Grocery prices continue to be a major concern for many Americans. A recent survey by CNET confirms that rising food costs remain the top source of sticker shock—and I can relate. Over time, we’ve explored various strategies to stretch your grocery budget, from using food-saving apps like Flashfood, to comparing name brands versus store brands, and even asking whether shopping at Trader Joe’s really saves money.
Another tried-and-true strategy? Buying in bulk. Stocking up on everyday staples at warehouse stores like Costco can lead to significant savings. In fact, after crunching the numbers, I found that the average person could potentially save around $1,000 a year by buying in bulk.
Beans are packed with protein and they’re the perfect candidates to buy in bulk.
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“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 $8, 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
Butter is more shelf-stable than most people think, making it a good candidate for buying in bulk.
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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. Dry pasta and noodles
Not all spices are good to buy in bulk, but whole peppercorns keep their pep for a while.
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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.
