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6 grocery items you should be buying in bulk

28 Feb 2017

There are many benefits to enjoy when buying in bulk. Not only is it a great way to save money, but limiting trips to the supermarket means you also save on petrol and time.

Here are the items we recommend you stock up on.

Pasta

The foundation of a no-fuss meal, and available in many different shapes and sizes, dried pasta can last up to two years in an airtight container. Purchasing a 500-gram packet can cost you as little as $1.50 in the bigger supermarkets. Compare that to a single-serve 68-gram lunch packet, which costs around the same amount. 

Cereal

It’s always good to have this breakfast favourite in the cupboard. Comparing popular brands, buying a 1.2-kilogram box instead of a 375-gram box can save you up to 39c per 100 grams. 

Tea

Packaged tea kept in the cupboard can last up to a year. In the freezer it can last one to two years past its expiration date. Buying a pack of 10 tea bags will cost you around $2.70, whereas buying fives times that amount at $6.99 can save you nearly half the price.

Meat

Instead of buying pre-packaged meats, which can set you back $3.00 per 100 grams (that’s $30 a kilo!), take a trip to the butcher to stretch your dollar further. Most local butchers offer daily specials, and if you’re worried about freezer space consider going halves with a neighbour or family member.

Toilet paper

Toilet paper is something everybody needs and constantly buys, so why not save as much as you can? A 24 pack comes in at around 26c per 100 square sheet, whereas an 8 pack can be as much as 31c per 100 square sheet.

Laundry detergent

Laundry detergent is another household essential that you can save money on by buying in bulk. Buying a 2-litre bottle can cost you around $12.69, but double that amount is only around $4.30 more. That’s a $2.15 saving per litre. 

Things to remember:

  • Make sure you have enough storage space to house your items. You don’t want to spend money on things just to find you don’t have the freezer or cupboard space to store them.
  • Unless you plan on freezing items (and have plenty of freezer space), steer clear of perishable items.
  • Don’t bulk buy anything you haven’t already tried. Purchasing an item you’re unfamiliar with for the sake of the savings can backfire if the item doesn’t meet your needs.