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I only buy a few bulk things from Whole Foods - mostly dried beans or popcorn. I've gotten away from anything that's in the open bins where people can put their hands. Seen unhygienic behavior one too many times!
Well I always figure if it's something I'm going to cook it that will kill any germs.
I couldn't get past seeing someone use their hands to enthusiastically scoop out the last of some pumpkin seeds out of the bin at Whole Foods - I finally had to say something, and I'm very non confrontational usually!. Don't even get me started on the bulk chocolate and candy. But rice, dried beans, flour, etc. is probably fine.
I couldn't get past seeing someone use their hands to enthusiastically scoop out the last of some pumpkin seeds out of the bin at Whole Foods - I finally had to say something, and I'm very non confrontational usually!. Don't even get me started on the bulk chocolate and candy. But rice, dried beans, flour, etc. is probably fine.
Fresh Market has some bulk offerings. I've never tried bringing my own container, but maybe they would be okay with it?
They have very limited bulk food since they remodeled - nuts, candy and a few snacks (peanut butter filled pretzels, sesame sticks). Prices are pretty high. On the plus side they only have the bins that pour, so no one can put their hands in the food.
Hey, original poster here, I live in San Francisco at the moment and we have a really large co-op (called Rainbow) where you can get all sorts of things in bulk that I'd never seen before - coconut oil, olive oil, miso paste, chocolate covered nuts, vinegar, shampoo, dish soap, maple syrup, and the list goes on and on.
I'm a bit spoiled and I save money by just buying what I need.
I am moving back to NC in June and would love to be able to find half of these items in bulk. Aside from saving money, reusing bottles makes me feel better about not contributing to the landfills. I'm really hoping to work with some local co-ops in NC to see if they would have interest in selling more items in bulk!
Let's see, I know at Weaver Street the only liquids they sell in bulk are honey, filtered water, and peanut butter and almond butter (the last two are not liquids, but potentially messy). I know I have read about places you could get soap in bulk, but I don't think I've seen it locally. I don't know that you would have enough turnover in the other liquids on your list, but maybe. Worth asking about.
You can definitely get your chocolate covered nuts and plenty of other candies, granola, chunks of energy, etc. You might look into the farmer's markets for some of your needs too. There are some folks that make some nice local soaps.
There's a campy little video at the bottom of this page (How to Buy in Bulk - Weaver Street Market) that gives you an idea of some of the things available in the Weaver Street bulk bins. They have plastic and paper bags available for you as well as some plastic containers, but you are more than welcome to bring your own container. Just get the TARE weight up front from a cashier before you fill up. I have some big glass storage jars I use for flour and when I remember I bring them in.
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But rice, dried beans, flour, etc. is probably fine.
