I don’t know about you but I’m a bulk store buying fan. I love stocking up so I don’t have to go shopping again later. Ever since the twins came along, heading out on errands really is a challenge and so, I’ve become more hermit like when they are with me or I head to the local Costco because I can buy more at one time AND they have a double cart.
But I also realize that there are probably things that I could get a better deal on if I picked them up elsewhere. So, I’ve gone on a hunt to find out where the best deals are and what I should be buying at the bulk store and what I should be passing on. Here’s what I found out:
According to a segment on the Today’s Show in May, which focused on non-perishable items primarily, they found the following:
- You can save up to 60% when buying cereal in bulk
- Ground coffee can save you up to 50% when purchased in bulk and it has a long shelf life.
- Big on party planning? Party appetizers are a great deal at your warehouse club stores.
- Extra virgin olive oil, wine and pet food are other items mentioned in the segment that are great items to get at the bulk stores. Score!
Additional tips they offered:
- Take the time to do the math and figure out what your paying per item to make sure it’s a good deal. Often stores have the “cost per unit” listed below the item on the shelf.
- Think about how long the items are going to last and how fast you will go through those foods.
- Frozen foods are good option because you can get a longer term use out of those items versus the more perishable items.
- Consider shopping with a friend when it comes to perishables like fruits and vegetables. Buy the larger portions, get the savings and split it between the two families.
iVillage also offers up 10 Tips for Buying in Bulk which included things like making sure you write out a list and stick to it so you avoid overspending! Such a good reminder considering that’s such an easy thing to do. I don’t know about you, but I hit those gourmet cheese sections and wine aisles and I’m done for!
The Organic Authority offers five great tips for saving money while buying in bulk which include:
- Creating a system for storage
- Keeping staples year around
- Keeping your eyes open for deals
- Buying by the case
- Remembering the freezer is your friend
Finally, the Kitchn has an article chock full of links to additional articles on this topic of bulk food buying if you really want to become a guru on the topic.
And if you missed it, check our our Food Storage Series that ran last month to help you with storing your new bulk items!
- Fads in Food: Long Term Food Storage
- Fads in Food: 5 Tips for Long Term Food Storage
- Fads in Food: Food Storage Resources
Image: mismism
