November 02, 2019
Wholesale food stores aren’t just for restaurateurs and catering companies. Any home cook can easily stock up on nutritious ingredients for a community event or even their personal pantry. Looking for the best wholesome food finds at your local restaurant supply store? Check out our top nine food item recommendations to create nourishing, delicious meals.
What to Purchase in Bulk for Healthy Eating
1. Oats
Available in varieties from thick to thin, steel cut and event gluten free, oats are a great source of vital nutrients and antioxidants. This whole-grain wonder food has been shown to lower cholesterol and help balance blood sugar.With a shelf life of up to four months, when stored in an airtight container, oats are a perfect item to purchase in large quantities at your local wholesale food store. Make your own granola or homemade breads. They’re also a terrific addition to savory foods, such as butternut squash “oat gratin.”
2. Frozen Berries
Superfoods like blueberries and raspberries are staples for any healthy home cook, but fresh berries can be spendy and highly-perishable. So why not try frozen? They can last in the freezer for up to six months and could be better for your health than some fresh berries. In fact, studies have shown frozen blueberries provide higher antioxidant benefits than fresh. Perfect for smoothies, baked goods, or chutneys, frozen berries are versatile, which makes them an essential ingredient to have on hand.
3. Dried Beans and Lentils
Shelf-stable and naturally high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, legumes can last in your pantry for years, making them one of the best healthy items to purchase from your wholesale restaurant supply store. Use them in heart-healthy chili, warming stews, or turn dried garbanzo beans into creamy hummus.
4. Whole Grains
Whole grains, like quinoa, wild rice, and lentils, are among the most versatile food items to stock in your pantry. Found in breakfast dishes, snacks, dinners, and lunches, whole grains provide a substantial amount health-boosting benefits, like fiber, antioxidants, and minerals. They also have a long shelf life, making them a smart bulk shopping choice.
5. Frozen Vegetables
Eating more vegetables is part of a healthy lifestyle. To get your daily dose of veggies, without fear of waste, look to frozen vegetables. Dark leafy greens, broccoli, peas, carrots, and asparagus are all nutritious and tasty options to have readily available in your freezer. Picked at their peak of ripeness and quickly frozen to help maintain nutrients, frozen vegetables have similar vitamin content as fresh. Plus they are more cost effective and easy to store, making them a great bulk purchase buy.
6. Dried Fruits
A common addition to homemade trail mixes and a wholesome alternative to sugary snacks, dried fruit is a go-to item for health-conscious home cooks. Grab a variety from your wholesale restaurant supplier and store them for months!
7. Fresh and Frozen Lean Meats
Protein rich foods like poultry and lean red meats are readily available at wholesale restaurant supply stores. Choose from fresh or frozen quality meats and use them in your weekly meal plans. Chicken breasts, ground turkey, and lean beef make for perfect healthy entrees for the whole family.
8. Peanut Butter
High in healthy fats, peanut butter can be used for everything from classic PB&J, to sophisticated Thai cuisine. Or just enjoy it au natural on top of crunchy celery. With a long storage life, peanut butter is ideal for buying in bulk. Look for a brand low in sugar, and keep it in your pantry, or fridge for extended longevity.
9. Frozen Juice
Drinking fruit juice is part of a well-balanced healthy meal plan, but fresh squeezed juice can be pricey. Frozen fruit juice, on the other hand, is an affordable, easy-to-store option. Plus, you can stockpile your favorite flavors. For maximum health benefits, be sure to purchase 100% fruit juice concentrates over those with added sugar.
One-Stop-Shopping for Your Wholesale Food Supplies
Looking to eat healthy without breaking the bank? Think about a visit to your local wholesale restaurant supply store. US Foods CHEF'STORE has all the to-go staples for anyone wanting to stock their pantry at affordable prices. What’s more? We also offer a variety of kitchen cooking essentials, like knives, cookware, and utensils, so you can complete your home chef kit. Search our full line of products and get started on your shopping list!