10 Items to Stop Buying In Bulk to Save Money Now
Buying in bulk offers great discounts for growing families or when hosting large events. But it also conceals hidden cost traps, like when you purchase more than you can use before the expiration. This leads to food and money waste.
Here are items you should consider buying in smaller quantities instead.
Top Items To Never Buy In Bulk
1. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is essential for protecting skin from harmful UV rays. But it expires and loses its effectiveness over time. Avoid buying in bulk to prevent using expired products. Instead, opt for smaller quantities and replace sunscreen yearly.
2. Bread
Unless you are hosting a party, purchase only the bread and buns you’ll consume within the week. These items stale rapidly, especially if not stored properly.
And while freezing can prolong shelf life, bread and buns often lose their original texture and flavor.
3. Leafy Greens
While I purchase many fresh produce items in bulk, lettuce and other leafy greens have a short shelf life compared to other vegetables (source).
| Shelf Life | Vegetables |
| Long | potatoes, onion, carrots, squash, beets, cabbage, turnips |
| Medium | bell peppers, cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, eggplant, asparagus, green beans |
| Short | lettuce, spinach, kale, romaine, butter lettuce, arugula, iceberg lettuce |
Before buying produce in bulk, always consider how much your household consumes. Additionally, proper storage can extend the shelf life of vegetables by several days.
4. Dairy Products
Steer clear of buying dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt in bulk, as they spoil quickly. Opt for purchasing only what you need for the week to ensure freshness.
5. Spices and Seasonings
Spices and seasonings are another item that should be purchased with caution. While spices don’t spoil, they will lose their potency over time. Ask:
- Is the price per unit lower when buying in bulk?
- Will you be able to use the spice or seasoning up while it’s fresh and flavorful?
Ensure you get the most out of spices by storing them properly. Spices should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use airtight containers to preserve their freshness (source).
| Spice | Shelf Life |
| Seeds and Whole Roots | 2-3 years |
| Whole Spices | 1-2 years |
| Dried Herbs | 1-2 years |
| Whole chile peppers | 1-2 years |
| Ground Spices | 6 months-1 year |
| Fresh Herbs | 1 week |
6. Condiments and Sauces
When was the last time you cleaned out your fridge door? If it’s been 6 months, there are probably expired condiments lurking inside.
Mayonnaise, ketchup, and salad dressings should be avoided in bulk (if you don’t consume them often). Once opened, they spoil quickly, leading to food waste and potential foodborne illness.
| Condiment | Shelf Life After Opened & in the Fridge |
| Mayonaise | 2 months |
| BBQ Sauce | 4 months |
| Hot Sauce | 1 to 2 years |
| Jam, Jelly, & Preserves | 6 to 12 months |
| Ketchup & Cocktail Sauce | 6 months |
| Mustard | 1 year |
| Salad Dressing | 3 months |
Sweet Tip! Honey doesn’t expire if stored correctly. Keep it in the pantry with the lid tightly sealed after opening. Add this to your list of items to buy in bulk.
7. Speciality or Niche Items
Some items are not commonly used in households and tend to be purchased only for special occasions or niche purposes. These items may seem like a good deal when bought in bulk, but they often end up going to waste.
- Exotic fruits (like dragon fruit or jackfruit)
- Specialty cheeses
- Exotic spices
- Almond or coconut flour
- Gourmet chocolates
- Premium olive oil
8. Liquid Laundry Detergent
Unopened chemical-based laundry detergent is less effective at removing stains and odors nine months to a year after purchase. Opened liquid laundry detergent should be used within 6 months for best results (source). Natural or plant-based liquid detergents have an even shorter shelf life.
When it comes to cleaning products in general, it’s important to be mindful of expiration dates and shelf life. While buying in bulk might seem like a good idea, it’s not always the most practical option.
Pro Tip: Powder laundry detergents do not expire or lose efficacy if stored properly in a cool, dry place and kept dry.
9. Unfamiliar Foods
It’s tempting to try new foods that look delicious. But it can be hit or miss.
We once bought yogurt bars we thought we’d enjoy, only to find out that no one in the family liked them. We ended up with 40 yogurt bars in the fridge until they expired.
Stick to items you know your family will enjoy. And save the taste testing for smaller portions at the local grocery store.
10. Candy and Snacks
Buying candy and snacks in bulk may seem like a money-saving option, but it often leads to overconsumption and unhealthy habits.
So, while the initial savings seem exciting, the temptation to indulge outweighs the benefits.
What’s Next?
Next, discover the Top 10 Items To Buy At Sam’s Club if you are looking for more bulk-shopping options.
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