Consent of Ernst & Young LLP

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Form S-8 Nos. 333-11271, 333-11273, 333-35809, 33-79072, 33-48392, 333-73876, 333-91086 and 333-101565) and (Form S-3 Nos. 333-51419, 333-00968, 333-43555, 333-27745 and 33-68362) of Whole Foods Market, Inc. of our report dated November 8, 2002, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Whole Foods Market, Inc. as of September 29, 2002 and September 30, 2001 and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income and cash flows for each of the two fiscal years in the period ended September 29, 2002, all included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended September 29, 2002.