The Best Foods to Buy in Bulk, According to a Meal Planning Pro

The price of groceries is still a hot topic. According to a recent report CNET surveyit’s still the #1 source of sticker shock for Americans, myself included. We’ve covered numerous ways to save a little money on your grocery budget: food-saving apps like Flash food; price difference with name brand brand grocery store; and there was shopping Trader Joe’s resulting in significant savings over other grocery chains. And, of course, there is buy in bulk.

After doing some math, I found that the average person can save $1,000 a year Shopping at Costco for bulk foods. Bulk purchasing can be more complicated due to storage considerations and the difference in shelf life between different items.

According to meal planning expert Mary Ann Kelly Add SaltandServe“Shoppers can ask themselves three questions: Will my savings be significant compared to the lowest price in all stores? Will they use the item before it expires or loses quality? If the item won’t be used, the big price doesn’t save money. And finally, keeping the items I buy in bulk Do I have room for that?”

More details: An expert on food expiration dates told me

Recognizing that buying in bulk is generally a financially smart move, and with the above considerations in mind, I asked a few shopping and food prep experts what the best foods are in bulk. Here they are:

1. Canned or dried beans

“Canned beans are a pantry staple and a smart bulk buy because of their long shelf life and low prices at warehouse stores,” says bulk shopping expert Kristen Markel. Warehouse Traveler. Beans are also incredibly versatile for cooking, as they can be added to almost any dish, including dessert. (The black bean coffee is worth the time.)

Plus, they have real staying power. “Canned beans can last up to five years when properly stored in a cool, dark place,” Markel says. An eight-pack of canned beans at Costco sells for about $7.99, which makes a can less than a dollar and a serving about 30 cents. If you have the time and the ability to dry beans, the savings are even greater. A 10-pound bag of black beans costs about $18, less than 25 cents per serving.

2. Frozen proteins

Meat and seafood in the freezer section are often frozen immediately after harvest, so they can still be of very good quality. You can also process and freeze freshly purchased proteins yourself, and either way, certain types of meat and seafood can last up to a year in your freezer. (This FoodKeeper (The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ app is a handy guide to how long you can keep different foods.)

“Shoppers can often find bulk-packaged fresh and frozen meat at a better price, or stock up on regular packages of meat in bulk when they’re on sale,” Kelley said. Even if you don’t have access to a traditional thrift store, it’s possible to have a thrift shop mindset.

“Inexpensive bulk meat can be frozen as is, but shoppers can also save space and make dinnertime less stressful by pre-cooking meats that will be used in recipes later in cooked form. For example, shoppers bring home beef and or they can cook chicken in bulk and then use the cooked meat for recipes like tacos, chili, and chicken soup.”

3. Butter

We usually think of the pantry or freezer first when it comes to bulk buying, but “don’t overlook dairy, especially butter,” Markel says. “Butter freezes beautifully and can last up to a year in the freezer.”

Costco’s Kirkland Signature butter is considered one of the most economical offerings among fans, at about $18 (in my area) for 4 pounds, which doesn’t come with a huge freezer space requirement. The same amount of butter costs twice as much at the grocery store closest to me.

4. Pasta

Boxed pasta may require some storage space, but if you can afford it, it has the longevity to make it worthwhile. “Dry pasta is another bulk purchase winner with an unopened shelf life of up to two years,” Markel says. “For longer storage, consider vacuum-sealing pasta to maintain freshness past its typical use-by date.” (Here it is the best vacuum sealants we tested.)

Eight pounds of Barilla penne cost $12.99 at Costco, a savings of over a dollar per pound compared to buying individual boxes at my local supermarket. Italian American families or carb lovers, take note.

5. Special items

Products with the highest cost per ounce may be prime candidates for bulk purchases in each case, depending on longevity. “It’s worth buying specialty items in bulk if they’re going to be used,” says Kelley. “A good example of this is expensive spices that can be used frequently, such as quality black peppercorns,” he says.

Other specialty items that can be expensive but can be stocked up on sale include saffron, canned fish, and even caviar — which can actually be frozen for up to a year without opening.

6. Paper products

As long as you shop in bulk, there’s a non-grocery bonus. “Paper products are among the cheaper products in bulk packaging, especially toilet paper and paper towels,” says Kelley. and other unfinished spaces are convenient for storage, making it easy to make room for them.”

If you have a paper towel addiction, like I do, consider a 12-pack of Kirkland paper towels for $22.99 and single rolls for $3 and up.