How to Buy Grains in Bulk

In today's fast food culture, many people fail to understand why anyone would want to buy grains in bulk. But there are plenty of reasons. Buying grains in bulk slashes grocery bills while providing fresher, tastier food and increased nutritional value. It takes some time to transition your pantry storage and cooking style, but the effort can pay dividends both financially and in terms of improved overall health.

Instructions

1. Determine what types of grains you would like to buy in bulk. There are many types of bulk grains available, including wheat, oats, quinoa, barley and rye to name a few.

2. Learn about the storage needs of the different grains so you will know how frequently you will need to rotate your supply. For example, whole wheat has a shelf life of up to 15 years when properly stored. Other grains with a higher fat content have a limited shelf life. You can find information on the storage properties of different grains at both Walton Feed's and AAOOB Food's websites.

3. Check product prices and shipping costs at mail order bulk grain suppliers, such as Honeyville Grain, AAOOBB Foods, Pleasant Hill Grain and Walton Feed.

4. Find out if you can order bulk grains from your local food cooperative and whether the prices are more competitive than mail order suppliers. You can locate a food cooperative in your area at the Coop Directory's website.

5. Determine if there is enough interest among your family, friends and acquaintances to set up a buying club to purchase grains in bulk from a local supplier such as Associated Buyers, which services many Northeastern states. This may be the most cost-effective way to purchase bulk grains, but it will require coordination on your part and the supplier may have minimum order requirements.

6. Purchase the proper storage containers to store your bulk grains. Most people use 5- or 6-gallon food grade buckets. If you will be storing your grains for the long-term, you will need to buy additional supplies such as Mylar bags and oxygen absorbers, which are also sold by most of the bulk grain suppliers.

7. Place your order with the supplier from which you will receive a combination of the best quality product, lowest price, and reliable customer service.

Tips & Warnings

• Not all mail order bulk grain suppliers are created equal. Some offer sharply discounted shipping and handling charges but pad their product prices. Others offer relatively low product prices but the shipping can be very expensive, depending on where you're located in relation to the warehouse. When you make your decision to buy, do so based on the total cost, including product price and shipping and handling.

• While many bulk grains can be used in their whole form, to get the most cooking flexibility from your bulk grains you will want to purchase a grain mill.

• Not all bulk grains are organic. If you are looking specifically for organic whole grains, be sure to ask the supplier about the organic status of its grains.

Resources

• AAOOB Foods
• Associated Buyers
• Coop Directory
• Honeyville Grain
• Pleasant Hill Grain
• Walton Feed