A year ago, maybe two, I bought a 30 ounce container of sea salt at Costco for a couple of bucks without even thinking about it. I needed salt. I was there. They had salt. I bought salt. Life marched on.
A few days ago we ran out of sea salt. My first thought was to stop by Costco and pick up another jar. But as the days passed I began to wonder if our local Fred Meyer carried it in their bulk bins. I had spotted sea salt at Winco before, but I knew I wouldn’t be heading to that part of town anytime soon.
Lucky me {and maybe you!} Fred Meyer does in fact sell sea salt in their bulk bins. The price at my store was $0.59 a pound/$0.0368 an ounce.
Costco’s price? $0.093 an ounce.
That means for the exact same product… I was basically paying $1.69 for a plastic container and label. Now, I know it’s not much, but still. It’s something to look out for/think about the next time you run out of salt.
Fred Meyer Bulk $1.10 for 30 ounces of sea salt
Costco Fancy Container $2.79 for 30 ounces of sea salt
Keep calm and save on,
~Mavis
Susan from Dallas says
Another great tip! Making the purchase at Costco was probably a wise decision at the time considering gas and your time etc. but a wonderfu point for future purchases. I SO wish I could find a great bulk food provider. When I do price comparisons around here at Kroger or (God forbid) Whole Foods it’s just not as inexpensive as say Aldi’s. Does anyone have any bulk food suggestions for the Dallas area? I would love to find a great deal on oatmeal and legumes.
Heather says
There is a Winco in Duncanville (south Dallas) there may be more in other parts of Dallas?
Melissa says
If you have Sprouts stores in the Dallas area, check out their bulk bins! I find WAY better prices there than King Soopers (Kroger affiliate) or Whole Foods/Vitamin Cottage. As an added bonus, they often have amazing produce deals!
PollyS says
Winco! I believe they’re moving into the Dallas area.
I honestly don’t know where to begin with how great their bulk section is!
The selection and prices cannot be beat.
Carol says
Great catch, Mavis!
Karin C says
I buy somethings in bulk, yry to find one that is busy so that you know that there is a good turn over of their stock . Clean bins , store ect .
Diana says
I only buy in bulk if it is from a dispenser, not a bin you scoop from. Have you ever heard of the things they find in the bottom of the bins? One of the most common is acrylic nails! Creeps me out to think how many people touch the scoops and then put it in the food!
Leslie says
THIS is horrifying
Susan from Dallas says
Thanks Heather and Melissa! I will give both of those a try! I’ve noticed that Sprouts will occasionally have their bulk items on special as well as produce. It pays to be a diligent shopper!
Sherri says
Check out Aldis price on salt. In our area, N Va, they have it for under 50c a pound, and that is in a 1 lb package. The last time I checked, it was 38c a pound, about a month ago. And in N Va, prices are pretty high out here, except at Aldi and the commissary).