The author's favorite trick. These are top quality foods that are sold by the pound in barrels rather than packaged. Since the packaging is a large part of the price you pay for many products, consumers gain by buying out of barrels by weight with out the packaging. The products range from cookies to flour and from spices to dog bones. This is great for single cooks, especially in the area of spices.
Grocers keep the products fresh and clean.
Now you understand why when you have bought four spices for a recipe your bill is usually so high. Same goes for butter. Grocers usually allow you to buy 1 stick rather than four. This is not practical for most people who work and have busy schedules. That way ingredients will be fresh and you'll have no waste.