Rejoice, sweet tooths and health nuts alike, as you're in for a treat with a new bulk foods store in Springetts Arcade.

Franchisees Wendy and David Elliott are yet to throw their official opening party, but actually opened last weekend.

The Source franchise "was started in Mullumbimby by a young couple" about three years ago, Mrs Elliott said.

"They started with an organic fruit and veg shop with a little bit of bulk foods, but the bulk foods really took off."

The Source in Bowral is the 17th store to open nationally, based on a sustainability and "strict eco culture" ethos.

Some produce is Australian, some is imported, such as the teff flour, made from low-gluten grain grown in Zimbabwe.

"We source Australian organic if we can, and if we can't get Australian or organic, we get the next-best thing," she said.

Certainly the store has some consumer principles that those interested in economics as much as the environment will like.

"You can buy just what you need," Mrs Elliott said. "You don't have to buy 500g of something you only need 100g of.

"You can buy one chocolate-coated macadamia nut, if you prefer. You can have that treat and not feel guilty.

"And because we've got lots of products people wouldn't have heard of before, come in and just try a small portion."

The Source also encourages shoppers to bring their own containers, the weight of which will be discounted from the bill.

"Only pay for the produce," Mrs Elliott said. "We only use brown paper bags or containers that people can re-use."

Mrs Elliott believes consumers are moving away from processed foods towards whole and natural food sources.

"There is more awareness that what we thought we were giving our children as a healthy option is not a healthy option.

"They've got hidden sugars, fructose, corn syrup: the list goes on, yet people think they're choosing a healthy option.

"Knowing what is in the food you're eating should be a priority for people, especially with the rise of food allergies."

It's mostly a single-food store: flours, legumes, pulses, nuts, grains, seeds, dried fruit, spices, teas, oils and tahini.

There are also a few mixes of muesli and natural syrups, such as maple and honey, and a range of confectionary.

David Elliott is third-generation Southern Highlands, and Wendy Elliott has lived in the area since the age of six.

He is a fire fighter by profession, and she once taught at local schools Oxley and Frensham. They have three children.

"We just love the area, we love the community," Mrs Elliott said. "We hope to involve The Source in the community.

"For example, we got a 20kg bag of rice with a tear in it. We can't sell it, but there's nothing wrong with it, so we hope to donate it to a local food charity."

They have "lots of ideas" about in-store talks and celebrity visits, and cooking demonstrations using a Thermomix.

Surprisingly, it was through the all-in-one cooking appliance that the Elliotts came to know and own the franchise.

"About 12 months ago, I became a Thermomix owner and started following some food bloggers online," Mrs Elliott said.

"One in particular really appealed to me. She had a post saying Thermomix owners could get 10 per cent off at The Source.

"I wondered where the nearest store was, clicked on the link, and it took me to a map of Bowral.

"I clicked again, and it said, If you are interested in this franchise, please contact us. And that's how it started."