I have often received emails with questions on where I buy my ingredients. Hopefully this post will help answer those questions. I love sales, especially the clearance racks and watch for food items to go on sale. I don’t like to spend a lot of money on things. When we switched to Paleo, it almost killed me to pay $8.00 for a pound of coconut flour and some exorbitant amount for a small jar of coconut oil. I absolutely refused to even try almond flour as it was well over $10 a pound. And then there is raw honey–which is another not-so-cheap ingredient in unrefined baking. It was clear I was going to have to do something different than buying all these things at the health food store.
To begin with, we belong to a co-op called Azure Standard. I am not positive, but I think that they deliver all over the country. There are requirements for how much is ordered in the group (around $500) and individually you need to spend $50 or more in order for them to send the shipment. They sell a lot of items in bulk and their prices are typically fantastic. These are some of the things I order from Azure Standard and the approximate price I pay (but prices change all the time).
Azure Standard Products
-Bob’s Red Mill Almond Flour ($22.00 for a 5 pound bag = $4.40/lb.)
-Coconut Secret Coconut Flour ($24.00 for a 5 pound bag =$4.80/lb.)
-Organic, Unsweetened Shredded Coconut ($15.00 for a 5 pound bag = $3.00/lb.)
-Thai Organic Coconut Milk (canned) ($27.50 for 12 – 14 oz. cans = $2.29/can)
-Coconut Secret Raw, Organic Coconut Aminos (I use this as a soy sauce substitute) ($4.50 for 8 oz.)
-Earth Circle Organics Raw Cacao Powder (raw cacao is much more beneficial to you than cocoa) ($12.00/lb.)
-Cashews, Raw, Small Pieces (in most of my cooking I chop them up so this works for me) ($20 for a 5 pound bag = $4.00/lb.)
-Cashews, Raw, Whole ($40.00 for a 5 pound bag = $8.00/lb.)
-Sunflower Seeds, Raw, Organic ($10 for a 5 pound bag = $2.00/lb.)
I also buy a lot of things at Costco. If you have one of those close to you, you might be surprised how much they carry that you can eat. There is a yearly membership fee like Sam’s Club, but we find for our family it is definitely worth it. Costco product selection varies from store to store, so no guarantees your store will carry these things.
Costco Products
–Almonds (unsalted, unroasted) ($10 for a 3 pound bag = $3.33/lb.)
-Sunmaid Organic Raisins ($8.00 for 2 pounds = $4.00/lb.)
-Walnuts (unsalted, unroasted) ($15.00 for 5 pounds = $3.00/lb.)
-Organic Fuji Apples (price changes depending on the season but is usually around $1.50/lb.)
-Organic Baby Spinach (couple bucks for a big, 1 pound container)
-Bananas (price varies, but cheaper than our grocery stores)
-Vanilla (16 ounces for appr. $6.00)
-Maranatha Roasted Almond Butter, Smooth (26 ounce jar for appr. $6.00)
-Butter (currently $8.00 for 4 pounds = $2.00/lb. — pastured, organic butter would be much better for you though)
-Eggs (currently $8.00 for 5 dozen = $1.60/dozen — again, farm fresh organic would be better for you)
-Kirkland Maple Syrup (pure, Grade A) (32 ounces for appr. $14.00)
Coconut Oil Info
Most of the ingredients I buy come from one of the two places mentioned above. Coconut oil, however, has been an interesting research project and trial. I first started with a small jar that was really expensive from our local grocery store. Then, I went in with a few other ladies on a 5 gallon bucket from some company that we split (but was inconvenient for the lady who received it to try and divide it evenly). Then, I ordered 1 gallon from a company that Azure Standard sells. It didn’t have a lot of information on it, but said it was raw, cold-pressed and organic so I thought it must be good. At this time I started to learn about what to look for in a coconut oil. This [lengthy] article on coconut oil by Dr. Mercola states the things you should look for when choosing a coconut oil. In a nutshell, these are the things to look for:
1. USDA Certified
2. Unrefined
3. No chemicals added
4. Unbleached
5. Undeodorized
6. Not hydrogenated
7. Not GMO (genetically modified) or hybrid coconuts
8. Made from FRESH coconuts, not dried coconuts (used in cheap coconut oils)
9. Not processed with heat
Mercola’s website sells a good brand for $65.45 a gallon (currently the sale price), Tropical Traditions also has a good coconut oil for $65.00 a gallon (currently, through March 15th), and then there is the brand that I use: Nutiva–which is currently selling their organic, extra-virgin coconut oil at $59.99 a gallon (this also is on sale). Since I ordered my first gallon of Organic, Extra-Virgin Nutiva Coconut Oil, the price has increased slightly, but the “one-gallon price” has always been on sale. That is not to say that it will always be on sale, but I liked that it wasn’t just a “one-week deal” or anything.
Nutiva also offers FREE shipping on orders over $30.00, so if you like to buy in bulk like me, that just tops off the cake! I became an affiliate of their company soon afterwards because I love their coconut oil and love their prices! Their coconut oil meets Dr. Mercola’s standards and their price is even cheaper than Azure Standard sells Nutiva Coconut Oil for (surprisingly!) So, if you do decide to order from Nutiva, I’d love it if you wanted to go through my link. I do get a small compensation from Nutiva if you do decide to order through my link.
Just a little more on coconut oil…when I mentioned before that I had bought a brand of coconut oil that was raw, cold-pressed and organic…it was, but I found out after calling the company that it came from dried copra instead of fresh coconuts. The next coconut oil I ordered was Nutiva. When I received it, I could actually smell a difference between the two. The Nutiva brand smelled fresher to me! (Granted, I do have a super-strong nose…and it is even more sensitive being pregnant…)
Raw Honey
It is very beneficial to your health if you can find local, raw honey. I have heard that it helps with allergies other things if you can buy locally. This may take some research for you to find. If you do find a good supplier though, it is well-worth it. Raw honey can range anywhere from $2.00 a pound (the cheapest I’ve ever seen it) up to $5.00 a pound (and probably higher)! I buy honey in one gallon containers to save money.
Grass-Fed Beef
Grass-Fed Beef is a great thing to find locally. We found someone who raises his beef grass-fed and doesn’t use hormones or antibiotics on them. It is basically organic without being “certified” which costs farmers an arm and a leg to do so. If you can afford to buy 1/2 beef, that is probably going to be your best price. We split a half-beef between 3 families…and I don’t think it will last our family too long…
Other Products
I buy produce when it is on sale at our grocery store or at Costco. Our Costco carries a lot of organic produce which is fantastic! And I actually buy sweet potatoes and yams )non-organic) at Wal-Mart…they are almost half of the price of our grocery stores. I buy Ghiradelli Dark Chocolate Chips at Wal-Mart as well.
Hopefully this information has been helpful to you. If you don’t have a Costco or something similar nearby that you can buy in bulk from, check around to see what is close to you. I’ve heard that “Whole Foods” is a great store to buy organic products, but we do not have one here. Let me know if you have further questions or suggestions to other places that you buy your ingredients!
This post contains affiliate links for which I may receive compensation. Thanks you for your support!
John Marris
Jun 9, 2016 -
Coconut oil is one of nature’s richest sources.It is one of the most natural oil which has not any harm.So people use coconut oil for drinking to weight loss but i usually use this amazing COCONUT OIL in cooking to give my food best taste & flavor.Thanks for sharing.
selenaricard
Oct 8, 2015 -
Coconut oil will be carried out in any appropriate additional complementary materials in the kitchen and make different disease drug .
Carol
Apr 29, 2015 -
I had concerns about Nutiva coconut oil being in plastic containers too. I buy the large containers and transfer the oil into pint sized canning jars.
SARAH
Apr 11, 2014 -
Are you able to fry with Nutiva. Is the scent as strong as Tropical Tradition. I bought a couple of gallons of Tropical Traditions the scent is too strong for me. Fried some fish, didn’t do so well. Is there a coconut oil that doesn’t have a scent?
Thanks
Jennifer
Apr 13, 2014 -
Nutiva Coconut Oil does have a coconut scent to it. I don’t know how it compares to Tropical Traditions because I haven’t personally tried theirs. I do believe though that Tropical Traditions has a more refined version of coconut oil that doesn’t have a scent but I’m not certain. I hope that is helpful!
Kelly
Mar 1, 2014 -
Thx for this post – I was just about to buy Earth Circle from Azure when I noticed that they didn’t say their coconut oil was “raw” in their write up of it on their webiste. I also went to Mercola to see what he had to say (as a gold standard). And I used to buy the Nutivia tubs from Amazon for the subscribe and save. So seems we are on the same paths and you are ahead of me – thank you for doing the reserach! So my q: what do you think of the bulk Nutivia being in plastic? The reason I was going for Earth Circle was for the glass jar. I mean it’s not heated, but still sitting in the plastic. Thoughts? Thanks! BTW, I will def buy through the link on your website, I was so happy to have read it tonight before I placed my Azure order!
Kelly
Jennifer @ The Unrefined Kitchen
Mar 2, 2014 -
Hello! I guess the thought that it’s in a plastic container hasn’t crossed my mind at all…I use plastic containers at home often and know that their are concerns about plastic but haven’t personally researched it or been too concerned about it. You’ll have to decide for yourself which is best 🙂
Jennifer @ The Unrefined Kitchen
Mar 2, 2014 -
Also, I wrote this article 2 years ago so prices have changed on probably everything, FYI.
Kelly
Mar 2, 2014 -
Thanks for responding, Jennifer ~ yeah the prices have changed, but if I did the math right then hands down the gallon is waaaaay cheaper per ounce. All the best, Kelly
Sharon
May 15, 2012 -
I just discovered your site from Nourishing Gourmet and am excited to try your recipes! I’ve noticed some recipes use chai seeds and arrowroot. I haven’t found arrowroot in bulk and have never bought chai seeds. Could you tell me where you buy them? Thanks!
Jennifer
May 15, 2012 -
You should be able to buy arrowroot at most health foods stores and possibly even in a “health foods” section of a regular grocery store. I am guessing you’d also be able to buy chia seeds at a health foods store but mine are from Nutiva
Alicia
Mar 21, 2012 -
I haven’t looked myself but saw at another blog that Costco carried Kerrygold butter which is from grass fed cows though imported.
Jennifer
Mar 21, 2012 -
Wow! That is cool!
Cookbook Review: Eat Like a Dinosaur | The Unrefined Kitchen
Mar 17, 2012 -
[…] Tags Almond Butter Almond Milk Almonds Apples Banana Beef Beverages Bison Bread Breakfast Cabbage Candy Carrots Chicken Chocolate Cocoa Coconut Coconut Flour Coconut Milk Coconut Oil Cookies Dairy-Free Dessert Gluten-free Grain-Free Green Pepper Kid-Friendly Main Dish Muffin Onion Paleo Pasta Peaches Pecans Pumpkin Refined Sugar-Free Side Dishes Snacks Spinach Strawberries Sweet Potato/Yam Tomato Unsweetened Applesauce Walnuts Zucchini « Where I Buy Ingredients…and Information on Coconut Oil […]
Bobbie
Mar 13, 2012 -
How long does the gallon of Coconut oil from Nutiva last? Thanks for all the great info!!!
Jennifer
Mar 13, 2012 -
My gallon of Nutiva coconut oil says it was packed on 11/2/11 and is best used before 11/2/13. So in answer to your question, two years. 🙂
robyn
Mar 11, 2012 -
Interesting about your experience with the coconut oil. I too ordered a gallon (marked raw organic virgin coconut oil) from Azure and it was horrible. Wondering if it’s the same brand you got (Earth Circle)? I couldn’t stand the smell or the flavor, almost seemed rotten.
I had been ordering Nutiva’s on subscribe and ship from amazon which seemed to be the best price per ounce but we go through so much thought I’d try a gallon to delay my need to shop. I recently ordered from tropical traditions when the had a deal on their gold standard virgin on sale and it included a 32 oz of expeller-pressed…I do like TT Virigin oil okay but do NOT like the expeller pressed, which I wouldn’t have gotten if it hadn’t been free. I’m going back to Nutiva though, I think it’s my favorite and it seems Amazon is still cheaper (per ounce) than Azure.
we too get a lot of items at costco. ours has a decent amount of organic produce and eggs for a decent price. we just moved across the country and are much more rural than prior, so our options are limited. we do have a farmers market during the summer but it’s hit and miss.
Romy
Mar 7, 2012 -
I think I was reacting to the heaviness and richness of the unrefined product. I don’t do well on really intense (rich) foods, I think the refining took it down a notch that I could handle. And yes, I think you were right about the flavor, I don’t mind a little coconut but I found it overwhelmed the food. I just made truffles with raw cocoa, pecans, dates etc. I put a heaping blob of coconut oil in and it didn’t overwhelm the truffle, it was delicious. I hope I’m getting the benefits even though it’s not unrefined, I can make up for it by just eating more of it…
Romy
Mar 7, 2012 -
Interesting about coconut oil,
I tried Tropical Traditions and I just couldn’t eat it. After some other tries I bought a jar of organic “refined” coconut oil at Whole Foods. Seems to be the only way I can tolerate it. Maybe as I get used to it I could transition to unrefined. Curious if anyone else has experienced this…
Jennifer
Mar 7, 2012 -
I have not personally tried Tropical Traditions–just know that they meet the requirements for a good coconut oil. Did you not like it because it tasted like coconut? Nutiva’s oil has a coconut taste, but it is a fresh taste/smell as compared to some other brands I have tried.
Colleen
Mar 7, 2012 -
Hi there. Thanks for all the recommendations. I’m always looking for deals to feed my crew. Just wanted to let you know that I did similar research on coconut oil. I found Nutiva on Amazon cheaper than anywhere else if you sign up for regular delivery. I chose an every two months delivery, and I get (2) 54oz. containers (just under a gallon) for $41.50. So far I haven’t found it cheaper anywhere. Just thought I’d pass that on.
Our local health food market sells free-range ground turkey for $2.99/lb if you buy five pounds, and they have similar specials on their ground beef. This might be worth checking into if you have a store like this. It’s great for me, because I have such a large crew that it’s not much more than I would buy at one time anyway. I make my own ground sausage from the turkey and it is way cheaper and healthier than store-bought sausage.
Jennifer
Mar 7, 2012 -
Thanks for the information! I am not familiar with the regular delivery stuff on Amazon, but that sounds like a good deal! That is very cool that you have free-range meat for that price! Wow!