As the crisp fall weather settles in, it's the perfect time to cozy up with hearty and wholesome meals. And what better way to embrace the season than by stocking up on whole grains during National Bulk Foods Week?
Buying in bulk not only saves you money but also reduces packaging waste and ensures your pantry is always ready for cooking up comforting dishes. This week, let’s explore 10 whole grains that you can buy in bulk to elevate your soups, stews, and other fall favorites.
Why Buy Whole Grains in Bulk?
Stocking up on whole grains offers a variety of benefits. Bulk buying allows you to save money, cut down on packaging, and keep nutrient-rich staples on hand for quick and easy meals. Whole grains are not only satisfying, but they’re also packed with fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals that support balanced blood sugars, gut health, and overall well-being.
Now, let’s explore our top 10 whole grains, perfect for cozy cool-weather recipes!
- Sorghum
Nutritional Benefits: Sorghum is a gluten-free grain that’s high in antioxidants, protein, and fiber. It’s also rich in iron, which supports energy levels and immune function.
Cooking Inspo: Sorghum’s substantial, chewy texture works wonderfully in stews and hearty vegetable dishes. You can also use it in pilafs and grain bowls, or even pop it as a crunchy topping for salads or soups. When popped, sorghum looks like mini popcorn kernels! So cute! 🥰
- Barley
Nutritional Benefits: Barley is an excellent source of dietary fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which has been linked to improved cholesterol levels and heart health. It’s also rich in essential minerals like magnesium and selenium.
Cooking Inspo: Barley’s firm texture makes it a staple for soups and stews, but it also excels in other dishes. Use it to add heartiness to baked casseroles or incorporate it into stuffing for a nutritious twist on traditional recipes. Its nutty flavor works wonderfully in grain bowls paired with roasted vegetables.
- Farro
Nutritional Benefits: Farro is packed with protein, fiber, and several B vitamins, including niacin and riboflavin. It’s a great source of complex carbohydrates and provides essential minerals like magnesium and zinc.
Cooking Inspo: Farro’s nutty flavor and firm bite make it perfect for more than just soups. Toss it into grain salads, use it as a bed for roasted lean meats, or mix it into stir-fries for added texture and nutrients.
- Quinoa
Nutritional Benefits: Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. It’s also high in fiber, magnesium, and plant-based iron, making it a great choice for vegetarians and vegans.
Cooking Inspo: Beyond soups, quinoa is quick-cooking and versatile. It can be used in salads, grain bowls, or as a base for stir-fries. You can also serve it as a protein-rich side dish or mix it into breakfast porridges.
- Millet
Nutritional Benefits: Millet is rich in B vitamins, magnesium, and potassium. It’s also a gluten-free grain that provides a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
Cooking Inspo: Millet’s fluffy texture makes it perfect for grain-based bowls and stir-fries. You can also use it in veggie burgers, breakfast cereals, or as a base for roasted vegetable medleys.
- Rye Berries
Nutritional Benefits: Rye berries are high in fiber, supporting digestive health, and rich in manganese and phosphorus, essential for bone strength and metabolic function.
Cooking Inspo: Rye berries have a slightly tangy flavor and chewy texture that hold up in long-cooking dishes like soups and stews. They also make a fantastic addition to salads when tossed with vinaigrettes or can be sprinkled as a crunchy topping on grain bowls or roasted vegetables for added texture.
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Buckwheat
Nutritional Benefits: Buckwheat is a gluten-free pseudo-cereal rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants. Like quinoa, the protein in buckwheat is complete (contains all 9 essential amino acids). It’s also high in magnesium and rutin, which supports heart health and circulation.
Cooking Inspo: Buckwheat’s slightly earthy, nutty flavor and firm texture make it versatile beyond soups and stews. Use it in grain bowls, or as a gluten-free option in stir-fries, or blend it into pancakes for a nutrient-packed breakfast.
- Bulgur
Nutritional Benefits: Bulgur is a cracked wheat product that’s high in fiber and low in fat. It’s a great source of complex carbohydrates and offers vitamins like B6 and niacin.
Cooking Inspo: Bulgur’s fast cooking time makes it perfect for quick dishes. It works well in grain salads, light soups, or as a filling side dish. You can also use it as the base for tabbouleh or as a stuffing for peppers.
- Fonio
Nutritional Benefits: Fonio is a highly nutritious ancient grain from West Africa, packed with fiber, iron, and amino acids. It’s also gluten-free and provides essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, making it a fantastic choice for overall health.
Cooking Inspo: Fonio cooks quickly and has a light, fluffy texture. It’s perfect for stir-fries, grain bowls, or as a side to roasted vegetables. It can also be used in porridge or as a complement to grilled meats.
- Oat Groats
Nutritional Benefits: Oat groats are whole oats with the outer husk removed, making them one of the least processed forms of oats. They’re rich in beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that helps lower cholesterol, balance blood sugars, and support heart health. Oat groats also provide a good source of protein and essential minerals like magnesium and iron.
Cooking Inspo: Oat groats add a chewy texture and a slightly sweet flavor to soups and stews. They’re also great in breakfast porridges, as a base for grain bowls, or in hearty veggie stir-fries.
How to Store Your Bulk Grains
Proper storage is key to keeping your bulk grains fresh and nutritious. Whole grains contain oils that can spoil, so follow these simple steps to extend their shelf life.
- Airtight Containers: Transfer grains into airtight containers, like glass jars or BPA-free plastic bins, to protect them from moisture, pests, and odors.
- Cool, Dark Storage: Store in a cool, dark place to prevent heat and light from causing deterioration.
- Label with Purchase Date: Always label your grains with the purchase date to track freshness and use older grains first.
- Refrigeration & Freezing: For grains with higher oil content like oats or quinoa, consider refrigerating or freezing them in airtight containers to extend their shelf life.
- Avoid Contamination: Keep grains separate from strong-smelling foods and ensure containers are clean and dry before use.
Following these tips will help keep your bulk grains fresh and ready for all your fall meals!
just better.® Prebiotic Fiber in Bulk? YES!
In the spirit of National Bulk Foods Week, don’t miss the chance to stock up on just better.® Prebiotic Fiber! Our 200-serving (1200g) pouches are perfect for keeping in your pantry, ensuring you always have your favorite gut-nurturing staple on hand.
just better.® Prebiotic Fiber dissolves completely in any recipe—from soups to smoothies—without affecting the taste or texture, making it an ideal addition to your fall cooking. Plus, it supports gut health, balanced blood sugar, cardiovascular health, and overall optimal wellness, so you can feel great about using it in all your meals.
Wrapping Up
Stock up on these versatile whole grains this National Bulk Foods Week to make cozy, nutrient-packed meals all season long. And don’t forget to add just better.® Prebiotic Fiber to support gut health and balance blood sugar in every dish!
Live… just better.®
