Zero Waste Supermarkets?

[Cooper27]

I'm really curious how everyone feels about the growth of zero waste supermarkets for allergies/coeliac disease?

We had a Whole Foods near us, and thought we'd go check out the foods they offered. It was set up as a pick-and-mix type setup, with scoops for taking out food (scoops could be shared between containers), and they had things like pearl barley next to lentils.

Waitrose seem to be introducing similar zero waste sections, although they've avoided the need for scoops ( news.sky.com/story/waitrose... )

Are you excited about the growth of zero-waste shopping, or are you worried about the potential for cross contamination?

[WobblyCaroline]

This is really interesting. I personally would not use a scoop set up as we all know they would inadvertently be mixed up. Wonder if they will eventually completely separate the gluten products from the non gluten. Tricky one as I certainly would like to shop with less plastic. I would use the pour style dispensary if there were allergen declarations on the hoppers.

[Hidden]

Hi Cooper,

I thought the same about cross contamination and it depends on the system and the Waitrose pourers ones look a better system than scoop away type shops which are a definite no no.

I worry about the conveyor belt in supermarkets especially where they sell fresh bread as I don't want my food where there's bread crumbs, so I use the self service tills as they're safer.

We have to do something about plastic waste and those of us with special dietary needs have to be protected as I want zero gluten too...

[Cooper27 in reply to Hidden]

We quite like Tesco scan while you shop - you can bag your stuff as you go round, so it avoids the conveyors and you don't have a squeezed bagging area.