It’s a change in about the smallest way possible, but a corporate switch nonetheless: Wild Oats turning its name and its colors over to the far more dominant Whole Foods. On the outside, the store already appears to have made the jump thanks to the new wispy Whole Foods logo stuck up above the doors. But inside, the store remains practically the same. That’s not surprising, though, since the two markets were virtually identical to begin with. But what little has changed already seems to be for the best—more pre-made meals holding up the kind of quality that gave Whole Foods its reputation. The deli stocks an ever-shifting selection of foods that vary by theme and season, and around now there are still holiday favorites—tamales, latkes and the like. However, the turkey chili is the best pre-made export that I tasted—a hearty concoction that’s as good as just about anything you can throw into a slow cooker. Though it might be cheaper to stew your own, Whole Foods’ chili is a completely worthwhile expense—there’s enough turkey in the mix to make it feel like Thanksgiving all over again.

WHOLE FOODS 6550 E PACIFIC COAST HWY | LONG BEACH 90803 | 562.598.8687 | WHOLEFOODSMARKET.COM

Tags: Long Beach, SIDES, turkey chili, whole foods