Now that you know how to bulk shop, let's look at what you can buy in bulk. I have found the best way to transition to lowering my waste is, as I run out of an item I make the switch to bulk or homemade. I understand it depends where you live to what you can find in bulk in your area, but here are some tips and lists to help you get started bulk shopping in the various types of grocery stores. Bulk is also usually a lot cheaper than the same item packaged, so it can be not only an earth-friendly, but also a cost effective switch.
Regular Grocery Stores without Bulk Sections
Even in regular grocery stores you can find some items to buy in bulk. Shop the perimeters of the store, where most of the loose/bulk items can be found. Some counter staff may be reluctant to take your container, but they will hand you the item on a little piece of paper or plastic that they weighed it on and you can put in your own container from there. No biggie, just affix the price/scanner label they print to the outside of your container. You may also have to ask for a manager at checkout if the cashier doesn't know how to deduct TARE weights for items that you bag yourself like produce and olives.
The List
Produce- just stick to the loose produce and byo reusable cloth bags. Ask for TARE to be deducted. If they won't/can't TARE it, you can probably still get a bag credit for BYO. Most produce isn't that expensive by weight for your bag to make much of a difference either.
Deli Cheese-just ask to have it put in your own container after they weigh it.
Meat/fishcounter- just ask them to put it in your own glass container after they weigh it.
Milk- best-look for it in glass, it tastes so good and with the bottle refund is very cheap. California has Straus. Better-Otherwise buy milk cartons, as they are compostable or recyclable. Search herefor your local recycling info.
Olives/antipasti bar-just bring your own container. Ask for TARE to be deducted.
Baked goods- bagels, rolls, pastries a lot of times there are bulk bins and you can use your own bag. Or look for a paper bag, at least you can reuse it for composting or lunches.
Coffee- Lots of grocery stores have coffee bean grinder stations including Safeway, Trader Joe's, and Whole Foods. BYO bag or better glass jar with TARE weight.
Water- there are water refill stations at most grocery stores near the entrance or right outside. Just byo container and pay pennies compared to bottled water.
Grocery and Health food Stores with Bulk
You should be able to find most of these bulk staples at grocery stores with bulk sections like Whole Foods, Sprouts and smaller local health food stores.
The List
Dried beans-chickpeas, pinto, black and kidney beans, lentils. Don't worry, they are so easy to make yourself. Just pre-soak the night before. It's so worth it to avoid the BPA lined cans!
Rice
Dried Pasta
Quinoa
Cereals-granola, etc.
Rolled oats- great for a quick breakfast, and cookies (link to healthy cookie recipe coming soon)
Flour- all kinds, including gluten-free varieties
Cornmeal
Nuts, trail mixes and snack mixes
Dried fruit
Sugar
Coffee beans
Baking Soda
Pretzels
True Bulk Stores and Co-ops
These specialty items will likely only be available at stores with large bulk sections. Everything listed below is available at my local bulk mecca, Rainbow. Look for a good bulk store in your area, even if it's not that close-by, but is in driving distance. You can always make a monthly, quarterly or annual trip to these stores, as many zero wasters do to stock up on the staples. Maybe you have an errand in the city or are planning a fun day-trip.
The List
loose leaf tea (most traditional tea bags have some plastic in them, who knew?!)
spices
salt- all kinds from Himalayan to black (oddly no iodized table salt is available in bulk at Rainbow)
Olive oil/other oils
Soy sauce
Miso
Dried noodles (like ramen)
Fresh pasta- We love the porcini ravioli at Rainbow!
Energy bar bites (also available at Whole Foods)
Honey
Maple syrup
Molasses
Vinegar
Chocolate chips and candies
Nut butters
Coconut oil
Soup mixes, lentil mixes
Dog/cat food and treats
Personal care:
Laundry detergent-powder and liquid
Shampoo/Conditioner
Hand soap
Lotion
Castile soap
Essential oils-ask for refills at the beauty counter
Bath salts
Bentonite clay, arrowroot powder, henna
Advanced tip: Local specialty shops can be another great resource for package-free. Check out your local bakery, deli, cheese shop, butcher, candy store, and the like. They usually have extra-delicious items, which you can even taste test and you're supporting local businesses, win-win. They also tend to be very accommodating when you BYO containers. My local cheese shop was even cheaper than the supermarket and they were happy to put it in my container. For baked goods, you'd likely be better off making them yourself and with bulk ingredients you'll save even more. You can even buy pizza dough from some local pizzerias, or a bag of tortilla chips, salsa and guacamole from a taqueria. Think outside the box and you'll be surprised what you might find!
Happy bulk shopping!
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