Things You Should Always and Never Buy in Bulk

Things You Should Always and Never Buy in Bulk

Buying in bulk can feel like a savvy move—saving money, fewer trips to the store—but not everything is worth stocking up on. Some items are perfect for buying in bulk and will save you time, while others will likely end up wasted or spoiled. Here’s a breakdown of what you should always load up on and what you should definitely avoid.

1. Always: Toilet Paper

Let’s be honest, toilet paper is one of those things you can never have too much of. It’s not going bad anytime soon, it’s something you’re always going to need, and the last thing you want is to run out when you need it most. Buying it in bulk just means you’re saving yourself those dreaded late-night runs to the store.

2. Never: Fresh Produce

Sure, those giant bags of avocados or bulk spinach seem like a good deal, but unless you’re planning to eat them all in a few days, they’ll probably spoil. Fresh produce doesn’t last long, and buying too much will have you tossing out mushy veggies and overripe fruits which is a huge waste of money. Stick to buying only what you can actually consume before it goes bad to avoid food waste.

3. Always: Paper Towels

Paper towels are another household item that is always great to have on hand, whether it’s for spills, cleaning, or general household tasks. Buying it in bulk means you’re always prepared, and let’s be real, when you need a paper towel, you really need one. They don’t take up too much storage space, and you won’t regret having a solid supply in your pantry.

4. Never: Spices

Spices might seem like a great thing to buy in bulk, but the reality is they lose their flavor and potency over time. Most spices should be used within six months to a year, so unless you’re running a restaurant, buying them in bulk just means you’ll have a ton of stale, flavorless seasonings. Stick to smaller quantities to keep your meals tasty and your spice rack fresh.

5. Always: Laundry Detergent

Man crouching down to put washing into his washing machine in his kitchen. He is in the Northeast of England.

You’re always going to need clean clothes, and laundry detergent is something that doesn’t expire quickly. Buying in bulk means you’ll never run out mid-laundry day and you’ll save yourself an annoying trip to the grocery store. Just make sure you have the space to store those giant jugs or boxes, and you’ll be set for months. Plus, it’s often much cheaper per load when you buy in bulk.

6. Never: Snacks (If You Can’t Resist)

woman watching movies on tv at christmas

Buying your favorite snacks in bulk sounds like a dream, but it’s a dangerous game if you have issues with self-control. That massive bag of chips or giant container of cookies might not last as long as you ideally want it to. If you find yourself reaching for “just one more” because it’s there, you’ll end up eating way more than you should. Stick to smaller portions to avoid the temptation.

7. Always: Trash Bags

Woman,Taking,Garbage,Bag,From,Trash,Bin,In,Kitchen

Trash bags are a no-brainer for bulk buying. You’re always going to need them, and they won’t go bad. Running out of trash bags in the middle of a big clean-up is one of the most annoying feelings, so stocking up in bulk ensures you’re simply prepared for whatever mess comes your way.

8. Never: Sunscreen

smiling woman in hat at the beach

Sunscreen might seem like a good bulk buy, especially if you’re planning a vacation or spending time outdoors, but what you mightn’t know is that even sunscreen has an expiration date. Using expired sunscreen can leave you unprotected from harmful UV rays and lead to burns. Instead, buy what you need for the season and restock as needed to ensure you’re always using sunscreen that’s still effective and safe.

9. Always: Canned Goods

Young,Woman,Buying,Canned,Food,At,Grocery,Store.

Canned foods, like beans, soups, and tomatoes, are perfect for bulk buying. They last for years, and they’re great to reach for when making quick meals. If you’ve got the pantry space, stocking up on canned items can be a lifesaver when you need a last-minute dinner or when you don’t feel like running to the store.

10. Never: Condiments

That giant bottle of ketchup might be tempting in the grocery aisle, but unless you’re having a BBQ every weekend, it’ll probably just end up going bad in the fridge. Condiments can quickly go bad or lose their flavor over time, and unless you use them often, you’re more likely to toss half of it. Stick to regular-sized bottles and only buy what you’ll use within a reasonable timeframe.

11. Always: Batteries

Running out of batteries when you need them is the worst. Whether it’s for the remote, kids’ toys, or a flashlight during a power outage, having extra batteries on hand is something your future self will thank you for. Batteries last for years, so buying them in bulk is a smart way to make sure you’ll always have a backup when your devices suddenly die.

12. Never: Cooking Oil

Vegetable,Fats.,Woman,Pouring,Oil,Into,Frying,Pan,On,Stove,

Believe it or not, cooking oil doesn’t last forever, and buying it in bulk can lead to it going rancid before you’ve used it all. If you don’t cook with oil often, that giant bottle will just sit there, slowly spoiling. Stick to smaller bottles that you can finish within a few months to keep your dishes tasting fresh and avoid the unpleasant surprise of bad oil.

13. Always: Pet Food

man alone with his dog

If you’ve got a furry friend, buying pet food in bulk can save you a lot of money and trips to the store. Pets go through food faster than you probably realize and as long as you store it properly to keep it fresh, stocking up is a no-brainer. Just make sure to keep it in a sealed container so it stays fresh and pests don’t get into it.

14. Never: Bread

Buying bread in bulk is purely just a waste of money because it spoils fast. Unless you have a huge freezer to store extra loaves, you’ll probably end up with moldy bread before you get through it all. Stick to buying only what you can eat within a few days, and save yourself from tossing stale or moldy bread into the trash.

15. Always: Toothpaste

Toothpaste is one of those things you’ll always need, and it has a long shelf life. Buying in bulk means you’ll never be stuck squeezing the last bit out of an empty tube while you wait for your next shopping trip. Stock up, keep a few extras in the cabinet, and you’ll be covered for months.

Georgia is a passionate story-teller and accomplished lifestyle journalist originally from Australia, now based in New York City. She writes lifestyle content for Bolde Media, publishers of Bolde, Star Candy and Earth Animals.