image via MLive |
By the Pound, a bulk food store in Ann Arbor is such a hidden gem! If you have not stopped there, it is a must. They carry so many great items, but here are a few of my favorite:
Spices (they carry many items you cannot find elsewhere and you are able to just buy a small amount and keep them very fresh).
Dried Beans and Legumes
Pastas (fun to buy different varieties)
Salts
Vinegars
Ethnic food
Variety of flours (very helpful when those with allergies come to visit)
Herbal Teas (they look expensive because they are priced by the pound…you don’t need much)
Dried Fruits (so many options_
Granola (in lots of yummy varieties)
Baking goods (vanilla, sprinkles, etc.)
Nuts and snacks (much cheaper than pre-packaged)
Coffee (I don’t drink coffee, but I have heard great things about what they carry here)
And, our families’ very favorite? The bulk chocolate and candy!! When we had grandparents come to town, the boys loved stopping at By the Pound and filling up a bag with gummy and chocolate sweets. I was always happy to go along and find a new chocolate/caramel indulgence to enjoy too and I’m a sucker for the really sugary stuff too.
You will find that the prices are all extremely reasonable, especially since you only need to pay for what you need, and the quality is fantastic. The owner is incredibly attentive and helpful without being pushy and it’s always a great experience there. You can use their packaging, or bring your own containers to fill and they will subtract the weight of your container when they weigh your items. One note, if you are purchasing less than $5, bring cash…however, I can always find plenty of items to raise my bill to the credit card purchase minimum :).
It is also really nice that they have some food staples on hand, like milk, cheeses, and eggs if you didn’t want to make a second stop on your way home from work (but they are pricey).
If you go.
Address. 615 South Main Street Ann Arbor, MI
Parking. Plenty and free
Hours. Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 8am-6pm, Sunday 11am-6pm