Buying in bulk sounds like a guaranteed way to save money — and sometimes it genuinely is. But anyone who's thrown away a half-used 64-oz jar of tahini or a sprouting 10-lb bag of potatoes knows it doesn't always work out that way. The difference between saving and wasting usually comes down to one question: Will you actually use all of this before it goes bad?

This guide breaks down which items are almost always worth buying in bulk, which ones need a bit of thought, and which ones you're better off leaving on the shelf. We've also included a real price comparison so you can see exactly how much the savings add up on the items that matter most.

If you're also looking for broader ways to cut your grocery bill, our guide to how to save money on groceries covers the full picture — bulk buying is just one piece of it.

The Simple Rule Before You Buy Anything in Bulk

Before we get into the lists, here's the one thing that will save you more money than any specific product recommendation: always compare the unit price, not the package price.

The unit price is the cost per ounce, per count, or per pound — and it's the only number that tells you whether the big package is actually cheaper. Most store shelves list it on the price tag. Warehouse clubs almost always have it on the label too. If a bulk pack costs $18 for 96 oz and your regular store sells the same brand for $6 for 32 oz, you're paying exactly the same per ounce. No deal.

With that in mind, here's how to think about bulk buying across three categories.

Always, Sometimes, and Never: The Bulk-Buying Framework

The "sometimes" column is where most people get tripped up. The answer there almost always comes down to two things: whether you can store it properly, and whether you'll actually go through it. A 5-lb block of cheddar is a great deal — if you know to slice it and freeze half immediately. A 48-oz tub of Greek yogurt is a terrible deal if half of it goes off before the week's out.

Real Price Comparison: Bulk vs. Regular Grocery Store

It's easy to assume bulk is always cheaper. Here's a side-by-side look at some common items — the numbers show where the savings are real and where they're not.

The Items That Pay for a Warehouse Membership on Their Own

You don't need to buy everything at a warehouse club for the membership to make financial sense. For many households, just two or three categories cover the annual fee — everything else is gravy.

Paper products alone are often enough. A family going through a roll of paper towels every two to three days will spend around $115–$140 a year on them at regular grocery prices — and about $65–$75 at warehouse pricing. That's already half the cost of a basic membership, from one item.

Gas savings are the other big one that people overlook. Warehouse club gas stations typically run 10–25 cents cheaper per gallon than nearby stations. For a household filling up twice a week, that's $100–$250 in savings over the course of a year — enough to cover the membership fee entirely on its own.

Laundry detergent, dish soap, and cleaning supplies are consistent wins. These are heavy, bulky, and annoying to buy frequently — and warehouse clubs price them well below retail on a per-load or per-use basis.

Frozen proteins — particularly chicken thighs, ground beef, and salmon — offer 25–35% savings per pound versus regular grocery prices, and they keep indefinitely in the freezer.

Before You Stock Up: A Quick Sense-Check

Even on items that are generally worth buying in bulk, it's worth running through a few quick questions before you grab the giant pack:

Fresh produce is the clearest example of when not to bulk up. Strawberries, leafy greens, avocados, and citrus look appealing in large trays, but the savings rarely survive the week. Buying one to two servings' worth more than you need tends to save more money than buying a large flat that goes off before Thursday.

Frequently Asked Questions