Refill 101: How to Refill Goods at a Zero Waste Grocery

Why refill?

Most grocery trips come with a lot of single-use and plastic packaging that can add up over time. By shopping at a refill store, you reuse the container so there’s no packaging waste at all. Additionally, by buying the exact amount you need (no weird amount of leftover lentils or pasta in your box), you can control exactly how much you spend, and reduce food waste as well.

Refill 101

Refill shopping is easy and intuitive—and satisfying. Here are some steps to make it an efficient grocery experience, whether you’re new to refill or already shop as sustainably as possible.

Find a good refill grocery store near you

Many grocery stores will have a bulk section—but these often use plastic tubs and plastic bags and are limited to certain items. Look for a plastic-free grocery store in your area, like our three locations in Los Angeles, or feel free to shop a wide variety of our products online with nationwide shipping. Not only is our grocery experience sustainable, we also strive to source quality, nontoxic, organic goods.

To clean off stubborn labels, you can apply lemon oil or a paste made of equal parts olive oil and baking soda

Bring containers or use ours

When you shop at our refill grocery store, you have some options when it comes to containers. You can either bring your own clean, empty jars or other containers for refill, or you’re welcome to purchase one from us as part of your shopping trip. These re_ jars are yours to reuse endlessly—or return for $2 back next time you’re in.

When you shop at our refill grocery store, you have some options when it comes to containers.

How to clean the labels off jars

If you have a jar you want to repurpose, it’s always nice to remove the label so you make it your own and keep your pantry organized. But cleaning sticky labels off jars can get annoying if you don’t have a good system.

To clean off stubborn labels, you can apply our lemon oil (currently available in-store only. Let it sit and wipe away.

You can also keep a paste on hand made of equal parts olive oil and baking soda. Apply the paste and let it sit, then scrub off the label with warm, soapy water.

Refill shopping in person

When you refill at one of our re grocery locations, the first step is to record your tare weight so you don’t pay a cent for your own personal containers—only what’s in them! Weigh your containers on the ‘tare’ station at the front of the store, or choose a reusable container or paper bag from our selection.

There might be several things you didn’t know were refillable

Next, write the product code on the container and refill as much or as little as you’d like. From this point on you just check out your groceries as usual. Clean and simple!

Refill shopping online

When you use the re_ online store, just select which size refill you want and if you want a jar or refill paper bag from our wide selection of sizes. That’s it! We’ll pack everything as sustainably as possible and you can either pick it up or we’ll deliver it to your door if you live locally, or ship it via nationwide shipping if you live outside of Los Angeles.

When you use the re_ online store, just select which size refill you want and if you want a jar or refill paper bag from our wide selection of sizes.

On local deliveries, we offer free shipping on orders over $150! For nationwide shipping, we’ll send your shipment via UPS ground on the following Monday after you order.

Make a refill grocery list

To make any refill visit more efficient, get a good idea of what’s available for refill by checking out our options online—there might be several things you didn’t know were refillable. We’ve designed our stores so that you can buy almost anything you need, as sustainably as possible. A quick look at our site can help you bring enough containers, or just plan ahead.

If you’re going to be filling up lots of jars and bottles, we recommend the market tote for easy transport

• Dry goods: In addition to our pastas, rice, beans, cereals, spices, candies, and other standard groceries, don’t forget that we also have protein powders, superfoods, and dehydrated products like soup mixes and oat milk powder.
• Kitchen products: We carry lots of kitchen supplies that help you cut out single use products from your home. Think reusable coffee filters and tea strainers, silicone sandwich bags, and compostable cling wrap.
• Cleaning supplies: We also carry a wide selection of reusable cleaning products, like brushes, wool dryer balls, and spray bottles, as well as nontoxic cleaning essentials like glass cleaner and baking soda.
• Bath & beauty products: At re_ grocery we have so many good spa, skincare, hair care, and other grooming products, like bar shampoo and conditioner selections, natural deodorants, and the best in lotions and bodycare.
• Fresh products: Come in for beverages like kombucha on tap, as well as our fresh produce straight from our favorite farmer’s market stalls, tofu without the plastic tub, and fresh flower bouquets to grab and go.

Bring a reusable tote

Once you’ve made a list of everything you need for your refill trip, it’s easier to see how many reusable bags to bring. If you’re going to be filling up lots of jars and bottles, we recommend the market tote for easy transport. It has 6 pockets to keep jars from clinking, and spacious, heavy duty compartments for everything you need.

If you’re going to be filling up lots of jars and bottles, we recommend the market tote for easy transport.

How to save money and waste with refill

Not only only does refill grocery keep you organized and reduce plastic packaging, but it’s also more economical since you’re not paying a continual upcharge on containers that will just be thrown away. And when you join club / re_, you’re able to save money and earn points every time you purchase with us.

We hope this guide to refill grocery shopping has made your next refill trip easy and efficient. Ready to put this post into practice? Head to our menu to start a sustainable grocery haul!