Bulk foods are food items offered in large quantities, which can be purchased in large, bulk lots or transferred from a bulk container into a smaller container for purchase.[1] Bulk foods may be priced less compared to packaged foods because they are typically packaged in large generic bulk containers and packaging for grocery outlets, which utilizes lesser natural resources.[1][2][3] Additionally, less packaging is congruent with the environmental conservation of natural resources[4] and sustainability.[3] One study found a 96% reduction in packaging used for bulk foods compared to packaged foods.[4]
A National Bulk Foods Week[1][2] was designated between October 16–22, 2011 in ten U.S. states.[5]
Some commonly available bulk foods and products include:
Dry goods
Liquid and wet goods
Household goods
Notable retailers of bulk foods include:
