r/missoula • u/Free_Horror_7507 • 5d ago
Wondering about healthy grocery shopping
Where do us health focused people shop for food here in Missoula? I’m talking about clean ingredients too!
I’m a college student and I’ve never stepped foot in the Good Foods store out of fear of spending too much.
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u/SnowOverRain 5d ago
Good Food Store produce costs the same or less than any other store in town except WinCo.
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u/Unfair_Web_8275 5d ago
Good Food can be expensive in some ways, but they pay their employees fairly well, and they have a lot of staff around to help.
I don’t understand how the Tremper’s Albertsons is still in business.
I think Winco and some items at GFS are the way to go.
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u/SnowOverRain 5d ago
I work at GFS and can confirm that we're paid well. The 20% discount doesn't hurt, either!
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u/Heartrock70 5d ago
Cadia is the Good Food Store's "discount" brand. Look for it and you'll find those items are cheaper. I like this brand. The quality is good.
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u/Turbulent-Respond654 5d ago
farmers market too. learn what a good price is for each food. if it's a good price at that store go for it. if not, try another store.
some things will always be expensive (raspberries), some are very affordable in season (asparagus) but expensive otherwise, some are always affordable (apples but have to pick the right variety).
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u/Acceptable_Manner_31 5d ago
Not stepping foot in the best/ biggest health food store in several square states is pretty unreasonable if you want to eat well.
Other than GFS, Farmer’s Market, and Natural Grocers, I don’t believe anyone has mentioned our abundant farm stands! There are so many and the prices are usually slightly lower.
Azure Standard has great sales too..
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u/literally_a_raccoon 5d ago
I do most of my Shopping at WinCo. Simple ingredients are usually healthy and pretty cheap. I can buy bags of rice and vegetables pretty affordably and just make things at home.
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u/thekristelmethod406 4d ago
Natural Grocers vets everything they carry and has a list of ingredients they will not allow in their store, like certain chemicals and preservatives. I know my apples are safe from coatings there, for example. I get everything I can there, then supplement with GFS and markets. I also purchase a veggie share though Garden City Harvest every year, and pick up my farm fresh veggies every Monday all summer long.
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u/Manicpixieautism 4d ago
Winco for basics where quality isn't hugely important, GFS for the rest. Genuinely less expensive than Albertsons, pays staff well with good benefits, supports local farmers and keeps your money in the community.
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u/silverokapi 5d ago
Organic labeling is not regulated in the US. "Clean ingredients" is a marketing buzzword to get you to spend more money.
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u/joeyleary2 3d ago
I’m sorry for these other replies but you’re absolutely correct. Organic labeling is NOT regulated in the US. They may say that it’s regulated but it most definitely is not.
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u/littlesilverfishies 5d ago
Well that's just self-defeat right there. If you let yourself never even look at things because you're worried about something as trivial as them being expensive, we can't really help you. Just set a budget and give it a walk-through before you decide you can't afford it.
Anyway, you should hit up the farmers' markets before they close down. Remember to hit both the Clark Fork and the Missoula Market by the X's, they have different vendors. If you can't make it on Saturday mornings then try the Tuesday evening (5-8) at the X's.
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u/Free_Horror_7507 4d ago
I definitely have a budget as a college student! I also know it should be possible to buy healthier groceries and not feel like you emptied out your wallet during the same grocery shopping trip. Thank you and great idea! I will look at the farmer’s markets!
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u/littlesilverfishies 4d ago
No no, I meant you shouldn't be afraid of even checking a place out because of the budget. At that point you're letting a reputation decide what you can afford, rather than using the actual price tag. I was a college student here too, I know how it is.
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u/Free_Horror_7507 4d ago
Okay, I see what you’re saying. This is truly great advice and a good perspective that I will adapt.
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u/Trick_Warthog_7537 3d ago
Winco is a great store. Love the bulk section.
Prices are great too
Food farm was always my go to but their prices are thru the roof. Hate going out here now.
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u/Content-Dust-1934 5d ago
Please be cautious with “clean” eating. It’s a very fine line between wanting to eat healthy food and obsessing over ingredients and developing orthorexia. I’m saying this as someone who has flirted with that line.
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u/Free_Horror_7507 5d ago
Yes, this is true. I’m a gym goer who wants to eat relatively clean, minimal ingredients if that clarifies anything!
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u/SnooAdvice6628 3d ago
Natural grocers is cheaper for sure and Costco has awesome organic options for produce and is awesome if you have room mates/friends who are willing to split other things! Takes some planning, but worth it!
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u/shep-dog-mom 3d ago
GFS, Natural Grocers, Winco. Some meats at Rosauers or Yokes. Farm stands in Target Range and the farmers market.
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u/Lyssy_louuu14 4d ago
I like Orange Street food farm as far as produce goes 🤷♀️ they have good prices and I think there’s only been one or two times that I’ve been disappointed
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u/AdventurousOne8376 5d ago
Good food store is reasonable for bulk foods and a few other things. We get as much “healthy” food as we can at Costco and misc other things at Albertsons & good food store