Bulk Food Storage
One of the best ways to save money is bulk food storage. Buying foods in bulk is easy and inexpensive. Many foods can be bought at your local grocery store in bulk. flour, beans, sugar, pasta noodles, nuts, whole grains, oatmeal, corn meal, baking soda, baking powder, spices; including salt, pepper, garlic and season salts. Some stores even let you buy coffee beans in bulk and bag them yourself. This saves money on some of the more expensive beans.
Some things to consider when you buy bulk items. Where you buy them, what you will store the foods in and how to prepare the foods for short and long term storage. Lets look at all three issues:
Where to Buy Bulk Foods
Bulk foods can be found in almost every store that sell groceries. Not all of them have the same price structure. There are several types of shopping options:
Warehouse Stores: Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's Warehouse are three of the largest warehouse stores. They are great for savings year round as you know they are going to beat most local prices. You can find items like 25 pound bags of sugar or even 50 pound bags of flour.
Walmart or your regional chain grocery store. These are always a good option especially if you are watching for sales. Many of the local grocery stores will have coupon specials that can significantly lower the cost of buying foods in bulk.
Co-ops are a good choice if they are available in your area. They often are a members only option and can save 2 to 20% for members.
Bulk Food Storage Containers
Next to buying decent quality foods the storage containers are the most important element of your bulk storage plan. You should always use containers that are rated or designed for food storage. A number of companies sell food storage buckets, some people re-use containers from foods they have purchases such as plastic pop bottles and other plastic food containers.
Never use plastic containers or bags that were used for non-food items such as detergent, bleach or other chemicals. Often, these containers are treated with toxic chemicals to ward off insects and other decay. These toxins remain in the plastic and can leach into the food you store. Don't store the food in paper bags or the flimsy plastic bags that many stores have in the bulk food aisle. These leak air, tear easily and allow moisture into your food. All three of these are prime causes of food spoilage. And they allow insects and rodents into your food. another prime cause of food damage.
Avoid plastic bags and containers for most items as they don't protect the foods as well from crushing, breakage and they are easier to tear or damage. Quality plastic containers can be purchased that will last for many years. The longevity of these containers will offset the higher costs associated with purchasing them. If you are really strapped for cash try shopping for quality food containers at thrift stores. For example, Tupperware is so durable that many people hand it down for generations. But, when they replace it they often donate it to thrift stores. Tupperware storage containers seal airtight and are very durable.
Preparing for Long Term Bulk Food Storage
Now you have bought your food and your containers. Don't just throw it in the containers and seal the lids. You have to prepare your foods for bulk storage.
fill containers to the top leaving as little air space as possible
use oxygen/moisture absorbers to keep the air and moisture out of foods. You can use grains of rice in sugar or flour but the commercial absorbers available in the craft section of most department stores work longer and better.
Always use airtight seals and good food grade plastic containers
Store foods in a dry, cool and dark area for the best long term storage results. Foods should be stored on shelves or in a manner that keeps them up off the floor. Some creative storage areas include the rafters of a garage, a small closet in the main home and what is known as root cellars.
for more information about preparing foods for long term storage consider going to the local library, farm co-op or the county extension office.