Going to the grocery store in 2024 is such a bummer. If you haven't had to grocery shop in the past 2 years, I just want to give you a heads-up that it's EXPENSIVE. Many Americans are feeling the wrath of grocery shopping when they get to the checkout line. Whether you're grabbing items for the pantry, meals for the kids, everyday food essentials, or going through the fast food line, everything costs more.

Inflation has affected how many people around the country have had to shop. Whether people have changed the ingredients they use, purchased food from different brands, or are flat-out eating less, one of the best ways you can save money is by going to grocery stores that don't already jack the prices up. You've heard the saying "Shop smarter not harder."

If you want to save a few bucks on your next grocery store trip, you might want to avoid this store.  One of the most expensive grocery stores in America is located in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Whole Foods Market

According to Delish, Whole Foods Market was founded in 1980 and has earned a solid reputation for being one of the most expensive grocery stores in America. Whole Foods Market, sometimes referred to as "Whole Paycheck" has been through its fair share of scandals over the years.

Whole Foods Market CEO, John Mackey, has blamed America's obesity crisis on ignorance and making poor choices. Whole Foods Market also has tried to sell a bottle of water with 3 stalks of asparagus attached to it for $6 in years past.

Whole Foods Market did go through a change in 2017 when the company was purchased by Amazon. The change in ownership did lead to a small decrease in prices, however, Whole Foods Market remains one of the most expensive grocery stores in America. For some Americans, trying to grocery shop at Whole Foods Market is irresponsible financially.

According to Delish, "Whole Foods still remains financially inaccessible to many shoppers. And now, with the rising cost of living, the store’s exclusivity is even more blatant."