Why You Should Never Buy Gluten-Free Food At Whole Foods
Many people have gone gluten free, whether it's due to celiac disease, gluten sensitivities, or it just makes you feel better not digesting it. Whatever the case may be, the popularity of gluten-free product options has inflated over the years — unfortunately, so too have the prices. According to a British study per AOL, those that are implementing a gluten-free diet spend an extra $200 more on food each month. That equates to an extra $2,400 a year in expenses.
So if you want budget-friendly prices, you might have to shop around a bit and avoid some large supermarkets like Whole Foods. Recently the grocery store raised its prices on products from 10 cents to a few dollars, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. This seems to be especially true for gluten-free items. For instance, a 12-ounce package of gluten-free spaghetti at Whole Foods costs $1.99, which is the same price as a larger 16-ounce package of gluten-free brown rice pasta fusilli at Trader Joe's (via GOBankingRates).
More expensive items at Whole Foods you'll want to avoid
Another common food gluten-free enthusiasts are fond of is quinoa. If you enjoy the grain-like seed, your best bet is to avoid pricey Whole Foods. According to GOBankingRates, the retail giant sells quinoa for $2 more than Trader Joe's. Gluten-free fans also love their organic fruits and veggies. Not only are they delicious, they're great for you. To buy one pound or organic baby carrots, 10 ounces of organic cherry tomatoes, one pound of bananas, three pounds of apples, and five ounces of spring mix at Whole Foods, it will set you back $15 (via GOBankingRates). However, to buy the same array of delicious items at Trader Joe's, it will only cost you about $10. While this doesn't seem like a huge amount, it can definitely add up over time.
But don't worry if you're not near a Trader Joe's — there are more budget-friendly options available for those on a gluten-free diet. Aldi has a robust gluten-free line, and at prices that are very friendly to the wallet. Thankfully all these options make being gluten-free that much easier.