<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>
I received over 2 dozen replies to my request for sources of bulk flour
(10-20 lb. bags or more.) About 1/2 dozen of those were from people
wanting to know the same thing.
I got two replies from vendors:
If you would like to buy more than 5lb of flour at a time, please
contact me at Authentic Foods. I will be glad to help you out with good
pricing. Steven Rice 1-800-806-4737
If you call me we could easily sell you these and other flours in those
quantities.
Jay
Miss Roben's, Inc
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Many people suggested contacting a local natural foods store or food
co-op. I do belong to a co-op, but the only flour they sell in bulk that
I can use is brown rice.
I called the local health food stores and asked for price quotes on
special orders of 25 lb sacks of gf flour. There was quite a variance in
prices, so it definitely pays to ask beforehand. I recently bought 25 lb
of white rice flour for about $10, brown rice flour for about $12 and
tapioca flour for about $18 (but I use less of it and so it lasts
for a very long time). Also, prices vary according to the season. I
shared this order with a CD friend, so it made it quite affordable. I
package the flours in ziplock bags about 4# each and store in the
freezer. I find it necessary to have a separate upright freezer (in the
garage). The following co-ops/suppliers were suggested:
New Hampshire: Associated Buyers-they supply most of the co-op's and
large selection of bulk products
North East Co-opertives: Located in Vermont. Friendly, prompt service,
low minimums.
Stow Mills: New Hampshire-large distributors of natural groceries and
bulk items. (Owned by a large co. May have warehouses in other parts of
the country)
Sherri, I don't know if you could order from them, but Sun Harvest in San
Antonio, TX has bulk rice flour. Also, near us, (Fayetteville, Arkansas)
there is a food cooperative where people order once a month and they have
25 pound bags of rice flour. They serve the surrounding states also.
You might check and see if there is anything like this in your area.
[Editor's Note: the coop in Fayetteville, Arkansas is the one I belong
to, Ozark. As I said before, the only flour they sell in large bags that
I use is brown rice flour.]
The reason that flour is not sold in larger quantities is because it goes
rancid with time. I strongly encourage you to obtain a mill and then buy
the rice in 25 lb increments and grind it once a week. I keep mine in
the freezer to preserve it's freshness. If you have access to a Mountain
People's buying group then you can buy 25 lbs or even 50 lbs at a time.
Otherwise, you may have to order it via your local health food store.
They usually will discount it 10%. If you live in the Seattle, WA area
then I can give you a contact...or if you live in certain parts of
Arizona.
The place I buy my tapioca flour and potato starch is Dutch valley in
Myerstown Pa. phone # 800/733-4191 Catalog code for 55# bag of potato
starch is 397050 Last bag I bought was 24.93 Catalog code for 50 # bag of
tapioca starch is 396212 It was 34.87 I buy my rice flour locally at
Honeyville grain. I don't think they ship small orders Dutch mill lists a
white rice flour but it is more pricey than what I pay and the shipping
is awful. (I am in Utah) It shouldn't be so bad for you. Also if you
order a large amount the UPS rate goes down. When you call they can tell
you if they deliver to your area. When I requested their catalog they
sent a nice letter saying they didn't have delivery service to my area,
but would be happy to ship UPS. the rice flour they list is code # 159210
25# rice flour (white) 10.76. This probably has changed, my catalog is
old. Hope this helps, Linda ps. If they are confused about the tapioca
Starch just ask them to check it as tapioca flour, because it gets
imported under different names. Sometimes they say they don't carry it
anymore, but if you ask for a salesman they can usually find it
--------------------------
Also, if you are part of a gluten free orginization, or celiac group, you
may want to explore the possibility of forming your own "buyers club" or
co-op. That way you may be able to share a large bag of flour, or try
usual items without having to go through a whole 50 lb bag if your family
doesn't like it. If you can get of an order, you may be able to buy
gluten free groceries.
--------------------------
I generally go to an Asian or oriental market to buy gf flours.
--------------------------
Sherri, contact Energy Foods [think he/she means Ener-G] ...bet you can
arrange that with them! They are very nice and I'll bet quite flexible
to meet your needs. They carry Bette's mix. Be sure and let us know on
the net. I have no financial interest, just had great service from them.
--------------------------
We have excellent results using Lundberg Brown Rice Flour in our baking.
Unlike other brown rice flours it does not seem to need refrigeration (I
buy in 25 lb. bags and use for bread, etc.). It also has a "nutty"
flavor. Lots of the members in the Vancouver Chapter of the Canadian
Celiac Assoc. have now started using it. Lundburg also guarantees that
it is produced in a totally gluten free environment.
--------------------------
You can either call the manufacturer of your favorite flour or I order
corn and brown rice flour by large quantities from Whole Foods. They have
a website with store location or you can email them in. I also believe
Bob's Red Mill at http://www.bobsredmill.com still packages a mixture
for Bette Hagmans Flour, you could probably get it through them in larger
quantities. I buy my tapioca starch and potato starch, etc. from an Asian
market, it is very cheap. The Tapioca starch is .39 cents a LB
--------------------------
I use Jowar flour, from Jowar Foods, (find the vendor at gluten/casein
free home page, or www.jowarfoods.com). I purchase 25 lb. bags, for
$25.00. Good luck.
--------------------------
Try calling Arrowhead Mills directly. I seem to recall getting their
brown rice flour in a 20 lb. bag as a trade with some friends years ago.
I personally prefer Ener-G Foods brown rice flour but I can understand
where you are coming from. Have you tried discussing a larger bulk order
with them directly? They seem very helpful on the phone.
--------------------------
i read your message on the Celiac Digest this a.m. about bulk GF flours.
I get 25 lbs. of white rice flour and other flours at Bob's Red Mill in
Milwaukie, Oregon. There may be a problem with cross contamination at
Bob's Red Mill but I have never noticed a problem. I have looked for
their address and phone number but I can't seem to find it.
--------------------------
A couple of suggestions before buying in bulk: Consider how much product
you will actually use in about a two month period. Many of these
products are organic, some have a shorter life span, and if insecticide
free, are prone to sprouting moths.
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THANKS to everyone who replied. I have some great leads. . .and Stephen
and Jay, I will be calling you as soon as I get my ducks in a row and
figure out exactly what I want.
Sherri Miller
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The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
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