8 Everyday Essentials You Should Always Buy in Bulk

Everyone is looking for smart ways to stretch their budget, and one of the most effective strategies starts at the grocery store. Buying in bulk can lead to significant savings, but the key is knowing which items offer the most value. This guide will walk you through eight everyday essentials that are almost always cheaper when purchased in larger quantities, helping you stock your pantry and save money.

Why Buying in Bulk Works

The principle behind bulk buying is simple: purchasing a larger quantity of a product reduces the cost per unit. Manufacturers save on packaging and distribution, and retailers pass those savings on to you. This strategy works best for non-perishable items or products with a long shelf life that your household uses consistently. By stocking up, you make fewer trips to the store, save on fuel, and are less likely to make impulse purchases. It’s a win-win for your wallet and your time.

Here are the eight categories of items where you can see the biggest impact.

1. Paper Products

This is the classic example of a smart bulk buy. Paper towels and toilet paper will never expire, and you are guaranteed to use them every single day. Buying a 30-roll pack of Charmin toilet paper from a warehouse club like Costco or Sam’s Club can cut the cost per roll by as much as 30-50% compared to buying a 4-pack at a regular supermarket.

Why it’s a good deal: These items are lightweight and easy to store in a closet, garage, or under a bed. The savings are consistent and substantial over the course of a year.
Storage Tip: Keep paper products in their original plastic wrapping to protect them from moisture and dust until you’re ready to use them.

2. Canned Goods

The pantry in the ad image is full of them for a good reason. Canned goods like beans, tomatoes, corn, and tuna are the foundation of countless quick and easy meals. They have an incredibly long shelf life, often lasting for years past the date on the can if stored properly. Buying a flat of canned diced tomatoes or a multi-pack of black beans is far more economical than purchasing them one at a time.

Why it’s a good deal: Canned goods allow you to have meal components on hand at all times, reducing the temptation to order expensive takeout. Look for sales at your local grocery store where you can buy 10 cans for a set price and stock up.
Storage Tip: Store cans in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cabinet. Avoid places with high humidity or extreme temperature changes.

3. Dry Grains and Legumes

Items like rice, oats, quinoa, lentils, and dried beans are nutritional powerhouses with a nearly indefinite shelf life. A 25-pound bag of jasmine rice costs a fraction per serving compared to a small one-pound box. The same is true for old-fashioned oats, which are perfect for breakfast, baking, and more.

Why it’s a good deal: These are some of the most affordable and versatile ingredients you can buy. They form the base of filling, healthy meals, and the cost savings on large bags are enormous.
Storage Tip: Transfer dry grains and legumes from their original bags into airtight containers. This protects them from pests, moisture, and dust, ensuring they stay fresh for years.

4. Pasta

Just like dry grains, dried pasta is a perfect candidate for bulk purchasing. Whether your family loves spaghetti, penne, or macaroni, you can be sure it will get eaten. Pasta has a long shelf life and is often featured in “buy one, get one” sales or sold in large family-size bags at a lower price per ounce.

Why it’s a good deal: Having pasta on hand means you’re always just a few minutes away from a simple, satisfying dinner. It’s an inexpensive staple that becomes even cheaper in bulk.
Storage Tip: Keep dried pasta in its original packaging or an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry.

5. Cleaning Supplies

From laundry detergent to dish soap and all-purpose cleaner, these are items you constantly need to replenish. Buying the largest container of Tide laundry detergent or a multi-pack of sponges will always be more cost-effective than buying the smallest size. These products are formulated to last for a long time, so you don’t have to worry about them expiring.

Why it’s a good deal: The price per ounce drops significantly with larger sizes. You’ll also be prepared for any cleaning emergency without having to make a last-minute, full-price purchase.
Storage Tip: Store cleaning supplies in a safe, dry area away from children and pets, typically under a sink or in a utility closet.

6. Personal Care Items

Think about the products you and your family use every single day: toothpaste, bar soap, shampoo, and deodorant. These items have long shelf lives and are frequently sold in value packs. A 3-pack of Crest toothpaste or a 12-pack of Dove soap offers significant savings over buying single units.

Why it’s a good deal: You eliminate the risk of running out of essentials and paying a premium for a single item at a convenience store. Warehouse clubs are excellent sources for bulk personal care products.
Storage Tip: Store these items in a bathroom closet or cabinet away from excessive heat or humidity to maintain their quality.

7. Cooking Oils

Whether you prefer olive oil, avocado oil, or canola oil, buying it in a large tin or bottle can save you a lot of money. A one-gallon jug of canola oil or a two-liter bottle of extra virgin olive oil has a much lower cost per ounce than a small bottle.

Why it’s a good deal: Oil is a kitchen staple used for cooking, baking, and making dressings. Since you use it regularly, a larger container makes financial sense.
Storage Tip: Heat, light, and air are the enemies of cooking oil. Store the large container in a cool, dark pantry. You can decant a smaller amount into a bottle for daily use on your countertop to keep the bulk supply fresh.

8. Long-Lasting Spices

While it might seem counterintuitive to buy spices in bulk, for the ones you use often, it’s a game-changer. Items like black pepper, garlic powder, cinnamon, and salt are much cheaper when purchased in larger containers from a warehouse club or the bulk section of a health food store compared to the tiny, expensive jars in the spice aisle.

Why it’s a good deal: The markup on small spice jars is incredibly high. By refilling smaller jars from a large container, you can save 70% or more on your favorite seasonings.
Storage Tip: To keep them potent, store spices in airtight containers in a dark cabinet away from the heat of the stove.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I avoid buying in bulk? Generally, avoid buying perishable items like fresh produce, dairy, and meat in bulk unless you have a clear plan to use or freeze them immediately. You should also avoid buying items you’ve never tried before or spices and oils that you use very rarely, as they can lose their flavor or go bad before you finish them.

Do I need a warehouse club membership to buy in bulk? Not at all! While stores like Costco and Sam’s Club are great, you can find bulk deals at regular supermarkets. Look for case lot sales, “buy one, get one” offers, and check the unit price on store-brand items. Online retailers like Amazon also offer “Subscribe & Save” discounts for regularly delivered items.

How much space do I need to buy in bulk? You don’t need a massive pantry. A little creativity can go a long way. Use space under beds for paper products, organize a garage shelf for cleaning supplies, or dedicate a single kitchen cabinet to your bulk food items stored in airtight containers.