Buying in Bulk

by Rachel Paxton - rachel@creativehomemaking.com

Shoppers have enjoyed the convenience of buying in bulk for a number of years. My own bulk buying experiences have been hit and miss at best, but I recently discovered just how convenient buying in bulk can be.

There are a number of advantages to buying in bulk:

- some items are available only in bulk
- you can choose the quantity
- bulk prices are usually less than packaged prices
- less packaging
- less additives and preservatives when you make your own meals and mixes
- more variety
- often healthy alternatives not always otherwise available

When you buy in bulk it's a good idea to get your cupboards in order. There are a number of ways you can store bulk items:

- recycled plastic containers and glass jars
- Rubbermaid or Ziploc containers (4 4-cup Ziploc containers cost less than $2)
- resealable bags
- for some items (e.g. oatmeal) you can re-use the original container

A key to bulk storage is labeling. Make sure all containers are air-tight and clearly labeled and dated. Bulk items have a long shelf life because they have been prepared with long-term storage in mind. For more bulk storage ideas see http://www.nursehealer.com/Storage.htm.

I've always wondered if bulk items are as fresh as packaged. In my experience bulk items have been very fresh--even raisins! You'd be amazed at all the things you can buy in bulk. Here's a partial list to get you thinking of the possibilities:

Baking:

- flours
- cornmeal
- spices
- chocolate, carob, peanut butter, butterscotch chips
- raisins
- sugars

Grains:

- granolas
- oats (regular, quick-cooking)
- rice (all kinds)
- cereals (all kinds)

Dried Fruits:

- pineapple
- apricots
- raisins
- papaya
- bananas
- apples
- cranberries
- prunes
- dates

Beans:

- split peas
- navy beans
- pinto beans
- kidney beans
- soy beans
- soup blends

Pasta:

- spaghetti
- lasagna
- elbow macaroni
- egg noodles (all shapes and sizes)

Nuts: - peanuts
- sunflower seeds
- almonds (whole, slivered)
- walnuts

Vegetables:

- sun-dried tomatoes
- peppers

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom who is the author of What's for Dinner?, an e-cookbook containing more than 250 quick easy dinner ideas. For recipes, tips to organize your home, home decorating, crafts, and frugal family fun, visit Creative Homemaking at and Suite 101. To subscribe to their monthly newsletter send a blank e-mail message to FreeRecipes-subscribe@egroups.com.