Whole Foods MarketWhat to buy and bring home

Whole Foods Market is a chain of natural and organic supermarkets, owned by Amazon since 2017. In my experience, it has the best food quality. The chain has strict standards: more than 550 ingredients are banned in food, supplements, cosmetics and household cleaners, and in cosmetics, for example, parabens, phthalates and oxybenzone. The most interesting things are the ones you can take with you: vitamins and supplements, protein, natural cosmetics and skincare, tea, coffee, snacks, chocolate, gluten-free and sugar-free foods. There are many niche American brands and the 365 by Whole Foods Market store brand with lower prices. Prices are higher than at regular supermarkets: people come for specific brands, not for the lowest price.

Vitamins, supplements and cosmetics are collected in the Whole Body department. There are a great many supplements here, and people buy vitamins from Whole Foods more readily than from Walmart. There are many cosmetics too: face, body and hair care, makeup, natural brands like Weleda, Dr. Bronner's, Acure, Andalou Naturals, Pacifica, Mineral Fusion and the inexpensive 365 (the mix of brands depends on the store).

There are also local decor and products from local makers here, different in every store.

• There are no storewide sales; deals apply to specific items. The current list of deals is in the Whole Foods Market app, on the sales tab, and on the yellow price tags in the store.
• Discounts on vitamins and supplements regularly show up in the weekly deals.
• In spring, usually late March to early April, there is Beauty Week: about 25% off cosmetics and skincare, and another 10% for Prime members. Check the dates in the app and on the website.