Spoon University Logo
Screen Shot 2018 02 07 at 7.08.04 PM
Screen Shot 2018 02 07 at 7.08.04 PM
Lifestyle

15 Random Whole Foods Items You Need in Your Life

This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at CU Boulder chapter.

When Whole Foods announced last year that Amazon had bought them and would be lowering their prices, I was a.) skeptical as to if this was actually going to happen and b.) overjoyed, because I had yet another excuse to blow my paychecks on random items of food! Kombucha? Sure! Organic avocados? Heck yeah! But, as I’ve changed my ways and started saving my money more, I’ve noticed that the Whole Foods brand, 365 Everyday Value, has some great products. After months of testing, I’ve narrowed down the list of foods you NEED from the line, and be warned: some of this is a bit random. Here are the 15 random Whole Foods products you need in your life ASAP.

Organic Crunchy Peanut Butter

I mean, this has to be number one, right? How can you go wrong with crunchy peanut butter?! Not only is crunchy nut butter way too underrated, but the Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value brand is all natural, meaning their nut butters contain only nuts and sea salt. What could be better? Slather this bad boy on some toast for an easy snack, and don’t be alarmed if it’s gone in three days- I’ve been there. One jar is less than $4, so you can’t beat the value either.

Organic Marinara Sauce with Olive Oil

type of pasta tomato sauce
Caroline Ingalls

A lot of times, pasta sauces will be filled with random added sugars and ingredients that aren’t needed for the flavor. The 365 Everyday Value Organic Marinara Sauce, infused with Olive Oil, is different. This sauce is $2 for a jar and is SO underappreciated. The flavor is out of this world, it’s rich and hearty, and elevates any pasta dish.

Lime Fruit Bars

Who doesn’t love a sweet treat to end the day? The Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Lime Fruit Bars are perfect for when you want a healthy treat, but still a nice taste. These are about $3 for a box, and are filled with flavor. If lime isn’t your thing, they have a variety of flavors like vanilla, pineapple, and strawberry.

Superseed Rolled Tortilla Chips

Having a go-to tortilla chip feels like a requirement for adulting, and thankfully, these superseed rolled tortilla chips satisfy that need. They’re crunchy, hearty, and have the perfect texture. Plus, they pair great with almost any dip, like hummus, salsa, guac, or if you’re feeling fancy, a 7 layer dip!

Organic Lightly Salted Pea Crisps

Whole Foods Items vegetable legume
Rachel Eng

Vegetable chips and crisps seem to be all the rage these days and for good reason! My favorite: the 365 Everyday Value lightly salted pea crisps, which are the perfect crunch. Now, while these may be peas, they’re still considered chips, so while I don’t recommend eating the entire bag in one sitting (something I’m working on not doing), they’re great for a chip alternative.

Organic Toasted Coconut Chips- Sweet and Salty

Guys- we need to talk about these coconut chips. Not only are they sweet and salty, but they’re downright amazing. If you’re a coconut fan, then these are just what you need. They have a nice crunch to them, but aren’t like a chip, so you still have the coconut chewiness. Plus, you get the best of both worlds when it comes to the flavors, so it’s a win-win-win. Oh, and one bag is roughly three dollars (what a bargain)!

Ancient Grains & Flax Pita Chips

If you couldn’t tell, the Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value brand knocks it out of the park with their chips, and these pita chips are no exception. Enjoy the pita chips with some hummus as an appetizer, or do what I do and eat an entire bag and call it dinner. Up to you!

Sea Salt Ripped Chips

Whole Foods Items salt chips
Emily Palmer

Rounding out the chips, we have a classic- sea salt rippled chips! These remind me of Ruffles, a chip I used to adore as a kid, but they’re way better. These chips are crunchy, salty, and everything you want in a snack.

Organic Maple Syrup- Cinnamon 

Cinnamon infused maple syrup is exactly what it sounds like, and a little bit more. When I saw this in the aisle, I knew I needed to have it, and boy am I glad I picked it up. It’s got SO much flavor, and elevates your pancake or waffle game to a whole other level. You really need to make room in your wallet for this great new purchase. 

Basil Pesto

The perfect kitchen essential is a good jar of pesto. Not only is it the perfect pair for pasta, but top it on some avocado toast, or mix it in with a veggie omelet, and before you know it you have made a simple gourmet meal. This 365 Everyday Value Basil Pesto is just what you need to impress your friends too!

Original Hummus

Everyone needs a classic hummus dip in their life! This 365 Everyday Value Original Hummus is a staple in my diet, because not only does it provide a Mediterranean flavor to any dish, it also packs healthy fats, protein, and fiber! It’s a steal price wise, coming in at $2.99 for a container.

Classic Salted Popcorn

end of summer bucket list cereal wheat
Sara Carte

Let’s talk about popcorn… it is an AMAZING snack. It is salty, crunchy, filling, and versatile. I’m a huge fan of classic salted popcorn, and Whole Foods nailed it with this one. Salty, crunchy, and addictive- the three key necessities for quality popcorn. Be warned: once you start, you truly cannot stop (opinion of most snackers). 

Organic Peanut Butter and Cocoa Cereal

Whoever said cereal is just for kids clearly never met a broke, hungry, and (possibly drunk) college student. I love the peanut butter and cocoa cereal Whole Foods has, because not only is it addictive, but it’s budget friendly and convenient for any time of day. Hungry? Eat some cereal. Sad? Eat some cereal. Tired? Eat some cereal (and then sleep). Drunk? You already know.

Dutch Chocolate Ice Cream

When it comes to drunk munchies, ice cream is my go-to, along with pizza (duh). Thankfully, Whole Foods sells some UNREAL Organic Dutch Chocolate that satisfies every sweet tooth out there. If chocolate sn’t your thing, they have a variety of flavors, like vanilla, strawberry, and more! Need proof at how good it is? Check the photo above.

Sourdough Pretzel Nuggets

auntie anne's Pumpkin Spice pretzel sweet
Allie Koestler

Last, but certainly not least, we have a unique and absolutely delicious product: sourdough pretzel nuggets! If you guys have never had a sourdough pretzel, then you’re truly missing out on one of the great joys in life. These are basically that in little nugget, bite sized form- what could be better?! I love dipping these in mustard for the PERFECT game day snack.

Shout out to Whole Foods for coming in clutch with the snacks! These are 15 random Whole Foods products everyone needs in their life- from broke college student to millionaire Wall Street Broker. When you make your next Whole Foods trip, look out for these in their respective isles, and when you see them, don’t even hesitate to buy them.

Spoon University Placeholder Avatar
Danielle Clark

CU Boulder '21

Hard working, passionate foodie with a love for health, fitness, wellness, and happiness