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12 Pantry Staples I Buy in Bulk Before They Get Expensive

June 23, 2025546Views

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With the cost of groceries seemingly on the rise, buying pantry staples in bulk can be a smart way to save money in the long run. It’s a savvy move that not only helps your budget but also ensures you always have the essentials on hand. Here are 12 pantry staples that I stock up on before they get expensive.

1. Pasta

Brown ceramic bowl filled with spiral pasta and melted cheese, likely mac and cheese or a similar dish. The bowl sits on what appears to be a wooden surface. The image has a blue border — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Pasta is another versatile food item that can be used to whip up quick and satisfying meals. Similar to rice, pasta can be stored for a long time, making it a good bulk buy item. It’s also worth noting that buying pasta in larger quantities often results in significant cost savings.

2. Rice

Close-up of assorted grains and seeds in white ceramic bowls, arranged on a white surface, including light brown, black, and reddish varieties, showcasing texture — Image Credit: MART PRODUCTION/Pexels.

Rice is a versatile staple that can be used in an array of dishes. Buying rice in bulk is cost-effective and reduces the worry of running out when you need it most. The great thing about rice is that it has a long shelf life and can be stored for long periods without losing its quality. Whether it’s brown, white, or basmati, stocking up on rice is always a good idea.

3. Canned Beans

Four open tin cans filled with different types of beans placed on a wooden surface — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Canned beans are a great source of protein and fiber. They’re also incredibly versatile and can be added to a variety of meals. When bought in bulk, canned beans can be significantly cheaper than buying individual cans. Plus, the long shelf life of canned goods makes them an excellent choice for bulk buying.

4. Flour

Glass jar tipped over with white flour spilling onto a wooden surface, metal clasp and lid open, fine powder scattered, baking ingredient in a kitchen setting — Image Credit: Karolina Grabowska/Pexels.

Whether you’re baking bread, making pancakes, or thickening sauces, flour is a pantry must-have. Buying it in bulk can save you money and ensure you always have some on hand for your baking needs. Just remember to store it in a cool, dry place to prolong its shelf life.

5. Sugar

White sugar cubes on a rustic wooden surface, wooden spoon holding a sugar cube, scattered granulated sugar, sweetener concept, traditional sweetening method — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Sugar is another item that’s used frequently in the kitchen, especially for those with a sweet tooth. Buying sugar in bulk can be a great money saver. Like flour, sugar can be stored for a long time in a cool, dry place.

6. Spices

Glass jars filled with various spices and seasonings on a wooden shelf — Image Credit: Pixabay /Pexels.

While they may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about bulk buying, spices can be a smart purchase. They can be quite pricey when bought individually, but buying in bulk can save you a good amount of money. Plus, having a variety of spices on hand can elevate the flavors of your meals.

7. Oats

wooden bowl filled with rolled oats, scattered oats on gray stone surface, small wooden scoop on the side — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

A hearty breakfast staple, oats are not only nutritious but also have a long shelf life. Buying oats in bulk can result in significant cost savings and ensure you always have a quick and healthy breakfast option.

8. Canned Tomatoes

opened tin can of peeled tomatoes in sauce, fresh vine tomatoes beside can, placed on rustic wooden surface — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Canned tomatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a myriad of dishes. Buying them in bulk can save you money and ensure you always have them on hand for your cooking needs.

9. Lentils

Pile of red lentils, dry and uncooked, scattered slightly on a white surface, close-up view, showcasing texture and color — Image Credit: Eliška Jindříšková – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

Packed full of nutrients, lentils are a great addition to your pantry. They’re often cheaper when bought in bulk and can be stored for a long time. Lentils are also incredibly versatile and can be used in soups, salads, and stews.

10. Olive Oil

Olive oil being poured into a glass bowl with green olives beside it, whisk and garlic press nearby — Image Credit: Pixabay/Pexels.

Olive oil is a kitchen staple that’s used in numerous recipes. Buying it in bulk can save you money in the long run. Just be sure to store it in a cool, dark place to maintain its quality.

11. Vinegar

Bottles of Vinegar used for cleaning, getting ready to clean, spring cleaning — Image Credit: New Africa/Shutterstock.

Whether for cooking, baking, or cleaning, vinegar is a versatile household staple. It’s cost-effective to buy in bulk and can be stored indefinitely in your pantry.

12. Peanut Butter

Jar of peanut butter, wooden spoon with peanut butter, whole peanuts scattered, rustic wooden table, red and white checkered cloth in background — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

A favorite spread for many, peanut butter is not only delicious but also packed with protein. When bought in bulk, peanut butter can be significantly cheaper. Plus, it has a long shelf life, making it a great bulk buy item.