Looking to cut costs without cutting quality? The bulk aisle might be your new best friend. It's a smart, practical way to save money on everyday pantry essentials—if you do it right. Here's how you can make the most of bulk buying without falling into common traps.
Why Buying Bulk Saves You Money
When you buy from the bins in the bulk food aisle, you're purchasing more for less. Grocery stores often offer a lower price per pound in the bulk bins, compared to their branded and packaged counterpart. For example, paying $2.99 for a 14 oz. package of Organic Black Beans is $3.42 per lb—more expensive than the bulk bin at $2.14 for USA-grown Organic Black Beans. This is because the branding and packaging costs get added to the price of a bag of beans.
Bonus: better quality products, purchase the amount you really need = less food waste and healthier meals.
What to Buy in Bulk
Not everything is bulk-friendly. Focus on high-quality Organic pantry staples and things you use regularly. Some top choices:
- Pantry staples: rice, beans, grains, flours, nuts & seeds
- Specialty things: chocolate, pasta, dried fruit, granola, trail mixes, snacks, spices
- Sweeteners: honey, cane sugar, powdered sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, agave nectar, coconut sugar
- Oils and vinegars: olive oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, coconut oil, red & white wine vinegars, balsamic vinegar
Best Places to Bulk Buy
You don’t need to stick to one store—each option has perks:
- Local food coops: are community-owned, focused on quality, robust bulk aisle
- Natural food retailers: are convenient, solid bulk aisle, promotional deals
- Local grocery stores: offer some bulk bins for grains, nuts and snacks
- Farmers’ markets: are great for seasonal produce, and might offer some bulk pantry items
Tips for Smart Bulk Shopping
To truly save money (and avoid waste), keep these tips in mind:
- Make a list—and stick to it
- Bring in your own containers to refill (see How to Shop Bulk)
- Compare unit prices to confirm you're actually saving
- Set up a pantry cabinet or shelf and identify the products that belong there
- Only buy what you’ll use before it expires
- Store items properly (use airtight containers or a chest freezer)
- Split larger volume bulk items with friends or family (25 lb bags or boxes)
- Track what you use often so you know when to stock up
When Bulk Buying Doesn’t Work
Bulk buying isn’t always a win. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Buying perishables that spoil before you use them
- Stocking up on stuff you rarely use
- Not enough storage space at home
- Going over budget just to “save”
- Letting great deals tempt you into impulse buys
Bonus: It’s Better for the Planet
Less packaging means less waste. Buying from the bulk aisle often reduces your carbon footprint, especially if you're avoiding single-use plastic and over-packaged products. Our products are grown regionally when possible and also Organic. So this helps the environment too.
Final Thoughts
Shopping the bulk food aisle is all about buying smarter, not just more. Done right, it can lower your grocery bills, cut down trips to the store, and even help the environment. It can motivate you to learn where your food comes from and even increase your confidence in cooking.
So next time you're shopping, take some time in the bulk aisle with all those bulk bins —but plan wisely.