Overpriced prepared foods/foodstuffs (The hatin' on Whole Foods thread)

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During yet another journey to the Columbus Circle Whole Foods (the produce at my Washington Heights C-Town is atrocious)I was browsing through the meats section, and was blown away (yet again) by the shameless pricing of simple prepared goods.

Chicken Kabobs (5.99 per pound), Seasoned Steaks (22.99 and up) and even Tiki Masaala Sauce at 6.29 a container.

I realize that overpiced goods at "gourmet" shops is the norm, but are people really this lazy? Friggin kabobs? I made 15 for about 7 bucks. Do people actually buy these things?

This may be a tired rant, but the question is simply... What overpriced prepared foods have you noticed at local shops?

burna (burna), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 19:35 (seventeen years ago) link

westerners complaining about expensive things = rofflz

Shakey Mo Collier (Shakey Mo Collier), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 19:37 (seventeen years ago) link

...

Allyzay Rofflesbot (allyzay), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 19:39 (seventeen years ago) link

Fairway is a little bit less like that, or was back in the day? The day before there was a Whole Foods at Columbus Circle, I guess.

That kind of freaks me out too though, I'm curious as to who buys pre-seasoned meats, for example, especially at such a premium. Is it that hard to spice these things yourself?

Allyzay Rofflesbot (allyzay), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 19:40 (seventeen years ago) link

Yeah, the point of the thread was not so much the expense, but the combination of culinary laziness plus expense.

I guess pre-sliced veggies and fruits also fall in this category.

burna (burna), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 19:42 (seventeen years ago) link

I don't really like that either! That seems odd to me, because they usually tack on an extra dollar or more for something that takes a second to do on your own. The only instances of this making sense is like watermelon (which you mightn't want an entire watermelon) or pineapple (because pineapple is kind of a son of a bitch), stuff like that. It just seems so weird to me. Plus--pre sliced things, kind of implies less freshness, I'd think?

Allyzay Rofflesbot (allyzay), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 19:44 (seventeen years ago) link

Some people are really fucking lazy.

Doktor Faustus (noodle vague), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 19:47 (seventeen years ago) link

Certainly.

The nutritional value and general tastiness is declining the longer they sit out there.

Good call with the watermelon/pineapple exception.

burna (burna), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 19:48 (seventeen years ago) link

xpost: Fairway is certainly cheaper, and I love the reigning chaos in the aisles. As a bonus, they've got a great new location on the hudson by 125th.

burna (burna), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 19:49 (seventeen years ago) link

You could always buy canned version of some of these things if you really are lazy, and the canned versions are usually cheaper than the precut versions (and sometimes better because the cans keep in at least SOME of the taste unlike just sitting out on a shelf in a bag being exposed to light etc). There's just something really weird about premade "gourmet" foods or presliced veggies and the types of people who buy them--it's like laziness AND snobbery all in one, which seems weird.

I admit to having purchased a couple of premade small soups at Fairway before to have for when I got home very late while I was in school.

xpost oh god the chaos in the aisles of Fairway, that used to drive me mad but I kind of miss it now as there was a method to the madness and also quite a huge amount of delicious things. Their cheese section was actually great.

Allyzay Rofflesbot (allyzay), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 19:51 (seventeen years ago) link

WESTERNERS.

s1ocki (slutsky), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 19:51 (seventeen years ago) link

in NJ, we had kings (i.e., overpriced, pretentious foody-friendly foodstuffs) b4 the corny fuXors on the other side of the hudson had whole foods!

Eisbär (llamasfur), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 19:51 (seventeen years ago) link

sometimes with precooked meats you just don't want to take the time to cook the chicken if the other ingredients don't need much time -- if it were cheaper i'd probably use it more. but it sort of defeats the purpose of "cooking" if you're hardly going to cook anything yourself -- just get takeout!
Yeah!!! That's what I always thought. Like I would indulge in the premade grocery items if I was in a rush AND it was late/I knew I'd be home late and wouldn't want to wait for a delivery. Otherwise you might as well get the delivery, I'd think.

Allyzay Rofflesbot (allyzay), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 19:53 (seventeen years ago) link

The laziness and snobbery combo isn't that weird because the people who buy this stuff don't really care about food but they do want to kid themselves or their friends that they're sophisticated. So they don't buy because it tastes good but because it's expensive. Lowering the price would defeat the object, almost.

Doktor Faustus (noodle vague), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 19:54 (seventeen years ago) link

i feel bad enough when i pay extra to buy pre-sliced or de-boned raw meat.

lauren (laurenp), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 19:56 (seventeen years ago) link

I am curiously not nostalgic for getting repeatedly rammed by octogenarians in the aisles of Fairway (but the cheese section was awesome)

timmy tannin (pompous), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 19:56 (seventeen years ago) link

Also, there are probably enough people that are intimidated even by something as simple as a potato peeler to make a market for the pre-peeled variety.

Doktor Faustus (noodle vague), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 19:57 (seventeen years ago) link

I like getting whole animals or stuff with bones in it. Into the pot you go, I will make a soup with you, ha ha ha, also it's fun to tear things apart with knives and scissors.

Um except whole fish which I'm scared of.

Allyzay Rofflesbot (allyzay), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 19:58 (seventeen years ago) link

fairway is an experience. if the upper west side octogenarians weren't there it'd just be another anonymous gourmet megalomart. i hope it never goes out of business.
Those old ladies alway impress me. They'll pop you in the head with an oyster tin if you get in ther way.

burna (burna), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 19:58 (seventeen years ago) link

I love the octogenarians! I love that store! I would have lived there if they'd let me.

Allyzay Rofflesbot (allyzay), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 19:59 (seventeen years ago) link

I buy pre-peeled garlic.

I bought pre-chopped onions once. They lasted about two days in the fridge before they went bad.

laurence kansas (lawrence kansas), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 20:01 (seventeen years ago) link

You used to get SO PISSED OFF with the ppl in there!!
The fucked up thing about Fairway is that they are constantly restocking throughout the day so you can't avoid the aproned fellows with their huge loads of stuffs walking around.

TOMBOT (TOMBOT), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 20:01 (seventeen years ago) link

i think a better question is why is this person buying produce at whole foods? go to a farmers market.

hstencil (hstencil), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 20:02 (seventeen years ago) link

I must confess, though, i will snap up a premade pie or tart at the greenmarket.

Not so confident with my own baking skills

burna (burna), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 20:02 (seventeen years ago) link

You used to get SO PISSED OFF with the ppl in there!!

NOT the old people.

Allyzay Rofflesbot (allyzay), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 20:02 (seventeen years ago) link

i buy pre-made ice cream as well.

laurence kansas (lawrence kansas), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 20:03 (seventeen years ago) link

xpost: needed some produce in a jiff, greenmarket not 'til saturday.

burna (burna), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 20:03 (seventeen years ago) link

some thing are a space issue, i guess. i currently have zero counter space. i'm not kidding. there's about 11 inches between the sink and the stove, but it's taken up with a dishrack. all cutting has to happen on a board balanced on a burner. this had led me to buy pre-cut and -washed broccoli for the first time, rather than wrestle with it on a wobbly surface and have little florets fly everywhere.

lauren (laurenp), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 20:03 (seventeen years ago) link

I buy pre-peeled garlic.

ew, those are funky.

normally they're very easy to peel yourself but if you're making chicken w/ 40 cloves or something it does take a while.

some thing are a space issue, i guess. i currently have zero counter space. i'm not kidding. there's about 11 inches between the sink and the stove, but it's taken up with a dishrack. all cutting has to happen on a board balanced on a burner. this had led me to buy pre-cut and -washed broccoli for the first time, rather than wrestle with it on a wobbly surface and have little florets fly everywhere.

Oh yeah I can understand that. I had a similar space issue at my old apartment (compounded by having, like, two small overhead cabinets for the entire kitchen). And there are occasions when you realize you forgot to get something and you run to the store and they ONLY have it in the pre-niced, bagged form, which kind of sucks.

I don't understand why canning or jarring a food generally makes it less expensive when putting it in a bag or a tupperware-esque container makes it more expensive.

Allyzay Rofflesbot (allyzay), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 20:07 (seventeen years ago) link

xpost: I kind of like the residual garlic smell on the hand. It reminds me of a meal well made. Jalepeno under the fingers, however, is pretty irksome.

burna (burna), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 20:07 (seventeen years ago) link

er, fingernails.

burna (burna), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 20:07 (seventeen years ago) link

Um except whole fish which I'm scared of.

Huh!? Didn't we get the tilapia?

I never buy meat at Whole Foods here. It's too expensive and I know other, better places which don't cost as much. I don't buy produce there, either, as it's astronomically expensive too. I buy cheese there and stuff like imported butter and whatnot, just 'cause that's one surefire place to find it.

I think we got some snacks at the WH at Columbus Circle. It was insanely busy the day I was there.

M. White (Miguelito), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 20:08 (seventeen years ago) link

I would buy pre-peeled garlic just so my fingers don't smell for days.

I buy the bags of pre-mixed lettuce and salad, I admit.

Jordan (Jordan), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 20:08 (seventeen years ago) link

Pre-peeled garlic is the only thing that separates us from the animals.

laurence kansas (lawrence kansas), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 20:09 (seventeen years ago) link

Yeah we got the whole tilapia but I tried not to look at it when I ate part of it. I am clueless on how to take one of those things apart, honestly.

Are you ppl serious about the garlic thing? WAHT?

Allyzay Rofflesbot (allyzay), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 20:10 (seventeen years ago) link

Fingers smelling for days = joy of garlic. I like chilli fingers too, except for that one time I went for a piss and my previous hand-washing proved ineffective...

Doktor Faustus (noodle vague), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 20:12 (seventeen years ago) link

Anyway the items in question keep making me think of this one guy I used to work with...went to the gym every day, annoying, really concerned with money and retiring young, Republican, etc. I can totally see his fridge stocked with these items, because they're "high quality" and yet take no more effort than a microwave dinner. Definitely can't picture him cooking.

Jordan (Jordan), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 20:13 (seventeen years ago) link

Chilli fingers are bad, I NEVER wash my hands good enough and end up getting chilli juices all in my eyes, every time.

Allyzay Rofflesbot (allyzay), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 20:14 (seventeen years ago) link

I could less whether my fingers smell like garlic or not. But a dollar for like 20 pre-peeled cloves is the only way to fly.

laurence kansas (lawrence kansas), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 20:14 (seventeen years ago) link

xpost

That's a walk in the park compared to chilli juice cock, Ally.

Doktor Faustus (noodle vague), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 20:15 (seventeen years ago) link

I don't even want to think what chilli juice cock or vag is like.

Allyzay Rofflesbot (allyzay), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 20:16 (seventeen years ago) link

whole foods is nice. the people that shop at mine are all pretty hott. i only go for that and the cheese samples, though--they lack the crappy processed food i desire in addition to their gourmet fare.

mookieproof (mookieproof), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 20:16 (seventeen years ago) link

the only thing you should be buying at WFM is beer because it's the only thing where the margins aren't completely through the roof. evidently, people will overpay for everything except beer.

otto midnight (otto midnight), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 20:17 (seventeen years ago) link

get one garlic press!

mookieproof (mookieproof), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 20:17 (seventeen years ago) link

Ah yes, hot sauce cock. I haven't experienced it but I've seen it happen.

Jordan (Jordan), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 20:18 (seventeen years ago) link

Anyway the items in question keep making me think of this one guy I used to work with...went to the gym every day, annoying, really concerned with money and retiring young, Republican, etc. I can totally see his fridge stocked with these items, because they're "high quality" and yet take no more effort than a microwave dinner. Definitely can't picture him cooking.

i used to know someone like this too... he didn't know anything about food and didn't really care but always made a point of going to these see-and-be-seen restaurant openings and then telling everyone HE WAS THERE.

I'm 100% Mediterranean (eating = reason for being alive) so the pre-made, pre-cooked foodstuffs are BLASPHEMOUS. Oh, and my ghetto C-Town doesn't even have produce.

Je4nn3 ƒur¥ (Je4nne Fury), Wednesday, 10 May 2006 20:19 (seventeen years ago) link

Central market >>>>>>>>>>> whole foods

Free Me's Electric Trumpet (Moodles), Monday, 17 November 2014 02:01 (nine years ago) link

xxp sure, if good value = buying things in quantities that will not fit in the amount of storage available in your urban apartment

the HegeMony Mony Chant thread in the Most Read Threads List (sarahell), Monday, 17 November 2014 04:07 (nine years ago) link

Haha yes. My bf recently bought like 48 rolls of toilet paper he doesn't like so gave most of it to me, which is great, but I'm storing it balanced on top of the hanging bar in my coat closet.

Orson Wellies (in orbit), Monday, 17 November 2014 04:18 (nine years ago) link

do you have to solve physics equations in order to choose yr next roll so the whole thing doesn't fall down?

the HegeMony Mony Chant thread in the Most Read Threads List (sarahell), Monday, 17 November 2014 04:23 (nine years ago) link

There's a lot of stuff at Costco that comes in reasonable sizes. Maybe it doesn't make sense for a single person in an NYC studio or w/e, but as a family of 3 in a 2BR we do most of our shopping there

my jaw left (Hurting 2), Monday, 17 November 2014 04:26 (nine years ago) link

even if you don't get paper goods at a wholesale club due to space they're amazing for health and beauty products, i never go to cvs anymore and my life is so much better for it.

call all destroyer, Monday, 17 November 2014 04:27 (nine years ago) link

the amount i spend on health and beauty products a year is probably less than the cost of a Costco membership tbh

the HegeMony Mony Chant thread in the Most Read Threads List (sarahell), Monday, 17 November 2014 04:33 (nine years ago) link

I could see soap as being the base level health/beauty item and spending less than $55/year, but

jenny holzer, ilxor (mh), Monday, 17 November 2014 04:56 (nine years ago) link

does Costco sell American Spirit brand cigarettes?

the HegeMony Mony Chant thread in the Most Read Threads List (sarahell), Monday, 17 November 2014 04:59 (nine years ago) link

sam's club does.

holla back for a dope nakh (how's life), Monday, 17 November 2014 10:32 (nine years ago) link

i calculated that i save about $24/year on toilet paper alone

flatizza (harbl), Monday, 17 November 2014 12:15 (nine years ago) link

My Costco has like a two pound tub of whitefish salad for $11.49 which is worth the price of admission imo

, Monday, 17 November 2014 12:17 (nine years ago) link

Soap razors floss toothbrushes toothpaste shampoo conditioner drugs. If that doesn't get you to 55, buy your Christmas gifts and office chocolates and the like there.

my jaw left (Hurting 2), Monday, 17 November 2014 12:31 (nine years ago) link

My Costco has phones too - they even have the new iPhone like 20 bucks cheaper than the carriers.

my jaw left (Hurting 2), Monday, 17 November 2014 12:32 (nine years ago) link

I think the REAL BARGAIN SAVERS have determined that toilet paper and paper towels aren't cheaper at costco, but I think they are just trying to ruin my enjoyment.

jenny holzer, ilxor (mh), Monday, 17 November 2014 14:56 (nine years ago) link

does Costco sell American Spirit brand cigarettes?

― the HegeMony Mony Chant thread in the Most Read Threads List (sarahell), Monday, November 17, 2014 4:59 AM (9 hours ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

sam's club does.

― holla back for a dope nakh (how's life), Monday, November 17, 2014 10:32 AM (4 hours ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

WHAT

Orson Wellies (in orbit), Monday, 17 November 2014 15:00 (nine years ago) link

My Costco has like a two pound tub of whitefish salad for $11.49 which is worth the price of admission imo

this. the worst part abt moving to nyc is that getting to costco seems like a huge drag.

adam, Monday, 17 November 2014 15:01 (nine years ago) link

xp: They have them in stock at my Sam's Club at least. I don't even smoke, but I noticed that on my trip there last week.

holla back for a dope nakh (how's life), Monday, 17 November 2014 15:04 (nine years ago) link

Those "savings experiments" make me IA because they're comparing brand-name paper products at Costco to buying them on sale at a store. Costco makes its own toilet paper and paper towels which are both cheaper and far superior.

my jaw left (Hurting 2), Monday, 17 November 2014 15:20 (nine years ago) link

WF is a all about knowing what to buy. You can be a real sucker there or get good deals.

otm. stay away from most packaged foods, snacks, drinks, frozen foods, and prepared foods. stick to bulk and produce and 365 brand shit and you will be fine.

marcos, Monday, 17 November 2014 15:24 (nine years ago) link

but really though most conventional grocery stores are annoying because the produce is shitty and they don't have bulk foods. that is like 75% of what we buy.

marcos, Monday, 17 November 2014 15:25 (nine years ago) link

Costco doesn't make anything, they might rebrand, though

jenny holzer, ilxor (mh), Monday, 17 November 2014 15:40 (nine years ago) link

It's called Kirkland noob

my jaw left (Hurting 2), Monday, 17 November 2014 15:41 (nine years ago) link

I stand corrected. They don't own any manufacturing, though, it's just oem products

jenny holzer, ilxor (mh), Monday, 17 November 2014 15:44 (nine years ago) link

A lot of it is made to costcos specs though.

my jaw left (Hurting 2), Monday, 17 November 2014 15:49 (nine years ago) link

stay away from most packaged foods, snacks, drinks, frozen foods, and prepared foods.

This list comprises like way more than half of cosco's inventory. The real one weird trick is don't buy that shit anywhere, period

brimstead, Monday, 17 November 2014 20:39 (nine years ago) link

buy snacks, I assure you it is worth it

jenny holzer, ilxor (mh), Monday, 17 November 2014 22:09 (nine years ago) link

no that was the list not to buy at whole foods, not costco

my jaw left (Hurting 2), Monday, 17 November 2014 22:11 (nine years ago) link

seven months pass...

lol

I Am Curious (Dolezal) (DJP), Thursday, 25 June 2015 13:34 (eight years ago) link

one year passes...

Well, guess my sis works for Amazon now.

Ned Raggett, Friday, 16 June 2017 13:44 (six years ago) link

Don't bank on it just yet...

Josh in Chicago, Friday, 16 June 2017 14:20 (six years ago) link

How does this not constitute a breach of antitrust statutes?

rb (soda), Friday, 16 June 2017 14:43 (six years ago) link

why would it? The murmurings I heard were based on potential class action lawsuit due to stock pricing or something.

Josh in Chicago, Friday, 16 June 2017 15:02 (six years ago) link

holy wtf

mh, Friday, 16 June 2017 15:47 (six years ago) link

"You're the octopus that I'm having for breakfast," Bezos said. "When I look at the menu, you're the thing I don't understand, the thing I've never had. I must have the breakfast octopus."

http://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-jeff-bezos-eating-octopus-business-acquisition-strategy-2017-6

scott seward, Friday, 16 June 2017 16:40 (six years ago) link

our new oligarchic overlords etc

Οὖτις, Friday, 16 June 2017 16:49 (six years ago) link

loving how all the WaPo stories about this end

“Whole Foods Market has been satisfying, delighting and nourishing customers for nearly four decades — they’re doing an amazing job and we want that to continue,” said Jeffrey P. Bezos, founder and chief executive of Amazon.com. (Bezos owns The Washington Post.)

mh, Friday, 16 June 2017 17:37 (six years ago) link

two months pass...

365 foods coming to Amazon Prime

Amazon Prime becomes Whole Foods' rewards program

Lower prices on organic produce/fish coming Monday...

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/amazon-and-whole-foods-will-lower-prices-on-organic-items-like-avocados-and-baby-kale-on-monday-2017-08-24?siteid=bullytweet

Eazy, Thursday, 24 August 2017 18:57 (six years ago) link

They had square melons for $100 each at Wholefoods last time I was there.

everything, Thursday, 24 August 2017 19:06 (six years ago) link

And to clarify, it was just a normal watermelon that had been grown in a clear box so it went square.

everything, Thursday, 24 August 2017 19:07 (six years ago) link

the first response in this is classic shakey

-_- (jim in vancouver), Thursday, 24 August 2017 19:25 (six years ago) link

Love overpriced prepares food/foodstuffs

brimstead, Thursday, 24 August 2017 19:44 (six years ago) link

I got a loaf of pretzel bread for $2 at WF, would recommend

mh, Thursday, 24 August 2017 19:53 (six years ago) link

really excited to get more benefits from my annual $109.41 besides two-day shipping and free streaming of a handful of middlebrow tv series for educated white ppl like me!

sansa riff (sarahell), Thursday, 24 August 2017 22:34 (six years ago) link

Apparently They have Duchess du Bourgogne at the local WF, so I might have to stop by

calstars, Thursday, 24 August 2017 22:52 (six years ago) link

Useful example of a compare/contrast after the price reduction

http://www.businessinsider.com/whole-foods-prices-cheaper-amazon-2017-8

Ned Raggett, Monday, 28 August 2017 14:02 (six years ago) link

whoever did the shopping has really boring taste

sansa riff (sarahell), Tuesday, 29 August 2017 00:03 (six years ago) link

I went shopping at Whole Foods today and my takeaway was that my bill was maybe $15 cheaper than I expected. That's purely conjecture, though.

Josh in Chicago, Tuesday, 29 August 2017 00:13 (six years ago) link

five months pass...

http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2018/01/whole_foods_food_shortages_empty_shelves.html

fwiw there are claims that this is due to use of an ordering system that was implemented before Amazon took over, but it seems a little too coincidental that problems with it only came after Amazon took over.

― IF (Terrorist) Yes, Explain (man alive), Sunday, January 21, 2018 11:18 AM (one week ago)

I noticed this the first week after Amazon bought WF but it's gotten a bit better

Still a problem, there is like next to no fresh bread left in the evening -- this used to not be the case

sarahell, Tuesday, 30 January 2018 19:52 (six years ago) link


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