Happy Kids, Inc: Is It Worth It: Buying Bulk Foods

Hi and welcome to another installment of "Is It Worth It?". Last week, we brought you a comparison of homemade vs. store bought laundry detergent. You can read that article here.

Today, I'm reviewing bulk foods vs. packaged foods. When I speak of bulk foods, I refer to those big, often unchartered tubs of dry goods that are becoming more popular in grocery stores. They are a mainstay in markets like Whole Foods, but are becoming more popular elsewhere. They are most often found in the natural foods section of grocery stores.

The foods offered are dry, non-perishable items like flours, sugars, nuts, cereals, granola, oats, spices, pastas, salts, and dried fruits. You select what you would like to purchases and use provided bags (or bring your own) to hold what you're buying. You use a twist tie to secure the product and mark the tie with the PLU code. Bins are clearly marked with the price, usually per pound.

So, is it worth the trouble? I couldn't possibly price compare every product available. I chose two to use as examples: organic popcorn and sea salt.

I prefer to buy organic bulk popcorn. Organic popcorn is not genetically modified. I have a great Whirly-Pop stove top popcorn popper that I love because I can use healthier oil and my own blend of spices to pop the corn. Here is the breakdown:

1. Bulk Organic Popcorn

--Price per pound, $1.99

Pros: Less packaging, buy the exact amount you need, organic

Cons: Need to invest in a container to store at home

2. Pre-Packaged Organic Popcorn, JollyTime.

--12 ounce package, $2.39

Pros: Packaged and ready to go, organic

Cons: Excess packaging, pre-portioned weight

Conclusion: Buy in bulk!

1. Bulk Sea Salt.

--Price per pound, .29 cents

Pros: Buy exactly what you need, easily refill a salt shaker you already have, inexpensive

Cons: Messy to fill, takes time

2. Morton's Sea Salt.

--20 ounce container, $2.69

Pros: Packaged and ready to go, easily refill a shaker you already have, widely available

Cons: Expensive

Conclusion: Buy in bulk! The savings are very significant here.

So, I can't say this will be the case for all bulk foods. But look for sales. In particular, if you are buying specialty items like gluten free foods, organics, and the like, you will definitely save with bulk foods.