6 Foods You Should Be Buying in Bulk, According to an Expert

The price of groceries still remains a hot topic. According to a recent CNET survey, it’s still the No. 1 source of sticker shock for Americans, myself included. We’ve covered numerous ways to save a little money in your grocery budget: food saving apps such as Flashfood; the difference in cost between name brand and store brand groceries; and whether shopping at Trader Joe’s results in meaningful savings over other grocery chains. And, of course, there’s buying in bulk.

“Canned beans are a pantry staple and a smart bulk purchase, thanks to their long shelf life and affordability at warehouse stores,” says Kristen Markel, the bulk shopping expert behind Warehouse Wanderer. Beans also are incredibly versatile for food prep, as they can fit into just about any meal, including dessert. (Black bean brownies are worth your time.) 

Plus they have real staying power. “Properly stored in a cool, dark place, canned beans can last up to five years,” says Markel. An eight-pack of canned beans at Costco retails for about $7.99, bringing the cost per can to under a dollar, and the cost per serving to about 30 cents. If you’ve got the time and wherewithal for dried beans, the savings are even bigger. A 10-pound bag of black beans costs around $18, for a cost per serving of less than 25 cents.

2. Frozen proteins

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

Costco’s Kirkland Signature butter is considered one of its most economical offerings among fans, around $18 (in my region) for 4 pounds, which doesn’t come with an overwhelming space requirement in the freezer. At my nearest grocery store, the same amount of butter costs twice that much.

4. Pasta

Items with the highest prices per ounce can be prime candidates for bulk shopping, on a case-by-case basis depending on longevity. “Specialty items that cost significantly less on sale can be worth buying in bulk, but only if they will be used,” says Kelley. “A good example of this is expensive spices that might be used frequently, like quality black peppercorns,” she says.

Other specialty items that can be pricey but can be stockpiled when they’re on sale include saffron, tinned fish and even caviar — which can actually be frozen when unopened and kept for up to a year.

6. Paper products

So long as you’re bulk shopping, here’s a bonus nonfood item. “Paper products are among the items that are less expensive to buy in bulk packaging, especially toilet paper and paper towels,” says Kelley.” “Since paper products do not need to be stored in a climate controlled area, utility spaces, attics, and other unfinished spaces are fine for storage, making it easier to make room for them.”

If you have a paper towel dependency, as I do, consider a 12-pack of Kirkland paper towels for $22.99, versus single rolls that can be as much as $3 and up.