10 Groceries To Buy in Bulk in the Winter

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Whether winter is prime time for breaking out your great-grandfather’s stew recipe or a dire time you can only endure by staying indoors, you’re going to need a stocked pantry. There’s nothing worse than realizing you don’t have the beans to give that stew its protein — or that you have to brave the cold just to find something to eat. 

Fortunately, the solution to both predicaments is simple: Stock up on certain groceries in bulk. 

Buying groceries in bulk isn’t just handy in a culinary pinch, it can also help reduce your grocery bills this winter. GOBankingRates zipped up our jackets — grateful it’s not too cold yet — and hit the local grocery stores. 

Nuts 

Perfect for a snack, a salad topping or baked into a dessert, nuts are a versatile food and worth keeping in your pantry in bulk. Cashews, walnuts, mixed nuts and pistachios — among many other varieties — often come in affordable bulk packages. They’re also packed with protein, fiber and healthy fats. 

Tinned Fish 

Canned or tinned fish is having a renaissance online lately, with TikTokers creating videos dedicated to tinned fish food boards. You don’t have to get that fancy with your sardines, tuna, wild salmon or other canned fish — it tastes great in a sandwich or salad. It’s a smart protein to keep on hand when you need a quick dinner. 

Canned Beans 

High in fiber and plant-based protein — and rich in vitamins — beans are a flavorful staple in many winter dishes, from stews to chilis to black bean burgers and casseroles. If you’re a hummus lover, loading up on garbanzo beans (aka chickpeas) is a great way to make your favorite snack without running to the store every time you want it. 

Olive Oil 

Even if you’re not an experienced cook, you probably know olive oil is a foundation for almost any meal, from roasted veggies to sautéed chicken. It’s also the base for many marinades and salad dressings. To say it’s a kitchen staple is an understatement. Instead of buying a new bottle every other week, consider getting a bulk-sized container. Your wallet and your taste buds will thank you. 

Peanut Butter 

Any busy parent will tell you that peanut butter sandwiches are a lifesaver. They’re easy to make and hard to mess up — perfect for hungry kids coming in from a day of playing in the snow. Peanut butter also adds a convenient boost of flavor to school lunches. And there’s no rule that adults can’t enjoy a rich, protein-packed PB&J, too. 

Frozen Veggies 

Winter might make you want to slow down, but life hasn’t gotten the memo — you’re as busy as ever. Bulk packages of frozen vegetables can be both a time-saver and a money-saver. Toss them in the microwave or give them a quick sauté, and you’ve got a side dish ready in minutes. 

Frozen Berries 

In the bitter cold of winter, you might crave the bright, sweet flavors of berries — or even just want to look at their vibrant colors. Frozen berries deliver on both fronts. They’re perfect for desserts, breakfasts, smoothies or granola. Just be sure to thaw them if you’re eating them as a snack. 

Butter 

If you’re stuck inside this winter, it’s a great time to try out recipes from that new baking blog you found. Instead of adding sticks of butter to your grocery list every week, buy in bulk and freeze the extra. It’ll save you time, money and an emergency store run when you’re halfway through a cookie recipe. 

Dry Pasta 

Is there a better cold-weather meal than pasta? Probably not. And since most boxes of dried pasta are inexpensive, stocking up in bulk just makes sense. Keep a variety on hand to suit whatever sauce or dish you’re craving. 

Rice 

Want to bulk up winter stews without bulking up your budget? Get some rice. Want to create globally inspired dinners for less? Get some rice. Need something to soothe an upset stomach? You guessed it — get some rice. This versatile pantry staple is a must-have, and buying in bulk can save you both time and money. 

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