Living on a fixed income in retirement means you’ll have to shop smarter to save money. And one of the easiest ways to do that is by buying certain groceries in bulk.
Of course, not everything makes sense to stockpile (because you definitely don’t need a year’s worth of spinach in your fridge), but some pantry staples and household items are generally worth grabbing in larger quantities.
Here are a few grocery items GOBankingRates thinks retirees should always buy in bulk.
Rice, Pasta and Oats
Rice, pasta and oats can last practically forever, so it makes sense to buy them in bulk to save money.
A 20-pound bag of rice or a few big boxes of pasta might seem a bit excessive at first, but they can easily sit on your shelf for years as long as you store them properly. Plus, you can use these pantry staples to make all kinds of meals, like soups, stir-fries, casseroles, or a bowl of oatmeal in the morning. Just make sure to store them in airtight containers to keep them fresh and free of pests.
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Frozen Fruits and Vegetables
Frozen fruits and vegetables are much cheaper than fresh versions and they also last much longer in the fridge. If you live alone and don’t want your food to go bad, definitely consider stocking up on frozen produce to save money and reduce waste.
For example, frozen berries, broccoli, and mixed vegetables can all last for months and can be tossed into smoothies, soups, stir-fries, or casseroles whenever you need them.
Meat and Fish
Another grocery item to buy in bulk is protein like meat and fish. Compared to Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s, you’ll typically find much better per-pound prices if you buy them in bulk at Costco.
Once you’re home, divide everything into smaller portions, label them with the date, and freeze them. If you don’t have a lot of freezer space, you can always split large packs with a neighbor or family member.
Canned Goods
Canned goods like beans, tomatoes, tuna, and soups are perfect for times when you don’t feel like cooking. And since canned goods can last for years, it also makes sense to buy them in bulk. Make sure to store them in a dry place and rotate your stock so older cans get used first.
Paper Goods and Cleaning Supplies
Paper goods and cleaning supplies aren’t exactly groceries, but they also take up a good chunk of most households’ budgets. When you head to Costco for your next grocery trip, make sure to also buy paper towels, toilet paper, and laundry detergent in bulk. Note that the jumbo pack isn’t always cheaper per roll or ounce, so make sure to compare the unit price on the shelf tag as well.
Nuts and Snacks
Healthy snacks like almonds, walnuts, peanuts, and trail mix are almost always cheaper in bulk. Just portion them into smaller containers if you want to snack on them while you’re out and about. Most nuts and health snacks could last a couple of months at room temperature, and they may stay fresh even longer if you put them in the fridge or freezer.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Grocery Items Retirees Should Always Buy in Bulk To Save Money
