Whole Foods affordable? I don't think so
March 07, 2010 | 12:56 PM

I had hoped that Whole Foods coming to Kahului would spread knowledge of and interest in a more natural lifestyle for people who don't know that much about natural foods. I hear so many people say that they can't afford to eat healthy, that natural foods are too expensive, so they continue to make unhealthy choices. Now those people who go into Whole Foods out of curiosity with a plan to eat better will find the myth perpetuated. Natural foods ARE expensive at Whole Foods. But healthier choices can be made for less than Whole Foods, less than mainstream grocery stores and even less than some mainland stores at Mana Foods in Paia. Yes, Whole Foods salad bar is only $7.99, $6.99 on Wednesdays, but at Mana its $6.49, every day, not just Wednesdays. Their roasted rosemary chicken is the best chicken I've ever tasted, and their salad bar has a lot of local items and almost everything on it is organic. Whole Foods can't make that claim. I compared some prices. 44 oz. Royal Hawaiian Lehua honey at Mana Foods is $9.80 cheaper than WF, 7th Generation diapers $3.10 cheaper at Mana, Amy and Brian's coconut water $1.10 cheaper per 17 oz. can, my favorite Hauschka Rose Day cream $9.64 cheaper at Mana, Sovereign Silver 8oz size is $13.50 more at Whole Foods. With that small shopping list I will save $37.14 by driving to Paia. Whole Foods does have their 365 brand which offers some, not all, lower prices but I just discovered that the sources they use for those products can be questionable. For instance, 365 brand California Blend frozen vegetables have "product of China" in tiny print on the back of the package. For me, that doesn't inspire confidence. And don't even get me started on the quality of the produce. So, even though I may stop in for a slice of pizza after a matinee, I won't be doing my regular shopping at Whole Foods. I will brave the traffic and parking and tiny aisles filled with SO many choices at Mana Foods, the store that has been serving the island of Maui for 26 years. Let’s stop all the articles about Whole Foods already and start giving some props to a reputable local business.

Marie DeJournette