Buying in Bulk
Shoppers have enjoyed the convenience of buying in bulk for a number of years. So many of your local grocery stores carrie the buying in bulk section for your convenance.
My own bulk buying experiences have been hit and miss at best, but I recently discovered just how convenient buying in bulk can be.
There are a number of advantages to buying in bulk:
Some items are available only in bulk
you can choose the quantity
bulk prices are usually less than packaged prices
less packaging
less additives and preservatives when you make your own meals and mixes more variety
often healthy alternatives not always otherwise available
When you buy in bulk it's a good idea to get your cupboards in order.
There are a number of ways you can store bulk items:
Recycled plastic containers and glass jars
Rubbermaid or Ziploc containers (4 4-cup Ziploc containers cost less than $2)
resealable bags
for some items (e.g. oatmeal) you can re-use the original container
A key to bulk storage is labeling. Make sure all containers are air-tight and clearly labeled and dated. Bulk items have a long shelf life because they have been prepared with long-term storage in mind.
I've always wondered if bulk items are as fresh as packaged. In my experience bulk items have been very fresh--even raisins! You'd be amazed at all the things you can buy in bulk. Here's a partial list to get you thinking of the possibilities:
Baking:
flours
cornmeal
spices
chocolate, carob, peanut butter, butterscotch chips
raisins
sugars
Grains:
granola's
oats (regular, quick-cooking)
rice (all kinds)
cereals (all kinds)
Dried Fruits:
pineapple
apricots
raisins
papaya
bananas
apples
cranberries
prunes
dates
Beans:
split peas
navy beans
pinto beans
kidney beans
soy beans
soup blends
Pasta:
spaghetti
lasagna
elbow macaroni
egg noodles (all shapes and sizes)
Nuts:
peanuts
sunflower seeds
almonds (whole, slivered)
walnuts
Vegetables:
sun-dried tomatoes
peppers
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