Grocery stores and supermarkets are the obvious destinations when you think of stocking your pantry. However, savvy shoppers know that some common household staples – particularly non-food or food-adjacent items – can often be found at significantly lower prices in an unexpected place: your local hardware store. Hardware stores frequently sell certain items in larger, more utilitarian quantities or with less brand-name markup, resulting in better value. Before your next grocery run, consider if these seven common pantry-related staples might be cheaper if purchased from the hardware aisle instead.
1. Heavy-Duty Trash Bags
While grocery stores offer a wide variety of kitchen trash bags, hardware stores often stock contractor-grade or heavy-duty trash bags in larger-count boxes. These are typically much tougher and more tear-resistant. While the upfront cost for a large box might be higher, the price per bag is often substantially lower than smaller, branded kitchen bag packages from the supermarket. They are excellent for heavy kitchen waste, yard work, or workshop cleanup.
2. Bulk Spices (Especially for Grilling/Smoking)
This is a surprising one. Some larger hardware stores, particularly those with extensive grilling and outdoor cooking sections, carry bulk containers of common spices like black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or specialized BBQ rubs. These are often sold in much larger shakers or bags than typical grocery store spice jars, and the price per ounce can be significantly cheaper. Check the grilling aisle for these hidden gems.
3. Canning Supplies (Jars, Lids, Pectin)
If you’re into home canning and preserving, hardware stores (especially those in more rural areas or with strong gardening sections like Ace Hardware or Tractor Supply) can be an excellent source for Mason jars, lids, rings, pectin, and other canning essentials. During peak canning season, they often have better stock and sometimes more competitive pricing on these items than supermarkets, which might only carry a limited selection.
4. Pest Control Products (Ant Traps, Mouse Traps, Insect Sprays)
Grocery stores usually have a small section of basic pest control items. However, hardware stores offer a much wider and often more potent selection of ant traps, mouse traps, insect sprays, and other deterrents. For ongoing pest issues, buying these items from a hardware store can provide better efficacy and sometimes better value, especially for larger quantities or more specialized solutions than the limited grocery store offerings.
5. Work Gloves and Cleaning Gloves
While supermarkets sell basic disposable or light-duty cleaning gloves, hardware stores stock a vast array of durable work gloves and heavy-duty rubber or nitrile cleaning gloves. These are often tougher, last longer, and can be cheaper per pair (or in multi-packs) than the flimsy options in the grocery cleaning aisle. They are great for gardening, heavy cleaning, or any task requiring robust hand protection.
6. Twine, Zip Ties, and Food-Safe Buckets for Storage
Basic kitchen twine for trussing poultry or tying up roasts can be found much cheaper in larger rolls at a hardware store than in tiny packages in the grocery spice aisle. Zip ties, useful for countless household organization tasks (including sealing bulk food bags), are also a hardware store staple. Furthermore, food-grade plastic buckets with lids, ideal for storing bulk flour, sugar, or pet food, are commonly sold at hardware stores at reasonable prices.
7. Basic Cleaning Solutions (Vinegar, Bleach in Larger Sizes)
While grocery stores sell standard sizes of white vinegar and bleach, hardware stores often carry these basic cleaning workhorses in larger, more economical gallon-sized (or even larger) containers, especially if they have a janitorial supply section. For households that use a lot of vinegar for cleaning or bleach for laundry and disinfection, these bulk sizes offer a lower cost per ounce. Always handle bleach with care and ensure proper ventilation.
Think Outside the Grocery Aisle for Savings
Expanding your shopping horizons beyond the supermarket can lead to unexpected savings on various common household and pantry-related staples. Hardware stores, often overlooked for such items, can provide better value on things like heavy-duty trash bags, bulk spices for grilling, canning supplies, robust pest control, durable gloves, utility items like twine, and even bulk basic cleaning solutions. Next time you need these types of products, consider a quick trip or a browse through your local hardware store’s aisles. You might be pleasantly surprised by the quality and cost-effectiveness you find.
What other non-traditional stores have you found that offer great prices on common household or pantry staples? Do you have any favorite hardware store finds that save you money? Share your tips!
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