears
- Peaches
- Strawberries
- Mangoes
- Pineapple
- Kiwi
- Raspberries
- Blueberries
- Cherries
Nuts, Seeds, & Healthy Fats
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Cashews
- Hazelnuts
- Macadamia Nuts
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Sunflower Seeds
- Chia Seeds
- Flax Seeds
- Hemp Seeds
- Avocados
- Olive Oil (Extra Virgin)
- Coconut Oil
- Nut Butters (Peanut, Almond, Cashew – look for no added sugar or oils)
Lean Meats, Fish & Eggs
- Chicken (Pasture-raised if possible)
- Turkey (Pasture-raised if possible)
- Grass-fed Beef
- Salmon (Wild-caught)
- Shrimp
- Cod
- Tuna (Canned in water, no added preservatives)
- Oysters
- Mussels
- Eggs (Pasture-raised)
Beans & Legumes
- Black Beans
- Pinto Beans
- Kidney Beans
- Lentils (Green, Red, or Brown)
- Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans)
- Split Peas
- Edamame (Frozen)
- Soybeans
Dairy (Opt for Organic and Unprocessed if Possible)
- Milk (Whole or Plant-Based)
- Yogurt (Plain, Greek, or Unsweetened)
- Cheese (Unprocessed, such as Feta or Fresh Mozzarella)
- Kefir
- Cottage Cheese (Unprocessed)
Herbs & Spices
- Salt (Sea Salt or Himalayan Pink Salt)
- Black Pepper
- Cumin
- Turmeric
- Curry Powder
- Cayenne Pepper
- Oregano (Fresh & Dried)
- Basil (Fresh & Dried)
- Rosemary (Fresh & Dried)
- Thyme (Fresh & Dried)
- Dill (Fresh & Dried)
- Chives (Fresh & Dried)
- Parsley (Fresh & Dried)
- Ginger (Fresh or Ground)
- Cinnamon
Other Essentials
- Vinegar (Apple Cider or Balsamic)
- Coconut Milk (Canned, no additives)
- Coconut Water (Unsweetened)
- Tamari or Soy Sauce (Low-sodium, organic)
- Miso Paste (Organic)
- Tahini (100% Sesame Seeds)
- Raw Honey (Local, if possible)
- Maple Syrup (Pure)
Healthy Snacks
- Raw Veggies (Carrot sticks, Cucumber slices, Celery, Bell Peppers)
- Whole Grain Crackers (Low-sodium)
- Hummus (Homemade or store-bought with no additives)
- Fresh Fruit (Apples, Bananas, Grapes)
- Nuts & Seeds (A variety mix)
Whole Foods Shopping Tips:
- Stick to the Perimeter: The fresh produce, meat, and dairy sections are usually on the outer edges of the store, and they contain most of the whole foods.
- Read Labels: Check ingredients and avoid added sugars, artificial flavors, and unnecessary preservatives.
- Buy in Bulk: For items like grains, beans, nuts, and seeds, buying in bulk can save you money and help reduce packaging waste.
- Shop Seasonal: Seasonal fruits and vegetables often taste better and are less expensive.
- Opt for Organic: Especially for fruits and veggies that are known to have higher pesticide residues (like strawberries, spinach, and tomatoes).
- Frozen Is Fine: Frozen fruits and veggies can be just as nutritious as fresh, especially when you’re buying out of season. Just make sure there are no added sauces or sugars.
- Quality Over Quantity: Focus on nutrient-dense foods that will fuel your body, instead of highly processed snacks or sugary drinks.
This whole foods shopping list ensures you’re loading on nutrient-packed whole foods that nourish your body. Happy shopping!
Leave a Reply