By: Melissa Reiss, Purchasing Assistant
The Bulk Department at your Co-op is a treasure trove for anyone looking for the perfect snack. Whether you are prepping for a hike, road trip, or just want an alternative to pre-packaged snacks for your everyday hustle and bustle, the Bulk department is for you.
Pre-Made Mixes
There’s an array of ready-made mixes for you to choose from:
- Grandy Organics Organic Antioxidant Trail Mix (PLU 2822)
- Tierra Farm Organic Cashews Cranberry Chocolate Mix (PLU 2172)
- Tierra Farm Organic Trail Mix (PLU 2537)
- Tierra Farm Organic High Peaks Mix (PLU 2538)
Chunks of Energy (multiple PLUs) are a nutrient-dense blend of nuts and dried fruits, pressed into bite-sized blocks for
mess-free snacking. Available at Willy East and Willy North only. Find out more at www.chunksofenergy.com
Inspiration
Here’s a few snack mixes I’ve created over the years. Adjust the quantities of each component to your liking!
The PB&J
This mix delivers all the nostalgia of the classic sandwich in a portable, crunchy form that won’t get soggy in your backpack.
Combine:
- Roasted Salted Peanuts (PLU 2135)
- Tierra Farm Triple Berry Organic Granola (PLU 2898)
- Organic Thompson Raisins – (these are found in the bulk aisle in clear, pre-packed bags by our staff at our off-site kitchen)
Peanut Butter and Banana (and Chocolate!)
Slight twist on the PB&J: substitute the Triple Berry Granola for banana chips, and the raisins for chocolate rainbow drops (Note: chocolate rainbow drops are available at Willy East and Willy North only.)
The Road Tripper
This is a snack mix I created that sustained me on a multi-state solo road trip a few years back.
Combine:
- Equal Exchange Organic Whole Raw Cashews (PLU 2661)
- Roasted Salted Peanuts (PLU 2135)
- Organic Thompson Raisins
- Organic Coconut Chips (PLU 5026)
- Tierra Farm Organic Raw Cacao Nibs (PLU 1338)
- Tierra Farm Organic Goji Berries (PLU 2320) (Note: goji berries are available in the bulk aisle at Willy East only; at all stores in a four-ounce pouch by Navitas Organics.)
Pocket Curry
With all of Tierra Farm’s organic flavored cashews, you can really get creative, like this idea I had for an Indian curry-inspired snack mix.
Combine:
- Tierra Farm Organic Curry Cashews (PLU 2164)
- Organic Thompson Raisins
- Organic Coconut Chips (PLU 5026)
- Granola Kitchen Yogurt Covered Raisins (PLU 5338)
Get Creative!
This is for all you DIY’ers. Creating your own mix allows you to select exactly what you want, and nothing you don’t! It’s as easy as 1-2-3:
1. Start with a Base
A great snack mix often begins with a hearty base.
- Granola is a versatile choice that provides a satisfying crunch; I like: Golden Temple Bakery Coconut Almond Granola (PLU 1287)
- Nuts are another good option for a base. Peanuts or sunflower seeds are a good start due to their lower price point.
2. Fruit
- Unsweetened organic banana chips (PLU 5108) for a fruity crunch.
- Equal Exchange organic dried mango (PLU 5428), cut into bite size pieces, for a nice chewy addition.
- There are also several additional options in our packaged dried fruit section.
3. Indulgent Elements
If desired, layer in some indulgence! Chocolate- and yogurt-covered items are Bulk aisle staples that add a creamy texture and a touch of sweetness. Consider mixing in:
- Milk Chocolate Pretzels (PLU 5306) for that classic sweet-and-salty combo.
- Granola Kitchen Yogurt Covered Raisins (PLU 5338) for a tangy and satisfying chew.
- Equal Exchange Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (PLU 2303) for a rich cocoa flavor without tooth-tingling sweetness.
- SunRidge Farms Rainbow Milk Chocolate Drops (PLU 2146) for a pop of color. Note: these are available at Willy East and Willy North only.
