Our co-op, like most others, sells a large selection of bulk items. These include grains, granola, teas, nuts, and spices. Bulk items are sold by the pound instead of by the package.
Buying in bulk has many benefits. It uses less packaging, often costs less per pound, and helps reduce food waste because you can choose to buy only what you need. In other words, it can be good for both your wallet and the planet.
As food prices continue to rise, many people are looking for ways to save money. Buying in bulk is often the best deal, but not always. Comparing prices can feel confusing, so we decided to help.
The Secret to Smart Shopping
The key to comparing food prices is to make sure you’re not comparing apples to oranges. In other words, don’t just compare the sticker price on a package to the price of a bulk item. A smaller package may look cheaper at first, but it may actually cost much more per pound.
When you compare two similar items by the pound, it ensures both products are measured the same way. It’s like comparing the price of a cup of coffee at your local coffee shop, the smaller size may cost less overall, but the larger one could be the better value for the amount you get.
To help you out, we did cost comparisons of some of our most popular items. What we found was simple: buying in bulk can save money if you shop carefully.
| Store Item | Bulk Price/lb | Shelf Price/lb |
|---|---|---|
| Granola | $6.49/lb | $11.23/lb |
| Sesame Sticks vs. Bunny Luv Snack | $5.39/lb | $13.63/lb |
| Peanut Butter | $5.49/lb | $7.31/lb |
| Dried Mango | $10.49/lb | $27.38/lb |
A few quick takeaways from these comparisons:
- Bulk granola is generally half the price per pound! If you’re a granola fan, consider switching to bulk!
- Looking for healthier snacks but worried about the cost? Our bulk sesame sticks are $5.39/lb – roughly half the price of a standard box of Bunny Luv crackers.
- Fan Favorites: Bulk peanut butter and dried mango take the lead! Both of these products are significantly cheaper when bought in bulk.
When Shelf Items Cost Less
While bulk is often the cheapest option, it’s still important to compare prices. Sometimes packaged products can cost less.
Field Day is the Co-op’s organic and affordable generic store brand. Overall, Field Day products are cheaper than name brand items and can be a quick and easy way to save (without having to do math while you’re shopping). And, in some cases, it even beats bulk prices. Two items we looked into farther: almonds and rice. The Field Day brand of these shelf items can save over $1 and $1.69 per pound respectfully when compared to similar bulk products.
Sometimes it Comes Down to Convenience
Let’s be honest: buying in bulk or larger sizes often takes more planning, which isn’t always realistic in a busy world. A single-serve yogurt for $1.99 is an easy grab-and-go option and may feel worth the extra cost for convenience. A 48 pack of toilet paper from Sam’s Club may be cheaper per unit, but you may not have the space to store all that TP. Sometimes cost isn’t everything, and the smaller package can be the better choice if it saves time or fits your routine better.
The Bottom Line
Smart shopping can help you save money and reduce waste. Bulk items are often a great deal, but they are not always the cheapest option. The best strategy is to compare prices, buy only what you need, and think about what you will use before it expires. Next time you shop, bring a reusable container and try stocking up on some of our biggest bulk savings, like peanut butter or dried mango.
