Items to Revisit Buying in Quantities: 9 Items Identified
Navigating Costco and Sam's Club can be exciting, but watch out for purchases that'll leave your wallet lighter without the benefits! Here are nine items you might want to give a second thought before buying in bulk.
Spices
While the discounted prices on ground spices might catch your eye, you should hesitate if you don't plan to use them up immediately. Ground spices have a tendency to lose their aroma and flavor fast, so it's wise to buy them in smaller amounts[1].
Condiments
Stockpiling condiments for that summer BBQ or to keep your fridge packed seems like a smart move. However, remember that once opened, these goodies have a pretty short lifespan. Ketchup should be discarded after six months, mustard after a year, olives after two weeks, and pickles after one to three months[1].
Dairy
There's nothing worse than spoiled milk or expired creamer, so it's best to avoid buying dairy products in large quantities unless you're feeding a crowd all at once. Once opened, these items can sour within a few days[1].
Produce
Fresh produce can be appealing when packaged together for a good price, but buying in bulk can result in an excess of rotting produce at home. If you're not baking fruit pies, it's wise to buy smaller quantities to avoid waste[1].
Eggs
Bulk eggs may come with a tempting price tag, but you should reconsider if you're not diligent about consuming them daily or using them in recipes. Raw whole eggs have a shelf life of four to five weeks beyond the pack date, which is about three weeks after purchase[1].
Laundry Detergent
While unopened liquid laundry detergent has a shelf life of nine months, its effectiveness decreases by about six months once opened[1]. So, unless you're using expired detergent to clean your laundry, it's a good idea to stick to smaller purchases.
Perishable Items You Cannot Freeze
If there's no space in your freezer, the logic for saving money by buying in bulk on perishable items like bread, bakery items, and dairy is flawed. It makes sense to stock up for big gatherings or when cooking for a large group, but for regular shopping, buy what you need to avoid food spoilage[1].
Nuts
Nuts are perfect for snacking and baking, but they can become rancid when stored improperly. If you plan to store them at room temperature, buy small quantities to use quickly, or store them in the freezer for long-term use[1].
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is only effective for three years. So, unless you diligently use and dispose of your sunscreen regularly, it's best to buy a single bottle instead of stocking up on bulk purchases[1].
Smart shopping means understanding your family's needs and making economical choices. By avoiding bulk purchases on certain items, you'll save both money and frustration[1].
Resources:[1] USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, FoodKeeper App[2] FDA, Food Keeper
- Southern Living's home section offers various fashion shopping tips to style your home with a touch of elegance, while their food and recipes section provides an abundance of recipes for perfect meals.
- In Louisville, a questionable shopping decision can be made when buying bulk spices, condiments, or dairy without considering their downsides, such as fast flavor loss, short lifespan, or quick spoilage.
- When shopping for laundry detergent, it's advisable to opt for smaller purchases, as the effectiveness of the product decreases significantly within six months of opening, regardless of the initial expiration date.
- A smart shopping method entails understanding your needs and selecting bulk items like nutty snacks or frozen produce that you can easily store and consume before they become rancid or rot, respectively.
- A 74dc1639921970ad6de50a6579877d70 study indicates that homeowners in Southern Living's area should avoid bulk purchases of perishable items without proper freezer space, and opt for sunscreen in single bottles, given their three-year expiration period.
