Purchasing food in bulk is one effective way that we save money every week, especially as we find good deals on high-quality items. However, it’s important to be strategic in your bulk shopping in order to maximize your savings.
Here are 9 tips to save money on bulk food:
- Shop at stores that specialize in bulk items.
- Look for sales and discounts.
- Buy in bulk with friends or family members.
- Use coupons and rewards programs.
- Compare prices.
- Buy generic or store-brand items.
- Purchase produce in season.
- Consider buying items that are near their expiration dates.
- Use proper storage techniques.
By following these tips, you can save money and make the most of your bulk food purchases. Just be sure to do your research and be strategic in your shopping to get the best deals possible. Make sure to check out the top 10 foods that are cheaper to buy in bulk.
1. Shop at Stores that Specialize in Bulk Foods
There are several types of stores that specialize in bulk foods, including:
- Natural foods stores: These stores often have a wide selection of bulk foods, including grains, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and more.
- Warehouse clubs: Stores like Costco and Sam’s Club often have a large selection of bulk food items, including both pantry staples and perishable items. See the cheapest grocery stores in the US.
- Co-op stores: Co-op stores, which are owned and operated by their members, often have a wide selection of bulk food items at discounted prices. Examples of Co-op stores include: Whole Foods Market, PCC Community Markets, Natural Grocers, The Wedge Community Co-op, Park Slope Food Coop, and others.
- Online retailers: There are many online retailers that specialize in bulk foods, including websites like Azure Standard and Amazon. See the best places to buy bulk food online at a discount.
- Farmers markets and local farms: Many farmers markets and local farms offer bulk food items at discounted prices, including fresh produce and other locally-grown items.
- Local Amish Stores: There are many Amish-type grocery/bulk food stores around the United States that sell many bulk foods at a discount. Find a bulk food store near you.
By shopping at these types of stores, you can find a wide selection of bulk food items at discounted prices. Just be sure to do your research and compare prices to ensure that you’re getting the best deals possible.
2. Look for Sales and Discounts
Most grocery stores, warehouse clubs, online retailers, and other stores offer occasional and rotating sales and discounts. We save hundreds of dollars by taking advantage of these discounts as often as possible.
Here are some tips for finding sales and discounts on bulk food items:
- Sign up for newsletters and email lists. Many stores offer newsletters and email lists that will alert you to sales and discounts on bulk food items.
- Follow your favorite stores on social media. Many stores announce sales and discounts on their social media accounts, so it’s a good idea to follow your favorite stores on platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
- Check store websites regularly. Many stores post information about sales and discounts on their websites, so it’s a good idea to check these regularly to stay up-to-date on the latest deals.
- Ask store employees. If you have a favorite store that you shop at regularly, consider talking to the employees to see if they know of any upcoming sales or discounts on bulk food items.
- Look for clearance items. Many stores offer discounted prices on items that are close to their expiration dates or that are being discontinued. Keep an eye out for these items, as they can be a great deal.
By following these tips, you can stay up-to-date on the latest sales and discounts on bulk food items and save money on your purchases.
3. Buy in Bulk with Friends or Family
Buying food in bulk with friends or family can be a great way to save money and ensure that you have enough storage space for your purchases. Splitting the cost and the amount of food with others can help reduce the financial burden and ensure that you’re able to use all of the items before they expire.
Here are some tips for saving money by buying in bulk with others:
- Plan ahead. Make a list of the items you want to purchase in bulk and discuss with your friends or family to ensure that you’re all on the same page. This can help you avoid duplication and ensure that everyone is getting what they need.
- Split the cost and the food. Consider dividing the cost of the bulk items evenly among everyone participating, and also consider dividing the food itself. This can help reduce the financial burden and ensure that everyone has a share of the items.
- Buy only bulk foods that everyone uses. This tip only really saves money if you and everyone involved uses the food regularly.
By following these tips, you can save money and make the most of your bulk food purchases with friends or family.
4. Use coupons and rewards programs
Using coupons and rewards programs can be a great way to save money on bulk food purchases. Here are some tips for saving money by using coupons and rewards programs:
- Look for online coupons. There are many websites and apps that offer coupons for a wide variety of products, including bulk food items. Be sure to check these regularly to see if there are any coupons that can help you save money on your bulk food purchases.
- Use rewards programs. Many stores offer rewards programs that allow you to earn points or other rewards for making purchases. These rewards can often be used towards future purchases, including bulk food items.
- Use cashback apps. There are many cashback apps that allow you to earn cash back on your purchases, including bulk food items. These apps can be a great way to save money on your bulk food purchases.
- Sign up for store newsletters and email lists. Many stores offer newsletters and email lists that include coupons and special offers. By signing up for these lists, you can stay up-to-date on the latest deals and discounts.
By following these tips, you can save money on bulk food purchases by using coupons and rewards programs. Just be sure to do your research and compare deals to ensure that you’re getting the best deal possible.
5. Compare Prices
Comparing prices is a key way to save money on bulk food purchases. Don’t assume that bulk items are always the best deal. Take the time to compare prices and do your research to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Here are some tips for comparing prices and getting the best deal on bulk food items:
- Shop around. Don’t assume that one store has the best prices on bulk items. Take the time to shop at a variety of stores, including natural foods stores, warehouse clubs, and online retailers, to see which ones have the best deals.
- Check for sales and discounts. Many stores offer sales and discounts on bulk food items, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for these deals and stock up when you can.
- Compare unit prices. It’s important to compare the unit price, or the price per pound or per unit of measure, of bulk items to determine which one is the best deal. To calculate the unit price, divide the total price by the weight or quantity of the item.
- Consider the quality of the product. While price is important, it’s also important to consider the quality of the product when comparing prices. Be sure to read reviews and consider the brand or producer of the product to ensure that you’re getting a high-quality item.
By following these tips, you can save money on bulk food purchases by comparing prices and getting the best deal possible.
6. Buy Generic or Store-brand Items
Buying generic or store-brand items is a great way to save money on bulk food purchases. Private-label or store-brand items are often just as good as name-brand items, but they can be significantly cheaper. Consider opting for these items when you’re shopping in bulk.
Here are some tips for saving money by opting for generic or store-brand items:
- Compare prices. Take the time to compare the prices of generic and store-brand items to their name-brand counterparts. You may be surprised to find that generic or store-brand items are significantly cheaper.
- Consider the quality of the product. While generic and store-brand items are often cheaper, it’s important to consider the quality of the product as well. Be sure to read reviews and consider the ingredients of the product to ensure that you’re getting a high-quality item.
- Look for sales and discounts. Many stores offer sales and discounts on generic and store-brand items, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for these deals and stock up when you can.
- Consider the frequency of use. If you’re planning to purchase a bulk item that you’ll use frequently, it may be worth it to splurge on a higher-quality, name-brand item. However, for items that you’ll use less often, it may be more cost-effective to opt for a cheaper generic or store-brand option.
By following these tips, you can save money on bulk food purchases by opting for generic or store-brand items.
7. Purchase Produce in Season
Fruits and vegetables are usually cheaper when they’re in season, so it’s a good idea to buy them in bulk during these times. You can also freeze, can, freeze dry, or dehydrate excess produce to preserve it for later use.
Here are some tips for saving money by buying bulk produce in season:
- Shop at farmers markets or local farms. Many farmers markets and local farms offer discounted prices on produce that is in season, so it’s a good idea to shop at these types of stores when you’re looking to buy bulk produce.
- Look for sales and discounts. Many grocery stores offer sales and discounts on produce that is in season, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for these deals and stock up when you can.
- Grow your own produce. If you have the space and the time, consider growing your own fruits and vegetables. This can be a great way to save money and ensure that you’re getting high-quality produce.
- Use proper storage techniques. Proper storage can help ensure that your bulk produce stays fresh and retains its quality for as long as possible. Use airtight containers or bags to store bulk produce, and be sure to store it in a cool, dry place.
By following these tips, you can save money on bulk produce purchases by buying in season and using proper storage techniques.
8. Consider Buying Items that are Near Their Expiration Dates
Buying bulk foods that are close to their expiration dates can be a way to save money, as many stores offer discounted prices on these items. However, it’s important to be mindful of the expiration dates and use the items before they expire to ensure that you’re getting the best value.
Here are a few tips for saving money by buying bulk foods that are close to their expiration dates:
- Plan your meals carefully. If you’re planning to purchase bulk items that are close to their expiration dates, be sure to plan your meals carefully to ensure that you’re able to use the items before they expire.
- Consider the type of food. Some types of food, such as grains and dried beans, have a longer shelf life and may be a good option for purchasing in bulk when they are close to their expiration dates. Other types of food, such as fresh produce and meats, may have a shorter shelf life and may not be as good of a deal when purchased in bulk close to their expiration dates.
By following these tips, you can save money on bulk food purchases by buying items that are close to their expiration dates, but be sure to use the items before they expire to ensure that you’re getting the best value.
9. Use Proper Storage Techniques
Using proper storage techniques can help you save money on bulk food purchases by ensuring that the food stays fresh and retains its quality for as long as possible. When bulk food goes bad or spoils, it can be a waste of money and resources. By using proper storage techniques, you can help extend the shelf life of your bulk food and make the most of your purchases.
Check out our simple guide on how to store bulk foods long-term.
Here are a few tips for using proper storage techniques to save money on bulk food purchases:
- Use airtight containers or bags. Airtight containers or bags can help keep out moisture and air, which can cause bulk food to go bad more quickly.
- Store bulk food in a cool, dry place. Heat and humidity can cause bulk food to go bad more quickly, so it’s important to store it in a cool, dry place.
- Label and date bulk food items. See 5 tips on how to organize your bulk food storage. Labeling and dating your bulk food items can help you keep track of when they were purchased and when they need to be used. This can help you ensure that you’re using the items before they expire and saving money on your purchases.
By following these tips, you can use proper storage techniques to save money on bulk food purchases by ensuring that the food stays fresh and retains its quality for as long as possible.
