I asked meal planning experts: What are the best foods to buy in bulk?

Food costs continue to put pressure on household budgets across the country, as grocery bills continue Causing greater sticker shock. To help people cope, we’ve been testing different ways to save money: saving food at discounted prices through apps like flashfoodpitting brands against General alternatives And investigate whether discount grocery stores like Trader Joe’s are living up to their requirements Budget-friendly reputation.

Another approach that has proven successful is bulk purchasing. Loading up household essentials at warehouse clubs like Costco can significantly cut your grocery spending. When i Ran the numbersthe potential annual savings reached nearly $1,000 for the typical shopper who commits to buying in bulk.

But bulk shopping isn’t as simple as signing up for Costco or Sam’s. You will need to think Storage space, shelf life And whether you’ll actually use what you buy.

Like Mary Ann Kelly, the meal planning expert behind it AddSaltandServeas he puts it: “Shoppers can ask themselves three questions:

1. Will my savings be significant compared to the lowest price across all stores?
2. Will I use the items before they expire or lose quality?
3. Do I have space to store items I buy in bulk?”

A big deal isn’t a deal if you end up throwing away half of it.

Read more: Here’s what one expert told me about food expiration dates

Accepting that bulk shopping is generally a financially smart move, given the above considerations, I asked some shopping and meal prep experts about the best foods to buy in bulk. Here they are:

1. Canned or dried beans

“Canned beans are a pantry staple and can be purchased in bulk, thanks to their long shelf life and affordability at warehouse stores,” says Christine Markel, the wholesale shopping expert behind it. Wanderer warehouse. Beans are also incredibly versatile for food preparation, as they can be incorporated into almost any meal, including dessert. (Black bean cake is worth your time.)

Plus they have real staying power. “If canned beans are stored properly in a cool, dark place, they can last up to five years,” says Markel. An eight-pack of canned beans sells at Costco for about $8, bringing the cost of a can to less than a dollar, and the cost of a single serving to about 30 cents. If you have the time to buy dried beans, the savings will be even greater. A 10-pound bag of black beans costs about $18, with a cost of less than 25 cents per serving.

2. Frozen proteins

Meat and seafood in the freezer section are often frozen immediately after harvest, so they remain of very high quality. You can also process proteins purchased fresh and freeze them yourself, either way certain types of meat and seafood can keep in the freezer for up to a year. (this Food keeper The app from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is a helpful guide for how long you can store different foods.)

“Shoppers can often find bulk-packaged fresh and frozen meat at a better price, or they may stock up on regular bulk packages of meat when it’s on sale,” Kelly says. It’s possible to have a wholesale shopping mindset even if you don’t have access to a traditional megastore.

“Meats purchased in bulk can be frozen for a good price as is, but shoppers can also save space — and make dinner preparation less stressful — by pre-cooking meat that will later be used in cooked form in recipes. For example, shoppers can cook large packages of ground beef or chicken when they bring it home, and then they can use the cooked meat for recipes like tacos.” Chili and chicken soup.”

3. Butter

We usually think primarily about the pantry or freezer when it comes to buying in bulk, but “don’t ignore dairy products, especially butter,” says Markel. “The butter freezes beautifully and can keep up to a year in the refrigerator.”

Costco’s Kirkland Signature Butter is one of its most economical offerings among fans, about $18 (in my area) for 4 pounds, which doesn’t come with a large freezer space requirement. At your nearest grocery store, the same amount of butter costs twice that amount.

4. Dry pasta and vermicelli

Packaged pasta may require some space to store, but if you are able to stack it, it will have a long shelf life, making it worthwhile. “Dry pasta is another winner for buying in bulk, as it has an unopened shelf life of up to two years,” Markel says. “For longer storage, consider vacuum-sealing pasta to preserve freshness beyond its usual expiration date.” (here Best vacuum sealers We have tested.)

Eight pounds of Barilla penne costs $13 at Costco, resulting in a savings of more than a dollar per pound compared to purchasing individual boxes at your local supermarket. Italian American families, or carb lovers, take into account.

5. Specialized items

Items with higher prices per ounce can be prime candidates for bulk shopping, on a case-by-case basis depending on longevity. “Specialty items that cost much less to sell can be worth buying in bulk, but only if they are used,” Kelly says. “A good example is expensive spices that can be used frequently, such as high-quality black pepper,” she says.

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

6. Paper products

As long as you’re shopping in bulk, here’s an extra non-food item. “Paper products are among the least expensive items to purchase in bulk packages, especially toilet paper and paper towels,” says Kelly. “Since paper products do not need to be stored in a climate-controlled area, utility spaces, attics, and other unfinished spaces are suitable for storage, making it easier to free up space for them.”

If you have a dependence on paper towels, as I do, consider purchasing a 12-pack of Kirkland paper towels for $23, versus single rolls that can be $3 and up.