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Whole Foods Market
Categories: Food Grocery Food Specialty Food Health Food Store Grocery, Health Food Store [Edit]
510 W 8th AveVancouver, BC V5Z
Neighbourhood: Fairview Slopes
(778) 370-4210
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 8 am - 10 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
80 reviews for Whole Foods Market
Review Highlights
80 reviews in English
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Review from P G.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 5/4/2012
Oh there customer service is great! I was browsing the crackers, and was trying to find some gluten free crackers, as I have to go gluten free of course. -_- I honestly didn't know which would taste good, and on top of that they were all expensive. I've only tried rice crackers prior to going on a gluten-free diet, which were okay, so I really didn't know where to start.
The man saw me lingering around, getting nowhere so he asked if I needed help. I told him what I needed, and he proceeded to give me some options...then he's like would you like me to open one up for you? I'm like hmmm you can do that? COOL! I've never heard of a grocery store doing that ever ever! Anyways we tried them and they were okay...then we went looking for other ones...he's like you want to try this one?? Omg you're going to open another one for me? *heart* He had to leave because he had a allergy to sesame seeds, so another man came and we tasted them together. It was kind of funny though because he didn't know why he was being asked to taste crackers with a random girl haha! But I told him afterwards.
I wish all my shopping experiences resembled this haha.
Thanks employees of WF! I now have some delicious gluten-free crackers to munch on.
*Also the girls in the skincare department are really a hit or miss...there is this one girl who has a wealth of knowledge but many other ones seem annoyed if you ask them where something is located if they are in the process of stocking shelves or doing something else.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/15/2012
Things which are delicious:
* Gingersnaps
* Laura's vegan chocolate chunk cookies...from Uprising… Read more »
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Review from J N.
Vancouver, BC
5/2/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I really enjoyed:
My $5 for five salads: quinoa, curried something-or-other, and deep fried lettuce. Another with broccoli. I don't know; I was starving and wanted something healthy and FAST. This 5 for $5 goodness is unique to Wed. Who knew?
The so-so: the guac. Was on sale. One tbsp for $4. I used to enjoy it. I know someone who makes way better guac for 1/4 the price. NEVER have I found this in Vancouver. Want to know the secret? Email me. :)
Did not enjoy:
-The other $5 deal for 5 of whatever they had out (meat, dessert, other fattening things trying to pass themselves off as healthy.) I could not get any of these as samples, and I didn't need to purchase that after attempting to be somewhat healthy with the salad purchases. Still, it looked like a good deal. But there were free healthy brownies and dark chocolate samples. Sounded like BS to me, but I wasn't about to turn them down.
-the Hummus and Sesame "Boulder Canyon" (Sounds healthy, right?) chips I bought. Wth? What was I thinking? Tasted like deep fried blah, disguised as healthy. A quick look at the 750 calories I consumed from the entire bag and woah! I could have eaten a WS cheeseburger instead? Gross. Don't buy them--gluten free, or no.
-The homeless guy that yelled something like, "How can you live with yourself by lying all day?" Screw you, homeless guy. I spent the day helping people and then some. I really was telling the truth as I put my cc into the machine to pay for my non-reimbursed parking. And screw you, non-reimburseable, too-good-to-be-true-spot in the red zone at whole foods. I could have sworn I was in the green.
All this can be yours and serve 1 hungry person for over $20--more than Sushi for two in Hasu. But are you surprised, really?Listed in: Homeward Bound
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Review from Elle J.
Vancouver, BC
4/16/2012
Ugh, I don't get why everyone loves Whole Foods. It's basically a big-box chain supermarket with way overpriced organic produce. Seriously, there must be at least 10 stores in Vancouver that sell the same organic produce for way cheaper. Plus, they're small local businesses, as opposed to a giant corporate monolith.
And don't get me started on the salad bar ... $12 for a self-serve salad that I have the privilege of eating squeezed in amongst grouchy, rude customers who are probably upset with themselves for paying $12 for a self-serve salad? Yeah, I made the mistake of doing that once. Never again. -
Review from Patrick R.
Vancouver, BC
3/30/2012
Love this place for its selection.
The only place I know of in Vancouver to get raw unpasteurized almonds!
I've had great service from them (despite being packed the lines never take too long) and they have a lot of healthy options in one place.
That being said some of the things are a LEEEEEEeeetttle bit over priced. if you need one stop shopping then this pace is great to grab it all but if you have the time you can get almost everything for cheaper somewhere else.
It would also be nice if they had some nicer meats in the deli. The one's they have are good but I don't see why they need to grain finish ALL the beef and the chickens never make it past Lvl 2 on the ethical treatment scale. Sure I'm being picky but if the butcher's down the street can do it why can't the "speciatly" store get some in?
One example of the over priced items, just an example, would be cold pressed coconut oil. They charge $30.00 for the 1 litre jar! I can get 2 and a half litres of the same stuff for $37.00 from Genesis nutrition, OR the SAME sized jar for 9.99 at IGA or buy-low. Same brand too.
Love the store, good options and I'd like to see society move even more in this direction as far of consumption/production of goods BUT BEWARE THE GOUGING! If something seems expensive and you can wait, wait and look around at other stores. -
Review from Sally O.
Vancouver, BC
5/14/2012
I love Whole Foods! The store is a bit overpriced, but I think that we pay for the service, which is WONDERFUL!!
ps. Never stop selling young coconuts :) -
Review from Robin M.
3/12/2012 7 Check-ins Here
You've got your Whole Foods, and then you've got your Whole Foods. The difference, you may ask? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Whole Foods is Whole Foods is Whole Foods.
Organic, yes. Gluten-free, vegan-friendly, specialty-cheese-carrying? Also yes. Overpriced? Well, heeaall yes.
And I guess that's where I draw the line. Sure, it's clean and well-lit and they'll validate your $2 parking pass; and yes, they carry all sorts of items that are sure to make you feel good about life... but really, it's a big box parading around like it's local. And daaamn, is this place way overpriced. It's actually getting pretty old having to say that over and over again, so I'm a just stop.
Whole Foods: it's boring here.Listed in: Grocery Shopping, Cambie Time
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Review from Amal P.
Vancouver, BC
4/3/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Impressed with the customer service! Everyone smiling and very helpful. Looking for something? they will even take you the that isle not just tell you which isle you can find it. Cashiers are friendly. They all work as a team!
And last but not the least, the oysters. Less than a dollar each and they will even shack them for you for free!
Definitely my new favorite grocery store! -
Review from Matthew C.
Vancouver, BC
3/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
I like whole foods. I really do. I mean, the stores are big and they have crap tons of interesting things, they're clean and well lit and the staff are friendly.
But on the other hand they're way, WAY overpriced and while they try to be all like "hey, live healthy and eat local and be awesome" they're really just another big box store. Fancy big box, but big box none the less.
That and while the staff are pretty friendly, most of the other customers I encounter are not so much. -
Review from Wendy Y.
2/3/2012
"Mirror mirror on the wall, tell me where is the best grocery shopping destination of them all" - WHOLD FOODS at Broadway and Cambie of course! Sorry I don't mean to scream but I just need to express my enthusiasm for this place. I love how I can one-stop-shop for quality and tasty food here from organic produce, cheese, meats, bread (Terra Bread and Swiss Bakery, Pane Formaggio etc), healthy snacks, health foods, cooked food (risotto, sandwiches, soups etc), the list goes on.
What I really like about this place is their philosophy on healthy and sustainable living. And this is not simply done by using print ads to say "we are natural and organic". You don't just see it and read about it, you feel it! For example, they use environmentally friendly hand soups in their bathrooms. Now that's action.
My shopping experience has always been great. The staff is friendly and helpful. The store is clean and brightly lit.
I see myself shopping here for many years to come.Listed in: Grocery…
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Review from conrad y.
Vancouver, BC
2/4/2012
This place is Douche Bag central for people with more money than brains.
From the Douche Bag cashiers (they're not all DB's but most are) to the ranks of Douche Bag 'management' to the chronically clueless customers who think they're helping save earth by paying ultra premium prices for comestibles.
Today they get one star for refusing to accept cash and asking for a debit or credit card for a $4 purchase.
WTF?
Has Canadian money become a pariah currency?
Trying to get satisfaction form the sleazy slippery clowns who call themselves managers is a joke-they lie like rugs all the while smirking in your face-how people like that can sleep @ night is beyond me. -
Review from Amy T.
1/26/2012
Whole Foods is a pleasure for your eyes and shopping experience. So many organic and high quality brands along with a huge selection of fresh fruits or vegetables. Oddly though, they must have had about 50 different types and brands of chocolate, but not dark chocolate with sea salt. What's up with that?
I'd love to shop here all the time, except I'd have to live in a cardboard box. It's so expensive to eat well.
*Note* Make sure to park in the underground parking spaces marked in green or with the words 'Whole Foods' or they won't validate your ticket.Listed in: Healthy Eats
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Review from Kenneth E.
Vancouver, BC
2/8/2012
Love the atmosphere and shopping. Have good sales on the coconut juice cans when you buy a flat.
One tip instead of the self-serve items there, you can go to the deli as they carry most of the similar items. That's where I bought my Kale veggie, tastes absolutely gross but healthy lol.
Perhaps i'm a bit of a germophobic, thus why i like the deli and its enclosed window area haha.
Microwaved the turkey hot pie for almost 6 minutes, still only lukewarm but good enough. but not worth the $6.99 price tag.
Like the seating area & free wifi.
and free hour parking if you spend $10. -
Review from Purdy J.
1/17/2012
Whole Foods is like my candy store. I like to spend my spare time there, wander the aisles, pick out healthy treats and come home a little poorer but happier.
I love the clean bathrooms, free wifi, open sitting area and reimbursement for parking. I love walking through the bakery section, eying each muffin, cookie and cake... Looking for the perfect treat. The vegan, vegetarian, lactose free, gluten free and various dietary options blow me away.... In particular, the plethora of lactose free ice creams - it's a dream for the lactose intolerant!
I don't like the high prices especially in non organic products (like produce) that you can find most grocery stores. But, since there are so many things that I love, I'll enjoy all the free stuff and specialty products that I can't find anywhere else and avoid all the high price items that I can get cheaper elsewhere.
P.S. I love the Whole Foods in the US better as they carry more products, have cheaper prices and carry alcohol! -
Review from Jennifer B.
Vancouver, BC
1/28/2012
Welcome to the most palatial grocery experience in Vancouver. I like a store that keeps its produce front and centre as one walks through the doors, instead of bombarding customers with mountains of processed packaged food. You will find the most beautiful, organic (and expensive) produce here, with fresh meat & seafood displayed lovingly. The cheese selection is expansive and rather unfair to those who have forgone dairy - samples are often tempting. A lovely array of fresh breads - oh, no gluten you say? You will find locally made organic buckwheat bread too. Perhaps you want to indulge a sweet tooth? Knock yourself out with the baked bads section (also off limits to the sugar/gluten abstainee)...
Want to spend a small fortune on your lunch? Peruse the salad bar and hot bar where all the items are charged per 100 grams and a spoon of rice will cost you $10! Or sample some oven-baked pizza, freshly made sandwiches, homemade soups, or some lovely prepared fresh vegetable salads and melanges.
There is a sit-in area to eat lunch loaded with screaming messy kids in SUV size strollers that prohibit access to tables, free wi-fi access, a coffee and gelato bar, and aisle upon aisle of quality grocery items, many organic and fair trade, along with a sizeable selection of frozen goods.
The parking below is partially reimbursed but their system is frustrating - you have to remember your stall number for the machine and remember to give the receipt to the cashier if she forgets to ask.
In spite of the massive amount of square footage here, one must jostle for elbow room with obnoxious nouveau riche characters showing off their shoes and cell phones.
They haven't figured out that taps are supposed to be suspended over the center of a sink in the washrooms - and as such the counters are always covered with water as it flows back onto them - the washrooms are less than impressive but not anywhere as disgusting as the ones on W 4th in Kits.
In spite off all the boorish clientele, the spoiled kids, and the hefty price tags, you won't find a better selection of world class food anywhere, and the monthly sales are very competitive. Shop wisely and even a starving artist can eat organic!
It's a great place to eat a high quality lunch in mid-town in a time crunch. -
Review from Nicole F.
2/25/2012
This review is for the wonderful girl with the labret piercing at the specialty cheese counter. I can't remember the last time I received such incredible customer service from someone who wasn't on commission.
I needed to find some kind of interesting cheese to bring to a Wine and Cheese party, because there was no way I could just show up with a block of generic orange cheddar.
My friend and I were browsing the amazing selection of cheeses and were offered some assistance which we happily accepted because we were clueless. We had a few in our hands and were unsure, so she told us which ones she personally thought were better and then showed us a few others that she liked. She also made sure only to show us cheese with vegetarian rennet. I ended up with the Cahill's Irish Porter Cheese after she pointed it out with much enthusiasm. It was absolutely delicious!
We also had to pick something up for a friend who doesn't like cheese (seriously) and he wasn't being very helpful via text, so we wandered back over to our wonderful cheese lady and asked for advice. She let us taste the most amazing hummus EVER and packaged some up for us to go! -
Review from Ellie V.
Vancouver, BC
1/22/2012
Whole Foods, you make my debit card cry out in agony.
... but, you've got a pretty sweet selection of goodies.
I'm in love with the food bar at Whole Foods. There's such a selection! The pesto tofu is sooo delicious. I've never purchased anything from the bakery section, but the cookies and muffins look heavenly.
Too bad I only go there once every 5 months... -
Review from Dan J.
Vancouver, BC
11/24/2011
Whole Foods is fine for produce. They have some exotic ingredients you can't find elsewhere. They are overpriced though. What would normally be a 3 or 4 star review becomes two because of what happened here a couple months ago.
I was in the neighbourhood and had a splitting headache so I wandered around looking for the OTC aisle. You know Advil, Tylenol what have you. Whoa! Are you freaking kidding me?
The aisles were stocked with Homeopathic and herbal remedies. Acai, Gingkoba, woo woo, aromatherapy, naturopathic, vitamin supplements and other snake oil. " I don't see any medicine at all here. Do you carry Advil?" I asked the pretty green-haired granola girl.
Well apparently their "pharmacy" dept. only carries alternative medicine. Wha? That's like the produce dept. only selling plastic fruit.
Infirmed Guy: What is homeopathy?
Informed Guy: Homeopathy is based on the principle that water has memory. That's right. Water. Has. Memory. As in, it remembers stuff. You know, from the past.
Infirmed Guy: But you need a brain in order to make memories. How can water remember? It doesn't have a brain!
Informed guy: Neither do homeopaths apparently. They believe water has memory. Memories such as the time Napoleon Bonaparte peed in the Danube. Then again, maybe they don't believe any of it and they're just selling sugar pills for huge profits.
Infirmed Guy: How does it work?
Informed Guy: According to Homeopathy the more you dilute the active ingredient (with magical memory water) the more potent it becomes.
Infirmed Guy: Wait wait, that must be a typo. The MORE you dilute it the more potent is becomes?
Informed Guy: Yes. They actually believe that. And it gets better. The dilutions are measured using an X or D scale. D1=1:10 ratio. A typical homeopathic flu remedy has a dilution of D400. That means 1 part medicine to 10(400) water. Or:
1:100,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000, 000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,00 0,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000, 000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,00 0,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000, 000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,00 0,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000, 000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,00 0,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000, 000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,00 0,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 (that's 400 zeroes.)
**Following this line of reasoning; if an evil genius wanted to poison everyone in Japan all he would have to do is drop one of these pills in the ocean from here in the Pacific Northwest. By the time it got into Tokyo's water supply it would be so diluted that it's potency would be lethal.** (see note)
Infirmed Guy: A fool and his money are soon parted. Who cares?
Informed Guy: Because consumers have a right to know the facts about what they purchase. Whole Foods doesn't provide any information about these bogus products.
I saw a pregnant woman checking out the homeopathic remedies. And in the next aisle I saw a little old lady shuffling along with her walker over to the herbal supplements. Seems sleazy to sell useless supplements to someone on a fixed income. And it seems irresponsible to sell a pregnant woman fake medicine.
Infirmed guy: People are looking for alternatives to big greedy pharmaceutical corporations. And they want to avoid putting chemicals in their bodies.
Informed guy: True. But who's being greedy here? Selling products with no medicinal ingredients is not only greedy it's cynically opportunistic, potentially dangerous, exploitive and it should be illegal. To sell these products as an alternative is bad enough. But to make them the ONLY option doesn't make them 'alternative' does it?
Infirmed guy: Does science have a name for alternative medicine that actually works?
Informed guy: Yes! It's called medicine.
4 stars for the rest of the store. Negative D1000 stars for selling fake medicine which equals 2 stars. Maybe I'm just cranky because of my headache.
So for profiting from the sale of woo woo without at least offering legitimate options Whole Foods gets placed on my Swindler's List list. And a big fat raspberry too Thpppt!
**(note: Do not try this. Millions of people will die and you will usher in the apocalypse.)Listed in: Swindler's List.
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Review from Tai V.
1/6/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Whole foods is pretty amazing..you pay for it that's for sure...how would one get amazing things for cheap you ask?! It's not possible so here we have it...Whole Foods.
I go but not toooo often as it breaks the bank pretty quick and you can't help but load up your fabric bags with organics you can't afford or at least I can't.
I must admit though I feel a bit intimidated going in there... anyone else? They definitely don't give off the customer-is-always-right-free-sample vibe... -
Review from Colene C.
12/10/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Ok, so we all know the joke of Whole Foods being Whole Paycheque (and it's kinda true), but they've got some killer things going on here:
1) Amazing salad bar. In fact, they've got an amazing hot food bar too. I've eaten here for lunch + dinner and while you're paying more than other grocery stores, those places don't offer the same quality. It's like going to a restaurant! Bonus: you can settle into their ample seating area and enjoy free wifi.
2) Friendly, helpful staff. From the bakery, to the deli, to the meat, you can talk to any Whole Foods staff member and they're a wealth of knowledge about their products.
3) Supper Club! Yes, they have one! For about $10-15, I got served a full three-course meal at a big communal table and their "Healthy Eating Specialist" was on hand to educate us about food. We also got recipes to take home. FYI: I did this back in the summer and heard that they might be changing it into a more informal, standing event so I'd check with the info desk if you want to know more.
4) Yeast-free Blueberry Cinnamon Buns. Yes, that deserves a point all in its own. I love these buns. They're not too sweet, and not chock-a-block full of blueberries either. It's a delicate and delish balance between blueberries, cinnamon, and chewy dough.
I would love to give WF a full five stars, but it's really tough to shop here and not drop a lot of $$$. I consider it a special trip...a delicious, special trip. -
Review from Alice A.
3/14/2012
Great place to while away some time, pick up some local fish for supper, stock up on spices, bulk foods and such, and leave feeling like grocery shopping can sometimes be indulgent.
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Review from Emily-Anne P.
Vancouver, BC
12/20/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Whole Foods? More like Whole Mouth Orgasm and Wallet Devastation.
I love Whole Foods. Don't get me wrong. There's almost nothing I don't love about Whole Foods. Except maybe the prices. Yep, I hate the prices but I love the market.
The produce selection is always fantastic. I find that almost anywhere else in the city produce has a 1 day life span, but at Whole Foods I can buy lettuce and make salad all week. Rad.
They have more affordable prices for things like almond milk, juice, non-gluten flours etc but a lot of their organic nuts are crazy expensive.
They have a great selection of different products, organic and alternative (dairy/wheat/nut free). It's a great place to stock up on staples if you can't eat regular food.
Their salad bar is also amazing. I stop in from time to time to grab dinner or lunch there when I'm in a rush. Love it! -
Review from Nicole J.
Vancouver, BC
2/3/2012
I absolutely love the wide selection of healthy, organic foods this place has to offer! And the price is really inexpensive, considering the high quality of the foods. Eating well does not have to be expensive, and they demonstrate that eloquently at Whole Foods Market at W Broadway and Cambie St! They also have a gelato and coffee bar, as well as smoothies and juices you can buy! I tried the coffee there, and it's wonderful - they use organic milk, which is different from most coffee places. Definitely will come to Whole Foods again soon - I cannot recommend this place highly enough!
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Review from Edward L.
Whole Foods is a total hipster's dream. You just feel good coming in here.
To be honest I never thought I'd ever set foot in such an upscale place. Everything was so trendy, I felt totally out of place.
Parking is plentiful in an underground lot. If you spend $10, you can have your $2 ticket reimbursed.
There are nice open areas throughout the store, keeping in line with the theme of feeling good. The produce section was nice and colourful, and the items on the racked had a certain personal touch about them.
The seafood had all these types of oysters, that you can have them open for you.
There's also free Wi-Fi (according to the sign) in the cafeteria area. There are some recycling bins (good) too, with a sign on how you can help support the local beekeeping/honey industry.
Mind you, everything is overpriced compared to Safeway or T&T, but hey, you just gotta run with it right? -
Review from Simon K.
1/9/2012 22 Check-ins Here
It is probably best that there are not too many in this city "YET", as I find it a pleasure to not just walk, but to shop in Whole Foods. Something as simple, yet pleasant as grocery shopping always happens in this chain, from here, to the ones I've visited in other places always makes me want to come back for more. The 'stuff' that is carried here is top notch, and it can be pricey, as by the time you are ready to check out, you may have already racked more than you thought. If your looking for 'not so pricey' your in the wrong place, but if your looking for a place that is fresh, offers a great selection of organic produce and meats, and has a very knowledgeable and helpling staff. I like where this one is located, 8th and Cambie seems to get busier and more fierce in competition if you think of 'where else' to shop for groceries. This place is always bustling with people looking to stay on their healthy trends.
I brought my partner here for her grocery run, and we spent a good time going through isles looking for items, which then became a whole full basket of goodies. The prepared food area in this place is awesome too, maybe I will take her on a date her to get her fix of freshly prepared risotto, as they have a risotto station that has a choice of 5 (if not 6) selections. And also, we now learn that Whole Foods has pre-prepared pizza dough, so if we were to make pizza again, and cannot find some baker laying around for us to use to make us the crust, we may just buy it from here.
A tip to people who come here, don't come here hungry, as everything in here is good, and you may leave full, but something else (wallet, purse, secret pocket in some undergarment) will be empty!Listed in: My Grocery Shopping Lists.
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Review from Kathy W.
11/6/2011
Looks like the Whole Foods in the states. The store is located on a busy intersection on 8th and Cambie. The store itself is pretty big and well organized. Right when we walked in they were handing out samples of yogurt drinks of which my friends and I happily took. Along the right wall is the bakery, pizza station and Mexican food station. The prices are fairly reasonable.
Prosciutto pizza (sliced):
- reheated via the stone oven
- decent amounts of prosciutto
- pretty big slice
- overall okay
Lemon Tart
- the custard was a bit runny
- just right; not too tarty
- crust was pretty good
- would get again
Stroopwaffles with Maple (packaged)
- Stroopwaffles are very popular in the Netherlands and go great with coffee/tea or just by itself
- probably the worse stroopwaffles I've had
- it was made with too much flour
- do NOT buy
Overall, this like every other Whole Foods. Lots of food that I assume is organic or more "healthy" for you. It's also a convenient stop for food if you want to avoid Wendy's or other fast chain foods nearby. -
Review from Natalie M.
Vancouver, BC
9/7/2011
Great seafood (Maple smoked salmon- yes please), great meats (fresh made burger patties and sausages!), AMAZING cheese selection (they will cut anything to any size you like - I recommend Drunken Goat cheese), fabulous bakery (if you like carrot cake- you must go!) and excellent prepared foods (mmm BBQ Chicken pizza).
I love my local Whole Foods! The staff are really nice too. I have only one complaint - not enough local foods, almost everything in produce is from California.
There is a BC Liquor store across the street why not grab a bottle of wine and a selection of cheeses and make it a great evening with someone you love!? :) -
Review from Yelp R.
Greater Vancouver Regional District, BC
5/10/2012
Everything on my shopping list was there -no shortages. I like the gentle lighting and overall esthetic (soothing and pretty), which offset the overwhelm I felt by the shop's size. Customer Service was awesome about a return I needed to do (without a receipt). The two women on cash were friendly and fun. I didn't give it five stars only because the store feels too big for me and because I have to get through a very convoluted traffic system to reach it, but due to its excellent customer service (severely contrasting with that of Whole Foods in West Van) I'm thinking of making this my main grocery store, which I imagine will eventually have me as comfortable as I was at my beloved, tiny Capers when I lived in the West End. People say WF is so expensive, and that some independent shops are cheaper, but so far I've found WF prices to be comparable or cheaper on the items I'm buying. (I spend just under $1000/mo there.)
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Review from Vanessa C.
Vancouver, BC
1/7/2012
Yay, I'm a fan. Too bad I probably can't afford to come here on a regular basis. Love looking at all unfamiliar brands here wanted to touch everything and look at all the packaging. My friend and I made an adventure of going to Whole Foods and spent no less than 2 hours and 30 minutes meandering the aisles.
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Review from Trudi C.
9/2/2011 11 Check-ins Here
I come here for specialist foods. Y'know, like good quality meat for a BBQ, machi iri genmaicha (green tea), etc. So I don't really shop much in here, but I do like a good wander :) They often have freebie food to try out, whether it's a cheese, some chocolate coconut ice cream. And the bakery section is amazing - they do great gingerbread cookies!
But yeah, too pricey to be a regular thing. I feel upper class just being in there ;) -
Review from David L.
Updated - 2/8/2011
Whole Foods Market in Vancouver has almost stress free shopping if you like healthy foods. I love the overall design. Parking is easy, but not free - 2 dollars per one hour, but if you buy 10 dollars or more, you'll get your money back. The shopping carts don't require money; I don't have to worry about loose change.
I love the large varieties of locally grown organic apples. There were eight different B.C. grown apples during my last visit. I'm a big fan of apples and I must say that Whole Foods sells some of the best and freshest apples for a supermarket.
I like Liberté yogurts and it's great that they carry a large variety of different flavours. I must admit that I only like their plain yogurts, because I'm not a big fan of too much sugar. They have great prices for Olympic organic yogurts and I found the prices to be very competitive - even better priced than Costco.
There is also a large selection of soy and diary milk drinks - they're mostly all organic too. I did find the prices were a lot higher than other supermarkets. The added bonus is that they carry sugar free soy drinks.
I do like the occasional added sugar in my food, and I really like that they sold a lot of locally harvested B.C. honey. They also sell medical grade New Zealand manuka honey too and they're great for relieving coughs. I bought a jar of clover blossom honey and it tasted wonderfully fresh on my morning oatmeal.
I was a little disappointed that they don't sell live crabs anymore. Dead crabs on ice doesn't look as appealing as live crabs. Sure, the crabs are lighter when weighed, but they taste less fresh when cooked.
I find it interesting that they sell breads from other well-known bakeries. For example, I saw bread from Terra breads in the bakery section and breads from other local Vancouver bakeries too. With the exception of cakes, the sweet pastry section for Whole Foods in Vancouver is smaller than the West Vancouver location.
I found their checkout areas were a bit narrow and a shopping cart can easily knock down some of the display items near the checkout. I do like it a lot that they're the very few who still use paper bags. Their paper bags are so comfortable to carry and very durable.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/24/2009
So, this summer, I decided to go to the Whole Foods in Vancouver. It has the same products as Whole… Read more »
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Review from Kari C.
1/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Dear Whole Foods
You are my happy place. Did you know that your birthday and mine are the same? Thanks for the party and cake 2 years in a row! I have had perfect, jump-with-glee experiences here almost every visit except for the time that the stock girl hissed at me for for asking for the wrong fig preserve and the stern old lady in the bakery frowned at me when I asked what kind of sugar was on a certain cookie.
Your aisles full of alternative ingredients keep me on my toes, constantly thinking of new things to play with in the kitchen, your 365 line of goodies and sales allow me to pick up quality stuff without going broke, and your Whole Body aisle satisfies my need for a squeaky-clean bod without using nasty chemicals, hoorah!
Your events and informative signage are super-awesome, too, especially your Taste Of [insert holiday] and summer BBQs for charity. Thanks for being super-festive on holidays and having some can-do community spirit! My boyfriend is now hooked on visiting as well. Way to go, y'all.
Until next time!
K xoxo
PS: The cooked items in your prepared-food steam trays are usually a little under-seasoned. Hire me and I'll put an end to that!Listed in: Surefires, Red Hot Natural Mama
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Review from Pia W.
12/15/2011 38 Check-ins Here
The convenience that this grocery store offers with ready-to-cook options at almost every section of their store (i.e. produce, seafood and meat) impresses me as it caters to the times when I'm exhausted from work and don't really want to expend more strength to prep and cook a meal (who hasn't had one of those days before?).
Despite its unofficial nickname, "Whole Paycheck", I find that in times when food prices are still high no matter which store you go to, I would choose quality over quantity -- and the quality of food that they offer here sure beats every other grocery store's you-know-what. Not only do they keep their products fresh, but they also provide more tidbits of information of where the food is from (i.e. a grade system for the meat sold, how and where the fish was caught...etc.); And I like that Whole Foods is confident enough about what they sell to give you more information about it than you would ask for.
Whole Foods also offers a wide variety of vegan and organic food products is something they should be commended for and which is something that sets them apart.
Savings Tips:
-Every 2 weeks Whole Foods publishes a flyer of savings around the store, always make sure to consult it before making your rounds.
-Pay attention to is the $/kg rate used in the meat section. For example, compare the rate posted with the meats in their meat counter with the meats that have been prepackaged -- usually a slight difference there, but it's definitely useful to note.
-If you're a big buyer of the packaged items (i.e. chips, crackers, pasta noodles), make sure that you cannot get it anywhere else unless its a Whole Foods exclusive brand.
-In the prepared foods section, look for the combo deals they offer. The one I use the most is their soup and sandwich combo.
-There's always some sort of special bakery item on sale -- so if you have a sweet tooth like me, you should not bypass this section. They also would write messages on the pastries (given there is a writable surface) upon your request.
-Parking is validated when you spend more than $10.
-Bring all your reusable bags -- you get 10 cents off your bill for each bag (Ok, within reason of course...that the bags will be used to bag the groceries you buy). -
Review from Mike P.
5/28/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Thankfully Whole Foods is not my closest grocery store, saves me a bundle of money.
With a newborn baby we find that whole foods is very baby friendly (wide aisles, not overly crowded) and actually grab a bite to eat here (in the dining area) more often than we shop and take something home.
The thing that really bugs me about Whole Foods is the obvious food wastage that must take place. A lot of the fresh food (specifically the seafood) I see on display I seldom see in someone's cart. What happens to this stuff? Maybe I don't want to know.... -
Review from Amelia C.
Vancouver, BC
4/21/2011
As someone who practically lives here, I have to rate Whole Foods higher than the 3 stars my brain is telling me to give this wonderful, awful place.
Here, people can expect to find most weird things called for by the various "cleansing and healing" diets out there including the raw vegan diet: Cold-pressed hemp seed oil, really raw (not just raw, but really raw) cashews, cacao nibs, etc.
I also appreciate that their organic produce is varied and does not look wimpy next to their pesticide-laden/genetically modified counterparts.
However, the prices can be steep. On more than one occasion, I thought that there had been a mistake and the cashier had terribly overcharged me, only to find no, one conventional papaya really costs $12 here. Or, buying three of those "On-sale" tubes of shampoo effortlessly pushes your bill over $100.
Sill, at least this Whole Foods is located across the street from a Save-On where sometimes you can get better deals on exactly the same stuff* (possibly because of its proximity to the Whole Foods).
*frozen fruits, canned fish, some fresh greens/veggies and fruits, and sometimes eggs -
Review from Melissa F.
Toronto, ON
7/28/2010
HOLY CRAP- TWO chicken wings and some quinoa came to TEN bucks??
Yeah, that's right- it's expensive.
And by the time you ring it up it's not like you can change your mind and say, "uhh..I can't afford it..I'll put it back". THAT's how they getcha.
The food bar is not worth it. Far from.
And really, everything else is expensive too.
But why do I like this place? It's such a pleasant place to shop and even though it is incredibly expensive I really enjoy everything being prepared.
This is likely my favourite higher end grocer- -
Review from Lea Q.
Burnaby, BC
5/24/2011
Pros;
Clean, spotless, good lighting / layout
Quality - Fresh and origin listed (shipped from the best places in the world)
Selection - Lots to choose from!
Lots of sales
Store brand - organic, cheaper and good quality
Bakery - wholesome and no preservatives plus list of ingredients.
Eatery - hot and cold food (salad, pizza, soup, burritos, casseroles etc.)
Hard to find items
Helpful, knowledgeable staff.
Juice Bar - Wheat Grass, fresh juice, etc.
Cons;
Over priced items that you may find cheaper elsewhere. (Especially with the non-organic /"conventional" items).
Parking - limited
You only get $4 back, anything over you pay.
Tip on Parking; If you happen to get a $80 ticket if you go over, it never goes to collections or against your credit. Google the forum.
Overall I get a good feeling coming here and I trek all the way from Burnaby to get my organics here. Customer service has been a great experience so far. I feel very relaxed shopping here and most things are easy to find. -
Review from Andrea L.
Vancouver, BC
5/10/2011
Some say it's a shame that Whole Foods is an American based company, but who cares with such great things done within the community & the standards they uphold! Constant rotation of produce (unlike superstore) there are no dull and dingy looking produce! Anything fallen on the floor is spoiled & composted!
I have to agree that some things are quite expensive & now some other places like superstore are carrying them for competition. There a a few things that I could buy at Superstore that Whole Foods carries, but one thing for sure I would not trust anywhere else besides Whole Foods is the meat.
There are some people who really under estimate where the meat is coming from, what they are being fed, how they are slaughtered and even the treatment of the poor thing. I admire Whole Foods for having a 5 step rating system to ensure all customers know what they are paying for and what kind of quality standards we should be having when it comes to selecting meat.
They have great events for kids on saturdays and every shopping trip for them is a treat when they are allowed to pick out their own treat for free! If you ask any of the employees there, they can and will take a product off a shelf and sample it to you!
Staff are knowledgeable or they do know who to go to for answers.
Every grocery store should at least set the meat & produce standards that Whole Foods does. -
Review from Stark R.
New Westminster, BC
2/27/2011
I really want to like Whole Foods. But overall I have to say it's just too expensive.
I went in a couple of weeks ago. I eat meat, and want to establish a relationship with a trusty butcher. Hard to do in this age of supermarkets. I know a lot of their meat comes from reputable providers. I ordered some ground beef from a reluctant server and was taken aback by his attitude. He seemed to resent even having to serve me, he shoved the beef towards me roughly, and when I asked as to it's providence, he said "yeah, all our beef comes from the same provider." He then growled, "anything else", and well, no thanks, not with that attitude. I was disappointed.
A few weeks prior to that, I stopped in at their salad bar. I bought what turned out to be a ten-dollar (!) salad and a side of dressing. When it came time to pay for it, the server looked at the container of dressing, and said, "you know, sometime's it's a judgement call as to whether or not to tally this with the cost. you have a lot of dressing (I had ONE container) so..." and he plopped it on the scale. It turned out to be a 12 dollar salad.
Chintzy.
I have been in quite a few times. But after the butcher and the salad bar, no more.
Overall, too expensive, I don't like the service attitude - might as well be at Safeway, and pay a LOT less, and also, NONE OF THE SALAD BAR IS ORGANIC, so why am I paying so much??
Like I said, I wanted to like it, but with the high prices, and not overly professional service, I'll save my money for Stupidstore, Santa Barbara Market's Deli counter, and Donald's Markets. -
Review from Kreag S.
Vancouver, BC
9/8/2009
This review hurts me...like seriously I am in pain knowing that I have to give a Whole Foods 3 stars..I may need a moment of silence to morn this rating...but I feel I have to..and this is why..
Your client service sucks...like...REALLY sucks...I have yet to be in a line up and not wait like 20 mins...even when I'm the only other person in line...and then when I finally get to a cashier they are generally rude..what the eff? Whole Foods is like the happiest place on Earth..relax..smile...be nice...you're job is not hard..I have done it..
AND..the deli..OMG the deli...what takes sooooooooooo bloody long.,..you're making a sandwich not creating a cure for cancer..speed up people...glaciers more at a steadier pace then you people!
The only saving grace that keeps me going is..well...it's Whole Foods...the selection is awesome..the food is sooo fresh and delicious..they carry many products that are hard to find anywhere else..so for that alone I will keep going..but serioously...you need to work on your staffs time management skills...
Once again....this hurts me..I'm sorry...but PLEASE get it together!!! -
Review from Sachi M.
I always thought Vancouver was alternative-eating-friendly, but this store is huge. I've never heard of vegan cupcakes (though that's because I don't go seeking out those things). They also have a Raw Food section in their take-out food bar.
I probably won't frequent this place for regular grocery shopping... as others have mentioned, it's quite pricey. I'm not savvy enough to know what they would be priced elsewhere, so I'll probably just get stuff I haven't seen.
The Soy Milk section has, not just Rice ones, but Hemp. I didn't even know that was possible!
I loved the bulk different flours! I wish I knew about this before I bought a whole pack of cake flour for just one recipe.
I will probably come here most to use browse for funky stuff, get some of the hot food bar or salad bar, sit in their pretty big seating area to eat, and then study a bit. They have free Wi-Fi, if you need that.Listed in: Free Wifi in Vancouver
