18 Grocery Items You Should Always Buy in Bulk

Written By Jill Taylor

One proven way to save money is to buy in bulk, which allows you to avoid frequent trips to the grocery store, too. This is especially true for certain items, and we’d like to provide you with 18 of these items to change your shopping habits for good.

Rice

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On one hand, rice is a staple food that has a long shelf life, potentially lasting for over 30 years when stored right—reducing your worries about spoilage. On the other hand, like Arkansas River Rice shares, buying your rice in bulk is an eco-friendly decision that limits your contribution to single-use plastic pollution.

Pasta

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Pasta is another staple to have stored in bulk in your pantry, as it’s said to have a shelf life of up to three years. By doing this, you enjoy even more convenience, as you have enough food that’s quick and easy to make and readily available for any spontaneous cookouts you may have.

Canned Beans

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With canned beans, you have an excellent source of protein and fiber that fits into multiple dishes and that the Food Network says has a shelf life of up to five years. When picking them out from the store, you should avoid cans that are dented, rusty, or that look swollen to get the most from your purchase.

Flour

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Flour, a fundamental ingredient in baking and cooking, is more cost-effective when bought in bulk. This saves you money and frequent trips to the store while also reducing packaging waste. Storing it in a cool, dry place keeps it fresh and ready for use whenever you need it, ensuring you always have a consistent supply on hand for your culinary needs.

Sugar

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Sugar is used in countless recipes for baking and sweetening beverages, and bulk purchasing not only helps you save money but also ensures you won’t run out unexpectedly. By keeping it in airtight containers to prevent clumping and maintain its quality, you benefit from the convenience of always having it on hand and reducing the frequency of shopping trips.

Coffee

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Coffee is a daily necessity for many, and buying in bulk not only saves money but also ensures you never start your day without it while reducing packaging waste. Store it in a cool, dark place to preserve its flavor and aroma for as long as possible.

Oats

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As a nutritious and versatile food, if oats are your staple for breakfast, baking, and cooking, bulk buying reduces your costs and ensures you always have some available. Storing oats in airtight containers keeps them fresh and extends their shelf life. Additionally, buying in bulk reduces packaging waste and supports sustainable living.

Nuts

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Nuts are a healthy snack and a great addition to many dishes, and when you buy some in bulk, keep them in the freezer to extend their shelf life and maintain freshness. With this, you enjoy significant cost savings, reduce packaging waste, and have the convenience of immediate access to a healthy meal option for various recipes.

Honey

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A natural sweetener with an impressively long shelf life, honey is a versatile ingredient that, when stored in bulk, ensures you have a constant supply for cooking, baking, and sweetening beverages. Proper storage in a cool, dry place keeps it fresh, and even when termed “expired,” honey is known to still be safe for consumption.

Cooking Oil

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Used in a wide array of recipes, cooking oil is an essential kitchen staple. Purchasing it in bulk not only saves money but also reduces the frequency of grocery trips. And by storing it properly in a cool, dark place, you can maintain its quality over time and ensure it’s always ready for your culinary needs.

Spices

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Spices help you add flavor to your meals, and buying them in bulk ensures you always have the necessary ingredients for your favorite recipes. The Spice House shares that, when stored right, bulk spices will last for years and are definitely better alternatives to stale spices at supermarkets.

Peanut Butter

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As a nutritious and versatile food, peanut butter finds its way into many of your recipes. Bulk purchases are both cost-effective and convenient, and they ensure you never have to waste money constantly going out to buy individual jars. Keep it in a cool, dark place to prevent separation and ensure it’s always edible as a quick snack, too.

Toilet Paper

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Toilet paper is an indispensable household essential, and running out of it can put you in a tight spot. Buying in bulk saves money and ensures a continuous supply, and thanks to its long shelf life, you won’t have to worry about frequent purchases. Therefore, you enjoy more convenience and peace of mind for daily living.

Bathing Soap

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Soap, a daily necessity for personal hygiene, has a long shelf life, making bulk purchases a smart choice to save money while ensuring you always have a supply. Make sure you don’t store your soap in the same place you store bleach to stay safe, and ensure it’s in a cool, dark place out of sunlight to prevent “scent fade.” Following these instructions allows you to focus on other essentials for the majority of the year.

Shampoo

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Buying shampoo in bulk is convenient and cost effective, and shampoo is also another item that lasts long when stored right—typically between two and three years. This is a smart choice that assures you of long-term cost savings, which is especially beneficial if you use hair products regularly.

Toothpaste

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Toothpaste is a must-have for oral hygiene, and bulk buying saves money and ensures you always have it when needed. Mark Cuban, as reported by CNBC, says you should buy as much to last you over two years, and that you should do this especially when they’re on sale on websites like Amazon.

Dish Soap

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With dish soap, you have essential items for cleaning dishes and other household tasks. Buying it in bulk not only reduces cost and ensures you always have a supply but also minimizes packaging waste. Store dish soap in a cool, dry place, preferably in a dedicated laundry room, to keep it in good condition and prolong its shelf life.

Laundry Detergent

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Laundry detergent is an essential household item, and purchasing it in bulk offers you both cost savings and convenience. There’s also the benefit of reducing packaging waste, which is great for those who are eco-conscious. And like dish soap, it’s best to store laundry detergent in a dedicated laundry room, away from bleach.

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