Foods Worth Buying in Bulk To Save Money + Storage Tips

In this article: Tips for storing foods long-term so you can take advantage of bulk purchase savings on certain types of foods.

by Miranda Jackson

Bulk buying certain types of food can be a cost-effective and convenient way to stock your pantry or freezer. Here are some foods worth buying in bulk if you have the space and means to store them properly to avoid food waste.

Produce

Many types of produce store well in the freezer for months, whether you buy them frozen or fresh. These tips can help you protect your frozen fruit and veggies from freezer burn.

Canned Goods

You can store canned items like beans, tomatoes, and soup for long periods, so stock up when your frequently used canned goods go on sale. Just make sure you have a system for tracking what you have on hand, and always use the oldest items first to avoid losing your canned goods savings to food waste.

Grains

Items like rice, quinoa, oats, and pasta have a long shelf life if you can protect them from bugs and moisture. Store all grains in airtight containers for long-term storage rather than in original packaging.

Try these bulk rice storage tips that may work for various types of grains.

Nuts

Nuts can be expensive when purchased in small quantities, but buying in bulk can save you considerably. To preserve bulk nut purchases, store them in an airtight container in the freezer.

According to Food & Wine, you can store chopped raw nuts in the freezer for up to six months and raw whole nuts for up to a year. Store roasted nuts for up to one year.

Dried Fruits

Buying dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, and apricots in bulk can be more affordable than buying individual bags.

The North Dakota State University website states that dried fruits keep well for six to 12 months with proper storage. They advise you to keep dried fruits in glass containers stored in a dark, cool, dry place or in the fridge or freezer.

Dried Beans

Dried beans can last for years if stored properly and can even help you reduce food costs. You just need to store them away from heat, moisture and light to preserve their nutritional value and taste.

Use these tips for storing bulk dried beans that were recommended by other Dollar Stretchers.

Spices

Spices are often cheaper when purchased in bulk, but you may want to limit bulk spice purchases to those you use frequently. You can store most ground dried spices for up to a year and some whole spices for as long as four years before they lose their flavor.

The Mrs. Dash website recommends storing spices in airtight containers. Like many other foods, you can keep them in the freezer for long-term storage, but not the fridge.

Cooking Oils

You can save by purchasing oils like olive, coconut, and avocado in bulk, but you must ensure they don’t go rancid. It’s best to store oils in glass in a cool place away from heat sources, such as the stove.

Use these tips from Real Simple to learn how to store bulk oil purchases best.

Baking Ingredients

Quite often, the bigger the bag of flour and sugar, the lower the cost per ounce. You want to prevent bugs and moisture from getting into your stored baking goods, so don’t store them long-term in the original packaging made of paper.

Martha Stewart has some excellent guidelines for storing all types of baking items, from flours and sugars to baking powder and baking soda.

Protect Your Bulk Food Purchases (and Your Savings!)

When buying in bulk, it’s essential to make sure you have proper storage containers to keep your food fresh and prevent spoilage. It may be worth investing in airtight storage containers that can help keep your bulk food purchases fresher for longer.

Related:

• Food Storage Tips for the Pantry, Fridge and Freezer
• A Grocery Stockpiling Guide: How and When To Save
• 11 Foods You’ll Find in a Frugal Pantry

Reviewed February 2024