Best Foods to Buy in Bulk

Buying food in large quantities is an excellent way to fill your pantry and fridge while cutting down on food costs. Do you buy things in bulk? if you’re answer is no, don’t worry! we’ll tell you the best foods to buy in bulk.

Certain items are heavily discounted when purchased in bulk. This makes it an economical habit that can save you a lot of money. If you are into this idea of shopping, we recommend you also check our recommendations on the best things to buy at Costco. 

While some foods make ideal choices for bulk shopping due to their long shelf lives or freezability, more perishable foods should be bought in smaller quantities to avoid spoilage.

Here are the 18 best foods to buy in bulk — and some of the worst.

Related:

Zero Waste Grocery Shopping Hacks

Best foods to buy in bulk (and also healthy)

Dried beans and lentils are one of the most shelf-stable foods that can last anywhere from 2-3 years if stored properly. The term “shelf-stable” refers to foods that can be stored at room temperature for an extended period of time before spoiling.

Beans and lentils are high in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy bulk shopping choice. They’re great for adding into dishes such as soups, stews and even salads.

However, it’s important to note that storing beans and lentils may lead to the degradation of certain nutrients over time.

Compared to fresh berries, frozen berries are more affordable and less perishable.

Because they are frozen, they are can typically be purchased in bulk and at better prices. They also have the same nutritional value as fresh berries.

According to the USDA, frozen fruit like berries can be safely stored in the freezer for up to six months.

Because fresh meat and poultry spoil quickly when stored in the refrigerator, freezing them is an excellent way to avoid food waste.

According to the USDA, frozen meat such as steak and chicken can last in the fridge indefinitely if kept frozen continuously.

Freezing protein sources immediately after purchase can extend usability so that you don’t have to run to the store every time you need meat or poultry for a recipe. This is a classic food to buy in bulk.

4. Frozen Vegetables

Like fresh berries and other types of fruit, despite how carefully you store them, fresh vegetables tend to spoil quickly.

Stocking up on frozen vegetables is a great idea because they also offer numerous health benefits as their fresh counterparts!

Good vegetables to stock up on include spinach, butternut squash, broccoli, carrots and peas. Most veggies can be stored in the freezer for up to eight months.

5. Honey

Honey is often thought to stay edible indefinitely, but some factors can impact the shelf life and quality of honey.

Storage conditions, including heat and humidity, can affect the aroma, texture and flavor of honey, making its shelf life hard to hone into.

In general, the National Honey Board recommends storing honey for up to two years, making it a great food to buy in bulk.

Not only are oats a versatile and healthy grain, but they also happen to have a lengthy shelf-life.

The FoodKeeper app states that fresh oats can be stored for up to four months in the pantry.

Freezing oats in airtight containers can further extend their shelf life, tacking on another four months to their expiration date.

Oats are high in B vitamins, magnesium and zinc, as well as a particular type of fiber called beta-glucan, which may help lower cholesterol, reduce blood sugar levels and increase feelings of fullness.

Dried fruit is highly nutritious and contains an impressive amount of fiber, vitamins and minerals.

What’s more, it’s a healthy pantry item that has a much longer shelf life than fresh fruit.

Dried fruits like mangos, cranberries and apricots can be stored for up to six months. After opening, storing them in the refrigerator will allow them to last another six months.

Keep in mind that dried fruit is higher in calories and sugar than fresh fruit and should be eaten in small amounts. Choose unsweetened dried fruit whenever possible to limit added sugar intake.

Nuts in the shell last much longer than shelled nuts, making them a great choice for long-term storage.

In most cases, purchasing nuts in the shell extends their shelf life.

For example, almonds in the shell will keep for up to six months when stored at 68℉ (20℃), while shelled almonds only last four months when stored at the same temperature.

Purchase nuts like almonds, walnuts, peanuts and pecans in the shell and crack them with a nutcracker as needed.

An extra benefit of nuts in the shell is that it takes more time and effort to prepare them than shelled nuts, which may slow eating and lead to a reduction in calorie intake.

Certain whole grains such as farro, spelt, wild rice, quinoa and amaranth have surprisingly long shelf lives.

For instance, according to the FoodKeeper app, uncooked quinoa can last for up to three years when stored correctly in a pantry.

Whole grains make excellent additions to any meal, providing a hearty source of fiber, vitamins, antioxidants and powerful plant compounds that all benefit health.

Grains are versatile and you can add them in breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. It’s great to stock up on these items.

Whole popcorn can be purchased in bulk and stored for up to two years at room temperature.

Unlike packaged instant popcorn that contains unhealthy ingredients like harmful additives and unhealthy fats, whole popcorn is entirely natural.

Not to mention, preparing your own popcorn is fun and allows you to control the ingredients you consume.

Plus, popcorn is high in fiber, phosphorus, manganese, zinc and polyphenol antioxidants, making it a healthy snack when consumed in moderation.

Unlike fresh pasta, which needs to be cooked within a few days, dried pasta can be stored for up to two years.

Whole wheat pasta makes a better choice than refined white pasta since it is lower in calories and higher in certain nutrients, including fiber, manganese and magnesium.

For those who can’t tolerate the gluten found in wheat-based pasta, brown rice pasta and pasta made from gluten-free grains are healthy alternatives with similar shelf lives.

You can find different types of pasta in the bulk section of grocery stores and typycalli at good price.

Many fats can’t be stored long-term due to the risk of oxidation, which can lead to spoilage.

However, coconut oil has a much longer shelf life and is more resistant to oxidation than other vegetable oils.

Plus, unrefined virgin coconut oil contains powerful antioxidants that are thought to help protect the oil from spoilage.

Storage times can vary depending on temperature and light exposure, but the FoodKeeper app suggests that coconut oil stored in a cool, dark place should last up to three years.

Coconut oil can be used in cooking, baking and skin care.

Chia seeds are often referred to as a superfood due to their impressive concentration of omega-3 fats, fiber, magnesium, calcium and antioxidants.

While chia seeds are nutritious, they also tend to be expensive.

Thankfully, chia seeds purchased in bulk are usually lower in price than chia seeds bought in smaller quantities.

What’s more, chia seeds have a long shelf life of around 18 months when stored in a cool, dark location.

With its creamy texture and satisfying taste, peanut butter is a staple item in most people’s pantries.

Buying peanut butter in large jars is more economical since bulk peanut butter is sold at a discounted rate.

Peanut butter is an excellent source of plant-based protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals and can be used in many ways.

Natural peanut butter is healthier than processed brands that contain added sugar and hydrogenated oils.

Keep unopened natural peanut butter in the fridge to keep it fresh for up to 12 months. After opening, expect your peanut butter to last about three to four months in the refrigerator. Another common yet great recommendation on foods to buy in bulk.

Getting in enough greens can be a challenge for some people.

What’s more, fresh greens need to be used within a few days before they start to degrade.

Greens powders are nutritional supplements made from dried, pulverized greens like kale, spinach and wheatgrass.

Not only are greens powders highly nutritious, but most brands will also stay fresh in the refrigerator or freezer after opening for up to two years.

Buying greens powder in bulk sizes will ensure that you have a long-lasting supply of this healthy product to add to smoothies, yogurt and other recipes.

High-quality protein powders can be costly.

However, most companies offer larger containers of various protein powders at cheaper price points.

Since most people who use protein powder do so on a regular basis, buying large amounts at a lower cost is a smart way to save money.

Some of the most popular protein powders, including whey and pea protein, typically expire around 8–18 months after purchase.

Apple cider vinegar is a multipurpose ingredient that can be used both in food and as a natural cleaning agent.

Because of its versatility, apple cider vinegar can be used up quickly, especially by those who rely on it as a cleaning agent.

Apple cider vinegar sells in large containers that can last up to five years when stored at room temperature.

What’s more, apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties and has even been shown to reduce blood sugar and promote weight loss.

They pack a powerful dose of nutrients and is especially popular with those following plant-based diets.

Nutritional yeast is an excellent source of vitamin B12, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate, magnesium, zinc and protein.

It has a savory, cheese-like flavor and can be added to dishes for a nutrient boost.

Nutritional yeast can be purchased in bulk at lower prices than smaller containers and has a shelf life of up to two years.

It’s a smart choice to purchase some foods in large quantities to save money. However, the following foods are more perishable and should only be purchased in small amounts.

#1 Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

If you regularly buy fresh produce, chances are you’ve found a rotten veggie or fruit in your fridge that hadn’t been used in time.

While there are exceptions, many fresh fruits and vegetables, such as berries, zucchini and greens, have a shelf life of less than a week before they begin to rot.

When buying fresh fruits and vegetables, only purchase what you know you will use within the coming week to avoid food waste.

#2 Oils

While saturated oils like coconut oil and palm oil store well, other oils should not be purchased in bulk.

Vegetable oils that contain high amounts of polyunsaturated fats like safflower, soybean and sunflower oils are more susceptible to oxidation, especially when stored in clear glass or plastic containers.

Oils high in polyunsaturated fats should only be purchased in small quantities and stored in cool, dark locations to prevent oxidation.

#3 Eggs

Large discount stores often sell eggs in bulk at discounted prices.

If you have a large family that eats eggs daily, then buying in bulk may be economical.

However, those who rarely eat eggs and those with small households may not be able to finish a few dozen eggs before their expiration date of three to five weeks.

#4 Flour

To avoid spoilage, white, whole-wheat and nut-based flours should not be purchased in bulk.

Whole-wheat flour has a shelf life of as little as three months, while white flour can start to spoil after six months.

Certain nut-based flours are even more susceptible to spoilage and should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

#5 Spices

Because spices are used in small amounts, it’s best to avoid buying bulk containers.

Spices can lose their potency over time and should be replaced as often as every 6–12 months for optimal flavor.

#6 Prepared Foods

Don’t be tempted to stock up on your favorite prepared foods when on sale unless you plan on eating the items quickly.

Dishes like egg salad, chicken salad and cooked pasta only last a few days in the fridge.

What’s more, eating prepared foods past their expiration date can put you in danger of foodborne illness.

While it makes sense to buy some items in bulk, foods like oils, eggs, fresh produce, flour, spices and prepared food should only be bought in small quantities.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are many foods to buy in bulk and at discounted prices.

Dried beans, oats, poultry and fruits and vegetables are some examples of nutritious items that have long shelf lives.

To cut back on food waste and avoid consuming spoiled foods you could avoid  perishable products like fresh produce and eggs.

So, stock up on nutritious, non-perishable bulk items! You’d want to make sure you’ll always have ingredients available to make healthy, delicious meals and snacks. Let us know in the comment section if there’s something else you’d add to this list on foods to buy in bulk.

Last but not least, when buying foods in bulk sometimes may be a good idea to donate part of it. If you’re interested on the possibility, check how to support food banks and food pantries.