Most people prefer buying goods in bulk. They argue that this not only saves money but also time. Imagine having to brave the long queues every weekend to go shopping. Who wouldn't want to buy once a month and stock up instead, right?
This, however, comes with its disadvantages. The last thing you want is to purchase goods and have them go bad before you can use them. Another problem with buying in bulk is that it takes up a lot of space in the fridge and on your shelves. Some people may not have the space to store that much food simultaneously.
Buying in bulk makes sense if you have many people to feed or usually host big groups. But if your eyes are bigger than your stomach or pantry, you might soon be throwing away unused, spoiled items. Here are some products that you should never buy in bulk.
Whole Grains Or Brown Rice
These are some of the foods to buy in bulk. Since they are lightly processed and full of natural oils, they might go bad sooner than expected. You might argue that rice never goes bad, but no. The truth is that brown rice has a shorter shelf life compared to white rice, and this is because of its natural oils.
Though oatmeal comes in smaller bags, buying in bulk does not make sense unless you have several mouths to feed. Furthermore, remember to keep your oatmeal and rice in a cool, dry place and inside airtight containers. Otherwise, they might go bad.
Nuts And Seeds
Do you think buying nuts in bulk is the best idea? If you will not be using them quite often, it may not be. Unless you bake often or use them daily, it is best to just buy nuts as you need them. Walnuts only have a shelf life of six months. Other nuts, such as peanuts, cashews, and macadamias, can last around six to nine months. However, many people will not go through many nuts that quickly.
Remember also to keep them in airtight containers in a cool place. If you are still stuck with nuts that will likely spoil, try freezing them. In the freezer, they can last one to two years.
Also Read: Save Money By Eating From Community Gardens
Spices
Everyone wants to see their spice rack stacked with containers of paprika, oregano, black pepper, and so on. Most spices do not go bad, but they tend to go stale if kept for too long. Be realistic and ask yourself how often you cook.
Buying spices in bulk might be a waste of time if you do not frequently cook. On the other hand, it would be a good option if you cook regularly. However, only buy the spices you use regularly, and remember to keep them in cool places in airtight containers.
Olive Oil
Do not be deceived into thinking that olive oil has a long shelf life - it doesn’t. Olive oil only lasts up to six months, but if you keep away from direct sunlight, it can last longer. Also, buying in bulk might be a waste of money if you don't use olive oil daily. Otherwise, you might have to consider buying smaller containers. As a pro tip, as you buy olive oil, always go for the dark containers because the more the light hits the oil, the faster it will break down.
Eggs
Eggs are always the go-to food for everyone. They are always a crowd favorite whether boiled, scrambled, poached, or fried. According to WebMD, eggs are low in saturated fat, which has a more deleterious effect on blood cholesterol. The question, however, remains: how many eggs can you eat in a day? If you have kids or prepare breakfast daily, buying in bulk makes sense, but if not, there is no need. Eggs will go bad after being in the fridge for about three to five weeks.
Bottom Line
Whereas many people prefer to save by buying in bulk, if you are not planning to use the item daily, you risk throwing it away after it goes bad. As such, before you purchase, ask yourself how often you use it. This way, it doesn't just take up pantry space that something else could have used.
