Whole Story

Grilling season is here! Before you go running for those long-handled tongs, we’ve got five things every grilling guy and gal needs to make the most of an afternoon over the coals.

1. Fire – A heat technique reminder for those of us who haven’t started a fire since the last big snowfall: Charcoal grills provide a more distinctive "grilled" flavor and backyard smell, but can be messy and sometimes difficult to ignite. Gas grills ignite easily and maintain an even temperature from start to finish, but they’re more expensive and aren’t suited to burning wood chips. Choose which is best suited for you.

2. Quality protein – No doubt about it, the better the meat you start with, the better your grilled result.  Our high standards ensure great-tasting meat from healthy animals, and our partnerships with farmers and ranchers means there’s likely a local, grass-fed or organic cut at your neighborhood Whole Foods Market. Plus, we’ve got butchers in the house! Ask your butcher for advice and tips on the best cuts for grilling. If your preferred protein is of the meatless variety, we’ve got you covered there too: from tofu to tempeh, veggie dogs to veggie burgers. There’s room on our grill for everyone!

3. A beverage – Standing over a hot, smoky grill can work up a serious thirst. Our Summer Lemonade or Limeade recipe ensures tasty, organic refreshment for just 44 cents a serving! And check out the May/June issue of The Whole Deal value guide for quenching coupons.

4. Tasty sides – Don’t forget all the yummy side-dishes that complement (and sometimes outshine!) the main event. From potato salads to deviled eggs, bodacious bean salads and fun fruit salads, there’s plenty of room on that plate for a little variety.

Love a good side dish but prefer to focus on the grilling? Use the coupon for Black Bean Quinoa Salad in the May/June issue of The Whole Deal and let our prepared foods chefs do the work for you.

5. Bug and sun care – One of the joys of grilling is being in the great outdoors! But while tender grilled meat is a goal, tender sunburned and bug-bitten skin is not. Choose bug and sun care with high standards and safe, effective ingredients. (Psst, there’s a great coupon for sun care in the May/June issue of The Whole Deal!)

For more tips and ideas, our Guide to Grilling is an endless source of sizzling inspiration (seriously, this thing’s got everything: prepping and heating tips, green grilling ideas, food safety reminders, recipes, special methods and techniques ... marinate in it!).

What are your grilling must-haves?