Whole Foods Bulk Bins: 11 Items That'll Save You Money (And a Few to Skip)

When it comes to the Whole Foods bulk bin selection, most of the items you’ll find there are substantially cheaper than the pre-packaged versions. I’m talking up to 52% cheaper. But not all of Whole Foods’ bulk buys are cheaper. And some of the price differences might surprise you.

We’ve done our homework to find the best — and the worst — deals when it comes to Whole Foods’ bulk bins. Use these tips so you don’t have to price compare the next time you shop.

For more money-saving tips, download the Krazy Coupon app or text HACKS to 57299.

1. Save $2.50/lb on bulk beans and legumes compared to the pre-packaged stuff.

When it comes to dry beans and legumes like lentils, the bulk bins at Whole Foods are substantially cheaper.

The best deal is on dry black beans from the bulk bins. If you fill a bag yourself, it’ll cost $2.29/lb, but a pre-packed bag of black beans will cost $4.79/lb at Whole Foods. For the pre-packaged price, you could get two whole pounds of bulk black beans. Check out all the savings:

Related: If you shop at WinCo Foods, you’ll definitely want to check out the savings in the WinCo bulk foods aisle, too.

2. Spend up to $2.70/lb less on oats and muesli from the Whole Foods bulk bins.

Rumor has it that Kate Middleton eats muesli for breakfast. Save $2.70/lb on your muesli when you get it from Whole Foods’ bulk bin as opposed to buying their pre-packaged version.

Another bulk bin steal is the regular oats, priced at $2.99/lb from the bins, or $3.25/lb if you purchase them pre-packaged in a canister.

3. Save $0.31/lb when you buy basmati and jasmine rice in bulk — but skip the brown and wild rice.

Not all rice is a good deal when it comes to the bulk bins at Whole Foods. In fact, it’s split half and half.

You’ll save $0.31/lb on basmati and jasmine rice when you purchase them from the bulk bins instead of the pre-packaged aisle.

However, you’ll actually pay $0.59/lb MORE for bulk bin long brown rice compared to the pre-packaged bags. You’ll also spend a whopping $4.80/lb more for wild rice when you purchase it from Whole Foods’ bulk bin.

Related: We did the digging to find out how Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods compare.

4. Buy pecans and pumpkin seeds from Whole Foods’ bulk bins, but pass on the cashews.

When it comes to nuts and seeds in Whole Foods’ bulk bins, the sprouted pumpkin seeds are the best deal. You can buy them bulk for $0.83/oz or pre-packaged for $1.20/oz. Meaning the bulk bin pumpkin seeds will save you $0.37/oz.

But cashews cost $1.30/lb more if you buy them from the bulk bin, compared to the pre-packaged version.

5. Don’t buy the grind-it-yourself nut butters at Whole Foods — they’re up to $2.10 more per pound.

I always figured Whole Foods’ grind-it-yourself nut butter station was a money-saver. But nope.

You’ll pay more for both kinds of nut butters when you grind them yourself. For almond butter, you’ll pay $0.20/lb more, and for peanut butter, it’s a whopping $2.10/lb more when you compare the price to the pre-packaged version just a few aisles away!