Beat Inflation by Buying Food in Bulk

Times are tough, friends. You've probably noticed your shopping cart getting pricier each month. Shockingly, food prices have gone up around 13.5% according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, just from August 2022.

For those who can afford to do so, one of the best ways to save is by buying food in bulk. Yes, the upfront cost might be a bit more, but the long-term savings are well worth it.

WorkMoney is here to support you through this moment. We have smart shopping strategies, handy storage tips, and some good old-fashioned advice to make sure bulk buying works for you.

Planning ahead is the name of the game

Bulk shopping isn't a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of gig. You'll need to take note of the foods that you and your family eat regularly. Are you a pasta household? Do your meals lean towards recipes with beans? Can't keep enough soup in the cupboard?

Write a shopping list based on essentials and stick to it when you're in the bulk aisle. It may be tempting to take advantage of a good deal on something you’ve never eaten before, but you don’t want to end up storing a mountain of exotic grains that might never see the inside of your pot.

Go big on the right goods

Have you noticed that some packages seem to contain less and less of your favorite stuff? Chips bags are puffing up with more air than chips, and drink bottles aren't as generous as they used to be.

Bulk buying is your secret weapon here. Getting the family-size pack of chips or the jumbo soda pack means more bang for your buck. Foods like grains, nuts, condiments, rice, and soup are your allies in the bulk section, offering awesome value over time.

Prepping for the long haul

Remember, bulk buying means you'll have a boatload of food on hand. You need to ensure your storage spaces are ready for this influx. The fridge and freezer are prime real estate for perishable items like meat, which you may want to buy more of if you spot a sweet deal.

If you’re stocking up on dairy and eggs, just remember they don't have the longest shelf-life. Make sure you're not overbuying; you’re not saving any money if you end up throwing out a bunch of expired food! Dry goods like rice and beans are a safer bet, and they can be stashed away in airtight containers.

Unleash the potential of a well-planned bulk buy

Bulk shopping is about buying quality over quantity. Not all items are cost-effective when bought in bulk. Things like perishable goods, items you use infrequently, or items with a high up-front cost may not provide the savings you're hoping for.

Be strategic with your bulk buying. Consider the price per unit or per ounce to compare the bulk product with its smaller counterpart. Buying bulk doesn't always mean savings, especially if the item ends up wasted or unused.

Spot the best bulk deals

Warehouse stores such as Costco and Sam’s Club are like bulk shopping wonderlands. They often offer membership trials at a discount or even for free. Look for local spots, too, like butchers or fishmongers, where you might score bulk meat or seafood deals.