Top 10 Foods that are Cheaper to Buy in Bulk

Written by Colton Blair in Bulk Food,Financial Preparedness
the cheapest foods to buy in bulk

Buying in bulk can be a great way to save money on groceries, but it’s not always obvious which foods are the best deals. While it’s generally a good idea to stock up on pantry staples like grains and baking supplies, you might be surprised to learn that there are plenty of other foods that are also cheaper to buy in bulk.

What foods are cheaper to buy in bulk?

There are many foods that are cheaper to buy in bulk, including grains (such as pasta, rice, and wheat), baking supplies (such as flour, sugar, and baking powder), meats (such as beef and poultry), spices, frozen fruit, oils (such as olive oil and coconut oil), boxed cereal, snacks (such as granola bars and trail mix), cheese, and canned goods. Buying these items in larger quantities can often lead to better prices per unit and can also take advantage of bulk discounts and special deals. See 9 simple ways you can save money on bulk foods. 

To make things easier for you we found the best places to buy bulk food online at a discount. And if you like to find deals on bulk food in person find an Amish-style bulk food store near you. The Amish-style bulk food stores have been great grocery stores for finding bulk food at a discount.

In this article, we’ll be sharing the top 10 foods/groceries that are often a better deal when purchased in larger quantities. Whether you’re trying to save money on your grocery bill or just want to make sure you always have a well-stocked pantry, this list is for you. So read on to discover some unexpected bulk buys that are worth adding to your shopping list.

1. Grains (such as wheat, pasta, rice, etc)

Grains are a staple in many meals, so it’s no surprise that they’re often sold in bulk. Whether you prefer pasta, rice, or wheat, buying these grains in large quantities can be a great way to save money. Not only are they a pantry staple that will keep for a long time, but they’re also very versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here is a list of specific grains that are often cheaper to buy in bulk:

So the next time you’re at the store, consider picking up a larger bag of your favorite grain – you might be surprised at how much you can save.

bulk grains

2. Baking Supplies (such as flour, sugar, and baking powder)

Baking can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it can also get expensive if you’re constantly having to buy small quantities of ingredients. That’s why it’s a good idea to stock up on baking supplies when you have the chance. 

Flour (see the shelf life of different flours), baking powder, baking soda, sugar (storing sugar long-term), and yeast (see yeast’s shelf life and how to store it long-term) are all items that are often cheaper to buy in bulk, and they’ll keep for a long time if stored properly. So next time you’re at the store, consider buying a larger bag of flour or a bigger container of sugar – it is bound to save you money in the long run.

Here are some cheaper bulk options that we have found:

3. Meats (such as beef, poultry, etc)

Meat can be a major expense in any grocery budget, but it’s often cheaper to buy in bulk. Whether you prefer beef, chicken, or something else, buying larger quantities of meat can be a great way to save money. Not only will you get a better price per pound, but you’ll also be able to take advantage of bulk discounts and special deals. Just be sure to properly store and freeze any excess meat to ensure that it stores long-term.

buying beef in bulk is cheaper

4. Spices

Spices are an essential ingredient in many dishes, but they can also be expensive if you’re constantly having to buy small bottles or packets. That’s why it’s a good idea to stock up on spices when you can. Not only are they often cheaper to buy in bulk, but they’ll also last for a long time if stored properly. So next time you see a good deal on spices, consider buying a larger quantity.

5. Fruits and Vegetables

While it’s generally a good idea to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, there are some cases where it’s cheaper to buy them in bulk. Here are a few tips for finding the best deals on bulk produce:

  • Buy in season: Fruits and vegetables are often cheaper when they’re in season, so try to buy them during peak growing times.
  • Look for bulk discounts: Many stores offer discounts on bulk purchases of fruits and vegetables, so be on the lookout for special deals.
  • Buy frozen: Frozen fruits and vegetables are often cheaper than fresh, and they’ll last much longer in the freezer. Just be sure to check the labels and choose products with minimal added ingredients.
  • Consider preserving methods: Another way to save money on bulk purchases of fruits and vegetables is to preserve them for later use. Canning, freezing, dehydrating, and freeze-drying are all effective methods for preserving produce and extending its shelf life. These methods can be a bit time-consuming, but they can be a great way to save money and enjoy your favorite produce all year round.
  • Buy from a farmer’s market: Farmer’s markets are a great place to find fresh, locally grown produce at a good price. You may be able to negotiate a bulk discount if you buy a large quantity. Consider finding an Amish-style bulk food store near you and enjoy bulk produce at a discount.
  • Consider a CSA: Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs are a great way to get a regular supply of fresh, locally grown produce at a good price. Many CSAs offer bulk options, so you can get a large quantity of produce at a discounted price.

By following these tips, you can save money on your fruit and vegetable purchases while still enjoying the benefits of fresh produce. Just be sure to use or preserve the bulk produce within a reasonable time frame to ensure it stays fresh and doesn’t go to waste.

buying fruits and vegetables can be cheaper

If you buy produce in bulk make sure you can store them long-term. See how to store things like pomegranates and onions.

6. Oils (such as olive oil and coconut oil)

Oils are an essential ingredient in many dishes, but they can also be expensive if you’re constantly having to buy small bottles or packets. That’s why it’s a good idea to stock up on oils when you can. Not only are they often cheaper to buy in bulk, but they’ll also last for a long time if stored properly. 

Olive oil and coconut oil are two particularly good options to consider buying in bulk, as they’re used in a wide variety of dishes and can add flavor and nutrition to many meals. Plus, both oils have a long shelf life and can be stored in a cool, dark place for months at a time. So next time you see a good deal on olive oil or coconut oil, consider buying a larger quantity.

7. Boxed cereal

Cereal is a convenient and tasty breakfast option, but it can also get expensive if you’re always buying small boxes. That’s why it’s a good idea to stock up on cereal when you have the chance. Not only is it often cheaper to buy in bulk, but it’ll also last for a long time if stored properly. So next time you see a good deal on cereal, consider buying a larger box.

Amazon has some good deals on a variety of bulk cereals. Check out all the bulk cereal options on Amazon. Make sure to compare all the options to get the best deal.

8. Snacks (such as granola bars and trail mix)

Snacks are a convenient and tasty option for on-the-go, but they can also get expensive if you’re buying small quantities all the time. That’s why it’s a good idea to stock up on snacks when you have the chance. Not only are they often cheaper to buy in bulk, but they’ll also last for a long time if stored properly.

Look for deals on your favorite bulk snacks at Costco, Sams Club, or even online (see bulk snacks on Amazon). So next time you see a good deal on granola bars or trail mix, consider buying a larger quantity.

buying snacks in bulk makes them cheaper

9. Cheese

Cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient, but it can also be expensive if you’re buying small quantities all the time. That’s why it’s a good idea to stock up on cheese when you have the chance.

Not only is cheese often cheaper to buy in bulk, but it’ll also last for a long time if stored properly. We buy cheese in bulk, vacuum seal it, and then store it in our freezer for months. So next time you see a good deal on cheese, consider buying a larger quantity.

10. Canned goods

Canned goods are a convenient and shelf-stable option for many pantry staples, but they can also get expensive if you’re buying small quantities all the time. That’s why it’s a good idea to stock up on canned goods when you have the chance. Not only are they often cheaper to buy in bulk, but they’ll also last for a long time if stored properly. So next time you see a good deal on canned goods, consider buying a larger quantity.

A Word of Caution

While buying in bulk can be a great way to save money on groceries, there are a few things to be cautious of when purchasing food in larger quantities. So before you stock up too much make sure buying in bulk is cheaper and makes sense for you. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Make sure you have storage space: Before you buy in bulk, make sure you have the proper storage space to store all of the extra food. This is especially important for perishable items like meats and produce, which need to be kept in the right conditions to ensure they stay fresh. See more on how to store food in bulk.
  • Consider the expiration date: Be sure to check the expiration date on any food you’re considering buying in bulk, and make sure it will be used up before it goes bad. While some items like grains and spices can last for a long time, others like dairy and meats will need to be used up more quickly.
  • Don’t overspend: Just because an item is being sold in bulk doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good deal. Be sure to compare prices and do the math to make sure you’re actually saving money by buying in bulk.
  • Watch out for bulk packaging fees: Some stores charge extra for bulk packaging, which can offset the savings you might get from buying in larger quantities. Be sure to check with the store to see if there are any extra fees for bulk packaging, and factor those into your decision.
  • Don’t buy more than you need: While it’s generally a good idea to stock up on pantry staples, there’s no sense in buying more than you can use. Be sure to consider your family’s needs and consumption habits before buying in bulk, and don’t overdo it.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the benefits of bulk buying without any unwanted surprises.

In conclusion, bulk buying can be a great way to save money on groceries (see the cheapest grocery stores in the US), and there are plenty of unexpected items that are often a better deal when purchased in larger quantities. Whether you’re looking to save on grains, baking supplies, meats, spices, or something else, there are plenty of options to choose from. So next time you’re at the store, consider buying in bulk – it might save you a lot of money in the long run.

Colton Blair

I'm Colton Blair, co-owner of EZ-Prepping with my wife Kaycee. I value the safety, protection, and well-being of my family above all else. Finding easy and practical ways of prepping for emergencies or unexpected disaster has become very important to me.

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