Shop in Bulk and Save

Shopping in bulk is a great way to reduce the carbon-footprint (and the cost) of your grocery haul, but your first foray into the bulk section can be intimidating. We want everyone to feel comfortable and capable in all parts of our store, so we've developed a handy guide to get you started. Check out the video below.

In 2022, we sold over 400,000 pounds of bulk products. Everything from nuts and seeds to coffee and tea. Shopping in bulk saves money, packaging, and food waste. In this guide, we highlight some popular favorites and essentials for you to make the most of what shopping in bulk has to offer.

Coffee

Our coffee selection is truly magnificent. Find everything from light to extra dark roasts, single origin coffees, and decaf blends. Many of which are from a variety of local roasters like Hammerhead, Maniac, and Tony's. We also have excellent burr grinders available for use so you can dial in the perfect grind every time.

Spices

Spice is the secret to good flavor, and with hundreds of spices, herbs, and extracts to choose from, our collection is hard to beat. Buying pre-packaged spices off the shelf often means paying a premium, which makes bulk spices an enormous cost-saving strategy. Stock up on kitchen staples like salt, pepper, and oregano, and add in a few new spices to your cart each time you shop to expand your cabinet!

Grains

Grains count for nearly a third of all bulk sales, and are a staple of nearly every meal. The Co-op has several varieties of rice, oats, and a vast collection of whole grains for every meal of the day, from breakfast to dessert! Try a new type of rice every time you shop to find your favorite.

Nuts and Seeds

Build the perfect trail mix every time by buying your nuts and seeds in bulk, and save money along the way. Find just about every type of nut you can imagine, whether it's roasted or raw, salted or unsalted, and shelled or unshelled. Add bulk dried fruit and chocolate for a flavor-packed mix the kids will love.

And all the Rest

You've only just scratched the surface of our bulk section. We have a wide assortment of gluten-free flours, treats, baking chocolate, teas, and much much more waiting for you. Come take a look and discover something new.

Choosing Your Coffee Roast During the Annual Coffee Sale

Milk is being poured in a pattern on top of a latte.

How do you take your coffee? We talked with the owner of Hammerhead Coffee Roasters, Mitchell Steed, to learn about the differences between light, medium, and dark roast coffees.

The Community Food Co-op’s annual coffee sale is around the corner, September 17 and 18. Get 20% off all coffee including bulk, prepackaged bags, and coffee drinks. Use this opportunity to stock up on favorites, or to try something new from our community-owned store.

Light Roast

Roasted for a shorter period of time, light roast beans expand less during roasting. Your bag of light roast may seem smaller than a bag of dark roast because of bean size! Some roasters, like Hammerhead, sell their bags by weight not by volume. So, despite the look of the bag, you’re still getting the same amount of coffee beans as someone buying dark roast.

This roast is defined as more acidic, and those who move to light roast from dark roast often notice citrus notes. Defining a coffee's origin and tasting notes is easiest at this stage, so many single-origin brews are light roast.

Some argue light roast has the highest caffeine content because the caffeine dissolves along with the sugars during roasting, but the jury’s still out on that one.

If you like light roast, try…

Tony’s Coffee, Colombia Marco Fidel Lopez. Notes of orange blossom, vanilla, and melon.
Pachamama Coffee Farmers, Ethiopia. Notes of lemon, jasmine, and milk chocolate.
Tony’s Coffee, Ethiopia Bedhatu Jibicho. Notes of orange, pineapple, and grape.

Medium Roast

Roasted longer than a light roast, many say this roast is defined by sweet flavors such as vanilla. Medium roast is also the stage at which chocolate notes begin to shine.

However, "the coffee is only as good as the green." This means the origin of the coffee can determine the flavor and quality just as much as, if not more than, the roast.

Even without a definitive answer on caffeine levels by roast, medium roast is in the middle! If you’re concerned about caffeine level, consider a medium roast.

If you like medium roast, try…

Hammerhead Coffee Roasters, Stout. Lovely, balanced flavor that is perfect for drip coffee or French press.
Bellingham Coffee Roasters, Homebrew. Mellow sweetness accompanied by hints of chocolate.
Equal Exchange Fairly Traded Coffee, Mind, Body, and Soul. Smooth and creamy with chocolate notes.
Café Femenino, Peruvian. Notes of toasted caramel.

Dark Roast

Roasted for a long period of time, the beans expand much more during roasting. This means you’ll need a higher volume of dark roast beans as compared to light in order to drink the same amount of coffee.

This roast is often used for mixed origin coffees because the various flavors meld together as roasting goes on. Because of this, dark roast has a more consistent flavor than the other two.

Dark roast can be defined by a stronger, more bitter, and smoky flavor. This is great for pairing with cream and sugar. If you love diner coffee, this is your pick!

Some people argue dark roast has the highest caffeine to sugar ratio because caffeine does not evaporate as rapidly as the sugar during roasting. As stated previously, this is a heavily debated argument.

If you like dark roast, try…

Hammerhead Coffee Roasters, Velvet Elvis. Full-bodied, well-rounded, and ultra smooth for great drip or cold brew.
Moka Joe, Italiano. Bold, sweet, and intense.
Raven’s Brew Coffee, Double Dead. Double the caffeine with a rich, heavy body.

Not into brewing your own coffee? Head to our deli counters to order a nice latte or to pour yourself a drip — 20% off September 17 and 18!

Buy Bulk, Save Money, and Reduce Waste

bulk grocery foods noodles beans popcorn pretzels cinnamon sticks pistachions pencils vegetable oil jars granola raisins

As shoppers become increasingly waste-conscious, buying from the bulk section becomes more popular every year

Welcome to the Bulk Department

The bulk department is all about saving money, reducing waste, and being better stewards of our environment.

The Co-op takes our commitment to sustainability seriously. To ensure we are upholding our commitment we publish an annual report with the Sustainable Food Trade Association. The report, which is available on our website, includes measurable results toward achieving our sustainability goals and helps us learn where we are succeeding and areas in which we can improve.

Co-op shoppers embrace sustainability through enthusiasm for purchasing bulk goods

One of the simplest ways Co-op shoppers embrace sustainability is through enthusiasm for purchasing bulk goods.

Reasons to Buy Bulk

Buying bulk saves money. Bulk foods bypass the extra expenses inherent in individually packaged products. Packaging design, manufacturing, shipping, and production costs are eliminated when foods are shipped in plain, large- quantity containers, and those savings are passed along directly to the consumer.

Buying bulk reduces packaging waste. Bulk quantities eliminate the need for individually packaged items thereby saving an immense quantity of bottles, jars, cans, and paperboard.

Buying bulk reduces food waste. Buy only as much of any product as needed, from one teaspoon of spice up to a 50-pound bag of oats.

Buying bulk increases product freshness. Co-op bulk departments are extremely popular, thereby ensuring product turnover is rapid. Bulk containers are refilled throughout the day simply to keep up with shopper demand.

Bulk Department Selection

The Co-op offers products in our bulk department that can’t be found just anywhere!

Beyond the typical dry goods—flours, rice, grains, pasta, and nuts—the Co-op bulk department also carries bulk honey, tamari, oils, vinegars, maple syrup, agave, nut butters, loose leaf teas, various dried seaweeds, soup mixes, and plenty of tasty snack items like coconut date rolls, cheddar cheese sesame sticks, and dried mango slices.

In the wellness and mercantile departments, you can find bulk cleaning products, laundry detergent, shampoos, lotions, and liquid and bar soaps.

Come explore our bulk selection—you might be pleasantly surprised! If you’re looking for a hard-to-find ingredient, need a little something extra to flavor a dish, want to try a new spice to expand your culinary repertoire, or you just need some shampoo, the bulk section will almost certainly have something for you!

If you can’t find what you’re looking for—please ask!

We love to answer questions about bulk foods and products. If we don’t know the answer to your question we’ll always go out of our way to find an answer for you.

photo of bulk grains, nuts, spices, bar soap in various jars and containers

Buy Bulk! Save Money and Reduce Food and Packaging Waste

As Earth Day 2019 approaches, here's one simple way to celebrate: buy bulk and help reduce unnecessary packaging waste.

The Founding of Earth Day

U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson founded Earth Day as an environmental teach-in first held on April 22, 1970. As our beautiful planet takes another trip around the sun, our thoughts turn once again toward learning more ways to be good stewards of our homes, our community, and our planet.

Our Commitment to Sustainability

The Co-op takes its commitment to sustainability seriously and to ensure we are upholding our commitment we publish an annual report with the Sustainable Food Trade Association. The report, which is available on our website, includes measurable results toward achieving our sustainability goals and helps us learn where we are succeeding and areas in which we can improve.

Your Commitment to Sustainability

Co-op shoppers have also demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability. You are motivated to bring your own reusable shopping, bulk, and produce bags; you are avid users of public transportation (we are happy to be located adjacent to Bellingham’s two bus depots); you commute by bike; and you embrace purchasing local goods to reduce the negative effects of long-distance transportation and to support our local economy.

One of the simplest ways Co-op shoppers embrace sustainability is through your enthusiasm for purchasing bulk goods.

saving money, reducing waste, and being better stewards of our environment

The bulk department is all about saving money, reducing waste, and being better stewards of our environment.

Reasons to Buy Bulk

Buying bulk reduces packaging waste. Bulk quantities eliminate the need for individually packaged items thereby saving an immense quantity of bottles, jars, cans, and paperboard.

Buying bulk reduces food waste. Buy only as much of any product as needed, from one teaspoon of spice up to a 50-pound bag of oats.

Buying bulk is simple. Purchase a reusable container in the store or bring in your own clean container to refill. Simply remember to weigh your empty container (don't forget to include the lid), record the tare weight, write the 4-digit PLU number on the container, and fill with as little or as much product as you choose.

how to buy bulk soap at grocery store scale label

The Bulk Department Selection (and Beyond)

The Co-op offers products in its bulk department that can’t be found elsewhere.

Beyond the typical dry goods—flours, rice, grains, pasta, and nuts—the Co-op bulk department also carries bulk honey, tamari, oils, vinegars, maple syrup, agave, nut butters, loose leaf teas, various dried seaweeds, an wide array of spices, and plenty of tasty sweets and snack items.

In the household goods and personal care departments, you can find bulk cleaning products, laundry detergent, shampoos, lotions, and liquid and bar soaps.

Visit soon to explore our extensive bulk selection—you might be surprised. If you’re looking for a hard-to-find ingredient for a recipe, need a little something extra to flavor a dish, just want to try a new spice to expand your culinary repertoire, or maybe you just need some shampoo, it’s likely you’ll find what you need at the Co-op.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for—please ask!

We love to answer questions about bulk foods and products. If we don’t know the answer to your question we’ll go out of our way to find an answer for you. Co-op staff are happy to help and love to talk about food, cooking techniques, and favorite flavors.

Bulk Purchases in 2018

How popular is our bulk department? Turnover is rapid, because Co-op shoppers love to buy bulk! That rapid turnover ensures that the bulk products you purchase are fresh.

Oats: 45,039 pounds
Coffee: 46,613 pounds
Thompson Raisins: 7,591 pounds
Almonds (only almonds, including candy covered): 14,083 pounds
Anything containing almonds: 23,543 pounds
Quinoa: 4,613 pounds
Organic Black Peppercorns: 255 pounds

30% OFF Coffee Sale! One Day Only!

30% OFF all coffee items

bulk - packaged - espresso - coffee drinks

All locations. While supplies last.

Earth Day 20% OFF Bulk Sale!

Earth Day Sale!
20% OFF all bulk items. Includes items on sale, too!
Shop the bulk aisle, plus general merchandise like bulk dishwashing and cleaning products and body care (bulk shampoos, conditions, soaps, etc.)
Reduce your consumption of unnecessary packaging and stock your pantry with healthful whole foods.
Bring your refillable containers or buy one of ours and save it for future refills.
See you on Earth Day!

Facebook Event Page

Bulk Foods—Variety, Affordability, Quality

by Tim Flores, Downtown bulk department head

ingredients bulk foods popcorn pistachios jars m&m

Save money and reduce food and package waste when you buy bulk.

I love to work in the bulk food department for a variety of reasons.

I am passionate about quality whole foods, waste reduction, and shopping efficiently to save money.

Here in the bulk department, we’re all about savings and lessening our impact on the environment.

Buying bulk can help you save money and reduce food and package waste. Buying only what you need, at a good value, and reusing your packages cuts out the little inefficient costs that otherwise can start to add up to extra expense.

Another benefit of shopping bulk is product freshness. The Co-op bulk departments are very popular and that means product turnover is rapid. Bulk containers are refilled throughout the day just to keep up with demand.

Shopping bulk is simple. Our bulk departments offer reusable containers that can be refilled repeatedly. Even better, we love it when you bring in your own clean containers to refill. Just remember to weigh your empty container and record the tare weight, write the 4-digit PLU number on the container, and fill with as little or as much food as you want.

I am endlessly amazed at the quality of whole foods and spices the bulk department gets from around the world. At the Community Food Co-op, we are ever aware of what it takes to get all these amazing dried goods to our store, and we try to source the freshest, most ethically produced, and best organic goods available on the market. With this in mind, we always seek good prices to pass along to our community of shoppers. When you shop bulk, you are buying foods that are generally cheaper than the identical pre-packaged product on the shelf.

You can find things in the Co-op's bulk department that you just can’t find anywhere else.

Beyond the usual dry goods such as flours, rice, grains, and nuts, the Co-op bulk department also carries bulk honey, tamari, oils, vinegars, maple syrup, agave, nut butters, loose leaf teas, various dried seaweeds, and plenty of amazing sweets and snack items.

Visit to see what is available in our extensive bulk spice section—you might be surprised. If you’re looking for a hard to find ingredient for a recipe, need that little something extra to flavor a dish just so, or if you’re curious and just want to try new spices to grow your culinary repertoire, it’s likely we have what you need.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for—ask!

The Co-op specializes in customer service. There is always someone available in our stores who is happy to help. Bulk department managers (Tim–Downtown store and Michael–Cordata store) are great resources to find what is in stock or what might be available to order. We love to answer questions, and if we don’t know the answer to your question we’ll go out of our way to find an answer for you!

If your household eats a lot of certain staple foods, spices, teas, or coffees, you might consider placing a special order. Co-op member-owners can special order bulk products in case sizes for a 15 percent discount off the shelf price. Simply go to the service desk, ask what case sizes are available, pre-pay for your order, and return to pick it up when it arrives fresh from our suppliers. Case sizes range from as little as 1 pound for spices, up to 50 pounds for oats (one of our most popular bulk items), but the most common case size for bulk products is 25 pounds.

Bellingham and Whatcom County are amazing places to live and work, and the Co-op is proud to serve our community with two big and beautiful stores. While our stores serve different sides of town, and the layout of each store is different, we love to work together to make our product selection as linear as possible and provide a great selection in both bulk departments. But, if you can’t find what you need when shopping at either of our stores, check in with staff as it may be available at the other store.

Please come in often to discover what’s new in bulk.

I personally love to talk all things food, and I enjoy the opportunity to talk with you about cooking techniques, favorite flavors, or any odd question you might have about bulk foods or organic foods in general. So the next time you’re shopping, I invite you to stop by to chat and to discover what’s new in bulk.

Co-op Shoppers Love to Buy Bulk

In 2014, Co-op shoppers literally bought tons of bulk food!

Totals represent combined sales from both stores.

42,943 pounds
Oats—all varieties

38,869 pounds
Coffee Beans—all varieties

11,205 pounds
Thompson Raisins

18,497 pounds
Almonds—all varieties

2,289 pounds
Organic Quinoa, plain

267 pounds
Organic Black Peppercorns

Chia—Tiny but Mighty

by Dave Straub, Cordata produce department

Chia has the ideal balance of fatty acids we need for healthy joints, digestion, and brain function.

There is evidence that chia (pronounced ‘chee-ah’) was cultivated by the Aztec empire, rivaling corn in cultural and economic significance. These tiny seeds have a slight nutty flavor, are stunningly beautiful, and are versatile in nutrients and use.

I was first exposed to chia as a child in the form of an inane infomercial for Chia Pets. Luckily, this ancient superfood has regained some dignity since its debut sprouting green ‘hair’ on novelty terracotta statues. The past few years have seen an all-out chia revival, due partly to the constantly increasing demand for functional food with multiple health benefits.

Lauded for its high omega-3 content, chia has the ideal balance of fatty acids we need for healthy joints, digestion, and brain function.

It also contains all the essential amino acids needed for our bodies to use as a complete protein, making it a perfect ingredient for meal replacements and protein powders like Garden of Life Raw Meal found in your Co-op’s wellness department.

Other benefits include calcium, lots of fiber, and a variety of micronutrients.

Agriculture has kept up with our increase in chia consumption. Newly developed cultivars have increased production in the U.S. and abroad.

This is good news for fans of organic. Chia leaves produce a natural insect repellent and there are no major pests or diseases affecting chia crops, so organic farming comes naturally for the hearty chia plant.

I’ve been enjoying chia for years.

My pantry is never without a mason jar full of chia from the bulk department.

It is an easy option for adding nutrients and texture to my oatmeal or my favorite smoothie recipe. Today, chia is used in numerous products that you can find at the Co-op. I spent the last couple of weeks on a chi-adventure exploring the aisles and trying out everything I could find.

For breakfast I tried Qi'a Superfood from Nature’s Path Organic. Qi'a has only three ingredients; chia, hemp, and buckwheat. It is nutrient dense and filling. For a more decadent breakfast try Chia Plus gluten-free frozen waffles from Nature’s Path Organic.

GT’s Synergy Cherry Chia Kombucha is so good I’ve been drinking it every day. Chia seeds are hydrophilic, meaning they absorb twelve times their mass in water and develop a gel-like coating. When added to a drink such as kombucha, it takes on a pleasant jell-o like texture. (Side note: the gelatin quality of soaked chia also makes it an excellent egg replacement in baked goods.)

Hope you enjoy some chia soon, in whatever way you choose!

Shop in Bulk and Save

Coffee

Spices

Grains

Nuts and Seeds

And all the Rest

Choosing Your Coffee Roast During the Annual Coffee Sale

Light Roast

Medium Roast

Dark Roast

Buy Bulk, Save Money, and Reduce Waste

Welcome to the Bulk Department

Reasons to Buy Bulk

Bulk Department Selection

Buy Bulk! Save Money and Reduce Food and Packaging Waste

The Founding of Earth Day

Our Commitment to Sustainability

Your Commitment to Sustainability

Reasons to Buy Bulk

The Bulk Department Selection (and Beyond)

Bulk Purchases in 2018

30% OFF Coffee Sale! One Day Only!

Earth Day 20% OFF Bulk Sale!

Bulk Foods—Variety, Affordability, Quality

by Tim Flores, Downtown bulk department head

Co-op Shoppers Love to Buy Bulk

In 2014, Co-op shoppers literally bought tons of bulk food!

Chia—Tiny but Mighty

by Dave Straub, Cordata produce department

There is evidence that chia (pronounced ‘chee-ah’) was cultivated by the Aztec empire, rivaling corn in cultural and economic significance. These tiny seeds have a slight nutty flavor, are stunningly beautiful, and are versatile in nutrients and use.

Earth Day at the Co-op

What Do These Buzzwords Reveal About My Coffee?

Vendor Profile: Lundberg Family Farms

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