With this month’s challenge being to cut down on plastics from deli meats and cheeses, I’m going to have to rely more on plant protein alternatives. One of those alternatives is, you guessed it, peanut butter! I love peanut butter but this advice applies to any nut butter. I know I can get plastic-free peanut butter at the store by buying it in glass jars. But peanut butter has the potential to be a zero-waste food. However, that all depends on whether I can find a grocer that does fresh ground nut butters.
Where do I start looking for zero-waste food?
The places I usually find fresh ground nut butters are at bulk food grocery stores or Co-Ops. If you’ve been in a store that has large barrels/tubs of dried foods that you use a scoop to fill a bag then pay-by-weight at the counter, that’s a bulk food store. Bulk food stores not only allow but encourage you to bring your own containers to fill and refill. If you don’t have a bulk food store in your area, there are some grocery stores (like Sprouts) that have a bulk food section. Be sure to check your local store’s faqs page to see their policies on using in your own containers.
The search for zero-waste food: peanut butter begins
When I did a map search for “bulk food stores in my area”, the majority of stores that came up weren’t what I’d consider a bulk food store. They were grocery stores that carried food in bulk but not the self-serve type of bulk food. So, I did another map search for “self-serve bulk food stores in my area” and the results were much better. In fact, I could see some of the local stores and co-ops that had been buried in the previous search results.
What I found –
I lucked out and the city I’m in has a self-serve bulk food store! There are also 2 grocery stores with bulk food departments so I checked those out too. Turns out, only the self-serve bulk food store had nut grinding machines. So, I was able to take in my container and get my zero-waste peanut butter 🙂 The price was even equivalent to what I would have paid for pre-packaged peanut butter. I also picked up a few other things I’ll need for this month’s challenge, like chickpeas. With that, I’ve got my key plant proteins for the upcoming week!
Options for zero-waste food without a bulk food store
Bulk food stores are definitely the most convenient option but not the only one. You can also get your own nut grinding machine and make nut butters at home. The other option I can think of isn’t zero-waste but it is plastic-free, and that is to buy peanut butter/nut butters in glass jars. If your local grocer doesn’t have many nut butters to choose from, I highly advise checking out Azure Standard*. They have an alternative food distribution system and they focus on natural foods that you can order in bulk.
Just out of curiosity, has anyone been able to find self-serve fresh ground seed butter at bulk food stores or Co-ops? If so, please mention it in the comments below.
Disclosure: I will only recommend products that I personally use and love and hope can be of benefit to others in their sustainable journeys. (*) indicates an affiliate link where Sustainable Pursuits llc may receive a small compensation for product recommendations. This helps to support Sustainable Pursuits llc and my ability to share these experiences with you!
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