Maybe you already use the bulk aisle to stock up or save money, but there’s lots of other things it can be helpful with.
I’m going to share with you some benefits of buying bulk AND some must haves for your pantry.
Here are a few of my favorite reasons to take a stroll down the bulk aisle:
It’s More Environmentally Friendly
If you have a goal to reduce single-use plastics and be more environmentally friendly this year, the bulk aisle is a great place to start. Shopping in the bulk aisle uses much less waste compared to buying the pre-packaged alternatives. All you need to store your bulk items is a bag or container. Most bulk aisles offer plastic bags, but the best practice is to bring your own instead. Bring some mason jars or other reusable containers to the store and put your bulk foods there. This way, you aren’t using single-use plastic packaging. Additionally, you only take however much of the ingredient you need, so you’ll be reducing your food waste as well.
You’ll Save Money
In the bulk aisle, you’re only paying for the weight that you decide to buy. This means that you can take only what you need, and therefore, you’ll be paying much less than purchasing a standard package size. Additionally, advertising and packaging items cost businesses quite a lot of money, so bulk items tend to cost much less per unit compared to the same things in a package. Many foods in the bulk aisle are no-brand alternatives, and while you may have a preference for a specific cereal or trail mix brand, other items such as beans, nuts, and seeds don’t differ much. You’ll be paying much less for the no-brand version than the same food with a fancy brand attached to it. If you’re using your own container, make sure to weigh it before putting in any items, or you may get charged for the extra weight.
You Can Test Out New Foods
Taking as little as you need means that you can experiment with foods that you’ve never tried before. You can buy a sample of some new ingredients without having to commit to an entire package of an item that you may not end up liking. For example, you can get a small scoop of some flavored nuts or try out a different type of flour. You can also get yourself a few treats without having to go overboard.
The Ingredients are Clean
Bulk items sell out fast, so the supermarkets are continually replenishing their stock. You can be assured that the food you’re buying in the bulk aisle is fresh. Not only this, but you can see the ingredient list and nutritional value clearly on the bins so you know exactly what you’re eating. Items like spices and coffee are much fresher than their packaged equivalents, which contain many additives and preservatives to increase their shelf life. In some cases, you can clearly taste the difference in quality. You can also find organic of many options, sometimes even easier than packaged options.
So what should we keep in the pantry to maximize our ability to meal plan and cater to our cooking needs? Let's chat about some of the best staples to keep on hand and some of these you can buy bulk!
1) Grains and legumes can be an excellent base for many recipes and are always very filling. These also come in handy when you're serving a crowd. Things that I like to keep on hand:
Pasta -whole-grain or gluten-free pasta
Black beans
Chick peas
Lentils
Brown rice
Quinoa
Oats
Couscous
2) An array of canned goods or jars. Tomatoes, beans, corn, beets, pumpkin, peas -- the list goes on. Whatever you and your household enjoys, keep a few stored away in the pantry. You never know when you'll need it. Shelf-stable vegetables are a good way to keep costs down while enjoying produce during cooler months. Anything you'd add to a delicious vegetable soup can be stored in the pantry, and you have a quick meal always on deck.
3) Condiments and seasonings. One of the more time-consuming and expensive pantry shelves to stock is the one that holds everything that makes a recipe pop. Seasonings, spices, oils, vinegar, ghee, nut butter, and sauces. It can take time to figure out what flavor profiles you most enjoy and what you use most often, but as you continue to cook, this collection will become unique to you.
4) Snacks and extras. These are going to be things that may be considered snacks or drinks. Top picks are dried fruits and nuts, popcorn and crackers, cocoa powder, loose tea, and anything else that you might crave in a pinch.
When it comes to keeping a stocked pantry, knowing what you have at any given time is essential. Keep a list or you can download an app such as Pantry Check to help you peek into your pantry wherever you are.
It may take a bit to find a system that allows for keeping a stocked pantry, but after you've enjoyed the ease of this method, and buying things in bulk you will never go back to daily or weekly staple grocery runs.
Ready to try some new recipes?
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