For those immersed in the wellness community or avid followers of certain celebrities and influencers, you’ve likely come across Erewhon Market. This premium organic food retailer in Los Angeles, boasting locations from Calabasas to Beverly Hills and Silver Lake, has become a cultural landmark. Renowned for its celebrity smoothie collaborations, such as those with Hailey Bieber, exclusive partnerships with top-tier consumer packaged goods brands, and even serving as a trendy dating spot, Erewhon symbolizes more than just a place to shop—it’s a lifestyle statement. However, it’s no secret that shopping here can make a significant dent in your wallet, earning it the reputation as perhaps the priciest grocery destination you’ll visit.
Yet, holistic nutritionist and wellness chef Shauna Faulisi, who frequents Erewhon nearly every day for her elite clientele, suggests that shopping at this high-end market doesn’t have to deplete your savings to enjoy a star-quality grocery haul.
Fortunately, Faulisi has discovered some insider tips for saving money at Erewhon Market that can significantly reduce your checkout total. Not in Los Angeles or prefer shopping at a different store? No problem. She also shares essential budget-friendly advice and additional helpful hints that you’ll find invaluable for your upcoming grocery shopping trips.
5 Tips to Save Big on Your Next Trip to Erewhon Market
1. Choose what you want individually from the hot bar
At Erewhon’s hot bar, going à la carte might be the smarter choice. Unlike combo meals saving money elsewhere, choosing a protein with two sides there could cost you more as full plates are priced based on the weight of your protein, not on different price points.
For instance, selecting fish—priced at $27 per pound—could lead to higher costs if paired with heavier sides like cauliflower and gluten-free mac and cheese. Opting for lighter items such as salad and asparagus would be more cost-effective.
Essentially, you might end up paying more for non-protein sides that are usually cheaper when purchased individually. I tried this strategy myself and saved almost $10.
2. Choose wisely when it comes to prepackaged meals
The more processes involved in preparing an item, the higher its cost will be. Take Erewhon’s buffalo cauliflower as an example – it will be pricier than plain steamed broccoli. This principle applies to various foods like sliced protein versus rotisserie chicken, and prepared kelp noodles versus plain potato wedges. This cost aspect extends beyond Erewhon to grocery stores offering convenient options like washed fruit and vegetables.
While these ready-to-eat items are tempting, being selective can save you money. To be budget-conscious, opt for minimally processed items or prepare raw ingredients yourself to cut costs.
3. Determine what is worth spending on
When grocery shopping, consider what items are worth splurging on. The value may lie in taste, convenience, novelty, or brand mission. For Faulisi, trying healthful and innovative products at Erewhon is a delight. With a focus on clean ingredients and sustainability, Erewhon excels in curating unique brands.
Among her favorites is Erewhon’s rotisserie chicken – slightly pricier but exceptionally juicy and flavorful. It’s a cost-effective protein source providing multiple meals. Even if you live alone, this whole chicken offers great value compared to pre-sliced options elsewhere.
In addition, you can enlarge your dollar, repurpose the leftovers to create a DIY bone broth and stretch your budget. Here’s how:
- Remove all the meat from the chicken bones while it’s still warm. Once the chicken is chilled, extracting the meat becomes challenging and a lot may go to waste.
- Place the carcass in a pot with carrots, onion, celery, garlic, and your favorite herbs. Let it simmer covered and partially uncovered throughout the day and night, topping up with water as needed.
- Season to taste, strain, then freeze in jars or savor right away.
One Little Advice From Us
Be sure to try Erewhon organic chicken vegetable soup! With a new 30-day shelf life, you can now enjoy its wholesome goodness at your leisure. This hearty soup blends organic chicken stock with succulent organic chicken, cabbage, zucchini, broccoli, onion, carrot, and celery for a flavorful experience. Infused with organic garlic, parsley, olive oil, and seasoned to perfection with sea salt and black pepper, it’s an ideal choice for those craving a healthy yet satisfying meal.
4. Create an “intelligent smoothie”
Erewhon is renowned for its pricey yet delightful smoothies that can cost close to $20. Here are some tips to maximize your smoothie experience without breaking the bank:
- Modify existing smoothies instead of creating new ones from scratch for cost savings.
- Be cautious of additional charges for modifications and ask for guidance if needed.
- Consider adding protein to enhance nutritional value and keep you full longer.
- Create your own Erewhon-style smoothie at home using known ingredients to save money on convenience.
5. Unlock the full potential with an Erewhon membership
Erewhon stands out by offering exclusive discounts through paid memberships. Despite the initial cost, the benefits can be profitable for regular shoppers. Erewhon offers different membership tiers – Membership Plus, priced at $200 annually, which offers rewards like points back on purchases, a free monthly tonic drink, and 25% off select brands. We attests that the membership easily pays for itself.
For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Cafe Membership at half the price. This membership provides points back on cafe and tonic bar purchases, along with a complimentary monthly tonic drink. It’s ideal for those drawn to the hot bar, grab-and-go items, salads, and if you’re keen on trying out their latest smoothie offerings.