The advantages of buying in bulk and in cuts

Do you go to the supermarket, run around the aisles in record time looking for products here and there or do you prefer to take your time to read, buy, choose and question? If you’re from the ‘speedy’ group, among other advantages, you’re missing out on the opportunity to try new flavors, be more innovative in your cooking and save some money. If you’re a ‘conscious’ shopper, a shopper that knows the fish monger and greets the butcher, perhaps there are some benefits to dedicating time filling your shopping basket with new things.

•  Quality. With packaged products, it can be hard to see the product whereas, on the counter, the products are more visible and, therefore, easier to choose from. This is the case when buying fruit and vegetables in bulk, as well as buying meat, slices from the deli or pieces of fish. We directly choose the product that we want.

•  Quantity. Packaged products don’t always meet the needs of all families. Being able to ask for as many cuts as you need, 100 grams for sandwiches or a small sample piece just to try… it’s particularly advantageous for households with few people. In addition, it’s also beneficial in reducing food waste.

•  Customization. For tacos, a stew, appetizers, fumet, the oven… the expert at each counter cleans the fish or prepares the meat especially for the recipe you want to make. The product arrives ready to cook and you save time at home.

• Price. Products bought in bulk or in cuts have a more straightforward display than packaged products, therefore they use less materials so the prices are usually cheaper.  

•  Sustainability. Choosing to buy in bulk or in cuts encourages environmentally responsible consumption, reducing the use of plastic, cartons and packaging.

•  Expert advice: When you buy in cuts, as well as getting the product, you’ll also get advice from an expert. The butcher or the fish monger will know their product better than anyone: their qualities, ‘pairing’, cooking instructions and ‘secret’ tips for achieving maximum taste. Don’t be intimidated and ask for advice.

Beginners guide

If the list of advantages doesn’t inspire you to try shopping in cuts because you don’t know what, how much or how to ask for it, here’s some advice for successful shopping.

•  Planning: before asking at the counter, think about what you want to make, if you need cuts, grams, kilos or even a whole piece.

•  Buying: always check the price per kilo and look for offers. It’s a good way to find out about new products and gain some knowledge.

•  Choose: look at the product. Its texture, color and general appearance will act as a guide.

Ask:
- At the meat counter: find out about a cut, sauce and cooking instructions because it’s not the same for meat cooked in a stew, grill, filling or in the oven…
- At the fish counter: ask about preservation (freezing, for example) and preparation (in the oven, under the grill, steaming…) to get the most out of the product and to avoid bad smells lingering in your kitchen.
- At the deli counter: the products qualities are best enjoyed depending on the type and thickness of the cut: finely diced for ham, thin slices for turkey, slices or wedges, depending on the variety of cheese, etc.