Package-free store opens in downtown Budapest – Újratöltve sells great jams and guilt-free treats

Right near the central transport hub of Astoria, a new package-free store reflects the current booming trend for environmental awareness – as well as showcasing a wide range of goods by local small-batch producers.

It was in the pre-Covid year of 2019 when Peter and Bianka decided that they wanted to open a package-free store. The young couple had always been conscious of their environment, but the waste of pre-packaged products, half-used packs of flour and baking powder left over from making Christmas cakes, brought home the message. They began looking for another alternative.

Now that their store, Újratöltve, has opened, they are encouraging everyone to buy thoughtfully and consciously, taking the time to get to know the products, as part of a more planet-friendly lifestyle.

The store follows this approach to the letter. The interior is clean and friendly, some of the furniture is made of used pallets, most of the products come from suppliers in environmentally conscious packaging, refillable cans and suitable bags.

If you forget your container at home, you can support a Hungarian seamstress by buying a textile bag, and there is an environmentally conscious range of cleaning products and cosmetics alongside the foodstuffs.

Along with the basics, flour and seeds, you can browse jams by Mislenyi Ízműhely (HUF 1,300-1,500) and ointments by Tunki-Tunki (HUF 1,530). One favourite is additive-free lecsó pepper stew by Berta Bio (HUF 1,065).

Among other guilt-free pleasures, you can choose gluten-free chips (HUF 3,650/kg), honey-sweetened Palotai chocolates (HUF 700-1,050) and delicious, sugar-like chewy snacks (HUF 340 each) made of dried fruit.

The product range will be gradually expanded, as from the autumn you can also find fresh organic vegetables and dairy products, all sold package-free, of course.