A Master’s Guide to Shopping the Bulk Aisle

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With hundreds of items to choose from, including herbs, oils, whole grains and baking supplies, the bulk aisle is often the most heavily trafficked area in our stores – and for good reason!

In honor of our One-day Bulk Sale on November 14, our bulk aisle experts have pulled together a list of tips and advice to both maximize savings and minimize packaging waste:

  1. Determine what you need before you go – It can be tempting to grab everything and anything that looks appetizing from the aisle (and so many items are delicious), but determining which items you need and in what quantities you need them beforehand can help you avoid wasting food and buying more than you need.
  2. Bring your own containers – Reduce packaging waste and ensure maximum freshness by bringing your own containers. Remember to bring your empty containers to a register so our helpful staff can weigh them before you shop. That helps ensure that you are only charged for the containers’ contents. If you use the same container often, you can write its weight in permanent marker at the bottom to save you time at the register.
    Master tip: Thrift stores are a great place to pick up jars and containers for a low price.
  1. Try something new – The great thing about the bulk aisle is that you can buy as much, or as little, as you like! When you visit the bulk aisle, it’s a fun opportunity to try a new, healthy food that you’ve wanted to try, such as millet, sesame sticks or wasabi peas. Purchasing smaller amounts of new items in bulk minimizes food (and money) waste so you can try them before getting larger quantities.
    Master tip: Our bulk aisle is staffed with team members who are helpful, can offer suggestions and provide taste tests.
  1. Expiration dates – Many bulk items do not have an expiration date, while others are labeled explicitly. For those that do not, make note of the date purchased on your label so that you don’t forget once it gets to your pantry.
  2. Make a bulk station – Set aside a shelf or two in your pantry or cupboard to store bulk items, where they are easily visible and accessible.