Bulk foods are food items offered in large quantities, which can be purchased in large, bulk lots or transferred from a bulk container into a smaller container for purchase. Bulk foods may be priced less compared to packaged foods because they are typically packaged in large generic bulk containers and packaging for grocery outlets, which utilizes lesser natural resources. Additionally, less packaging is congruent with the environmental conservation of natural resources and sustainability. One study found a 96% reduction in packaging used for bulk foods compared to packaged foods.
National Bulk Foods Week
A National Bulk Foods Week was designated between October 16–22, 2011 in ten U.S. states.
Products
Some commonly available bulk foods and products include:
Dry goods
Beans
Candy
Licorice
Cereals
Coffee
Cookies
Cornmeal
Dehydrated potatoes
Dried fruits
Dates
Dried kiwifruit
Grains
Bulgur
Flour
Oats
Pancake mix
Pasta
Dry Noodles
Popcorn
Rice
Whole grains
Granola
Herbs
Nuts
Peanuts
Pet food
Pretzels
Salt
Seasonings
Spices
Crystallized ginger
Sugar
Tea
Trail mix
Liquid and wet goods
Honey
Cooking oils
Fruit spreads
Olive oil
Maple syrup
Molasses
Peanut butter
Vinegar
Household goods
Dish detergent
Laundry detergent
Retailers
Notable retailers of bulk foods include: