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26 reviews for Whole Foods Market
Review Highlights
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"Lots and lots of organic and non organic items." In 11 reviews -
"In Park Royal Village across from the Tap house, with lots..." In 2 reviews -
"Deli/Cheese area- Yes and Yes please." In 5 reviews
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26 reviews in English
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Review from Dee B.
1/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
I also like to refer to Whole Foods as Whole Pay check, but that is beside the point.
I love the salad bars at Whole Foods/Capers. My love of said salad bars is not limited to this location. They are all equally fantastic, convenient with an abundance of selection. Everything from mac n cheese to ratatouille to your favourite dessert.
Furthermore, the general selection of produce, seafood, shell fish, meat, preprepared, and bulk foods is fantastic.
Put this on your list of "Things I Must Do Before I Die" (Ok, I admit, that's extreme. Just put this on the list of food you need to eat):
The chocolate chip peanut butter in the make-it-yourself-peanut-butter section. SHUT THE FRONT DOOR, right?! Amazing. -
Review from Sarah E.
5/15/2012
Small selection. Check.
Absurd Prices. Check.
$30 for 2 things. Check.
This is a typical WF. I spent 25 minutes deciding what I wanted to grab for dinner, not because they have a good selection, but because I had an extremely hard time justifying paying $12 for a small salad and $7 for a cup of soup. But I was hungry and also tried their maple syrup smoked salmon bites and holy $%^& was it delicious! I could live off of those. -
Review from Rich B.
1/1/2012
If you have a trust fund and can't think how to spend it, then Whole Foods Market is the place for you. But then again, I think you probably already know that because you're already filling the place up.
Whole Foods Market is one of the most financially successful retail chains in North America, and just one look at your grocery bill can tell you why. Yes, you can get all sorts of fancy nonsense you won't find under one roof anywhere else in Vancouver, but by golly you'll pay for it. The genius of the WFM business model is that you won't mind paying for it because you can pretend it's important to you that it's all organic and green, but deep down it only matters because all your chums are shopping here too.
Don't get me wrong, there was a time when I used to love shopping here. But then I had three children and found something useful to do with my money. -
Review from Yashar Y.
4/11/2012 4 Check-ins Here
My fav place in the village!
I love getting coffee here and just sit inside or outside and watch the people walk by. Not much of a whole food shopper myself (I can be cheap!) but have no problem walking through it and find a thing or two if it catches my eye! -
Review from Sunshine M.
Coquitlam, BC
12/10/2011
I adore Whole Foods and this is my favourite Vancouver location. On the weekends the parking lot is a madhouse, so I try to only shop here during the week.
To avoid overspending I try to 1) stick to a pre-arranged budget without impulse buying 2) make notes of product prices for future purchases and 3) take advantage of sales and 4) not buy a lot of pre-cooked foods. I find if I am careful with what I buy, it is not an overly expensive place to shop-especially when figuring in quality.
I love to purchase things to supplement groceries, like better quality olive oil, spices, organics, exotic produce, gluten free products, cheeses, fresh seafood, pastas etc... The house brand blood orange soda is delicious too.
As a rule I try to avoid pre-prepared food, but the samosa's are quite good and just one is very filling. -
Review from Q B.
Vancouver, BC
11/25/2011
I really hate how expensive this place is. I usually go to my local grocer before heading over here to spend the rest of my pay cheque.
The premade food area is overpriced and tastes okay at best.
So why does it get 5 stars? Because I can find those higher end products that I can't find anywhere else here.
I get my radichio, endive and fennel from here; and sometimes heirloom tomatoes.
I also like the grey sea salt which they carry. -
Review from Sarah O.
4/25/2009
WF is my everyday grocery store. I can literally hear my wallet screeching and crying everytime I take it out to pay but I am a sadist that way. No one beats WF when it comes to finding that rare ingredient or product you read about in some obscure health magazine or that weird drug you recently decided on taking for "health" purposes or the fabulous organic bulk selection (come on people, red quinoa!) or even a wide selection of hot sauces and alternative dietary needs. All the staff are very knowledgeable and helpful.
Of course, laws of everyday enlightenment will tell you that there are limitations. It's like that gorgeous girl you had your first crush on, she comes up to you and says something ditsy and frivolous like, "you're really smart", and shines her blindingly beautiful smile at you, then she runs to passionately kiss her meat head football player boyfriend in slow motion while a single tear forms at the corner of your eye. Life is cruel. At WF, you wouldn't be able to find a rare eastern medicinal herb to cure that weird bump growing underneath your toenail or a very specific tea you had in Belgium in that quaint little coffee shop. Well, you'll just have to make do.
Cheesecake- I don't even like cheesecake but the ones here are superb.
Vegan Thumbprints- A must every time.
Cinnamon Rolls-Yum-O!
Fruits- Stay away from the peaches. They taste like potatoes.
Veggies- Arugula, Golden Beets, Endives, Tangelos, the list goes on!
Deli/Cheese area- Yes and Yes please. -
Review from Roanna Z.
4/1/2010
I admit it, I love this W.F. !
It has it's own culture. (Everyone has "Diamonds on the sole's of their shoes")
Okay, not everyone, I have been known to shop there ;-) the opulence attracts me.
The way that the gluten free cookies are beautifully packaged and stacked tidily up and integrated with some regular baked goods makes me feel normal, like I belong there.
Like my freaky diet doesn't mean I have to shop in a separate section that they've delegated for those sad Celiacs and other allergic patrons.
The cookies are exorbitantly priced but they scream at me "LIVE a little!"
and I obey. It makes me happy.
In Park Royal Village across from the Tap house, with lots of parking and even a cafe inside... --yes-s-s-s! and where they actually have Organic, and fair trade coffee available as well.Listed in: Gluten Free/ Dairy free eats.
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Review from Jasmine T.
Burnaby, BC
10/22/2010
When I want to pretend I am healthy, I come here. Their pumpkin pie is so rich, but I am sure it is way better for me than the $2.50 pies I can get someplace else... sure a tiny square is more than a whole pie someplace else, but I feel good...
Contrary to my belief, it's not that expensive. The organic canned beans are only $.60 more than the regular ones I buy from the deli. Everything is just so pretty.
This place is awesome because I could not find the cut of beef I was looking for... okay, that sounds wrong. I was looking for a certain cut of beef, but did not find it. I asked one of the people working in the meat department if they had it and she went behind the counter and cut two pieces for me while I waited. Wow... now that's service! -
Review from Christine R.
New Westminster, BC
9/13/2008
Whole Foods may never be my everyday grocery store, but I can still browse, buy specialty items to play around with, and gorge on deli items. They make a great spicy tuna roll - it's really spicy - and pizza, and a fair cupcake, too. They keep all the fancy soda pops and juices up near the cashier, making this one of my favourite places to grab a cheap gourmet lunch when I'm over at Park Royal or Ambleside. It beats the mall food court by miles.
I even did Christmas shopping here once, buying everyone Italian sodas and gourmet crackers and high-end chocolates. They have everything but wine - Canadian liquor laws, y'know. -
Review from Simon K.
Excellent grocery market. All the produce is organic. The place just makes your mouth water when you go in. I went in full from dinner, and still managed to snack on things.
I remember one time I came in, looking at energy bars, and the person working there asked me if I wanted to try. He just opened the bar on the shelf, and let me eat it. This place has great service, and the people working there are honestly happy people.
You may end up broke once you leave the store though, but grocery shopping should be like this. If your not shopping for groceries, and you want food, come here as well. Their cooked food selection is amazing! -
Review from Grant T.
North Vancouver, BC
4/28/2009
Lots of wonderful foods I can find nowhere else. Why then, do they seldom have organic turkey bacon? And what is it with keeping my favorite organic basmati rice milk in stock?
Hiccups aside, this is one of the places I rely on to feed myself. Best selection of organics in one place and a solid attempt at local sourcing for food. Oh, and who else carries honey in the comb for my morning oatmeal? -
Review from Wendy C.
West Vancouver, BC
4/8/2011
Felt really out of place here. Everything was organic and expensive. Lots of yuppies and older folk in yoga or jogging wear. May come here for some veggie ingredients.
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Review from Ted R.
Vancouver, BC
1/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Expensive, but the food was worth it.
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Review from Gwen A.
Vancouver, BC
5/15/2011
Great customer service. They seem to really train their employees well as I've probably only had one unpleasant experience in the many many times I've shopped there.
Pretty much what I expect from a whole foods otherwise. The only reason I'm not giving them 5 stars is because I think they should include bulk lotions and such where you bring your own bottles to fill up. Furthermore, I also think they simply shouldn't offer paper bags at all. It goes against what they advertise. MEC has done away with bags, a great move, and so should Whole Foods. Stop being so lazy and bring your own bags people! -
Review from Mark G.
West Vancouver, BC
4/25/2011
There can be wicked specials on and they change up pretty frequently, it's worth browsing through once every week or two to pick up some bargains. They have a huge selection of homeopathic remedies and excellent quality supplements too.
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Review from Scott H.
11/13/2010
Wholly overpriced, weak meat department, but they do offer some kickass cookies. So I'm conflicted.
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Review from shain r.
Vancouver, BC
9/7/2008
ahhhh whole foods. where else can you stop in and buy a wrap, small salad, and water for $18...yikes.
I like going here and strolling up and down all the aisles looking at all the wonderful foods they have to offer. Everything is so fresh, organic and I really appreciate the effort this company makes to be green. If your a foody like I am and you appreciate quality then the next time you are in North vancouver stop by and check it out.... oh and rumour has it they are opening another one on Cambie and Broadway. -
Review from Jay S.
6/8/2011 10 Check-ins Here
One of our Favorite Health Food Chill Zones - we just love their open buffet style eatery within the Grocery Store - so convenient!
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Review from Mercedes G.
Vancouver, BC
9/17/2008
omgomgomgomg! that is what went through my head when I first entered Whole Foods here in Vancouver. The other thing that went through my head? Ka-CHING! They have an incredible selection of gourmet, organic, tasty, fabulous foods here, as well as THE best deli this side of...well I don't know which side of what, but its pretty awesome. Being that I don't live near here, I consider it a treat to amble over on a Sunday afternoon and peruse the aisles at a VERY leisurely pace. Whole Foods also has a fabulous selection of natural, organic cosmetics and beauty products that I have come to adore!
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Review from David L.
12/8/2009
Gee... this is a great place if you're the health conscious type. Lots and lots of organic and non organic items. Much more expensive than other stores, but if you're not afraid to pay more, this is the place to shop. Great service and they give you nice paper bags with handles. Did you know that the parking lot at Whole Foods has scented wet towel dispensers too and they're free - yep, you don't want to stain the steering wheel on your Mercedes Benz mobile or Ferrari, do you?
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Review from Ronda T.
West Vancouver, BC
8/22/2009
Whole Foods is my favorite grocery store.
The sandwich and salad bars are a great place to pick up a quick lunch and the fountain right outside makes a really nice place to enjoy the food.
Everyone who works there is really friendly and they all seem knowledgeable about the store and what they stock.
The grocery selection is incredible and you can find all kinds of things that are not available anywhere else. Try the marcana almonds- they are near the cheese and prepared food sections. They are sooo good and no one else stocks them. -
Review from shelley l.
Surrey, BC
8/17/2010
Whole Foods carries a huge collection of GF foods, comparable to Choices. Only difference is that they carry their own house brands of pizza shells, GF baked goods, as well as carry a good selection of Mountain Top Bakery's baked goods (which are very expensive- so I have never felt the need to try them just yet). They carry many baking flour mixes which are gluten free. Here you can buy quinoa and quinoa flakes in the bulk section.
They carry a deli/food counter which labels all ingredients in a buffet/showcase. Many foods are naturally GF. The staff here are very helpful. They too label most of their GF foods on the shelving, which is convenient for shoppers.
The big downside is that they are quite pricey and only exist in hard to get to/park in Vancouver downtown nether regions or in North Van. This is a good place to find GF items which are hard to find elsewhere (of which there are few) or as a place to treat oneself, as most items don't come cheap here.
This is the only place where I've found Rice tortillas (Food for life) both frozen and non-frozen.
Anyways, for me Whole Foods is a once in awhile treat for me, even though if I could shop and eat here everyday I would jump for the opportunity anyday. -
Review from mike c.
Vancouver, BC
6/13/2010
Whole foods is almost the only place to buy organic food and what we need in a same store. They have their brand name and have a great choice of foods. If you are eco friendly, and that you are wary of eating no pesticides, no hormones growth, no artificial and suspicious ingredients, of using only products good for the environment, go buy there.
The drawbacks are that there are both organic labeled and conventional food. Fruits and vegetables are tasteless sometimes, come from far cultivated areas, the ethics are not always guaranteed, the prices can be very high maybe too high compared to somewhere else. So everything is not eco friendly and local. There are often price errors and every time I ask the rectification, I am just refunded of the amount above the actual price. The labels are not always understanding. Sometimes, the welcome could be better, in particular at the cashier's desk. Otherwise, this the only and the best place to buy as a responsible citizen. It's expensive that's right but if you cook yourself, you will save large savings at the end.
Update: I have been to this WFM as usual but there were 3 price errors. I even had to go and grab the price tag to prove that the price was wrong after that the salesman of the department gave the wrong price to the customer service by phone. I think if more people checked the prices, WFM could have a better price policy. -
Review from aiden b.
Vancouver, BC
9/22/2009
Wholefoods
The food museum - way over priced considering that a lot of what they now carry is "conventional"
I used to love this place, but now it's just a waste of time and money.
I can tolerate the one in West Van, ok tolerate may be a bit of an understatement. it's bright and makes grocery shopping a little less of a chore but if you're not going to carry mostly organic fruit and veg, what's the point.
I hate grocery shopping but I'm trying to be the "responsible" boyfriend and actually buy food vs eating out but it's cheaper for me to eat out at reasonable place like Tratorria then to buy groceries here! I will say I don't mind spending the dough if it's worth it but not when I can get the exact same stuff somewhere else for way less.
The buffet/hot food is gross. I've seen at least 3 people stick their hands into the food and pick stuff out. Stop being so dumb.
Good fresh sausage, nice to BBQ. Good Soda's and root beer. -
Review from Christa M.
Vancouver, BC
9/13/2010
Expensive but the best quality service and food. The food in itself is soo healthy for you that you SHOULD be spending the extra money as you are what you eat! I drive all the way from Surrey to West Van 2 times a week just to enjoy this place... :)
