COSTCO vs. FOOD CO-OP | Sustainable Shopping Alternatives
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- Опубліковано 8 лис 2024
- We are searching for the best approach to sustainable consumer options for our household. I have been purchasing my bulk items from Amazon for the most part. I didn't enjoy feel confident this was the only option for me, or the most sustainable option. I have looked into Azure Market but the closest pick up is a 40 min drive and with my work schedule would not work out. So we decided to take a trip up to Costco and the closest food co-op. What I found was that the Food Co-op was not at all cost effective. The were more boutique pricing and the many were the same brand (Frontier) of bulk products I would buy from Amazon at a fraction of the cost.
We will likely stick with our local farmers market for produce options and return to Costco for bulk dry goods and non consumables.
If you have any other opinions to consider, when it comes to a cost affordable-sustainable options to source product we do not produce on our homestead, I would love to hear them. Please leave them in the comments section below.
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This is one of my favourite videos you've done! I know exactly what you mean about Costco - a list is a must. I end up spending way more than I wanted and end up with more packaging. I find ordering bulk from a wholesaler is the best way because it's very premeditated and most of the packaging on the flours and things like that in paper. Thanks so much for bringing us along and I hope you like the hemp hearts! Yum!
Awe I'm glad you liked it. I'm love the hemp hearts, I had no idea what I was missing
Enjoyed the video, thanks for posting! Savings on dog food alone pays for our Exec Membership at Costco, we do have two 100 pound labs though...stay warm up there!
Trying, this old house is not as weather tight as we would like.
I just found 2 co-ops about 30 minutes from me. I only went to compare prices. It was crazy to see some of the price differences on the same items from one store to the other. Some prices were very reasonable but others were outrageous! I found that the bulk grains and flours were a great price if you only needed a little. Otherwise, Amazon sells Organic and Non-GMO bulk grains and flours cheaper... But then you may not have the zero-waste factor. However, I found the spices to be a pretty good deal. I think it's all about what is most important to you... Price, Quality, Resource, Support, or Waste. I think these kind of videos are great for beginner and seasoned "Sustainers" to show the different options out there. Great job!
Thanks, some of the herbs and spices did seem reasonable. I agree everyone is going to make the decision that best suits their household
Thanks so much for the detailed thoughts on your day travels. I haven't ever shopped at Costco except I have ordered some things from there online a few times, not even sure if there is one close to me, but they do have great deals. Isn't there a pick up place for Azure Standard in Mo.? I think I remember there was. I love their stuff but my pick up here in Western Kentucky is Clarksville, Tn. about 50 mins from me. Co-ops tend to be a bit pricey and over rated in my honest opinion. You can get such better deals at Amazon, so I agree with you there. At least you both got to take a nice day trip. :)
Have you heard of Azure Standard? It's a awesome food co-op. They do drop deliveries to a designated house and then you go pick up your order. I think you would love it! 😊
Thanks so much for the video. I have often wondered if the coop would be a good fit for our large family and this was very good information! We do have a Costco membership, it is a little overwhelming at first but I think you have the right idea now. Making lists, etc. I think it’ll continue to grow on you too!
Thank you for taking this on. I've always wondered about the co-op and what that would be like. The thing I found great where I live is being a part of a food buying club where we can buy bulk as a group and parcel out the smaller purchases like some produce items and even maple syrup. Saves a bundle. Granted I live in an urban area so it would depend on if there were others near you also interested.
Yes, I've looked into Azure Standard as an option but the closest pick up is 45 min drive. May still try it some day
My go to buy in bulk is ordering from azure standard. I have to drive a hour and half to get to the drop off. I think ordering once or twice a year, the savings are worth the drive for me. I buy my bulk dairy at Sam's at the moment.
I’m so glad you shared this. We normally shop at Sam’s, because Costco is in a weird area that’s complicated to get in an out of. A lot of traffic going different ways. - But I know I can get a lot more organic and naturally sourced products there. I’m going to renew my membership for Costco and give it a go. - I didn’t know about the people’s co-op, it sounds ideal. I’m so glad you shared this with us.
Awesome share with us your finds!
There is a Fresh thyme grocery store in Rochester hills, not sure where you are there is in Northville as well has a nice bulk selection with many organic opotions , the Kroger marketplace stores also have bulk selection not large but some options. If you ever want to take a day trip there is the Mennonite grocery store North of Marlette local Amish grown meat. Great video excellent information. Thank you
Get the dried mango at Costco. So good. The nuts are a great deal too.
I find that Costco travel and Costco gas are worth the membership alone.
I also shoes for my teenage sons. Great deals on mend shoes and clothes
Out here in the West we have a grocery store called Winco that has a lot of bulk items. The spices are especially inexpensive.
I shop at Costco, but very rarely. They seem to have good meat, but a lot of their products are more expensive than I can get them elsewhere and you have to buy huge amounts. Also, I hate all the packaging.
I am a member of a food co-op about 45 minutes away from me. They have a lot of organic and more natural products, which is nice. I get my lotion in bulk and vitamins there, as well as a few other things. But, they are not cost effective on a lot of things.
About buying things online, I like to shop locally if I can, even if it costs a bit more. Many stores are closing because of everyone switching to buying online. Someday we may have no option to buy at a brick and mortar.
Thanks for doing this, it was fun to see what things are like in your part of the country!
Hello Cynthia, is the co-op that you shop at near Seattle or outlying areas? The biggest city near us is Monroe. Just curious what co-op you go to and if it's close to us. We go to Winco every once in awhile but it seems that you have to time it right to avoid the crowds.
No, sorry, I am in SW Idaho. I go to a co-op in Boise. I guess I’m not quite as far west as you! I try to go to Winco very early in the morning before the crowds are crazy. Winco is a great company with low prices. People have found out how much you can save going there!
@@cynthiafisher9907 Thank you for the reply.
We definitely hit up Costco! With five folks in this house and how quickly we run through things...just gotta do it. We also get a bunch of stuff from our local market. It is hard to find a better price at certain places, but I guess it is a balance between saving money, sustainable practices, and convenience. Good stuff guys. -Kenny
So many things to consider...I'm on a mission to find the answer
I agree some of the food co ops just arent sustainable price wise. I love supporting local but prefer to find farm direct buying if possible. Thanks for the informative video!!
There is a farm I've been able to buy my dry goods from once, but now just open 3 days a week with hours I can't get to while working. I would love to support them
@@1870s would they be willing to work something out with you? You'd be surprised! Never hurts to ask. :)
Hope you all are staying warm today. We have a local bulk food store in Gladwin that you might be interested in the next time you come up north. I always get fun coffee at TJ Maxx too, great deals there.
Thanks for the grest video! Thanks for the information. I have shopped our local co-op and have found it similar to your experience. It was on the expense side, but neat to see all the different types of foods. God bless!
It was fun to see the great selection of healthy food choices
Cilinos in Temperance is a warehouse type produce market. Local as much as possible but super cost effective for bulk in season produce.
I checked out a bulk food store near me and was pretty shocked at how high the prices were. The cost made that option undoable for me. However I am in Detroit and I haven’t been to the Eastern Market in ages so I’m going to check it out.
Oh I've never been to Eastern market but would love to go some day!
Hi Rachel 👋, just rewatching.
Hi Holly
I've done that same experiment. Now where I am at the grocery options are very limited. I am fortunate to have an Amish Bulk Store nearby and can get great deals on stuff there, not all of it is organic but its supporting the local community which is big for me. I have to drive 2 hours to a Costco now but I buy 100 lbs of flour and my organic sugar there and then store that in containers here. I dry can the flour to make sure I get no bugs. Once I can get my garden going and the chickens, I should begin to get more self sufficient.
Oh I wish we had an Amish bulk store our closest one is 2 hours away
We've had a membership both at Sam's and Costco. I personally like Costco better we love their toilet paper. I did some research and if you buy the Costco brand of toilet paper the sheets per roll is the largest you can buy besides getting the Scotts 1000 sheets per roll. That's what we've tried to use in the past but I have family members that that toilet paper is a little too rough so we use the Costco brand and it works amazing plus I love that I can get a package every month the packages are big enough and we can stock up and the price is really good I think we pay $15 for a huge package and like I said the sheets per roll are the biggest I have found to be able to buy. We've gotten a few things food-wise at Costco there rotisserie chickens compared to stores around here are cheaper. But now that Kwik trip and Aldis around here people are watching those places when it comes to butter because you can get a pound of butter 1.99. I have family members that do all their shopping at Costco and love it and yet I have family members that will go Costco for so many things and they go to Aldi's or Walmart for the rest. my daughter and I did the same thing couple months ago we went to a co-op about 35 to 45 minutes away and as much as it was fun we found things to be much more expensive. there were a few items that were reasonable price but it sure didn't make the drive worthwhile. the one thing I will say about Costco is if you see something there on sale there are some items that will be there but don't count on them to be there many weeks later at that same price. There was a cereal that one of my family members love and so it was extremely cheap and I had to stop and think oh this must be one of those things that I bet you won't be like this week later so I grabbed 10 boxes they have been able to enjoy it for a long time. Yes we usually don't do cereals but I thought it would be a fun thing and they could also mix this cereal into their yogurt. now when it comes to the different memberships we are going back to just the basic one because unless you go there every month and spend a great amount you don't get a kickback of money towards your membership the next year unless you spend a lot. I have a sibling that does all her gas for her vehicle through Costco Plus much of her shopping so they have the membership that will give you a kick back and so at the end of the year she actually gets a percentage of what she spent towards her membership the next year. I have found that membership didn't work well for us because I am doing more canning and checking other places to buy our food and we do order online as well. It would be fun for you to share sites of where you have found the best places to order certain things I would love to gain Insight on that from you because if there's a better price or product I'm always eager to learn and I'm sure others would be too as well.
We're watching your video my daughter and I today as it is cold here probably like it is where you are. it is -27 temperature with a - 50 to 60 degree wind chill. we have no postal delivery today or schools are closed for 3 days and grocery stores are closing early today as early as noon and some are at 2:00. I hope you're all staying warm
Wow thanks for the insider info on the toilet paper I'll remember that! We are trying the executive membership to see if we spend enough for it to be worth it, not sure we will. I had no idea that some products come and go there, sounds slot like Aldi's that way. My boys loved the cereal we bought. I've heard their rotisserie chicken is amazing. I really only need fresh fruits and greens now and dry goods. The next Costco haul video should be a good comparison against the Amazon affiliated sources I normally use. After that if my online sources are better I will be sure to share!
Thanks for the insight. I have a Sam's Club membership which is similar to Costco and like you said, some things are a great deal but you gotta watch because other things are not. Love bulk shopping as much as we can especially with my family of 6.
It certainly seems to provide a discount on some of the basics.
Its helpful to take a couple of funnels with you for those bulk bin openings that are too big for your jars.
That People's Food Co-Op was amazing!
It was really cool
Thanks for sharing I use to have a Costco membership when I lived in that area but now I’m a Bj’s member because it’s closer to Monroe then Costco and they have a lot of organic stuff more so if you ask me FYI Sam’s club does not
Where is BJ’s? I am near you... in Bedford.
There one up by eureka and 75
@@lorirenner2183 15523 Racho rd in Taylor
@@1870s ❤️
I do shop at my local co-op, but only for certain things that I know are important to me. Being local makes it more affordable too. & I use their provided bags to transport it & then transfer into my containers.
You guys are very entertaining. I enjoy your videos.
Thank you
I shop at Costco and a food co op here where I live and the co op is good if it's close by for spices if your only needing small amounts. I get Raw organic sugar from Costco and there starting to carry a lot more organics. Thank you fun to see what you thought of both.
Yeah I could see the coop being just if you just needed to grab a few ingredients
I get my organic flour at COSTCO two ten pound bags in Texas for about 11.99 per 20 pounds. It is in a paper bag, so compostable. I get my organic Wheat flour shipped from Bob Red Mills as it is cheaper that way than in the store. If you buy it in the right type and size it is free shipping. The thing about COSTCO is a ton of their items are organic. I also get my sugar from Costco as it is organic. Most of their frozen vegetables are also organic. We eat corn again as it is non-GMO and organic. I actually unthaw the corn and then home can it.
Oh that's s good idea. I did puck up some frozen brussel sprouts and cauliflower
Thank you for doing this and videoing! Very interesting! The only reason we pay extra is for super high quality foods that we don't grow organically. That is worth it for our health. We are always looking for highest quality grown foods, especially grown locally.
Me too! Where are you located?
@@1870s We are in the mountains of north GA. No healthy food places places here and farmer's market is a very short season with few organic growers (for now).
I really appreciate your zero waste quest. It's really disappointing that bulk foods at the co-op are more expensive then individually packaged goods offered at other stores. We went to whole foods in Seattle once and it was just too expensive.
Yeah I've heard that about whole foods so I just don't got there. I look forward to the day when non GMO organic food is the standard, lol
Instead of coffee, drink tea unless you really need your coffee. Harvesting Chaga from the woods to make Tea is so good for you. Just an idea. Love your videos.
Funny there was a clip I didn't put in the video where I was looking for chaga at the co-op but they didn't have any
I don't know if items were priced by weight, but glass jars do add weight...
I provided the weight of the jars at check out and it was deducted from the total weight
Very interesting results. I would have thought the CO OP store would have been a little higher priced, but not THAT much!
I love shopping at costco but I too think you have to have a list. And I almost never buy fruit at costco because I think it's high priced.
Thanks for this video. :)
Glad you enjoyed it, love all you Costco members advice
Do they weigh the items? If so then the jars would add to the weight? It was a nice experience for you even if it didn't turn out exactly the way you planned.
Yes, I provided the weight of the jars at check out and it was deducted from the total weight
Thanks for sharing the details of the outing, I came to the same conclusion as you guys at the bulk store we tried. Not been to a Costco yet.
Tandoori is one of my favorite spices. I use it as a dry rub for chicken wings
Just stumbled across it and we really liked it
That looks fun I need to see of there is one of the shops where you bring your own containers.
Just Google "food co-op near me'. Usually find them in college towns/big cities
That 1870's Homestead we are outside of Cincinnati I am sure there is one somewhere
Wow so cool! I really liked this video. Very informative. And we've never done the Food Co-op because it's not an option for us, but it looks like a great thing albeit very expensive. We've never been to a Costco either. Loved this video though!!
Thanks guys, I had never been to either before too
I love Seattle's best coffee, it's been on sale half price at my Kroger buy 5 bags, I'm freezing the beans in ball jars, I don't have a Costco, I order my maple syrup from Vermont i'm a New England native it's my favorite.
I love looking at bulk foods. I spend way too much time just browsing. LOL Looks like y'all did great! 🙂
I will add, it does get expensive and we do most of our shopping at Kroger. They have a great organic selection and lower prices. We've bought bulk organic flour and stuff like that from the Amish store at their cost. Packaging is an issue for us but we have to balance out the cost because we have so many mouths to feed here.
I found the same, that the package free bulk stores seem to be so much more expensive. I’m not sure why really. I buy as much as I can in bulk through a local Amish store. I used to have a Sam’s membership but hated supporting Walmart. I’m not sure who owns Costco, but when I had a membership there I definitely found they had a better organic selection than Sam’s did.
We are 45 minutes or more from Costco/Sam’s also. If I didn’t have access to the Amish store and azure standard, I would probably have a Costco membership
Oh and you can’t beat the price of organic maple syrup at Costco or Sam’s. It’s $11-13 for one of those large plastic bottles that are $19-26 at the grocery!
I noticed that will definitely be buying from there in the future!
Great information 👍, thanks for sharing...
Your welcome
I think Costco has much more organic food that Sam's Club does, but I do find that *what* they have often changes. That makes it hard to prepare a Costco list ahead of time. Our Costco is over an hour away. It is always packed, there's never enough registers open and I find the whole experience stressful.
How were you able to put your bulk items in mason jars and not pay for the weight of the jars? Glass is heavy which would make what you get cost much more than it would ordinarily.
You tar the jars ahead of filling them and they take the weight of the jar off at check out
Oh that's good! I was wondering if they would do that. Good to know.
I go to Costco every 2 weeks. I like that they have lots of organic things for even cheaper then non organic. I don't buy meat because we raise our own. We have a chain called Bulk Barn but they are very expensive. It's a shame because they have some really neat items and a variety of different spices, flours, nut butters and teas. I've only gone a few times because I always spend way more then what I should.
We don't have a bulk Barn but sounds fun
I found this very helpful, thank you
Your welcome
This is my food co-op! What a great surprise!
That said, it’s not the best indicator of co-ops everywhere- Ann Arbor tends to be overpriced in general and the co-op is no exception, which sucks.
Unfortunately it's the closest co-op to us, so the only experience we could find. Also my maple syrup I got from there fermented. I was highly disappointed. I am sure living near buy it's handy when you just need to grab a few things
That 1870's Homestead yeah, absolutely true. It’s amazingly convenient and feels a lot better to me than buying at a local Kroger etc. but definitely isn’t ideal.
Do they tare your containers? I have not been to a Costco but enjoy watching the hauls from there.
Yes the coop deducted the weights of my jars from the total weight of the product
This was a great video thanks for sharing
Glad you liked it
Yeah co ops can be great for a lot of things, but it is probably more like a supplemental option. For example bulk shops can be great if you just a small amount of something.
Agreed
Thank you for sharing about the Co-op. I’ve always wondered about those. We don’t have any near us. -Tangi
I really wish it was a more affordable option, I really enjoyed it
Saved us some money for sure! How do you think Costco compares to Sam's Club?
I've never shopped at a Sam's club either. I think my next comparison will be Costco vs. Amazon
Excellent work!
Thanks
I am local to you. My father in law loves people's co op.
Have you tried Fresh Thyme?
No I haven't, I think the closest one might be in Canton
@@1870s
There is on in Ann arbor on washtenaw and Golfside. Or Canton they also have a Farmington Hills location on Grandriver
There are more Sam's around and I get a deal on my produce at Aldi.
My local Costco has everything packaged so you'd have to recycle. My goal is to refuse buying plastics because manufacturers will continue to produce more plastics. It's still being recycled according to the 5 R's. Refuse. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & Rot (Compostable). Making the ongoing transitions daily can be challenging at times. Especially, starting out.
I agree wholeheartedly!
Love your channel! Thanks for inspiring!!!
Good info to know
Costco sounds like the better option to me!
Ya think? Lol
I like zero waste, but I’m not there, and probably never will be. Maybe if I win the lottery, but I don’t play so...
Been following you for a while on Instagram and finally made it over here. Did they charge you for the weight of the jars?
No they take off the weight of the jars at check out. Thanks for coming over to our UA-cam!!
Thank you, but I wouldn't do it again either.
Did the store charge you for the weight of the glass jars?
When weighing the per pound items?
No they subtract the weight of the jars
Do you purchase bulk items online through a specific company or just Amazon ?
Just Amazon
Ouch on coop!
Really high prices
Hope people’s coop deducted the weight off your bulk products from the asking price
Yes they did
Ya, $150 for maybe 2 bags of groceries is just not affordable! How did your own containers work at check-out? Because they wouldn't know the tare weight.
I provided the weights if the jars and they deducted from the total weight at check out
@@1870s Well that's good!