Bluebird's Whole Foods Market Shopping List

Come with me, and you’ll be, in a world of pure imagination. That’s right, I’m talking about none other than a trip to Whole Foods Market! While I can’t say I exclusively shop at Whole Foods (it’s the fourth closest grocery store to me, okay?!), I do make it a point to get over there and, when I do, this is my Whole Foods shopping list.

Spoiler alert: it includes Bluebird Botanicals CBD lotions.

The Whole Foods Essentials

I’m a big fan of budget-friendly shopping lists, so I’ve tried to track down some of the most affordable products you can find on the shelves at Whole Foods Market. While I based this shopping list on what’s available at my local Whole Foods in Superior, CO, you can find your local Whole Foods and confirm if they stock the same products.  

I don’t have any dietary restrictions (super lucky, I know), but I tried to create a shopping list that would enable even the pickiest or most plant-based of eaters to easily adapt and take with them on their next trip.

While this isn’t explicitly a vegan Whole Foods Shopping List, it does feature primarily vegan goodies. So let’s get us started on our plant-based shopping list by hitting the produce aisle.

Whatever looks good/is on sale 

This brings us back to the concept of shopping budget-friendly. I always peruse the produce aisle, keeping an eye on what looks particularly fresh and/or is on sale. If something is plentiful and on sale but looks hyper-ripe, I’ll still purchase in large quantities and just portion and freeze it. Not only is produce a great way to stay on budget, but, when done right, it’s part of both a paleo and gluten-free Whole Foods shopping list. 

Right now, my local Colorado Whole Foods Market has leeks on sale for $2.49/lb, which make a great complement to a lot of hearty fall recipes. 

Veg Staples

While inexpensive is a priority, there are certain vegetable staples I keep in heavy rotation in my diet. These include:

• Yellow onions and potatoes (both on sale right now!)
• Brussel sprouts
• Asparagus 
• Avocado
• Zucchini
• Yellow squash
• Spaghetti squash

We’ll get a whole ‘nother pass at vegetables when we get to the frozen aisle, but let’s nab some of their fruit friends first.

Fantastic Fruits

Fruits make the best dessert. Don’t believe me? Try slicing up a perfectly ripe mango and putting it in the freezer. Maybe put some cacao nibs on top. Delicious. 

While mangos are more of a treat than a regular grocery store purchase, I do have a few favorite fruits. Here are my go-tos:

• Gala apples
• Peaches (Palisade, when they have ‘em) 
• Blueberries
• Bananas

The Other Essentials

• Frozen spinach (I like 365 Whole Leaf Spinach) 
• Frozen peas (petite green for me, please)
• Frozen cauliflower rice
• Frozen broccoli rice

Having options like cauliflower rice and various types of squash make this a very low-carb grocery list as well. 

I’m not much of a meat-eater, so after the produce scores, I like to skip on over to grab some (non-vegan) items including:

• Eggs (I like Vital Farms Pasture Raised)
• Dried fruit, like the bomb-tasting Apricots in the Buff by local company Made In Nature
• Cottage cheese (I prefer Good Culture brand)
• Goat cheese log 
• Shredded mozzarella
• Pepper jack slices 

...basically, all the cheese. You can even visit the Whole Foods Market site for a breakdown of types and varieties. 

And don’t worry - there’s something for my vegan friends as well. Whole Foods Market also has their own whole line of vegan cheeses. 

The Whole Foods Market Wholly Optionals

While the above constitutes much of my regular diet, there’s always a few other things I like to nab on a Whole Foods Market run. 

For your skin

• GOOD soap by Alaffia.
  
  At $2.49/bar, these soaps are affordable and can be purchased without single-use packaging. These soaps are made by women cooperatives in Togo, Africa and purchase go toward supporting the communities there. So I feel good and smell good after snagging of these.

• Bluebird CBD Hemp Essential Lotion.
  
  While this is in the “optional” category, it really isn’t with the arid climate in Colorado. The Hemp Essential CBD Lotion from Bluebird Botanicals is a heavenly drink of moisture with a powerful serving of CBD that keeps my skin feeling smooth, which is a nice alternative to having cracked and bleeding elbows.

For within

• KOR Vitality Health and Wellness shot.
  
  Think of these babies like the natural alternative to 5 Hour Energy. I like the Vitality version, made using turmeric. This shot also includes lemon and coconut, and all of these ingredients are certified USDA Organic.