By Kimber Badertscher, Assistant Grocery Manager, Co-op Owner
Buying from the bulk section often comes with certain advantages. You can buy many non-perishable food items in bulk and can buy quantities of those foods that suit your usage. We think after learning about the advantages of buying foods in bulk, you’ll likely want to start shopping this way more often!
- Fewer Trips to the Grocery Store
If you want to save time, you can make fewer trips to the grocery store when you buy your foods in bulk. Instead of buying enough food to last you for a few days, you can buy food to last you for the entire month or longer. Buying in bulk can be especially good if you have a busy schedule and don’t have a lot of time to go shopping.
- Quantity Control
Buying from the bulk department allows you to get as little or as much of an item as you want or need. Do you need some walnuts for a recipe? Do you want to try a new tea? Do you make rice several times a week for dinner? Whether it’s a large or small quantity you need, bulk food can allow you to get the exact amount you’re going to use.
- Cost Savings
Buying the correct quantity for your household reduces food waste, that means you aren’t wasting money on food you don’t use. Because bulk foods don’t require as much packaging they are often a better value, this especially true of herbs and spices. Plus, you’ll save gas money by not having to go to the store as often!
- Better Meal Planning
When you buy frequently consumed foods in bulk, you’ll be able to plan your meals better. Always having basics on hand can save you from making spontaneous purchases of unhealthy foods or other items that you don’t need.
- Environmental Benefits
Reducing waste of both food and packaging helps lower carbon emissions. With fewer trips to the grocery store, you’ll also be reducing the number of air pollutants that your vehicle produces. If you really want to decrease the amount of packaging even more, you can bring your own containers and refill them indefinitely. Just have them weighed at the registers before filling them.
If you want to do something that’s good for yourself and the planet, you should consider making bulk food buying a regular part of your shopping routine. GreenTree Co-op has many products that can be purchased in bulk, and and there’s always the option to special order larger quantities from our other departments as well.