Do you shop in a Bulk Food Area of a Grocery Store?

[TickTockMan]

It is my second favorite department where I shop.

 

[Vannie]

We do most of our food shopping at a huge ShopRite. They do have "Club Size" sections but the prices are rarely better. Sometimes even higher when you buy in larger quantities. Seriously

 

[rareboy]

We actually have the Bulk Barn in Canada, so a lot of our staples are purchased there

 

[TickTockMan]

We actually have the Bulk Barn in Canada, so a lot of our staples are purchased there

Sorry. By bulk department I meant a department where you buy most stuff by weight but also large quantities. Like I can buy a cup of sugar instead of a 5 pound bag.



Rareboy is that like a Costco?

 

[rareboy]

No. Bulk Barn is a chain where you can buy whatever quantity of food product you need from bins or drums. etc., exactly what you are describing in the supermarkets. It is just that Loblaw, one of the largest grocery store chains in Canada set up stand alone bulk food stores to handle this market.

 

[Kahaih]

Does anyone who walks in have access to the contents of these bins?

Seems rather unsanitary.

I remember one time, waiting in line at a place with a salad bar, watching this snotty nose little kid as he happily made his way all the way around the bar reaching in with his grubby little fingers and sampling all the goodies. He wasn't done until he put something in his mouth, made his best Mr. Yuck face, then returned the item to it's original container.


PS; Happy cold and flu season!

 

[TickTockMan]

No. Bulk Barn is a chain where you can buy whatever quantity of food product you need from bins or drums. etc., exactly what you are describing in the supermarkets. It is just that Loblaw, one of the largest grocery store chains in Canada set up stand alone bulk food stores to handle this market.

I would love that place.

- - - Updated - - -

Does anyone who walks in have access to the contents of these bins?

Yes, but most things kids would want are wrapped.

 

[rareboy]

I would love that place.

- - - Updated - - -




Yes, but most things kids would want are wrapped.

Lots to love about it. Greatly reduced packaging, way more control over quantities. And big savings.

 

[NotHardUp1]

I like the concept of bulk buying, but my favorite grocers don't do it well.

Big stores like Kroger and their chains don't seem to keep it well, and it's often messy, which is a big turn-off. Further, the savings are not that substantial. In truth, the big stores have little interest in undercutting their main supply chain or their own brands.

Other stores like Sprouts or Whole Foods are just such a boutique experience with ridiculous pricing that I can't go there. It's like watching people drink bottled water -- just wrong.

I had never thought about bulk buying as a means of buying lesser amounts. That seems like a service indeed. I'm too much of a numbers guy, so looking at unit pricing. I'll give away or use up anything I buy.

 

[xyxyxy]

Does anyone who walks in have access to the contents of these bins?

Seems rather unsanitary.

I remember one time, waiting in line at a place with a salad bar, watching this snotty nose little kid as he happily made his way all the way around the bar reaching in with his grubby little fingers and sampling all the goodies. He wasn't done until he put something in his mouth, made his best Mr. Yuck face, then returned the item to it's original container.


PS; Happy cold and flu season!

This is why I'm glad I never had kids. And no I don't buy things in bulk

 

[NotHardUp1]

What an unfair depiction of children. Most food contamination and sickness results from either unsafe practices of food handling by adults in the agriculture or food preparation businesses.

Most children young enough to do the deed described above are not unattended by their parents in grocery stores. Sure, there are exceptions.

Children are more joy than rugrats. It's only because this site has few parents relatively that such statements go unanswered. Children are people. Most people recognize that, and most people love people.

 

[TickTockMan]

I like the concept of bulk buying, but my favorite grocers don't do it well.

Big stores like Kroger and their chains don't seem to keep it well, and it's often messy, which is a big turn-off. Further, the savings are not that substantial. In truth, the big stores have little interest in undercutting their main supply chain or their own brands.

Other stores like Sprouts or Whole Foods are just such a boutique experience with ridiculous pricing that I can't go there. It's like watching people drink bottled water -- just wrong.

I had never thought about bulk buying as a means of buying lesser amounts. That seems like a service indeed. I'm too much of a numbers guy, so looking at unit pricing. I'll give away or use up anything I buy.

For me it is good because money is so tight. But there are also things I like the bulk section for because it has cheaper per ounce prices on things like croutons and spices. Those thing normally are spendy. In the bulk area about 50% off. Same with nuts and NSA and sugar free candy.

 

[gsdx]

We have 2 Bulk Barns in Peterborough plus a few other bulk food stores which have been around a lot longer than Bulk Barn. The bulk store I go to a few blocks away is always clean and tidy. All of the bins, jars, and barrels have clear, plexiglass lids attached and most have their own scoop in a slot.

I've never been concerned with sanitation there. It simply isn't an issue.

Here's a categorised list of the products available at the Bulk Barn if you're curious: https://www.bulkbarn.ca/en/Products

 

[TickTockMan]

I've never been concerned with sanitation there. It simply isn't an issue.

Same. I worked at the grocery store I shop at and I never saw an issue.

Here's a categorised list of the products available at the Bulk Barn if you're curious: https://www.bulkbarn.ca/en/Products

I would love one of those here.

 

[unloadonme]

I go to Sainsbury's and Waitrose for my food shopping. Neither has anything like the OP has asked about.

 

[gsdx]

I go to Sainsbury's

So did Mrs. Slocombe's husband. I can't eat popcorn without thinking about Mr. Slocombe. I often wonder if he ever bought that slightly-salted butter.

 

[unloadonme]

So did Mrs. Slocombe's husband. I can't eat popcorn without thinking about Mr. Slocombe. I often wonder if he ever bought that slightly-salted butter.

I'm afraid that whilst I remember Mrs Slocombe's pussy, I have absolutely no recollection of her husband.

 

[gsdx]

I'm afraid that whilst I remember Mrs Slocombe's pussy, I have absolutely no recollection of her husband.

He's mentioned in Are You Being Served?, but he makes an appearance in Grace and Favour. Mrs. Slocombe disguises herself as a local (à la Mr. Moulterd) when Cecil Slocombe shows up at the hotel and decides that he would like to buy it. And comedy ensues, including a running joke about about going out to buy butter at Sainsbury's

 

[DantheManFL]

I went to a fun new store in Tarpon Springs called Bulk Nation. I could spend way too much in there. "Another scoop of chocolates?"

They're spreading around Florida now.

https://www.bulknationusa.com/

 

[NotHardUp1]

I'm afraid that whilst I remember Mrs Slocombe's pussy, I have absolutely no recollection of her husband.

I thought I remembered him appearing in full Greek wedding attire.