Knowing what items to buy at bulk foods stores is one of the best strategies to help you save money without having a worry, or cut coupons. 
First, we have to take a step back because the best way to know whether you are getting the best price AT ALL is to divide the price of the item by the number of units you are buying and then compare across multiple stores even bulk foods stores.
Since grocery shopping is such a personal decision for each family, this will ensure you are always getting the best price on things your family regularly buys.
Download my Price List and fill it out for your family to make it super easy the next time you shop.
Check out the Video Replay when I shared my knowledge on Fox TV here:
Here’s a list of things I always buy at Warehouse Clubs and bulk foods stores, and the reasoning behind my purchases.
1. Meat
I always suggest buying your meat from either a Warehouse Club or bulk foods stores and the reason is not just for the price.
It is the quality of the product you’re getting.
The Warehouse clubs just seem to have high-quality meat at really LOW prices. Heck, lately we have been buying Grass Fed Beef at Sam’s club for around $4 per pound. It is over $8 per pound at the Grocery Store so your really getting a deal at bulk foods stores.
2. Dairy: Cheese, Butter, Milk & Half n Half
If you are a coffee drinker, then you may have noticed the price of Half and Half rising considerably.
Not the flavored creamers like International Delight or Coffee-Mate, you can still get those super cheap with coupons, but if you want regular milk, cheese, butter or half n half, then you might as well just head to the bulk foods stores because that is where it is consistently the cheapest.
These items usually run around 20% less! Half n Half is consistently half the price of my local grocery store.
The best part is that you don’t have to wait for a sale at the grocery store, you can get it at the best price at any time at the bulk foods stores.
3. Batteries
Batteries are one of those items that do not really have good sales very often.
Once a year or so you can find them priced at a good price at the grocery stores or Target (with a gift card promotion), but the rest of the time you have to depend on buying them at bulk foods stores or on Amazon when the price drops to around 20¢ – 25¢ per battery!
The only other place that really has cheaper batteries is IKEA, but there are much fewer store locations… and you are only going to save about a nickel per battery (so a long road trip is definitely not worth it for batteries alone).
4. Spices & Vanilla Extract
Just like with the batteries, the coupon sales on spices are few and far between. They DO exist, but why stress about it when you can get a good deal on spices at the bulk foods stores at any time. Plus, they come in such large containers, you can buy once and have enough on hand to last the entire year!
Just like with the batteries, the coupon sales on spices are few and far between.
They DO exist but why stress about it when you can get a good deal on spices at the bulk foods stores at any time.
Plus, they come in such large containers, you can buy once and have enough on hand to last the entire year!
5. Discounted Movie Tickets
I am a HUGE advocate of buying discounted gift cards! I honestly feel like it is probably the most overlooked money-saving strategy!
And bulk foods stores along with CardPool.com are my favorite places to snatch up future savings with discounted gift cards!
Remember, by always comparing the lowest unit quantity, you can accurately determine which products are the cheapest for your family.
6. Tires
Tires might seem like an odd thing to buy at a warehouse store, but bulk foods stores have some of the best prices on tires!
You will save about 20% on your tires that you would get at any automotive stores, plus they will put them on right there while you shop!
And always ask about their warranty, I’ve found that they are the best ones around.
7. Gasoline
Many bulk foods stores now have their own gas stations. Although the price might not warrant a special trip, you should definitely fill up when you go to the store.
Gas at your local warehouse club is generally a few cents cheaper (at least) than the other gas stations around, so you’ll get more for your money.
8. Theme Park and Special Event Tickets
We already discussed discounted movie tickets, but depending on when you go, you can find dinner and movie packages, theme park tickets, and even special event tickets.
These are going to cost a fraction of what you would pay out of pocket when you get to the venue or without the package, so it’s worth the buy at bulk foods stores.
9. Medicine
Bulk foods stores often have a pharmacy section where you can get over the counter medications and prescription drugs filled. These tend to be sold at a much larger discount!
If you are looking for general medication such as Tylenol or even allergy medicine, you can buy them in bulk for much cheaper than anywhere else. I have seen the Kirkland allergy medicine (a one year supply) for only $23!
10. Prescription Glasses
A few months ago my husband and daughter got their eyes checked and both needed glasses.
Even with health insurance, the price of the glasses at the eye doctor was more expensive than the pairs we found at our bulk foods stores. The only challenge was to ask for their prescription to take it elsewhere (such high-pressure sales in that office!).
Remember, by always comparing the lowest unit quantity, you can accurately determine which products are the cheapest for your family.
YOUR TURN: What items do you ALWAYS buy at the Warehouse Stores because you find they are consistently cheaper? Comment below and let me know!
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