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.

Dear Nutritionist: Whole Grain, No Pain

by Lisa Samuel, Co-op News contributor

Lisa Samuel nutritionist cutting mushrooms on cutting board in kitchen with vegetables

Dear Nutritionist: I know whole grains are good for me, but I haven’t tried anything other than brown rice and quinoa. I’m bored with those choices. Can you help?

Dear Member: Whole grains are good sources of carbohydrates, and carbohydrates provide energy for your body and brain—energy to help keep you running full steam ahead all day long! Whole grains are naturally full of fiber and nutrients, and eating whole grains has been associated with reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and obesity.

Whole grains can be found in a variety of textures and flavors, adding to the pure enjoyment of eating. When we think of grains, we typically think of wheat. There are many varieties of wheat, including spelt, emmer, farro, einkorn, kamut, durum, and forms such as bulgur, cracked wheat, and wheat berries. But there are also many different types of grains besides wheat, including amaranth, barley, buckwheat, corn (including whole cornmeal and popcorn), millet, oats (including oatmeal), quinoa, rice, rye, sorghum, teff, triticale, and wild rice.

Buying grains from the bulk bins can be a great way to experiment. Just buy a small amount of a grain and then see if you like it.

To get you started, see Lisa's recipe for a Spring Lamb Stew with Farro.

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