With stores such as Costco and Sam’s Club becoming more popular around the world, it is even more common for the everyday family to buy their groceries in bulk. In order to determine if buying larger quantities is appropriate for your needs, consider the following guide that will help you make the right choice.

The Benefits

The following are the two most common benefits that you should consider as an everyday consumer.

1. You can save money on essential grocery items

The bottom line is that buying groceries in bulk allows you to save money on essential (and non-essential) grocery items. Although with bulk buying you are needing to pay more upfront, you are paying less in the long run. For example, while a single 14oz bag of rice might cost $2.99 at a standard grocery store, you may be able to purchase a 20lb box (this equates to 320oz) of rice from a bulk store for $9.99. The saving can be mind blowing!

2. You can make more meals from less money

When you buy groceries in bulk, you will have the benefit of making more meals from less money. For instance, it might cost you about $20 to buy one steak, one box of rice, a bundle of fresh produce and water from the grocery store for a weekday dinner; but you could get 5x that amount of food at a bulk food store for $40. This allows you to make more meals for less money.

Downsides of Buying Groceries in Bulk

Although there are mostly benefits to buying groceries in bulk, there are a few downsides as well.

1. You need ample space

When buying larger quantities, you tend to need quit a bit of storage space. That goes for the freezer, fridge and pantry. Storage is not something my own home is big on so we’ve had to pick and choose as to which items are most beneficial to purchase in bulk.

2. You pay more upfront

Because you’re getting more of the specific item, you have to spend a bit more money initially to get the bulk items. Although you will be buying less often & in turn spending less, you do need that lump sum up front.

When You Should–and Shouldn’t–Buy Groceries in Bulk

The question remains: should you buy groceries in bulk? The answer is yes–if you fall within two distinct categories:

1. If you have a large family and need larger quantities of food

If you have a large family and you consistently need larger quantities of food to feed everyone throughout the week and month, then buying in bulk is a practical and money saving solution. It will save you several trips to the store and you’ll be saving money right away.

2. If you have a small family and need larger quantities of certain items

If you have a smaller family and you won’t need to eat large quantities of food per week, you can still buy groceries in bulk by purchasing only larger quantities of certain items. For example, buying bulk bags of rice or other shelf-stable items that don’t need to be eaten right away. Items that you use quickly or find yourself always running out of. And of course, non-food items like toilet paper and garbage bags.

Our family does grocery shopping once per week at the regular grocery store but have our list of items that we only get from Costco 1-2 times per month. Remember to price shop around different bulk food stores to get the best deals on your bulk groceries!

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