Get your groceries budget under control and save money on groceries in 2024 by purchasing some things in bulk!
Buying in bulk can save you money on certain items, particularly those with a long shelf life or that you use frequently.
Sure, the savings might seem like a few cents at a time, but if you can spare the store space, the math is actaully shocking:
There’s a Big Bang Theory episode where Sheldon suggests Penny buys her tampons in bulk, and for some reason she takes offense to this.
But Sheldon’s right!
If tampons are 19 – 22 cents each at Walmart, and 15 cents at Costco… It’s literally pennies, 45-50 years of pennies adds up.
Do the math.
Assuming 5 cents savings per tampon, 5 tampons per day for 5 days, x 12 months… for 45 years.
$675.00.
Sure, that’s only $675.00 in la life time.
But let’s assume you can save that $675.00 in your lifetime on every item on this list (which is realistic, often the savings will be far more…especially when you buy the bulk things with coupons or when there’s a sale.) $675.00 x 21 things = $14175.00 – minimum.
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Here are 21 foods and household items that are (almost) almost always cheaper when purchased in bulk:
Rice: As a non-perishable staple, buying rice in larger quantities can lead to significant savings.
Dried beans and lentils: Like rice, dried beans and lentils are shelf-stable and can be bought in large quantities for a lower cost per unit.
Pasta: Purchasing pasta in bulk can save you money, especially if you choose generic or store-brand options.
Spices: Buying spices in bulk from a store that sells them by weight can be much more cost-effective than purchasing pre-packaged varieties.
Canned goods: Buying canned goods like tomatoes, beans, and vegetables and canned soups in bulk (like in a flat of 12) can lead to savings, especially when they’re on sale.
Cooking oils: Large containers of cooking oils, such as olive, canola, or vegetable oil, can save you money in the long run.
Flour: Baking staples like all-purpose flour can be more cost-effective when bought in larger quantities, especially if you bake frequently.
Sugar: Buying granulated sugar, brown sugar, or powdered sugar in bulk can lead to savings, especially for those who bake or cook frequently.
Nuts and seeds: Purchasing nuts and seeds in bulk from a store that sells them by weight can be more affordable than pre-packaged options.
Dry cereal: Buying large boxes or bags of dry cereal can be cheaper than purchasing smaller packages, particularly if you opt for generic or store-brand options.
Coffee: If you’re a coffee drinker, buying whole beans or ground coffee in larger quantities can result in cost savings.
Tea: Purchasing tea bags or loose-leaf tea in bulk can lead to a lower cost per serving compared to smaller packages.
Toilet paper and paper towels: These household essentials can be significantly cheaper when purchased in large quantities or multi-packs.
Laundry detergent: Buying laundry detergent in bulk can lead to cost savings, particularly if you opt for generic or store-brand options.
Diapers: If you have a baby or toddler, buying diapers in bulk can save you money, especially when combined with sales or discounts.
Pet food: Purchasing pet food in large bags or containers can be more cost-effective than smaller packages.
Tampons: Just ask Sheldon.
Liquid hand soap: just ordered myself a 4L just on Amazon to refill my pumps, .51 cents per 100mls vs over 1.00 per 100mls to buy the small pump bottle again.
Cleaning supplies: Buying cleaning supplies like dishwashing detergent, all-purpose cleaner, and glass cleaner in bulk can save you money over time.
Toothpaste: Opting for multi-packs or larger tubes of toothpaste can be more cost-effective than buying individual tubes.
Batteries: If you frequently use batteries for electronics or toys, buying them in larger packages can be cheaper than purchasing smaller packs. (The Costco packs of Duracell are what we buy – even though the Costco brand ones are cheaper… we find they don’t actually last as long as the Duracell ones.)
When buying in bulk to save money, don’t forget:
Always check the unit price, especially when you’re buying in bulk, to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Don’t just ASSUME because it’s a bulk purchase that it will be cheaper.
Also, consider your storage space and the shelf life of the items to avoid waste.
If you don’t have enough space or don’t think you’ll use the entire bulk amount, consider splitting the purchase with a friend or family member to still benefit from the cost savings.