Outaouais: sugar time and minimalist bulk stores

Sonia Roy

In this era of recycling, composting, reuse and thrift stores, the direction of our daily packaging, our must-have products and our storage tips are unequivocal: less, but better, and be done with plastic!

It is in this perspective of improving the weekly grocery shopping trip that new minimalist stores continue to appear little by little. Here is a look at some of the local establishments that sell in-bulk and ecological products:

Le Marché Brut:

Located in the Hull district, Plateau sector, this minimalist grocery store offers a wide range of natural, additive-free and ecological products, as well as bulk grocery service. In addition to offering a modern experience in terms of in-person shopping, Marché Brut offers local delivery, inter-Canada mailing and in-store pick-up (available within 24 hours). Their online platform promises a hassle-free shopping experience and allows you to sort or search through available products in the order of your choice. Want to encourage the local economy? The "From the Outaouais" option will select local brands for you (Gatineau Greenhouses, La Fée des Bois, Double Attitude Orchard, Jardin des Érables and many more). 

Marché Brut uses recycled, recyclable or compostable packaging. It is also possible to bring your own containers.

Address: Le Marché Brut

               35 Allée de Hambourg, room 110D

               Gatineau, Quebec J9J 4J6

Multi Vert (Inc):

A three-step concept, this establishment, located in the Gatineau district on Maloney Boulevard, offers a bistro-grocery store formula on a divided surface that allows you to move from one space to another easily. You will be able to have a snack, get your essential food in bulk and buy your reusable, ecological and Quebecois accessories. The site is easy to access and a proud partner of Lemieux products from Montréal. Especially liked are the maple products and the freshly baked goods to go!

Get a 5% discount at the bistro when you bring your own reusable containers.

Address: Multivert Inc.

               865 Maloney Boulevard E, 

               Gatineau, QC J8P 1H3

*Sugar time special: Sucrerie du terroir (Val-des-monts):

A well-known Val-des-Monts sugar shack, Sucrerie du terroir has adapted brilliantly to the uncertain times of remote experiences and closed dining rooms by offering both their traditional in-person sugar shack experience, as well as delivery of their products to the Outaouais region. In addition to the classic maple products (syrup, butter, jelly and caramel) you can order a typical sugar shack meal in individual, double, four- or six-person formats. All you have to do is heat it up and it's done! The delivery service is available seven days a week. Glass containers are prioritized but it is possible to find plastic in the packaging of some products.

Address: La Sucrerie du Terroir

               796 Chemin Fogarty, 

               Val-des-Monts, J8N 7S9

Photo credit: Sonia Roy

Photo caption: Le Marché Brut (1-2) & MultiVert Inc. (3-4).