There is sometimes a bulk food misconception that I want to address. You do not have to purchase in bulk quantities in order to shop in the bulk section. I think the word bulk can be misleading. Sometimes people think of bulk as shopping at Costco or Sam's Club, loading your cart up with huge quantities that you are not going to know what to do with when you get home. Stores that have a bulk section, purchase items in large quantities, but don't require that you do the same. This allows us to purchase an item at a reduced price. This saves the supplier money, time, and hassle by not having to package items in smaller quantities. Sometimes the packaging can cost as much as the actual contents.
Having the freedom to purchase an item in a desired quantity gives us the opportunity to try new things. I have walked out of Good Earth and WinCo many times with bulk food that I had never tried before in small amounts, so I could take it home, figure out how to use it, and see if I like it. Sometimes stores will offer a further price reduction on items if purchased in the large bulk bag. I believe WinCo takes 10% off an item if purchased in the 25-lb or 50-lb bag. Also, every few months Good Earth will have a stack of 50-lb bags, generally of 6-grain or 9-grain "cereal" for roughly $25. That's only .50/lb compared to at least $1.00/lb price that is sold in the bulk containers. If you know how to use it and can store a large quantity, go for it. Before buying the 25 lb bag, it is best to know what you are taking home. I've seen Good Earth sell their multigrain "cereal" in the steel cut form as well as the rolls oats form. It would be disappointing to take home multi-grain cereal, assuming it was breakfast cereal where you just add milk.
On the other hand, you can purchase food in bulk quantities that are not in the bulk food section. If something is on sale and the price is not a typical sale price, I do buy large quantities of it. Generally during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, black olives go on sale. Sale prices on black olives are frequent throughout the year, but during the holiday season, the price seems to be less. Last year I was able to pick up several cans of Black Pearls brand for .49 each. This year, the best price I've seen so far was generic for .59 each.
Last year, Sunflower Farmer's Market had a fantastic price on asparagus. Asparagus is loaded with nutrients and my family loves it, so I like to buy it when I can, but the price can put a cramp in the budget if I'm not careful. Sunflower Market happened to have it on sale for .69/lb. In my area, this price is insane. When I went to the store, I noticed the stocker was filling the display with asparagus and had several cases on his cart. I asked if I could buy a whole case and without hesitation, he put one in my cart. The asparagus was in perfect condition. It was young and tender, with not many woody stalks at all. I brought the case home, washed, cut and bagged the asparagus into gallon size freezer bags to store in my freezer and use throughout the year.
