Ever wonder what resides in those big plastic bins at your local health food store? Bulk foods are economical, fun to shop for and easy to use, plus, buying in bulk means less food packaging waste. You buy as much or as little as you want, so the bulk bins are a great way to experiment with new foods or recipes. Most health food stores include basic recipes on the bulk bin, so don’t forget to bring a pen and paper to copy them down. Read on to find out what to look for and how to use it.
1. Whole Grains
Several grains, such as whole quinoa, millet and barley can be used as a healthy alternative to rice as a base for stir-fries and curries, as they have a similar texture and flavor. Whole grains are also usually priced very cheap at around a dollar a pound. To add extra flavor, cook in vegetable broth instead of water. Whole grains are also an excellent source of protein for vegetarians.
2. Vegetable Broth Mix
Veggie broth mix is a great alternative to homemade or canned vegetable broth. Just add water and stir! Sure, it's not as healthy as making your own, but powdered veggie broth is a time saver and can add lots of flavor to vegetarian recipes, as you can make the broth as thick or as thin as needed. Its also a great general flavor-enhancer that you can sneak into a variety of dishes - try adding a spoonful to homemade veggie burgers, vegetarian chili and soups, vegetarian casseroles or vegetarian stuffing.
3. Nutritional Yeast
One versatile staple of the bulk bin is yellow, flaky nutritional yeast. Similar to brewers yeast, nutritional yeast has a cheesy, nutty flavor and a healthy dose of Vitamin B12. Nutritional yeast is also the base for many homemade vegan cheeses. I like to add nutritional yeast to just about everything. Try sprinkling a layer on garlic bread, baked potatoes or steamed veggies, and add a generous spoonful to stir-fries, mashed potatoes and pasta dishes.
