15 of the Best Foods to Buy in Bulk

15 of the Best Foods to Buy in Bulk

Today I will mention 15 foods that should stay fresh for a long time, making them excellent options to buy in bulk.

1. CHIA SEEDS

· Consume within: 18 months

Chia seeds are referred as superfood and they are loaded with omega-3 fats, fiber, magnesium, calcium and antioxidants. As it is expensive it is better to purchase it in bulk and it can have a shelf life of one year and a half.

2. CINNAMON (GROUND)

· Consume within: 3 to 4 years

Spices, cinnamon and salt can be stored up to years so buy them in a bulk to store them.

3. COCONUT OIL

· Consume within: 3 years

Olive and vegetable oil can be stored up to 12 months. Coconut oil is more resistant to oxidation than other vegetable oil. Plus, unrefined virgin coconut oil contains powerful antioxidants that are thought to help protect the oil from spoilage.

4. DRIED BEANsS

· Consume within: 1 to 2 years

Dried beans can be stored up to 2 years and one year after opening. Older beans might take longer to get tender. So you should keep them in an airtight container to preserve their quality for as long as possible.

5. DRIED FRUIT

· Consume within: 6 months

Many dried fruits — such as raisins, apricots, mangoes and cranberries — will last about six months when stored unopened in the pantry. After opening, it’s best to move the fruit to the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for about six months (compared to one month opened in the pantry). Dried fruits contain more sugar than fresh fruits so try to eat them in moderation. Choose unsweetened dried fruit instead.

6. FROZEN BERRIES

· Consume within: 8 to 12 months

Frozen fruits can be alternative to fresh fruits. Frozen berries are similar in nutritional value to fresh berries and can be purchased in bulk at lower prices. Other berries can last up to three weeks in the refrigerator and one year in the freezer.

7. FROZEN VEGETABLES

· Consume within: 8 months

Frozen vegetables are nutritionally similar to fresh veggies. And sometimes they might even “contain more vitamins and phytonutrients than days-old fresh items, though additional cooking and storage after defrosting may close that gap. Read label carefully to prevent additional preservatives and salt.

8. NUTS

· Consume within: 1 year

Nuts is the jar can last up to one year. After opening, they’ll maintain freshness for roughly two to nine months in the pantry, four to six months in the fridge and six to 12 months frozen. Nuts in shells can last longer and it takes more time and effort to prepare them than shelled nuts, which may slow eating and lead to a reduction in calorie intake.

9. OATMEAL

· Consume within: 1 year

Oats are high in B vitamins, magnesium and zinc, as well as a particular type of fiber called beta-glucan, which may help lower cholesterol, reduce blood sugar levels and increase feelings of fullness. Oats can last 6-12 months after opening.

10. PASTA (DRIED, NO EGGS)

· Consume within: 2 years

Dried pasta can maintain its quality for about two years in the pantry and one year after opening. After opening, store the remaining pasta in an airtight container to prolong its shelf life, and toss it if you find any bugs or off odours.

11. PEANUT BUTTER

· Consume within: 1 year

It can last up to one year in the refrigerator and 4 months after opening. The more processed peanut butters have similar lifespans, but they often can be stored in the pantry.

12. POPCORN (KERNELS IN A JAR)

· Consume within: 2 years

Popcorn is a healthy snack that it is high in fiber, phosphorus, manganese, zinc and polyphenol antioxidants. It can lasts up to two years in the pantry and one year after opening.

13. QUINOA

· Consume within: 2 to 3 years

It can lasts up to three years in a tightly sealed container in the pantry. Quinoa is one of the few complete protein sources from a plant, meaning it has all nine essential amino acids. And it’s full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and more, making it a great choice for a bulk buy.

14. RICE

· Consume within: 2 years (white, wild), 1 year (brown)

White and wild rice will stay fresh for up to two years and one year after opening if you keep it in the pantry and six months if you store it in the fridge. Brown rice has a slightly shorter lifespan overall, but it also keeps for about a year in the pantry and six months in the fridge after opening.

15. TEA

· Consume within: 18 to 36 months (bag), 2 years (loose)

Tea bags will last up to three years in the pantry, and loose tea will keep for about two years. Aim to consume your tea about a year after opening. For peak quality, store tea bags in their original box or a sealed container to limit exposure to odours and moisture and keep loose tea in something airtight that will keep out light.

Sources:

https://www.care2.com/greenliving/15-of-the-best-foods-to-buy-in-bulk.html

https://laurenkellynutrition.com/blueberry-chia-oatmeal/