10 Foods You Should Always Buy in Bulk (And 5 You Shouldn’t)
Buying food in bulk can save money, reduce packaging waste, and ensure you have staples on hand. However, not all foods are suitable for bulk purchases. Here’s a list of 10 foods you should always buy in bulk, and 5 you should avoid.
Rice (Bulk Buy)
It’s a pantry staple with a long shelf life. Buying in bulk saves money and you won’t run out for months. Brown rice, white rice, or jasmine – all last well when stored properly. This is my go-to side for most meals.
Pasta (Bulk Buy)
Pasta is a non-perishable food that’s cheap and goes with almost anything. It has a long shelf life and is perfect for quick meals or big batches of soup. This is something we always buy in bulk!
Canned Tomatos (Bulk Buy)
Canned tomatoes are used in so many dishes like soups, stews, and pasta sauces. They are great to keep in the pantry because they have a long shelf life. Buying bulk ensures you’re stocked up for the long haul.
Dried Beans & Lentils (Bulk Buy)
Extremely cost-effective and nutritious. When stored in a cool, dry place, they last for months or even years, and they’re a great source of protein and fiber.
Flour (Bulk Buy)
Flour is a kitchen staple for baking, cooking, and thickening sauces. It’s much cheaper in bulk, but make sure to store it in airtight containers to keep it fresh.
Canned Beans (Bulk Buy)
Canned beans can last for years if stored properly in a cool, dry place. The sealed cans prevent air and moisture from getting in, which helps preserve the beans and extend their shelf life. This makes them a reliable pantry staple that you can buy in bulk without worrying about them going bad too quickly.
Frozen Fruit or Vegetables (Bulk Buy)
Frozen produce is often cheaper than fresh, and it doesn’t spoil as quickly. They’re great for smoothies, cooking, and adding to various dishes.
Peanut Butter or Nut Butters (Bulk Buy)
Buying peanut butter in bulk is cost-effective, as it typically reduces the price per unit compared to smaller jars. Additionally, it has a long shelf life and is versatile for a variety of recipes, making it a convenient and economical pantry staple.
Oats (Bulk Buy)
Buying oats in bulk is cost-effective, as it reduces the price per serving compared to smaller packages. They have a long shelf life when stored properly, making them a convenient and versatile pantry staple for breakfasts, baking, and snacks.
Sugar (Bulk Buy)
Sugar doesn’t spoil and is used in many recipes, from baking to beverages. Bulk buying saves money and ensures you always have it on hand.
Dairy Products (Don’t Bulk Buy)
Milk, cheese, and yogurt have a limited shelf life, especially if you’re not consuming them daily. Buying in bulk can lead to spoilage unless you’re able to freeze some items (like cheese) or use them quickly.
Fresh Produce (Don’t Bulk Buy)
Fresh fruits and vegetables are perishable and spoil quickly, even when stored correctly. Buying in bulk can lead to waste unless you plan to use them right away or preserve them (like freezing or canning).
Bread (Don’t Bulk Buy)
Bread has a short shelf life and can go stale or moldy quickly, even when stored in the freezer. It’s better to buy it in smaller quantities to maintain freshness.
Dried Herbs and Spices (Don’t Bulk Buy)
Over time, even dried herbs and spices lose their flavor and can go bad. If you’re buying them in bulk, there’s a higher chance that you won’t be able to use them up before they expire.
Fresh Meat (Don’t Bulk Buy)
Living in a household with only two people, I have learned the hard way that buying meat in bulk isn’t always the best. We have the best intentions when buying meat in bulk, but sometimes life gets in the way and we don’t have time to cook it in time or freeze it in time before it goes bad.
