12 Budget-Friendly Foods You Can Buy in Bulk for Major Savings

Buying food in bulk is a great way to save money because the unit cost is lower. Another benefit is that many foods available for bulk purchase also last a long time.

So what are some foods you can buy in bulk in order to save a lot of money? Let’s look at some.

Bread

A lot of people have a hard time finishing a loaf of bread before it gets stale or moldy. An easy solution to this is to buy a lot of it when there’s a good price and freeze it. Make sure it’s sliced so that you can thaw jut how much you need at a time.

Cereal

If you enjoy cereal, it makes sense to buy the larger boxes since the unit cost for them is lower. Storage is important, though. You have to keep the bag closed. Using airtight containers is the way to go.

Proteins

Foods like beef jerky tend to not be cheap, but they have a long shelf life and are a quick and tasty energy burst, so it makes sense to buy in bulk when you can. Beef, chicken, and pork also freeze well, keeping for several months if stored properly (i.e. not in the grocery store’s shrink-wrap packaging).

Parmesan Cheese

It can be challenging to go through a package of shredded or grated cheese before it expires. However, hard cheeses like parmesan blocks keep really well in the freezer, and they don’t take up much space.

Butter

Butter keeps for an amazingly long time, even on the counter, where you don’t have to deal with cold, hard slices. The trick is to keep it covered and sealed so it doesn’t pick up more germs and attract food waste. Always use a clean knife before slicing butter.

Eggs

A carton of eggs comes with a sell-by date, but it’s no secret that eggs will keep well past that date in the fridge, so go ahead and buy that carton or 18 or more. For best results, store the eggs in the back where they’ll be less exposed to warmer air entering when people open the door.

Beans

Beans are inexpensive and nutritious, which means they’re great to stock up on. Both dried beans, which you can usually find in bulk sections, and canned beans also keep for a very long time.

Rice

Like beans, rice is inexpensive and nutritious, and its versatility makes it go well with so many meals as a side dish or main ingredient. Dry rice also lasts a super-long time without spoiling, especially if you keep it well-sealed.

Pasta

Dry pasta is another food that’s cheap and will last practically forever in the pantry, even after being opened (you should still keep it in a closed package or container). Even though it typically doesn’t cost much, you shouldn’t pass up the chance to stock up when a brand you like is on sale.

Flour

Flour is an ingredient in so many foods and recipes, so it makes sense to buy it in bulk and save money. As long as you keep it in an airtight container after opening and make sure to keep moisture out, it will last pretty much forever.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is expensive relative to most other oils at the store, so it’s a good idea to (1) buy larger bottles with lower unit prices and (2) take advantage of sale prices. Store the olive oil in a cool, dark place (like a pantry) to keep it from going rancid too soon.

Nuts and Seeds

These can be somewhat expensive, but they contain many benefits such as protein, longevity, and healthy fats. If you buy in bulk, you can usually freeze most of it so it won’t go stale or bad. Where bulk sections aren’t available, watch for sales on packages and containers and stock up.

 

12 Foods To NEVER Eat After They Expire (Throw Them Away Immediately)

The “Sell by” date on food packaging tells how long the food can stay on shelves, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that’s when it expires. On the other hand, the “Best by” or “Use by” date is something to really pay attention to.

Some foods can be fine well past that date, but others don’t, and consuming them can lead to food poisoning, a trip to the hospital, or worse. Following are some foods you should never consume after they expire.

12 Foods To NEVER Eat After They Expire (Throw Them Away Immediately)