I would try some special produce that you wouldn't normally splurge to buy, but I'm not a Whole Foods shopper. The only thing I buy there is:

I don't know if it's currently available, but the wee New Zealand double cut rib lamb chops (or rack of lamb, i.e., same thing not cut apart).

seafood. And there are certain nut milks that the grands favor and are only available at WF.

I visit Whole Foods infrequently, as it is just not conveniently located. But when I do stop, I tend to focus on their deli and take out area. Being a single, ready to eat stuff is appealing (no cooking, no leftovers) and theirs is very good (if pricey) and different from the items offered elsewhere. Otherwise, my local grocer carries pretty much everything WF does.

Wish I could help more. We have Trader Joe's everywhere, but the closest Whole Foods is about 10 miles from us. I just don't go often. Last time I was there was early 2020. We picked up sandwiches...very good!

I shop Whole Foods and Trader Joe's and buy produce at both. Chicken and milk from WF. Also like the WF brand hummus. Recently discovered True Story sausages there.

The fine cheese selection is better than many, and there are sometimes good wine choices. Their olive bar is also better than most. The fresh premade pizza dough is good, if you don't feel like making your own. They have a decent selection of condiments and jams as well, and some specialty coffees. The bakery section likely has some local producers providing artisan breads and cookies. If you or anticipated guests have dietary restrictions (vegan, gf, etc) it is a good source for that.

If you have an Amazon Prime membership, in the app you can have a QR code that will give another 10% off any sale prices. Check the fish and meat counters for max impact on what's on special, same thing with the produce.

If you like “fancy” cheese, definitely check out their selection.

Doc’s Tomatillo Relish. I gave a jar to my local independent grocery chain that I’ve shopped at all my life, and told them ”don’t make me go to WF in xxxtown”. It’s kind of a local product, made in my state. And it isn’t at ”the other Whole Foods”, just ”the old one”.

It’s really good in tuna salad.

Whole Foods has a hot food buffet--treat it like a dinner out. There also is an impressive bulk food section with spices, nuts, and flours.

I can't think of anything they have that I can't get somewhere else, but as suggested, they do have a decent selection of seafood and cheeses. However, I generally buy those at Bristol Farms (better selection) or Gelson's.

I haven't checked, but they might have good sushi.

I used to go to Jamail's Market when I lived in Houston (similar to Bristol Farms), but I don't think it is still there - at least not the one on Kirby. The Alfred's Delicatessen on Rice Blvd in The Village, west of Rice University, is also no longer open. I used to go there a lot because I could walk.

A few nice cheeses, paté, proscuitto, salame, smoked salmon---always a nice treat. If they still have a decent cheese monger and deli, they will cut fresh as little as a 1/4 pound so you can get more variety. Some nice crackers.

Or if you like to cook, try a new recipe unfamiliar. Something you would normaly have out and give it a go at home. Last October, before the holidays i stocked up everything needed for sushi, spring rolls, miso noodle bowls...

This wild gulf shrimp is excellent. 32ounces, so two pounds at a great price.

Most is shelf stable or for the fridge/freezer. Even the small containers of tofu are shelf stable.

I worked less than 10 minutes from a Whole Foods for many years. They had amazing cut flowers at my store. For many years they were the only place I could find sugar free and chemical free bacon, I think it was Piedmont or something like that. I was also strategic to shop sales, always scanning the Amazon Prime app to get the extra 10% off. Their house brand is usually good, called 365.

No Whole Foods here....yet. One is being built in Grand Rapids, and will be open this summer.

When Elery still lived in Jackson, we would sometimes drive to Ann Arbor and stop at Whole Foods. I liked to try new things from their deli and then we'd go home and try to recreate it, with varying degrees of success. I don't remember anything that was outstanding that I couldn't get somewhere else, the prices were usually quite a lot higher than other local stores with similar items, causing us to shrug at "Whole Paycheck", and then go somewhere else. I did check out their meat counter, as they had burger mix ins that sometimes sounded like something I would like and copy.

If I had a gift certificate I'd probably use it on seafood, as good seafood is expensive and hard to find here.

Enjoy your beer!

Annie