7 Major Changes to Expect at Whole Foods Moving Forward

As the coronavirus pandemic continues, stores and restaurants are maintaining and expanding their safety policies. Many stores are requiring face masks for customers, and Whole Foods is one of them. In fact, Whole Foods provided free masks to shoppers back in May. But the facial covering requirement isn't the only thing that's changing at Whole Foods.

While no one can know for sure how things will go over the coming months, it's safe to assume there will be plenty of changes at grocers like Whole Foods. Here are some major changes to expect at the chain as the pandemic continues.

And if you're headed to Whole Foods, here are 20 Surprisingly Cheap Eats from Whole Foods.

Buffet restaurants are closing, and it doesn't look good for buffets at grocery stores, either. For now, Whole Foods has closed its self-serve salad bars, only offering prepackaged options. Don't expect the buffet-style options to return during the pandemic.

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It might sound like a no-brainer at this point, but make sure you have a face mask with you when you go shopping at Whole Foods (or, really, any grocery store).

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"All Whole Foods Market stores in the U.S. and Canada will service customers who are 60 and older one hour before opening to the general public," the Whole Foods website states. If you're a senior, consider shopping during these hours to beat the crowds.

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There's no self-serve food at the Whole Foods hot bar and salad bar, so Whole Foods' indoor seating areas aren't open, either. It's probably a good thing, though—the seating areas don't leave much room for social distancing.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

"We are temporarily suspending all food sampling and demos until further notice," Whole Foods' website explains. The grocer joins other chains like Trader Joe's and Costco in temporarily suspending its sampling policy.

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If you bring a reusable cup when you buy a latte or a smoothie at Whole Foods, we applaud you! But like Starbucks and other coffee shops, Whole Foods isn't allowing the use of personal cups in stores during the pandemic.

As at other grocery stores and restaurants, hand sanitizer is now available throughout Whole Foods for customers and employees to use. You can't be too safe!

And when you're cooking your Whole Foods haul, don't miss these 52 Life-Changing Kitchen Hacks That'll Make You Enjoy Cooking Again.