Even in the rural Amish Heartland, large grocery stores, supermarkets and convenience stores abound, offering residents and visitors 24-hour shopping with innumerable selections.
But, as locals, we're sharing a well-kept secret: the best prices (and many times, the best selection!) can be found down a winding lane or at the side of a country road -- in this area's bulk food stores.
While these stores definitely serve thrifty farm wives baking and cooking for large families, the simple, often home-based shops are increasingly becoming an attraction in themselves, as people discover the practicality of buying certain foods in bulk.
"We come down here all the time to shop," said a patron from Canton, browsing purposefully in the Amstutz Pantry near Kidron. "You can't beat the prices, especially on things like spices. The grocery stores make a mint on spices!"
While more and more people are turning back to "whole foods" -- non-processed ingredients, whole grains and organic foods -- they can soon find their budgets suffering from the expense associated with "natural" foods. Bulk food stores offer many types of all-natural dry goods, without the burgeoning prices.
And while most bulk food stores carry "the same stuff" -- flour, sugar, spices -- all are unique. Recently, we visited four area shops to discern what makes each one special in its own right.
The Food Dock Bulk Food Store near Ashland is in its 23rd year of business, and it's easy to tell why. The store carries an extensive line of herbs and vitamin supplements, plus many cake decorating supplies. We were impressed with the economical and innovative re-use of baby food jars to hold herbs and spices, and the cute "shopping carts" are also made from recycled materials -- dishpans strapped onto metal carts. What an idea!
Down a gravel lane off US 250, we visited Mary Miller's home-based bulk food store, aptly named "Country Road." Amid the shelves of noodles, chocolate chips and rolled oats, we discovered an absolute rainbow of sprinkles (even silver!), plus many Tupperware items, most likely at quite low prices! Outside the house, a goat bleated, hummingbirds swirled around a red feeder and a gentle breeze ruffled the flowers. Quite a world away from the supermarket!
Lastly, we shopped at the Amstutz Pantry near Kidron. Apart from the usual wares, the shop offers fresh (and we mean fresh) produce, ice cream, baked goods, meats and cheeses. In fact, this last stop reminded us of an old-time country store and a farmer's market rolled into one. We'd been told this is one of the best places around to buy cheese. Incidentally, this must be correct, but we'll have to return, because the line at the cheese counter was longer than we had time to wait for!
Of course, visiting just one bulk food store regularly would take the fun out of browsing many. But if you're looking to find the best place to fill your pantry, we suggest visiting several before settling on one that fits your needs.
Are you a baker? Look for the best quality and prices on flours and sugars. Are pastries your specialty? Some bulk food stores carry a wide selection of cake-baking and decorating supplies like boxes, boards and accessories. And you're sure to find the "rainbow of sprinkles" in almost all. Love to snack? You'll find the many varieties of nuts, trail mixes, "munchies" and dried fruits and vegetables simply divine. A determined penny pincher? Look no further than Amish Country's bulk food stores! And thanks for coming with us.
Getting there:
Amstutz Pantry -- 15893 Baumgartner Rd., Dalton, (330) 857-8159; hours: Mon.-Wed. 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Thu. 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Country Store Bulk Food -- 14396 Dover Rd. (US 250), Dalton (between Kidron and Mt. Eaton); watch for sign on the north side of the road...its easy to miss!
The Food Dock -- 479 TR 1275, Ashland (take SR 89 off US 250 and watch for signs); Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Summer Kitchen -- located in the Olde Mill Stream Plaza behind Lehmans, on the square in Kidron; second floor; (330) 857-8500.
Esther Leggett contributed to this article.