Whole Foods Bulk Finds - July 2017

Ok we have all heard it a million times x a billion. Let's just get it out of the way. Whole Paycheck. Whole Foods Market has a reputation for taking all of your money and leaving with a small bag of groceries. Many people are wondering if this is going to be something that changes when Amazon takes over (read more about that here). In some ways I think this reputation is not deserved. In other ways I think it is. Let's focus more on the former and less on the latter.

Let's Talk Bulk

Whole Foods has something that is a key to saving money on food. They do it better than a lot of other grocery stores (Kroger I am especially looking at you). I am talking about the bulk food department. The ability to buy in bulk allows you to get the exact amount that you want. You don't overspend for food you don't need. That allows you to save some of your paycheck. I wanted to start highlighting a few items each month that I buy myself and recommend for your family as well (or just you, if it's just you in the house).

Here is my little disclaimer. Products may vary by region (Whole Foods is divided up into different regions, I am live in the Midwest region). Check with your individual store for availability.

 

Redmond Real Salt

Many times on my blog I have shared my love for this sea salt from Utah. It is my go-to popcorn salt and the salt I provide at the table to my guests - it always get their attention. I love it because it contains all sorts of trace minerals that give it a unique taste and look.

Recently Whole Foods began selling the salt in bulk. Great way to save money. I just save my salt shaker that I bought when I originally bought the salt and just re-fill it. If you want you can take an empty salt shaker up to the customer service desk. They can weight it for you (to get the tare) and you can fill it up. Then just take it the cashier. Helps you buy exactly how much you need and you don't waste packaging.

Tiny But Mighty Popcorn

This popcorn was featured in my list of The Best Popcorn in America. If you don't want to commit to buying a whole bag of kernels you can buy them in bulk and get just a single serving to try. This popcorn is a tiny as the name would say. The best part about is that you don't get it stuck between your teeth. Why? Because the hull basically denigrates. It's an heirloom variety produced out of Iowa. It's my oldest daughter's favorite popcorn. She won't eat the standard yellow popcorn.

Middle Eastern Couscous

Middle Eastern couscous is often called Israeli or Pearl Couscous. In Israel they call it Ptitim. It was invented in 1953 as a wheat replacement for rice during the austerity period in Israel (thanks Wikipedia). The product was marketed by Osem Foods.

It is a lot larger in size than regular couscous. You can take advantage of that by toasting or browning the couscous in a pan (see my Asparagus Pesto with Couscous recipe for an example). It adds so much more flavor you will be amazed and will never want to have it un-toasted again.

Chocolate of the Month - Chocolate Peanut Butter Malt Balls

Each month I will feature some chocolate covered treat that you can buy from the bulk section. Buying in bulk is a great chance to control your portions of chocolate. You can just buy a little bit to satisfy your sweet tooth. One of my favorite treats is their Chocolate Peanut Butter Malt Balls. I wish these were covered in dark chocolate instead of milk but they are still mighty delicious. Putting PB into a malt ball is just brilliant. Chocolate and peanut butter together is a winning combination for me as long as it's not too much peanut butter. They cost $9.99/lb. They do occasionally go on sale.

Are there any products you would like for me to feature in an upcoming Whole Foods Bulk Food Finds? Let me know in the comment section below.