12 Things You Should Never Buy In Bulk
Sometimes more is less.
Sometimes more is less—so save yourself some cash and think twice before picking up these items during your next visit to the big-box store.
Eggs
It turns out the old adage is true—eggs really are cheaper by the dozen. According to Kiplinger.com, "eggs at the supermarket tend to cost about 50 cents less per dozen than at a warehouse club." So forgo that 36-pack for the standard 12 and you'll actually be able to polish them off before they go bad in 3 to 5 weeks.
Spices
While spices don't necessarily go bad, they do tend to lose their flavor pretty quickly. After about six months, ground spices will lose their potency, whereas spices in whole form (like cinnamon cloves) can last for up to a year.
Condiments
This may be a shocker to many people, but that massive ketchup bottle you've had sitting in your fridge for years is probably *gasp* spoiled. With all of the preservatives packed into those hot dog-topping condiments you'd think they'd last, well, forever. Sadly, that's not the case.
Liquid Bleach
It may seem like a smart item to buy in bulk, but liquid bleach actually only has a shelf life of about six months. If you want your whites to look fresh after every wash, opt to buying bleach in bulk when it's in powder form, which has an unlimited shelf life if stored in a cool, dry place.
Cooking Oils
From frying to sauteing to roasting, almost every recipe you follow requires some kind of oil, whether it be olive or canola. Because you use these oils so often, it makes sense to buy them in bulk, right? Unfortunately, the answer is no. After three to six months, your cooking oils can begin to go rancid. In this case, smaller bottles are better.
Skincare Products
Within three to six months, that pricey face cream you purchased could begin to lose its effectiveness. Cue the wrinkles! To avoid this mishap, stick to smaller jars of skincare products to reap their full benefits.
Coffee Beans
If you're the kind of person who absolutely needs a cup of coffee every morning to function, you may be tempted to buy coffee beans in bulk. But according to Eat This!, "the freshest, best tasting cup of coffee is made from beans that have been roasted within two weeks of the cup being brought to your lips." So next time you want to heave that large bag o' beans over your shoulder and head for the cash register—think twice!
Sunscreen
Much like face creams, sunscreen loses its effectiveness over time, especially when it's subjected to high temperatures found at the beach or poolside. Don't get burned just because you wanted to save a few bucks by buying in bulk!
Brown Rice and Whole Grains
Due to the fact that these foods are high in oil, it makes them very susceptible to spoilage. Only buy what you think you can polish off in six months, and make sure to store it in an airtight container in a cool place.
Over-the-Counter Medication
Most families can't finish off a huge bottle of ibuprofen before the pills expire, so it's smart to stick to smaller bottles. If you want to spend less money on OTC medications, your best bet is to opt for the generic versions of the drug rather than name brands.
Soda
You may think you're getting a good deal on those crates of soda from Costco, but in actuality big-box stores bump up the price per can—but you can usually find great sales on soda at your local grocery store.
Bread
We all love our carbs, but unless you have a huge family to feed, chances are you aren't going to make it through all of that fluffy goodness before it starts to mold.
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