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6 Foods You Should Be Buying in Bulk, According to an Expert

Grocery prices remain a hot topic. According to a recent CNET Investigatesit remains the number one source of consternation for Americans (myself included). We’ve covered a number of ways to save a little money on your grocery budget: Food saving apps , e.g. Pop-up food;The cost difference between name brand and name brand store brand groceries;and whether shopping at trader joe’s Significant cost savings compared to other grocery chains. Of course, there are Buy in bulk.

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After doing some math, I found that the average person could save $1,000 a year Shopping at Costco For use in bulk foods. However, buying in bulk can be more complicated due to storage considerations and differences in shelf life between various items.

Says Mary Ann Kelley, the meal planning expert behind Add salt and serve”, “Shoppers can ask themselves three questions: Are my savings significant compared to the lowest price in any store? Do I use items before they expire or deteriorate in quality? A great price doesn’t save you money if the item isn’t used. Finally, do I have space to store items purchased in bulk? “

Read more: What experts tell me about food shelf life

Given that shopping in bulk is often a financially smart move, and with the above considerations in mind, I asked some shopping and meal prep experts what the best foods to buy in bulk are. Here they are:

1. Canned or dried beans

A bowl of black beans

Beans are high in protein and are a great option to buy in bulk.

Chris Monroe/CNET

“Canned beans are a pantry staple and a smart way to buy in bulk because they have a long shelf life and are affordable at warehouse stores,” says Kristen Markel, the bulk shopping expert behind them. warehouse wanderer. Beans are also very versatile in food preparation, as they fit into almost any meal, including desserts. (The black bean brownies are worth your time.)

Plus, they have real staying power. “If stored correctly in a cool, dark place, canned beans can last up to five years,” Markle said. An eight-pack of beans at Costco retails for about $7.99, bringing the cost per can down to less than $1, and the cost per serving is about 30 cents. If you have the time and funds to buy dry beans, the savings are even greater. A 10-pound bag of black beans sells for about $18, which costs less than 25 cents per serving.

2. Frozen protein

Sitka Salmon Stock

If freezer space allows, it’s cheaper to buy fish in bulk.

Sitka Salmon Shares

Meat and seafood in the frozen section are usually frozen immediately after harvest, so their quality remains high. You can also process freshly purchased protein and freeze it yourself; either way, some types of meat and seafood can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a year. (this food guardian The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ app is a handy guide on how long you can store various foods. )

“Shoppers can often find bulk fresh and frozen meats at better prices, or they may stock up on regular packaged meats when they’re on sale,” Kelly said. Even if you don’t have access to a traditional bulk store, you can get into the bulk shopping mindset.

“Meat purchased in bulk at a discount can be frozen as is, but shoppers can also save space and reduce the stress of preparing dinner by cooking meat ahead of time that will be used later in cooked form in recipes “For example, shoppers can cook bulk ground beef or chicken when they take it home, and then they can use the cooked meat to make recipes like tacos, chili, and chicken soup.”

3. Butter

butter board cutting board

Butter is more stable than most people think, making it perfect for buying in bulk.

Annick van der Schelden Photography/Getty Images

When buying in bulk, we often think primarily of the pantry or refrigerator, but “don’t overlook dairy, especially butter,” says Markle. “Butter freezes well and will last up to a year in the refrigerator.”

Costco’s Kirkland Signature butter is considered one of the most economical products by fans, at about $18 for 4 pounds (in my area), and doesn’t require much space in the refrigerator. At my nearest grocery store, the same amount of butter costs twice as much.

4. Pasta

Coronavirus Grocery Pantry

Boxed pasta has a shelf life of up to two years.

Angela Long/CNET

Boxed pasta may require some storage space, but if you can eat a lot, the shelf life is worth it. “Dry pasta is another winner when bought in bulk, with an unopened shelf life of up to two years,” Markle said. “For extended storage, consider vacuum sealing pasta to preserve freshness after its typical expiration time.” (Here best vacuum sealer We’ve tested it. )

An 8-pound bag of Barilla pasta is $12.99 at Costco, which is a savings of more than $1 per pound compared to buying individual boxes at your local supermarket. Italian American families or carb lovers take note.

5. Specialties

peppercorns and salt crystals

Not all spices are suitable for buying in bulk, but whole Sichuan peppercorns can keep their vibrancy for a while.

Keiko Iwabuchi/Getty Images

Items with the highest price per ounce may be prime candidates for bulk purchases, depending on longevity. “Items on sale sell for much less and are worth buying in bulk, but only if they will be used,” Kelly said. “A good example is expensive spices that may be used frequently, such as high-quality black pepper,” she says.

Other specialty items that may be pricey but can be stocked up while on sale include saffron, canned fish and even caviar – which can actually be frozen and kept for up to a year when unopened.

6. Paper products

Quick paper towel roll

If you want to get the most bang for your buck, buy paper towels and other household items in bulk.

Desiree Denunzio/CNET

As long as you shop in bulk, here’s a bonus list of non-food items. “Paper products are one of the less expensive items to buy in bulk, especially toilet paper and paper towels,” Kelly said. “Since paper products don’t need to be stored in climate-controlled areas, utility spaces, attics, other unfinished spaces, etc. Suitable for storage so it’s easier to make room for them. ”

If you’re paper towel dependent like me, consider purchasing a 12-pack of Kirkland paper towels, which sell for $22.99, while a single roll can cost $3 or more.

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