Is there a difference between the organic beans and seeds that I buy in the bulk bins at whole foods and the ones that I would buy from a sprout supplier? I mean other than the price. If so, does anyone have suggestions regarding a reputable supplier? I love sunflower sprouts, does anyone sprout these?

The cheaper ones in the bin may be fine, but they are not sold for sprouting and the same care has not been taken to make sure that they are viable. Buy a small amount and try to sprout them. If you are satisfied with the result then you may have found a cheaper supply of seed, but be warned that they might not sprout at all. Sprout suppliers will make sure that the seeds they sell are fresh enough to remain viable, and that nothing has happened to them to prevent them from sprouting (like being left in boiling heat somewhere). They should be testing their seed supplies regularly to make sure that whatever they sell should deliver the highest rate of germination.

Sprout suppliers also often select varieties and strains of seed based on the flavor of the sprouts. This is a service that you will not get from vendors who don't expect you to sprout their product.

Personally, I take a mixed approach, buying seeds from sprouting suppliers when those seeds are not generally sold at my local grocery, or when I have reason to expect better results from their supply.

I sprout the seeds from Whole Foods and health food stores bulk bins just fine. Millet, Quinoa, Wheat berries,sesame seeds, beans and flax seeds..

The rest of the stuff..make sure it's "RAW" and has the hulls. Barley and oats have to be "raw".

Never tried sunflowers..been meaning to do those though.