Items I Buy Package Free

The first time I walked into a food store to attempt bulk shopping/BYO containers, it didn't go over too well. I got a few eye rolls at Whole Foods after bringing my already filled containers to check out. The location I was at didn't allow BYO containers because of some past claim that Whole Foods got someone sick. Lesson. Learned.

Soon after that is when I found MOMs. I hadn't seen MOMs anywhere before, but ever since I discovered it, I hear about it more and more. I've since been able to purchase some items in Whole Foods that I can get plastic free such as Bread, produce, etc., but if I want to bring my own glass or steel containers, MOMs is the place to go.

Here's a list that I currently bring to the grocery store when I'm doing my regular food shopping. Each item here is an item that I can purchase by bringing my own containers. 

• Bread: I often get my bread fresh from Whole Foods by bringing a cotton produce bag and taking advantage of their bread slicing machine. Their bread bags are paper bags with plastic opening to see the bread through the bag. I haven't mastered avoiding the sticker labels yet. Any suggestions?
• Olive oil: BYO bottle or pickup a glass bottle at MOMs and fill it there.
• Spiced/dried herbs: Coriander, Fennel, and Cumin are staples for my morning teas. I have glass spice jars that have been washed and I continue to use for refills.
• Apple cider vinegar: They have glass bottles for this as well at MOMs if you don't already have one yourself. If they seem to be out, find a store associate and they are more than happy to refill them for you!
• Fresh produce: BYO produce bags and/or cotton totes to avoid the single use plastic bags at most grocery stores. I've seen Whole Foods transitioning to paper produce bags, but still find it best to bring my own. Many places have compostable plant-based plastic bags for produce, but my local compost center is not currently equipped to handle those bags. Make sure to check that out before getting as excited as I did and going compostable bag crazy!
• Nuts and dried fruits: I buy pecans and dried cranberries from Whole Foods which is typically available to purchase in a brown paper bag. Avoid using the stickers to write the PLU number and close the bag. You can write directly on the bag and leave enough room for a double fold. Store in glass or steel containers once home.
• Seeds and grains: I buy chia seeds,  hemp seeds, quinoa, farrow, etc. package free from MOMs using glass jars.
• Castile soap: I purchase Dr. Bronner's Castile soap at the refill station at MOMs using a mason jar. This one is a HUGE money saver! I use this soap as body wash and for making liquid hand soap as well as other household cleaning supplies.

TIP: Make sure you have the tare weight of your container BEFORE you fill it up. This is the best way to save you $. Plus, if you're bringing a container that isn't for sale at the store, there's no real way to estimate the weight of your container. Make sure you also pay close attention to the price/weight of the items you are getting to avoid a jaw drop at checkout. 

What are your favorite bulk shopping stores? Any secret spots in Philadelphia or Jersey that I should know of?! I'd love to read your tips and tricks. Let me know over on our Facebook page!

- jamie