10 Things You Should Always Buy in Bulk (And 10 to Avoid)
Strategic bulk purchasing isn’t about buying everything in massive quantities. It’s about knowing exactly what to stock up on and what to skip entirely.
The wrong choices can lead to waste, spoilage, and actually spending more money than if you’d bought smaller sizes.
The key isn’t to buy everything in bulk, it’s to buy the right things in bulk. Always calculate the per-unit price to maximize savings, consider your household size, and stick to items you use regularly. Stick to this list, and you’ll see real savings without the waste.
1. Buy: Rice, Pasta, and Grains
Rice, pasta, and grains are pantry staples that can be stored for extended periods of time when stored properly in a cool, dry place.
Storage tip: Invest in large airtight containers to prevent pests and maintain freshness.
For maximum longevity, consider Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers inside food-grade buckets; this method can significantly extend the shelf life and protect against moisture, light, and pests.
2. Avoid: Avocados
Even when they look perfect at the store, avocados have a narrow window of ripeness. Buy a bag of 10 and you’ll likely end up throwing away half of them when they all ripen at once or go from rock-hard to mushy overnight.
Better strategy: Buy 2-3 at different stages of ripeness so they’re ready when you need them.
3. Buy: Trash Bags
Trash bags last a long time, so they’re a smart item to buy in bulk. You’ll always need them, and they won’t go bad sitting in the closet.
Bulk Buying Tip: Stock up on a variety of bags, including kitchen bags, smaller bathroom bags, and heavy-duty bags for yard work or large cleanups.
4. Avoid: Spices
Spices lose their potency and flavor over time, typically within one to three years. That giant container of oregano seems like a steal until you realize you’ve been sprinkling flavorless dust on your pasta.
Exception: Only buy spices in bulk if you’re splitting them with other people or you know you use large quantities regularly.
5. Buy: Batteries
From toys and flashlights to remote controls, there are numerous gadgets in your home that require batteries. Batteries last a long time if properly stored, and they’re essential to have on hand for power outages or emergencies.
6. Avoid: Fresh Produce
Fresh fruits and vegetables have a short shelf life, which is why you’ll want to refrain from buying them in bulk. Even that “great deal” on a 5-pound bag of apples becomes expensive when half of them rot.
Better strategy: Buy only what you’ll eat in a week and shop sales for variety. Only buy fruit or veggies in bulk if they freeze well (like berries).
7. Buy: Personal Care Items
Toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, soap, and other personal care items are daily necessities with long shelf lives.
Smart strategy: Only bulk buy brands you know you love. Getting stuck with shampoo you hate isn’t going to save you money if you have to throw it away or give it to someone.
8. Avoid: Snack Foods and Treats
Buying snacks in bulk is a great, affordable option if you’re throwing a party, but for many families, it can be more wasteful than helpful.
You could be tempted to eat more of them than usual because you have so much in the house. Plus, many snacks often go stale quickly after being opened.
Exception: Only bulk buy snacks if you don’t mind having treats around the house, or you’re planning a party.
9. Buy: Canned Goods
Canned goods are a great choice for buying in bulk, thanks to their long shelf life and versatility in the kitchen. They’re the ultimate backup plan, perfect for emergencies and quick weeknight meals when you don’t have time to go to the store.
Pro tip: Stock up on what you actually eat. I use black beans, diced tomatoes, and coconut milk constantly, so those are my bulk buys.
10. Avoid: Dry Pet Food
Large bags of dry kibble can go rancid before you use them up, especially in warm or humid conditions. As the oils break down, the food may not be safe for your pet to eat.
Even if the food doesn’t spoil, your pet might become tired of the same flavor or develop new dietary needs, leaving you with a 40-pound bag they won’t eat.
11. Buy: Frozen Vegetables
Unlike fresh produce, frozen vegetables last for months and are often cheaper per pound in bulk. They’re picked at peak ripeness and flash-frozen, so you’re not sacrificing quality.
Frozen vegetables are actually more nutritious than fresh ones that have traveled long distances.
12. Avoid: Eggs
Eggs stay fresh for about 3 to 5 weeks, so unless you’re using one or two daily, a bulk 36-pack might go bad before you finish it. Plus, regular grocery stores often have better per-dozen prices than warehouse clubs.
Exceptions: Buying in bulk makes sense if you’re prepping freezer-friendly meals like egg muffins or quiche, or if you have a large household that goes through eggs quickly.
13. Buy: Cleaning Supplies
Household essentials like detergent, disinfectant, and sponges are ideal for bulk buying. They have longer shelf lives than food, and you’ll always need them.
14. Avoid: Cooking Oils
Once opened, some oils can go rancid in a few months, especially if they’re stored in a warm pantry or near the stove.
Unless you’re cooking for a crowd or using tons of oil for cooking, it’s better to buy smaller bottles you can actually finish while the oil is still fresh.
15. Buy: Over-the-Counter Medications and First Aid Supplies
You can find pain relievers, allergy medication, and first aid supplies all in bulk for significant savings. Items like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and antihistamines have long shelf lives, and you’ll eventually use them.
Smart approach: Focus on medications you use regularly and non-expiring items, such as bandages. Don’t stock your entire medicine cabinet, but common pain relievers and allergy meds are safe bets.
16. Avoid: Soda
Many grocery stores intentionally price soda really low, sometimes even below what it costs them. It’s a strategy known as a loss leader, used to attract shoppers who will likely pick up more profitable items while they’re there.
Because of this, there’s really no need to buy soda in bulk because most of the time it’s on sale.
17. Buy: Meat (With Proper Storage)
Warehouse stores offer significant savings on high-quality meat, but you need freezer space and proper storage to make the savings worthwhile.
Bulk Buying Tip: Break up large packs into smaller, meal-sized portions and use a vacuum sealer to prevent freezer burn. It’ll make dinner prep easier and help your savings go further.
18. Avoid: Dairy Products
Items like milk and yogurt have a short shelf life once opened, so buying them in bulk rarely pays off unless you’re feeding a large family.
Exception: Blocks of cheese can be a smart bulk buy, just shred and freeze the excess to avoid waste.
19. Buy: Toilet Paper and Paper Towels
Buying toilet paper in bulk offers significant savings compared to buying a few rolls at a time. These necessities never expire, and you’ll use them regardless.
Pro Tip: Don’t just buy based on the number of rolls in the package; compare the price per sheet, as some rolls are larger than others. The most affordable bulk option may surprise you.
20. Avoid: Condiments
Large containers of condiments often go bad before you can finish them. Once opened, they have a limited shelf life, so buying in bulk doesn’t always pay off.
Like some of the items on the list, if you have a large household and go through condiments quickly, it would be worthwhile to buy them in bulk. However, for everyone else, this is one to avoid.
Better strategy: Buy standard sizes and stock up when your favorites go on sale, rather than committing to giant containers.
