Co-op News | Summer Quarterly 2025
Buy What You Need
The True Economic and Environmental Value of Shopping in the Bulk Department
We’ve all done it… bought the giant bag of a “health food” or “pantry staple” we swore would save us money because we’d eat it every day. Maybe we enjoyed it twice, then either forced ourselves to finish it or shoved it to the back of the cupboard until years later when it got guiltily tossed during a deep clean.
What a waste of mental energy, money, food, and kitchen space.
Luckily, there’s a golden answer to this dilemma: shop the Co-op Bulk Department. Here you can buy as little or as much as you want from over 700 different items.
Buy Just What You Need
Curious about coconut flour? Buy the 1/3 cup you need for that recipe and see how you like it before committing to a 3-pound bag. Want to start meal-prepping chia pudding but not sure you’ll stick with it? Grab just a few tablespoons and build the habit without 5 pounds of chia seeds staring you down from the cupboard.
If you need more convincing, check out this price breakdown for some big-value items that don’t require big quantities:
|
Bulk Item |
Price per Pound |
Amount Purchased |
Actual Cost |
| Coconut Flour | $6.99/lb | 0.12 lb | $0.84 |
| Chia Seeds | $5.49/lb | 0.06 lb | $0.33 |
Explore Without the Risk
Shopping in bulk opens up possibilities. You can try ingredients you’ve never heard of, experiment with new spices, or test adventurous recipes—all at affordable prices. The barrier to entry practically disappears in the Bulk Department.
Bring Your Own Containers (BYO)
Another perk? You can cut down on packaging waste. While it’s not required to bring your own containers, you’re celebrated when you do! It eliminates the need for printing, packaging, and shipping of single-use bags and boxes.
Just remember two things if you BYO: containers need to be clean, and you need to know the tare weight (the container’s weight) before filling it.
Reduce Food Waste at Home
Buying only what you’ll actually use is a simple but powerful way to reduce food waste. That not only keeps food out of landfills and lowers greenhouse gases, but also honors the people who grew and harvested the food. It’s a beautiful, practical daily action that helps us all feel like we’re part of the good in the world.
When a Little Isn’t Enough
Of course, bulk isn’t just for small amounts. If you already love something and use it regularly, you can buy a 5- to 50-pound bag or a gallon jug of your favorite item. You’ll save money and reduce the need for multiple small packages.
That’s the beauty of bulk: it’s about buying what you need—no more, no less!
