Everyone needs to grocery shop – but there are still ways to be sustainable while doing so! One of the best recommendations to reduce waste while grocery shopping is to shop the bulk bins. Bulk bins are available in many grocery stores and speciality shops, offering a variety of products from grains and nuts to spices and snacks without the packaging. It is super fun to wander around the aisles of loose food! If you’re new to bulk shopping or are looking to refine your approach, this guide will walk you through the process and teach you how to shop the bulk bins in the most eco-friendly way possible.
Why Should You Shop in the Bulk Bins?
There are plenty of reasons why you should choose to shop the bulk bins if you have access to them in your area. The top ones:
- Reduces Waste: Bulk bin shopping dramatically cuts down on single-use packaging, which is a major contributor to landfill waste.
- Saves Money: By purchasing only what you need, you avoid the premium prices often attached to packaging and branding. In addition, this helps reduce food waste in your kitchen.
- Variety and Customization: You can buy as little or as much as you need, which is excellent for trying new things without committing to a large quantity. It is a great way to stock up on pantry staples such as grains, nuts, and beans as well.
How to Prepare Before You Go to the Store
Before you head to the store, it is important to do some prep work. First, make a shopping list of exactly what you need. If you are new to the store, see if they have a listing of what can be purchased in bulk (and look in advance if there are any coupons or discounts too). Next, prepare your containers. Most bulk stores supply plastic bags, but it is easy to avoid that by either using reusable bags (affiliate link) or bringing jars for storage. Make sure you have plenty of bags and your containers are clean and dry!
How to Shop in Bulk:
Once you are at the store, follow these steps:
- Weigh your containers: If your store requires it, have your empty containers weighed and marked with the tare weight. This weight is subtracted from the total weight at checkout so you don’t pay for the weight of the container. For bags, they are typically light enough to not impact price per weight.
- Fill your containers: Use the scoops or tongs provided to fill your containers with the desired amount. Be a respectful shopper and don’t mix items from different bins, touch things with your bare hands, etc.
- Label your containers: Write down the PLU codes on your containers for each item or on a separate piece of paper. Some people prefer to take pictures of the product codes with their smartphones or write out the PLU numbers in their notes app.
- Checkout: At checkout, present your containers and codes to the cashier. They will subtract the tare weight and charge you for the product only.
- Head on home: Ta-da! You just succussfully shopped in the bulk section. Once you get home, transfer items to their proper containers to keep everything fresh and extend their shelf life.
The BEST Bulk Shopping Tips!
Start small: If you’re new to bulk buying, start with non-perishable items like rice or beans that you know how to store and use.
Keep an eye on freshness: Make sure the bins are clean and the products are fresh. Avoid bins that look neglected or have stale odors.
Be mindful of allergies: If you (or someone in your household) has a severe allergy, take extra caution with bulk bins. While most people are respectful shoppers, cross-contamination is possible.
Try out a lot of stores: Especially at the beginning, explore all the stores in your area that have bulk sections. You may find that certain products or options are better in different shops. If you don’t have access to bulk, there are still ways to reduce your impact at the grocery store!
Bulk bin shopping is an effective way to enhance your sustainable living practices. It reduces waste, allows for customization in quantity and variety, and often results in fresher, cheaper goods. Plus, it is so much fun to shop in this section of the grocery store! With the tips in this guide, you can easily embrace this sustainable way of shopping. What do you buy in the bulk bins??
Love,
Jenna ♥
I appreciate you sharing your advice! The bulk bins can be a little overwhelming, so having this information is so handy. Thank you <3