June 3rd, 2016

6 Reasons to Buy in Bulk

Bulk bins have been a staple at the Ashland Food Co-op since we opened our doors in 1972. For good reason too, buying in bulk is better. Better for your pocket book, better for the environment, and better for your belly. Here’s why.

6 Reasons to Buy in Bulk

  1. It's fresh! Our bulk bins are filled up, rotated and cleaned on a regular basis, giving our customers extremely fresh bulk goods.
     
  2. You save money. The average savings in the bulk department is around 30%, compared to their prepackaged counterparts. Quinoa rings in at a whopping 73%, and black beans ring in at 80% savings.
     
  3. Less trash. Bulk allows you to reduce your footprint by eliminating packaging. Simply buy some ball jars, or save jars from purchased items like peanut butter. Then, weigh your container(s) on the bulk scale; write down the weight, and voila! You are ready to buy your heart out in bulk.
     
  4. It tastes better. The turnover in our bulk department is remarkable and it shows in the flavor. Try our bulk black beans and tell us if they aren't the best you've ever tasted (don’t forget to cook them first!).
     
  5. Be adventurous! Bulk buying allows you to try a little or a lot of a new food. It’s the perfect opportunity to test out that weird grain everyone is talking about (yes kee-NO-ah, we’re looking at you).
     
  6. Quality. Our bulk department houses the highest quality ingredients we can source. We take great pride in our bulk department, and hope you make it part of your weekly shop.

Sometimes the Bulk Department can be intimidating. Don’t be afraid to ask our friendly Staff about the many foods available or the process of bulk-product purchasing. To help you get inspired on your bulk buying journey, here's one of our favorite recipes that utilizes popular bulk pantry staples. 

 

More Co-op News

May 24th, 2023

Bicycle Benefits

Do you love to bike? Do you love to save money? Do you love the Co-op? Let us tell you about this awesome program at the Ashland Food Co-op! We all know biking is great for the environment and by joining Bicycle Benefits you'll be doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint, all while enjoying some pretty sweet perks.

So, what exactly is Bicycle Benefits? It's a program that rewards cyclists for their pedal power! Here's how it works:

1. Stop by the Co-op and buy your $5 Bicycle Benefits sticker

May 1st, 2023

May 2023 Change for Good Partner: Talent Maker City

Talent Maker City's mission is to build a more connected, prosperous, and resilient community through hands-on creativity and innovative STEAM-based learning. (STEAM = Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math.) They have a bustling Makerspace facility, brimming with creative energy in downtown Talent offering hands-on STEAM-based workshops and programming for curious minds of all ages!

April 25th, 2023

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo

We're always learning and growing here at the Co-op and with the approach of Cinco de Mayo we thought we would share a (very) brief history lesson and some thoughts on celebrating this holiday here in the United States.

February 6th, 2023

February's Change for Good partner: OHRA

 

OHRA logo

OHRA helps low-income people build better lives through access to social service resources. By helping
people move from crisis to stability, OHRA builds more capable individuals, stronger families, and a
better community. We have three core programs:

November 22nd, 2022

December Change for Good Partner: Rogue Action Center

December's Change for Good Partner is

Rogue Action Center

Rogue Action Center

The Rogue Action Center (RAC) builds organizing infrastructure, leaders, and community power for a just, inclusive, and sustainable Southern Oregon for everyone.

August 26th, 2022

September Change for Good Partner: Truth to Power

September's Change for Good Partner is

Truth to Power

Truth to Power

Truth to Power cultivates teen activism and community participation through social justice podcasts and transformative projects.