LOOK: Australia's Bulk-Buying Store Scoops Wholefoods Opens First Store in the PH

(SPOT.ph) Shoppers today are smarter and more intentional about their purchases. They lean toward healthier, more sustainable options—keeping the planet and their future in mind. No matter how big or small, every conscious step goes a long way to make a difference, and if you're looking into taking that first step, you can start with the newest refill-led concept store, Scoop Wholefoods.

The cult-favorite Australian store has just opened its first store in the Philippines, and if you haven't heard of them, what sets Scoop Wholefoods apart is that you can be as specific as you want to be with your grocery list here: you can buy organic, high-quality ingredients and product by weight. Here's everything we know about it.

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Husband-and-wife duo Jeremy and Bettina Kirk founded Scoop Wholefoods in 2013. The bulk-buying retail store, which was inspired by their time in Malta, introduces shoppers to a more eco-friendly approach when it comes to shopping for their daily necessities, anchored in one motto: weigh to save.

The store, located on the third floor of the Power Plant Mall in Rockwell, encourages people to only get and pay for what they need for the day. You get a wide range of natural and organic ingredients and products in bins and dispensers—and you have the freedom to "scoop" however much you want—whether you're in the market for a specific ingredient you're trying out for a recipe, or you're on a grocery run with plans to cook in bulk. And because the amount you're purchasing is customizable, you can be sure you'll stay within your budget.

Did you know that in most cases, you pay more for the packaging of a product than the actual product itself? Not to mention that these packages—with plastic a very common material—can contribute to the ongoing problem of waste and pollution worldwide—the Philippines alone generates 61,000 tons of solid waste daily. At Scoop Wholefoods, you can avoid single-use plastic and excessive packaging. No more buying by the pack and being forced to think of ways to maximize the product; you can buy as little as a pinch or a dash and pay only for what it weighs.

Scoops Wholefoods is home to organic and natural whole foods, snacks, pantry staples, and even household cleaning supplies that you can buy in bulk. The store has bins lined up for you inside, filled with flour, herbs and spices, tea, granola, chocolates, dried fruits, and nuts, seeds, grains, beans, and lentils, with a separate, dedicated space for cleaning ingredients in the "soap room." Natural juices and sauces, as well as yogurt and oils, can also be found here.

It has a mix of international and local ingredients in its selection, including locally harvested rice from Family Farms and fresh, probiotic kombucha on tap from Brye and Brew. The selection will constantly be refreshed so you can discover new finds every once in a while, and they also have plans to expand their network of local farmers, artisans, and makers here in the Philippines.

Scoop is also home to Scoop Whole Beauty, which offers vegan, palm-oil-free, toxin-free, and ethically sourced self-care products. They have a lightweight, mineral makeup line that is multipurpose and equally refillable and customizable, too!

Scoop has over 20 locations worldwide. Their Philippine store is only the second in Southeast Asia, after Singapore. Scoop Wholefoods is run by the whole family: Bettina, Jeremy, and their three daughters and partners.

"Shopping by weight gives people the freedom to make healthier choices that respect both their budget and the planet," share founders Jeremy and Bettina Kirk. "By choosing only the quantities they need, shoppers take full control of their spending, avoid waste and presumption, and reduce single-use plastics."

"Filipinos have long understood the practicality buying in custom portions. Bringing Scoop to the Philippines allows us to elevate that familiar habit into a modern, zero-waste lifestyle,” says Romy Sia, Managing Director of Healthy Options Group.

It can get a little overwhelming at your first visit, but we guarantee you'll get the hang of it as you keep on dropping by and replenishing your stock. Let us walk you through shopping at Scoop Wholefoods.

Upon entering, you'll be greeted by paper bags and pencils. These are provided for free, though you can easily buy jars and bottles on the spot or bring your own, too.

The bag has three lines on the upper left side where you will write down the three-digit product code you will see on the bins. Each bin, along with the product code, contains the product's origin, price, and even nutritional information.

If you have a container of your own, you must first weigh it on the weighing scales on site. The weight of your container will be deducted from the weight of the actual product that you will be putting inside, which means you're really only getting to pay for what you took. Staff will be there to assist you at all times.

But for the paper bags, once you've jotted down the product code and scooped the product you want, proceed to the weighing scale, input the code, and get the barcode for your purchase. After you've sealed the paper bag with the code, feel free to go to the cashier and pay for the product—the price will be determined by its weight.

Scoop Wholefoods is located on the third floor of the Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City. For more information and updates, check out Scoop Wholefoods' website as well as Scoop Wholefoods Philippines' Facebook page.

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