Exhibit 23.3


                         Consent of Independent Auditors


We consent to the  incorporation  by  reference in this  Registration  Statement
(Form S-8)  pertaining to the Whole Foods Market 401(k)  Retirement  Plan of our
report  dated  November 14, 2001,  with  respect to the  consolidated  financial
statements  of Whole Foods  Market,  Inc.  included by  reference  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