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Could bulk buying be wasting your money?
The agency says bulk deals save money only if households use items before they spoil or lose potency, and food waste can cost a family of four $3,000 a year.
Bulk buying can seem like a smart way to stretch your budget, but more does not always equal savings, as deals only work if items are used before they expire.
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates food waste can cost a family of four $3,000 a year, making smaller produce quantities preferable unless households consume items quickly.
Perishable food that cannot be frozen is generally not worth buying in bulk; dried herbs and ground spices lose flavor potency after three months, making them poor bulk choices.
Everyday staples like paper towels, toilet paper, and trash bags are ideal for bulk purchases if storage space allows, while toothpaste and multi-surface cleaners remain effective for up to two years.
The FoodKeeper App offers storage advice to help consumers manage groceries, while maintaining a pantry inventory and rotating older items to the front of the fridge reduces waste.