Exhibit 23.3


                         Consent of Independent Auditors


We consent to the  incorporation by reference in this  Post-Effective  Amendment
No. 1 to Registration  Statement (Form S-8) pertaining to the Whole Foods Market
Growing  Your Future  401(k) Plan of our report dated  November  14, 2001,  with
respect to the  consolidated  financial  statements of Whole Foods Market,  Inc.
included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended September 30, 2001,
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



                                               /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
                                               ---------------------
                                               ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Austin, Texas
June 24, 2002