A trip to the grocery shop has become even more difficult due to ingredient shortages and supply chain difficulties. Food prices have reached an all-time high, and many shelves are empty as shops battle to meet consumer demand.
Here are 13 items you should seriously consider purchasing in bulk on your next stroll down the aisles. Not only are they more shelf-stable, but your grocery shop will probably save you a few pennies if you buy in bulk. Plus, you never know when or if they’ll be available again, so it’s always better to plan ahead and take advantage of the chance to purchase while it’s available.
If you haven’t already, check out Amazon’s food section: It’s jam-packed with necessities, some of which are far less expensive than what you’d spend at the grocery store.
Kind Almond and Coconut Bars
There is no need to pay $22.99 for a 12-count package of granola bars. Instead, go to Amazon and get them for $14.94—and then save another 80 cents if you subscribe.
Tostitos Chunky Medium Salsa
There must be salsa wherever there are tortilla chips. Save money when purchasing it from Amazon: Three jars of Tostitos chunky salsa cost $7.89 on Amazon, or $11.07 if you float in riches like Scrooge McDuck.
Tropicana Orange Juice
If orange juice is what gets you going in the morning, Amazon has a 24-pack of 100 percent Tropicana juice for only $13.29—much less expensive than $20.99.
Lentils with dried beans
Though the nutritional content may deteriorate with time, if maintained in a cool, dry environment, these bad boys may survive a whooping 10 years or more. And you already know that beans are excellent for your heart. The more you eat, the more you will gain.
Cheese
When purchased in bigger blocks, several hard cheese kinds have significant price reductions. This eliminates the labor expenditures of shredding and grating, resulting in more cheese for less cheddar.
Berries
Brands choose strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and other fruits to freeze and package immediately. This maintains their vitamins and antioxidants while also extending their shelf life by up to six months. They’re also available in bigger amounts than typical pints and quarts, giving you more bang for your budget. If you’re seeking something sweet and cold but don’t want to eat ice cream, frozen berries are a perfectly nutritious alternative.
Frozen Meat
Meat remains a luxury for many families, despite the fact that it can now be located and bought in quantity with a single trip down the frozen food aisle. From chicken wings and steaks to seafood and plant-based variations, all you have to do is defrost the right quantity in the refrigerator six to twelve hours before supper (depending on size and thickness) and cook as you would anything fresh.
Spices
Though not all spices have the same shelf life, many can be kept in a spice rack or cabinet for years. To save money, purchase your most often used variety by the pound, such as garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
Oil
You’ll most likely use oil, particularly olive oil, on a daily basis. Products like these will save you money in the long term if bought in bulk, so it’s probably in your best interest to take the bullet now and reap the benefits later.
Pasta (Dried)
Dried pasta, like beans and lentils, may be stored in a cold, dry area for years. Canned tomatoes may also be used, so purchase everything in quantity and plan on having pasta night every Sunday.
The Peanut Butter
Peanut butter has the longest shelf life of any nut butter. Aside from almond, it’s usually the cheapest choice since it comes in commercial-sized jars that can serve bigger families — or individuals who just can’t get enough of the spreadable bean and consume it on a regular basis.
Pistachios
Nuts are really pricey. Make them less intimidating by purchasing some from Amazon. For $15.99, you can have 32 ounces of Wonderful roasted and salted pistachios, or a bag half that size for $5 extra. Pistachio overload, perhaps? On Amazon, you can still save $2 on the 16-ounce size.
Diced Tomatoes
Sexy? No. They will, however, see you through everything from homemade spaghetti sauce to chili. On Amazon, you can get three cans of Del Monte’s no-added-salt chopped tomatoes for $2.49, rather than $1.89 each. (Cans are 83 cents each with the three-pack, saving you more than a $1 a can.) If you cook often, the savings can quickly mount up.
