Why You Should Never Buy Food In Bulk
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It’s the season of sales – a time when outlets and superstores lure their customers into bargains, one after the other. You may translate those exciting offers into the money saved and think that the New Year cannot be more exciting. But wait! Sometimes, these bargains may actually prove to be a huge waste. Studies show that low-income households waste more food than middle-income households, more so because of giving into such discount sales. Here are some food items you have to avoid purchasing in bulk. Read below to know why.
1. Whole Grains
For women who are more conscious about health and beauty, nothing would charm them more than whole grains. Avoid purchasing them in bulk because, unlike the unhealthy refined grains like white rice, the oil content in whole grains sticks to the bran and germ of the grains, and might damage their flavor, texture, and shape. You will then have to dump the whole bag out.
2. Nuts
Nuts are an awesome choice for a good purchase, and you would be easily tempted to stack your shelves with them, be it cashews, almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts. And why not? They are the best source of protein. But remember, nuts are also high in fat, which might not be suitable for all. Preserving nuts in airtight containers in dark, cool places and keeping them in airtight pouches in refrigerators may increase their shelf life for a couple of days, but certainly not more than that. Moreover, if you go for the flavored varieties, storing them for a long time would decrease their flavor and reduce their crunchiness, ultimately forcing you to throw them out. So, it is better to go for small packs that can be consumed soon.
3. Spices And Condiments
Spices and condiments are also always on the offer list – be it coriander, chili, turmeric, or pepper, and condiments like sauces, ketchup, and the like. Always go for smaller packs so that the flavor is always intact. Also, whole spices have an increased shelf life as compared to the powdered and processed ones, no matter how airtight the container might be. Spices and condiments are normally never used in bulk quantities, so why go for bulk purchases?
4. Flours
Flours are regularly used in homes. Bulk quantities increase the chances of worms creeping in, whether it is whole grain flour like wheat, rice, chickpeas, oatmeal, or even refined flour. You will surely not love your pancakes if worms are decorating their crust.
5. Oil
Oil is as necessary as flour in any household, whether it is olive, sunflower, sesame, mustard, coconut, or any seed for that matter. No family would love to consume whole lots of oil in their food, unless they are regular deep fry lovers. Storing oils in huge quantities reduces the flavor and, in most cases, the oil goes bad within a few months.
Adding more to the list, avoid highly perishable items like bread, fruits, chips, canned products, and other preserved foods that might be cheap but would easily turn stale once opened and not consumed immediately. Also, avoid buying bulk quantities of coffee and tea.
