Why Parents Are Bulk-Buying Once More, Just Like in 2020 (And the Right Way to Do It)

Key Points

• Grocery prices are rising, and families are turning to bulk buying to save.
• With the right planning, bulk buying can stretch your budget—but without, it can lead to waste.
• Experts share tips on what to buy, what to skip, and how to shop smart without feeling overwhelmed.

It’s not just your imagination—grocery shopping in 2025 is expensive, especially if you're feeding a family. Prices have steadily risen over the past five years, with few signs of slowing down. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, prices for all food are predicted to increase a total of 2.9% in 2025.

All of this is leading many families to do something they haven’t done since the toilet-paper hoarding days of the pandemic: bulk buying. “Inflation has increased quite a bit over the last few years, and families are trying to keep up,” says Michael Rodriguez, CFP, and financial planner at Equanimity Wealth . “Naturally, that’s led to more people turning to bulk-buying, especially for items they use frequently.”

Bulk buying can be helpful, but only when done smartly and intentionally, Rodriguez explains. Still, it’s understandable why people are doing it more these days. “With prices climbing, it feels like folks are doing what they can to stretch their dollars and bulk-buying can be part of that strategy,” he says.

The Pros (and Cons) of Buying in Bulk for Families

Bulk buying isn’t for everyone. But it isn’t just a fad, says Laurie Hise, mom of three and founder of Passionate Penny Pincher . “It can be a strategic financial lifeline, especially for families,” she explains. “With inflation soaring and supply chain hiccups making prices unpredictable, buying in bulk isn't just for stocking up on basics; it's a legit way to save money.”

That said, the key to making it work is to get the most bang for your buck, without ending up with a ton of stuff you don’t really need. “Bottom line? Strategic bulk-buying beats impulse bulk-buying every time,” Hise says.

Like anything else, bulk buying has both pros and cons. Rodriguez shared a few:

Pros

• Cost savings. Buying staples in larger quantities can help lower the price you pay per unit.
• Fewer shopping trips. You typically end up going to the store less often.
• Help with meal planning. You always have a stocked pantry to pull from, and you can plan meals around this.

Cons

• Food waste. If your family doesn’t finish it in time, into the trash it goes. “I've been guilty of buying too many snacks for the kids that go stale,” Rodriguez shares.
• Upfront cost. You’re spending more at once, and this can be challenging if you’re on a tight budget.
• Clutter. Overstuffed cabinets or fridges often make it hard to keep track of what you already have. That’s why Rodriguez always suggests asking yourself: “Will I actually use all of this? Will my family really go through a gallon of animal crackers or 30 boxes of pasta ?" For some families, the answer will be yes. But for others that answer will be no.

How to Bulk Buy Without the Overwhelm

Buying in bulk is a great idea for many people, but only if you go in with a plan. Otherwise, you’ll not only end up wasting money and resources, but you can end up feeling totally overwhelmed.

“It’s all about intention and organization,” Rodriguez says. Here are a few strategies he recommends:

• Take inventory first. Always carefully go through your pantry, fridge, and freezer before you shop. “I've made the mistake of buying something I already had five of,” Rodriguez shares.
• Organize your storage. Regularly organize your pantry and fridge. If shelves are too full or cluttered, you won’t know what’s hiding in the back, and you won’t know what you don’t or don’t need.
• Always stick to a list. Only buy what you truly need, not what you think you need. A detailed shopping list helps you avoid impulse purchases.
• Use a cash envelope system. “For clients on a strict budget, I sometimes recommend using cash,” Rodriguez recommends. “If you only bring $150 to the store, that’s all you can spend—and it helps cut back on impulse buys.”
• Avoid shopping hungry. It sounds like silly advice, but going to a place like Costco on an empty stomach can totally wreck your budget.

Cost-Sharing with Friends & Family

Usually, buying in bulk means becoming a member of a wholesale store like Costco, Sam’s Club, or BJs. But those savings often come with steep upfront costs, usually in the form of yearly memberships. There’s a way around this, though: sharing the cost of memberships with friends and relatives.

“I’ve had clients who split everything from Costco down the middle,” says Rodriguez. “That way, they get the cost savings without having to store 48 rolls of toilet paper themselves.”

Sharing a membership with friends or family isn’t the only option. You can also consider joining a buying group. These are community co-ops or buying clubs that pool money and buy in bulk together, says Rodriguez.

There are other ways to save money and cut corners when you are bulk buying. It’s all about freezing, Rodriguez says. “Freeze what you can,” he says. “Items with a longer shelf life or that freeze well—like meat, bread, or even shredded cheese—are great for stretching your budget.”

Hise shared some further ideas for making bulk buying work for you when you’re on a budget :

• Besides warehouse clubs, shop at discount grocers, such as Aldi
• Shop multiple stores to find the best deals
• Whenever possible shop brand items, which can be much cheaper but just as good in terms of quality

What to Buy (and What to Skip) at Warehouse Clubs

When you’re shopping at wholesale clubs, or just shopping in bulk in general, there are some items you should definitely stock up on … and others you should probably skip. Here’s what Hise suggests:

Buy these:

• Long-lasting pantry items. Rice, pasta, flour, and oats. “They're super cheap when you buy a lot, and they practically last forever,” she says.
• Everyday home stuff. Think huge packs of toilet paper, laundry soap, and cleaning supplies. You'll save a ton if you buy these in bulk.
• Freezer foods. You can feel free to load up on frozen stuff, as long as you have enough freezer space. Frozen foods last longer, so you won't throw anything out.
• Large packs of meat. You can buy large amounts of chicken, beef, or beans and freeze them in meal-sized portions. “Bulk meat is a major money-saver,” Hise emphasizes.

Skip These:

• Fresh veggies and fruits. Unless your family eats a ton of produce quickly, don’t buy these in bulk. They go bad faster than you might realize.
• Giant bags of chips. These typically go stale before you finish them.
• Huge bottles of ketchup and spices. Check dates before you buy. They might expire sooner than you can use them.

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