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Adventures in Bulk Foods: 31 Things to Buy in the Bulk Bins

By Angela Russell Updated

Bulk food bins at the grocery store

Bulk food bins

One October, I spent every day of the month exploring a different item from the bulk foods section of my grocery store (WinCo Foods, in my case). It was a fun challenge and opened my eyes to just how much you can save, and how many interesting ingredients are hiding in those bins.

Why Shop the Bulk Bins?

  • You buy exactly what you need. Need two tablespoons of a spice for one recipe? Buy two tablespoons.
  • Lower prices. Without fancy packaging and branding, bulk items are often much cheaper per pound.
  • Less waste. Bring your own containers where allowed and skip the packaging.
  • Try new things cheaply. Curious about millet or spelt flour? Buy a small scoop to test it.

The 31 Items I Explored

Pantry staples

  1. Steel-cut oats
  2. Lentils
  3. Basmati rice
  4. Couscous
  5. Millet
  6. Spelt flour
  7. Wheat germ
  8. Breadcrumbs
  9. Baking soda

Beans and legumes

  1. Dried beans (great for soups, chili, and fall décor!)
  2. Lentil and split pea soup bases
  3. Hummus mix
  4. Falafel mix

Spices and sweeteners

  1. Cinnamon sticks and whole cloves
  2. Curry powder
  3. Honey
  4. Piloncillo (Mexican unrefined cane sugar)

Snacks and treats

  1. Popcorn kernels (far cheaper than microwave bags)
  2. Dried blueberries
  3. Dried apricots
  4. Dried figs
  5. Almond butter
  6. Milk chocolate
  7. Caramels
  8. Decorating candies and sprinkles
  9. Chow mein noodles

Mixes and convenience items

  1. Brownie mix
  2. Pancake mix
  3. Chicken tortilla soup mix
  4. Cheese ravioli (some stores carry it in bulk freezer cases)

Non-food

  1. Bird seed, plus flour and salt for kids' salt-dough craft projects

Tips for Shopping the Bulk Section

  • Compare unit prices. Bulk is usually cheaper, but not always, so check the price per pound against packaged versions, especially when they're on sale.
  • Write down the PLU or bin number on your bag's twist tie or label to speed up checkout.
  • Store items airtight. Mason jars and reusable containers keep bulk goods fresh and pests out.
  • Label everything with the item name and date.
  • Watch for allergens. Scoops can be shared between bins, so be cautious if you have severe allergies.

Looking for a project to use your bulk ingredients? Try our soup mixes in jars, which make great gifts.

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