10 Grocery Items You Shouldn't Buy in Bulk

The moment you step into a wholesale store like Costco or BJ’s, it’s almost as if all logic just goes out the window. Between the unbeatable prices and the extensive inventory, it can be very easy to crumble up your shopping list as you gleefully peruse every aisle. But before you fill up your cart with an assortment of bulk items, make sure to be mindful about what you’re buying. It can be incredibly tempting to buy products on sale or for unbeatable prices, but if your family can’t consume it all before the expiration date, you’ll end up wasting food and money. Buying in bulk is a convenient, cost-effective option if you have a large family or are planning a party, but if you’re just doing a standard shopping haul, here are some items you should consider getting at the local supermarket instead.

Bread and Baked Goods Unless you’re having a party or barbecue, there’s no need to buy an excess of hot dog buns or cookies, even if the price seems too hard to pass up. You could potentially freeze certain breads and baked goods, but the truth is, it never tastes the same. Since bread can only stay fresh for a few days, you’re better off buying what you know you’ll use within the week. Dried Herbs and Spices When was the last time you cleaned out your spice cabinet? If the answer is more than six months ago, you should definitely do a sweep to see what may have expired, because most spices have a finite shelf life. So, unless you use an abundance or oregano or garlic powder, you should stick to the smaller bottles and jars.

Cooking Oils Splurging on quality cooking oils may actually save you money in the long run. That’s because they have a longer shelf life than processed oils. A good rule of thumb is to use your cooking oils within six months of opening, but they could also last a bit longer, too. If you’re unsure if the oil is already spoiled, take a spoonful, and smell it. If it smells like crayons or metal, it’s time to toss it. Dairy If you’ve ever accidentally tasted spoiled milk, you’re probably avoiding dairy that comes in big containers. Once items like milk or yogurt are opened, they can begin to go bad within just a few days. To avoid waste (and an upset stomach), grab a carton of milk you know your family will use up within the week, and consider buying individual portions of yogurt. Fresh Produce Step away from the box of peaches (unless you’re planning on making a crisp). It’s no secret that fresh fruits and vegetables have a short shelf life, which is why you’ll want to refrain from buying them in bulk. The most cost-effective approach is to buy just a few items at a time and replenish as needed!

Condiments It may be tempting to grab that giant bottle of mayonnaise or ketchup, but before you do, it’s good to know that certain condiments have a different shelf life, especially once they’re opened. Ketchup, hot sauce, and cocktail sauce will stay fresh for about six months, but products like mayo, horseradish, and jams will only stay fresh for about a month or two after being opened. Whole Grains and Nuts The problem with buying grains and nuts in bulk is that you have no indication on when they will expire. Not only that, the nuts, and grains you would buy from those bins are frequently exposed to oxygen, and may have already lost their freshness. Soda Here’s a little secret about soda: it will always go on sale, so there’s really no need to buy it in excess. And we’re not just talking about store-brand soda, soft drinks like Coca-Cola, Sprite, Dr. Pepper, and other well-known brands are frequently marked down, so you can purchase as needed and avoid having flat soda stored in your garage. Chips and Snacks Have you ever bought a bag of tortilla chips or pretzels and noticed they tasted a bit stale even just a day later? Buying snacks in bulk is a great, affordable option if you’re hosting guests or if you have ravenous teenagers, but for many families, it can be more wasteful than helpful. The plus side is the snack aisle is commonly marked down, so you can still stock the pantry without breaking the bank. Frozen Items Do you really need a three-pound bag of broccoli florets or blueberries? While stocking the freezer with bulk items may seem like a cost-effective approach, it can be wasteful if that food isn’t consumed within a few months. It will also take up most of your freezer space, which makes it difficult to store leftovers and a variety of other items.