Top 10 Food Essentials to Buy in Bulk

Buying in bulk can be a great way for your family to save money and also reduce the number of shopping trips you need to make. 

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Buying foods in bulk has a number of benefits, especially if you have a busy family life, are short on time or simply want to spend less time in the shops. Dry foods that have a long shelf life and foods that can easily be frozen are what you need to focus on when buying in large quantities. Perishable foods should be bought in smaller quantities to avoid waste.

Here are our top 10 food essentials to buy in bulk.

1. Dry herbs and spices

Purchasing spices by the pound, rather than by the bottle will give you more for your money. If you prefer to store your spices in bottles though you could either purchase some spice jars specifically for containing spices or you could also recycle some containers instead. 

2. Beans and lentils 

Both dry beans and lentils are inexpensive. They're perfect for stretching your food budget when you use them as the main source of protein for a meal instead of meat. Dehydrated dry beans and lentils will last for at least a year if you keep them in a dry place.

3. Pasta and rice 

Everyday essentials like pasta, noodles, and rice are perfect for stocking up your store cupboard as they tend to have a long shelf life. Handy to have an abundance of these stored away especially if you have a large family.

4. Oats and cereals 

These are also pantry staples that can last for a year on the average. Because there’s a wide range of brands to choose from, you can also get some good deals from stores that put them up on sale or sell them in bigger quantities. You can be guaranteed to have these always ready and on hand for breakfast or snacks.  

5. Coffee 

Coffee is one of those beverages enjoyed by a wide range of people from teachers to office workers and even stay at home moms such as myself who need that extra kick to get through the day. Buying coffee in bulk, particularly buying ground coffee beans, would be one of the smartest decisions you can make. 

6. Frozen chicken breast

Buy bags of plain frozen chicken breasts or chicken tenders to keep on hand for making chicken soups, stir-fries, salads or sandwiches. 

7. Frozen berries

Berries like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are loaded with all sorts of health benefits. If berries are in season, buy in bulk and freeze whatever you can't eat right away. You'll have a huge stash of sweet, good for you fruit on hand whenever a craving hits. In the winter months, opt for frozen berries, which you can also buy in bulk at better prices.

8. Cheese 

When scoping out the deals, reach for hard, semi-hard, and aged cheeses such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan. These can be frozen successfully for up to four months as long as they are wrapped well. 

9. Cooking oil 

Oils often cost a pretty penny, so stock up when they're on special. Choose several smaller bottles rather than oversized bottles. Although unopened oil keeps for two to three years, once the top is popped, it can go rancid more quickly. Keeping olive oil in the fridge can extend the life of an open bottle for at least a year.

10. Shelled nuts 

Nuts in the shell last much longer, making them a great choice for long-term storage. In most cases, purchasing nuts in the shell extends their shelf life. Purchase nuts like almonds, walnuts, peanuts and pecans in the shell and crack them with a nutcracker as needed.

What are your top food essentials to buy in bulk?