Shoppers have enjoyed the convenience of buying in bulk for a number of years. My own bulk buying experiences have been hit and miss at best, but I recently discovered just how convenient buying in bulk can be.

There are a number of advantages to buying in bulk:
- some items are available only in bulk
- you can choose the quantity
- bulk prices are usually less than packaged prices
- less packaging
- less additives and preservatives when you make your own meals and mixes
- more variety
- often healthy alternatives not always otherwise available

When you buy in bulk it’s a good idea to get your cupboards in order. There are a number of ways you can store bulk items:

- recycled plastic containers and glass jars
- Rubbermaid or Ziploc containers (4 4-cup Ziploc containers cost less than $2)
- resealable bags
- for some items (e.g. oatmeal) you can re-use the original container

A key to bulk storage is labeling. Make sure all containers are air-tight and clearly labeled and dated. Bulk items have a long shelf life because they have been prepared with long-term storage in mind.

I’ve always wondered if bulk items are as fresh as packaged. In my experience bulk items have been very fresh–even raisins! You’d be amazed at all the things you can buy in bulk. Here’s a partial list to get you thinking of the possibilities:

Baking:
- flours
- cornmeal
- spices
- chocolate, carob, peanut butter, butterscotch chips
- raisins
- sugars

Grains:
- granolas
- oats (regular, quick-cooking)
- rice (all kinds)
- cereals (all kinds)

Dried Fruits:
- pineapple
- apricots
- raisins
- papaya
- bananas
- apples
- cranberries
- prunes
- dates

Beans:
- split peas
- navy beans
- pinto beans
- kidney beans
- soy beans
- soup blends

Pasta:
- spaghetti
- lasagna
- elbow macaroni
- egg noodles (all shapes and sizes)

Nuts:
- peanuts
- sunflower seeds
- almonds (whole, slivered)
- walnuts

Vegetables:
- sun-dried tomatoes
- peppers

Article by:

Originally published at Suite 101. Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom who is the author of What’s for Dinner?, an e-cookbook containing more than 250 quick easy dinner ideas. For recipes, tips to organize your home, home decorating, crafts, holiday hints, and more, visit Creative Homemaking at www.creativehomemaking.com.

Last 5 posts by Rachel Paxton

• Eight Time-Saving Cooking Tips - October 6th, 2008
• Scheduling Quiet Time - September 20th, 2008
• The Heart of a Humble Parent - September 20th, 2008
• A Child Can Make a Difference - September 20th, 2008
• Time Management for Kids - September 20th, 2008

This is a Free Reprint Article

You are welcome to publish this article on your website, blog, ezine (free of cost) as long as the author's resource information remains intact and all links remain live and clickable. This article may be published offline in print, provided the author's name and full link to the author's website are both included. Copyright is reserved by author. Read our full Terms of Service.