Tips for buying bulk foods
Do you want to cut your grocery bill but keep your pantry filled with healthy food? If so, it’s time to start buying in bulk. Jennifer Fabe, Amy Pender and Laura Collins, registered dietitians from Full Spectrum Nutrition in Burlington, Ont., have the lowdown on your best buys and how long they’ll keep.
Best bulk-buying tips
When choosing foods to buy in bulk, the first thing you need to determine is how often you use the item. Secondly, you want to make sure you’re saving yourself some money. “Many supermarkets will offer a cost per gram or cost per 100 mL to help you determine if purchasing a larger quantity is indeed cheaper,” says Fabe.
Since foods sold in bulk form aren’t generally as processed as packaged goods, you’ll also be cooking with fewer preservatives and additives. And Pender thinks you should let your inner Julia Child be inspired by the larger quantities: “Buying in bulk can also mean you can cook in bulk. Advanced preparation and freezing of meals is a great way to assure that your family will have well balanced meals.”
1. Grains
Go crazy in the grains section, filling your cart with rice, barley, bulgur, quinoa and more.
“Generally, grains bought in bulk are much less expensive than their prepackaged counterparts,” offers Fabe. When choosing how to store your bounty, take care to note whether your grains are milled or unmilled.
“Milled grains will keep better in a tightly sealed container in a dark cupboard for up to six months,” says Pender. “Since unmilled grains contain some oil, it’s best to store them in the freezer to avoid oxidization of the oil at room temperature.”
2. Canned vegetables
Don’t have time to run to the farmer’s market? Don’t worry. Just stock your pantry with canned versions of your favourite vegetables.
“Canned veggies are often harvested during the peak of their season, therefore providing a great nutritious alternative to fresh vegetables,” says Collins.
Canned vegetables will keep in your pantry for about a year when kept cooler than 24C. But beware of that dust that collects on your stored cans. “The Canadian Food Inspection Agency does suggest that you wash the top of the can prior to opening, to avoid dirt from falling into the food,” says Fabe.
Another thing to avoid: cans with large dents, bulges or ones that have started to brown at the seams.
