Walking into The Source Bulk Foods for the first time felt like stepping into a sustainability utopia.
Walls lined with neatly labeled bulk bins, faint scent of spices and grains filled the air, and plastic packaging was nowhere in sight. It was a refreshing change from the usual supermarket chaos.
We’d heard about Source Bulk Foods before. It is one of Australia’s leading bulk food store chains, with a mission to reduce waste and encourage a more mindful way of shopping. But was it worth ditching Coles and Woolworths for? We were about to find out.
The Shopping Experience
Armed with our mismatched collection of produce bags and repurposed containers, we walked through the doors, ready to embrace the package-free lifestyle.
The first thing we noticed (aside from the the walls filled with chocolate) was how quiet and peaceful it was. No blaring announcements, no squeaky shopping trolleys, no crowds pushing past. Just a calm, mindful shopping experience. Compared to the packed supermarket aisles we were used to, it felt like a breath of fresh air.
A lovely man working at the Cairns store greeted us and explained how things worked:
- Weigh the empty containers first.
- Fill them up with whatever you needed.
- Weigh them again at the counter to determine the price.
Simple enough. But what really stood out was the range of products. There were the usual suspects, grains, nuts, dried fruit, and pasta, but also some unexpected gems: kombucha on tap, nut butters that could be ground fresh, and even eco-friendly cleaning products.
And the best part? No plastic in sight.
The Price vs. Value Debate
One of our biggest concerns was the cost. Some items were definitely pricier than their supermarket equivalents. But when we considered the quality, sustainability, and the ability to buy exactly the quantity we needed (without the plastic), we decided it was worth the extra.
For example:
- Pasta was surprisingly affordable and available in so many varieties.
- Spices were way cheaper than buying a whole jar when we only needed a teaspoon.
Sure, not everything fit our budget, but I felt better knowing I was supporting a business that prioritised sustainability over mass production.
Product Comparison
| The Source Bulk Foods | Woolworths | |||
| Honey |  | $11.95 (310g) – Locally sourced from farmer – Reusable jar |  | $6.60 (340g) – 100% Pure Australian Honey – Plastic packaging, not easily reusable – Although packaging is made with some recycled plastic, it still ends up in landfill |
| Peanut Butter (500g) |  | $11.95 (500g) – Australian-grown peanuts GMO and preservative-free – Reusable jar |  | $3.40 (500g) – Made with roasted peanuts, sugar, stabiliser and salt – Made in Argentina – Plastic packaging |
| Fine Celtic Salt (100g) |  | $1.90 (100g) – Sourced from France – Scooped into reusable container |  | $7.70 (250g) – Sourced from France – Smallest size available – Plastic packaging |
The Verdict: Worth It?
Absolutely, for us. This experience was all about trying a new approach to the way that we shopped. Were some products were pricier than usual? Sure. But as we learn more about climate change, our focus is shifting and our priorities are changing.
Shopping at Source Bulk Foods is a small but significant way to reduce plastic waste, support ethical food production, and take control of how much we purchase.
Would we go back? Absolutely! But next time, we’d come prepared.
What We Wish We Knew
Bring your own jars and containers
Jars are available for purchase are the store, but they are kinda pricey. You can repurpose ones you have laying around at home, or check out your local op shop to buy a bunch in bulk.
Stock up
The more reusable containers you bring, the better. We were delighted with the variety of products to choose from, and we definitely would have purchased more products, if we had brought more containers.
Check where products are sourced from
While the Bulk Source Foods is doing better than most (70% of the food they sell is Australian), not all products are sourced from Australia. Buying Australian-made is a priority for us (when possible) so we let the store attendant know and he was super helpful and honest about where the products came from.
Write a list
To avoid being wasteful, write what you need and check out what your local Source Bulk Foods store stocks. You might be surprised by how much they have, and how little need there is to make a trip to Coles or Woolworths afterwards.
Plan your time to visit
We planned our visit on the weekend, so we could purchase our dry goods, then head to the fresh fruit and vegetable market down the road. Since Source Bulk Foods doesn’t stock fresh produce, it’s a good idea to see what local markets are in your area, and plan your visit for around that time. Bonus: get all your shopping out of the way in one morning!
TL;DR: Our first visit to Source Bulk Foods was a game-changer. We loved the plastic-free setup, the huge variety of products, and the ability to buy exactly what we needed. The peaceful, quiet atmosphere was a welcome break from packed supermarket aisles. Some things were pricier than supermarket options, but the quality and sustainability factor made it worth it. If you’re looking for an easy way to cut down on waste and shop more mindfully, it’s definitely worth a visit.