Shopping the Bulk Foods Aisle: Why You Should Bother

YumSugar

Source: Shopping the Bulk Foods Aisle: Why You Should Bother

If you're not yet acquainted with your supermarket's bulk aisle, there's no time like the present. Assuming your market has high turnover, bulk items are generally fresher, more economical - particularly when you need just a bit of an ingredient - and allow for eco-friendly shopping as they reduce and can even eliminate disposable packaging from the equation. Add to that the variety of snacks, staples, and even spices on offer in some stores, and it's no wonder many swear by this section. But before we get carried away, keep these tips in mind:


  • Stock up on storage containers: Transfer your newly bought loot to a sturdy storage container - whether it be a pop-top container

    for grains, nuts, dried fruit, and the like, or small jars for spices - to avoid a pile up of flimsy plastic bags, and an organizational headache. That said, if you're planning to use up the contents of your purchase within a few days, don't sweat it.

  • Don't get too carried away: It's easy to get excited by the plethora of options on offer, snapping up a bit of this and a bit of that, but keep in mind that like a buffet, the bulk aisle's variety can lead to overconsumption, overspending, and even waste. Buy what you think you'll use in a few weeks (longer if you're shopping for spices, oils, or vinegars), unless you're shopping somewhere unusual, and don't think you'll find the ingredient elsewhere. You can always come back for more!


More from POPSUGAR Food: 6 Grilled Cheese Stars That Aren't Cheddar

  • Think outside the box - or bag, rather: Not only is the bulk aisle a great place to stock up on the usual suspects like grains, nuts, snack mixes, and dried fruit, but some markets also offer up freshly-ground nut butters, spices, dried pasta, oils, and vinegars, making for a near one-stop shop.

  • Try making your own trail or snack mix: Ditch the overpriced pre-bagged trail mix and concoct your own blend using your favorite ingredients - no filler ingredients need apply - with a little help from the bulk bins of course. Try combining nuts, seeds, dried fruit, crackers, yogurt-covered pretzels, even crystallized ginger for a truly custom blend.



Related Content:
Cute Bottle Carriers For Your Favorite Picnic Sips
4 Major Uses For a Mason Jar
A Guide to Buying and Storing Nuts and Seeds