That time a bulk bin at WinCo changed how I cook rice

I was at WinCo in Phoenix last month grabbing stuff for the week and saw this big bin of jasmine rice for 49 cents a pound. I usually get the little bags at the regular store for like $2.50 a pound so I was kinda shocked. I scooped up five pounds just to try it and honestly it tastes the same as the fancy stuff. Now I go out of my way to hit that bulk aisle for rice, oats, and even pasta. It saves me like $8 a week on just those basics. I can make a big pot of rice with beans and it costs me maybe a dollar total for dinner. Has anyone else found bulk bins at a grocery near them that cut your meal costs way down?

3 comments

3 Comments

pat_moore15d ago

Dude yes! I found the same thing at my local Sprouts and it blew my mind. I used to pay like $4 for a tiny bag of brown rice and now I get it for pennies. Makes me feel like I'm gaming the system or something lmao.

kimfisher15d ago

Shh don't tell the grocery overlords or they'll start locking up the bulk bins like they do with the laundry detergent.

baker.holly15d ago

and honestly the key is to just keep a stash of mason jars or old pasta sauce jars at home so you can transfer the bulk stuff right when you get back. i learned the hard way that leaving it in those flimsy plastic bags just invites pantry moths eventually. also if your WinCo has a bulk spice section grab a little bag of whole cumin seeds and toast them in a dry pan before grinding, it makes the rice and beans thing next level. for the oats i do the same thing and just refill my big container every couple weeks. the only catch is i have to remember to bring my own bags or i end up using those thin produce bags which feel wasteful. but the savings are legit. i cut my grocery bill by almost 20% just switching to bulk for stuff i use all the time.