Buying in bulk
Our extensive bulk department is one thing that sets PCC apart from other grocers. It's where you'll find floor-to-ceiling shelves of a wide variety of foods — freshly-ground nut butters, rice and grains, beans, herbs, spices, dried fruit, baking supplies, oils and more.
And since bulk foods usually are less expensive than their packaged counterparts, buying in bulk can help you cook and eat well on a budget. You can get just as much as you need and avoid leftovers that might go to waste in your pantry. Need a cup of sugar? A few scoops of black beans? Enough flour to make only one cake? Buy in bulk!
Beyond the basics, you may even be inspired to experiment with lesser-known ingredients such as buckwheat flour, adzuki beans, and wildflower honey. Use all bulk ingredients in this Homemade Wholegrain, Nuts, Seeds and Fruits Granola, or liven up a meal with this Hazelnut Barley Pilaf.
Search for products — as well as nutrition information and cooking directions — in our handy bulk database and use these tips to make the most of your shopping:
- Buy bulk when you need only small amounts of organic herbs and spices. You'll get the freshest quality and avoid paying for an entire jar.
- Try buying maple syrup, soy sauce, nut butters (peanut and almond) and cooking oil in bulk — that way you'll avoid large containers that go rancid quickly and take up space in your fridge.
- Buy your shampoo, liquid soaps and bath salts in bulk — you'll find a wide variety in PCC stores, in the health and body section or sometimes in the bulk food section.
- Limit processed and packaged foods you buy and cook them yourself with organic ingredients from bulk. Make your own trail mix or granola, or sample different flours in your next batch of pancakes or muffins.
The bountiful selection of beans, pastas, and whole grains can be the foundations of many quick, nutritious meals and are cheaper than the canned and packaged varieties. Instead of using canned beans, try cooking your own garbanzos instead to make a big bowl of fresh hummus, or make this Baked Whole Grain Fruity Custard for a healthy, sweet to end a meal.