https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 17 Apr 2026 23:45:47 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-do-you-buy-in-bulk-to-save#post-2464366 Wed, 17 Feb 2016 11:19:05 +0000 travellingbee 2464366@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@brownepiano: nice! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-do-you-buy-in-bulk-to-save#post-2464321 Wed, 17 Feb 2016 10:54:57 +0000 jedeve 2464321@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I go to Costco about once every two months. I would go more, but it seems that there is always one or two things I need at the regular store and its easier just to pay a bit more for things there than make two stops with two toddlers on two different sides of town. So I usually get a lot when we go to Costco. It's not always cheaper than sales plus coupons at the grocery store, or store brand, but if you go a few times you get a good idea of what makes sense to buy there. </p> <p>We buy:</p> <p>Almond butter, coconut oil, chicken stock, flour, granola bars, almonds, dried fruit, apples, bananas, pears, chicken, yogurt, eggs, beef, frozen veggies, frozen fish, toilet paper </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-do-you-buy-in-bulk-to-save#post-2464319 Wed, 17 Feb 2016 10:53:45 +0000 brownepiano 2464319@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MUI831: I've heard that, although I don't understand exactly how that works. </p> <p>@travellingbee: they do have pouches, and I think they are cheaper than other places. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-do-you-buy-in-bulk-to-save#post-2464308 Wed, 17 Feb 2016 10:48:37 +0000 travellingbee 2464308@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MUI831: cool. I'm excited to try it. Do they have pouches? My toddler still eats them and they are pricey! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-do-you-buy-in-bulk-to-save#post-2464215 Wed, 17 Feb 2016 09:59:13 +0000 Mommy Finger 2464215@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@travellingbee: @brownepiano: In regards to Aldi, while it's packaged as their own brand, most of their items are actually made in the same plants as the name brand stuff, it's just packaged differently. For example, if you look at their organic whole milk yogurt, it's packaged at the same plant as Stonyfield. So, it's pretty much the exact same products for cheaper. I always mean to go to Aldi more. I honestly just forget about it! I think it's one of those stores that you have to get used to. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-do-you-buy-in-bulk-to-save#post-2464004 Wed, 17 Feb 2016 06:42:04 +0000 brownepiano 2464004@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@farawayyama: yes! Me too! They had Brita style water filters 3/$7 earlier this year. It was amazing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-do-you-buy-in-bulk-to-save#post-2464002 Wed, 17 Feb 2016 06:39:45 +0000 brownepiano 2464002@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@travellingbee: They mostly sell their own brand but they do have some name brand stuff for cereal and a few other things. </p> <p>Their produce is OK. I tend to just buy in season (whatever is on sale) and cook a lot with frozen veggies. I'm not impressed with their frozen but that's easy to stock up on elsewhere. </p> <p>Their meat I think Iis fine. We don't eat a lot of meat so I tend to just buy stuff as I see it marked down and freeze it. That way I get better cuts for less. </p> <p>They save money by not carrying name brands, using cases (boxes and pallets) instead of traditional shelving, having a cart return system, and not having baggers/free bags.</p> <p>If there is one 30 min away, I'd say go and stock up on dairy (their cheese and yogurt are cheap), and dry goods. Their cereal is much cheaper than anywhere else, and so are most of the baking supplies and canned goods. I love it with having a toddler because I can get snacks and applesauce really cheap.</p> <p>I don't have a Sam's/Costco membership because the price difference between Aldi and the others isn't enough to cover the fees! If I cared about name brands that would be a different story I suppose. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-do-you-buy-in-bulk-to-save#post-2463999 Wed, 17 Feb 2016 06:18:39 +0000 farawayyama 2463999@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Meat, but that's more for convinience - the nearest high quality/ethical butcher that we can actually afford (grad student + teacher in lower paying area) is an hour away.</p> <p>We do less costco because it's out of the way, but I buy protein off of amazon. I also buy single serve popcorn packets (smartfood). I know I could pop my own but if I buy a vending machine stock it comes to about 30c a bag and is so easy!</p> <p>ETA: aldi is my life. Go there. Seriously. The highlight of my week is getting the flyer and finding out what non food products are on sale! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-do-you-buy-in-bulk-to-save#post-2463849 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 21:34:40 +0000 travellingbee 2463849@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NorthStar: awesome info. I'm going to check them out. I'd love to cut my grocery bill significantly </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-do-you-buy-in-bulk-to-save#post-2463792 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 20:32:00 +0000 mrsrain 2463792@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I buy most of our meat in bulk. Also: paper towels, TP, toddler pouches (when j can find a good deal), and bread (freezes beautifully!). If I find a go-to item on sale really cheap I will usually stock up on it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-do-you-buy-in-bulk-to-save#post-2463787 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 20:28:54 +0000 NorthStar 2463787@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@travellingbee: i went to aldis for the first time a few weeks ago. I got a ton of produce, milk, yogurt, cheese, etc for $30! Would have been significantly more at the grocery store. They are moving towards organic and no processed foods, which I love. I am not a fan of their meat selection, though. But, definitely plan on going back. Their brands also taste so much better than normal store brands. They do lots of taste testing..I was googling and researching them a lot a few weeks ago! And they are owned by the same company that owns trader joes! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-do-you-buy-in-bulk-to-save#post-2463729 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 19:42:36 +0000 Pumpkin Pie 2463729@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh, we also get a huge jug of vinegar at costco. Its like $3. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-do-you-buy-in-bulk-to-save#post-2463618 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 17:56:11 +0000 fussygal 2463618@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>At Costco we always stock up on almond butter (so much cheaper!), wipes, and DDs shampoo. If we had more storage space I'd probably do TP and paper towels there, too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-do-you-buy-in-bulk-to-save#post-2463612 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 17:51:50 +0000 travellingbee 2463612@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@brownepiano: do they only sell their brand? Why are they cheaper? What's the quality of meat and produce like? There is one about 30min away but Ive never been. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-do-you-buy-in-bulk-to-save#post-2463602 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 17:45:03 +0000 brownepiano 2463602@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@travellingbee: Yes. You can find some things at normal grocery stores that are cheaper, but that is usually just with good sales/coupons. Across the board their prices are 10-50 cents less than any other store brand, if not more. It adds up fast. </p> <p>I actually like that they are a smaller store because it takes away a lot of the decision fatigue and cuts way down on impulse buys for me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-do-you-buy-in-bulk-to-save#post-2463597 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 17:41:57 +0000 travellingbee 2463597@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@brownepiano: is aldi really cheap? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-do-you-buy-in-bulk-to-save#post-2463593 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 17:39:21 +0000 brownepiano 2463593@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I shop at aldi so I only buy things that are significantly cheaper. I go to Sam's on my parent's card about twice a year. I get:</p> <p>Yeast<br /> Chicken bullion<br /> Garlic<br /> Baking soda and powder<br /> Craisins<br /> Parchment paper<br /> Molasses<br /> Soy milk<br /> And that's about it...</p> <p>I buy oats and Romano cheese through a co-op. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-do-you-buy-in-bulk-to-save#post-2463559 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 17:10:50 +0000 autumnlove 2463559@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Meat, milk, paper products! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-do-you-buy-in-bulk-to-save#post-2463490 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 16:28:05 +0000 Pumpkin Pie 2463490@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I try to buy as much as possible at costco. I like the quality, and prices are reasonable. We get:</p> <p>fruit<br /> paper products<br /> bread<br /> vegetables<br /> pouches<br /> rice<br /> pasta sauce<br /> ground beef<br /> steak<br /> salmon<br /> shrimp<br /> ravioli<br /> vitamins<br /> chicken stock </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-do-you-buy-in-bulk-to-save#post-2463434 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 15:56:52 +0000 LindsayLou 2463434@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I do at least one costco trip a month, and watch for sales at Winco, grocery outlet, Safeway and fred meyer. I try to buy meat and fish in bulk, and portion it out and freeze it. I like to always have ground beef, salmon, cod, chicken breasts, and a cheap steak (for beef stew or fajitas, etc) on hand. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-do-you-buy-in-bulk-to-save#post-2463413 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 15:36:22 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2463413@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It just kinda depends. Costco isn't always cheaper if you can watch for sales at the grocery store. </p> <p>For example, 2 loafs of bread at Costco is like $4.50 but at the grocery store it occasionally goes B1G1 for $3.50 (or whatever the cost for 1 loaf is).</p> <p><a href="http://www.beautifulfrugallife.com/melodys-favorite-things-to-buy-at-costco/" rel="nofollow">http://www.beautifulfrugallife.com/melodys-favorite-things-to-buy-at-costco/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-do-you-buy-in-bulk-to-save#post-2463404 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 15:31:10 +0000 PawPrints 2463404@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Costco:<br /> Paper towels<br /> TP<br /> Kleenex<br /> Ziplocs<br /> Pasta<br /> Olive oil<br /> Contact lens solution<br /> Soap<br /> Deodorant<br /> Lotion<br /> Cereal<br /> Liquor<br /> Beer<br /> Flour<br /> Sugar<br /> Rice<br /> Dog poop bags<br /> Compost bin liners<br /> Trash can liners<br /> Coffee beans<br /> Shredded cheddar and mozz (freezer)<br /> Tortillas<br /> Shampoo/conditioner<br /> Prenatal vitamins<br /> Ibuprofen<br /> Frozen pizzas</p> <p>We have our dog food on a recurring order from Pet Flow that saves us a lot of money. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-do-you-buy-in-bulk-to-save#post-2463389 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 15:24:54 +0000 youboots 2463389@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Pouches, gf spaghetti, laundry detergent and coconut oil on Amazon S&amp;S.</p> <p>Costco for paper towels, tp and paper napkins. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-do-you-buy-in-bulk-to-save#post-2463343 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 14:59:27 +0000 gingerbebe 2463343@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@regberadaisy: <a href="http://jungledealsandsteals.com/" rel="nofollow">http://jungledealsandsteals.com/</a> just tracks Amazon stuff. Its not always like the best deals or whatever, but its a nice overview on stuff. I've snagged 3-4 board books for DS' Easter basket, for instance, on top of random supplies. Slickdeals.net also has some good Amazon deals that I can snag for Christmas presents. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-do-you-buy-in-bulk-to-save#post-2463331 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 14:54:20 +0000 mrsjyw 2463331@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@travellingbee: yep, we freeze the protein... we go through everything else over 2-3 weeks though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-do-you-buy-in-bulk-to-save#post-2463329 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 14:54:14 +0000 regberadaisy 2463329@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@gingerbebe: which blogs do you like? I've been following fabulessly frugal. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-do-you-buy-in-bulk-to-save#post-2463324 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 14:51:48 +0000 travellingbee 2463324@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsjyw: do you just freeze stuff? We can't go through fresh things fast enough. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-do-you-buy-in-bulk-to-save#post-2463317 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 14:49:33 +0000 mrsjyw 2463317@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We do the bulk of our grocery shopping at Costco.</p> <p>Produce: berries, apples, peaches, bananas, spinach, green beans, mushrooms, lettuce</p> <p>Protein: filet, shrimp, salmon, pork chops, lamb chops</p> <p>all the frozen fruit, OJ, pineapple juice, frozen rice/noodle, etc., milk, eggs</p> <p>water, iced tea, paper towels, toilet paper, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-do-you-buy-in-bulk-to-save#post-2463290 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 14:29:14 +0000 gingerbebe 2463290@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Costco: Ziploc bags, trash bags, vacuum packs of cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken meat, frozen mixed organic veggies and frozen fruit, coffee, rice, herbs/spices, granola bars, nuts and dried fruit, ground beef, frozen shrimp, wine, canned organic beans and tomato products, sandwich bread, and sandwich meat. I also replace our Contigo cups and water bottles at least once a year when they have the multi-packs, and buy most of our OTC stuff like melatonin, vitamins, allergy and cold medication there. And Q-Tips! Once a year they usually have some great deal on Finish tablets for the diswasher (last year it was BOGO free!) and usually 2 boxes keeps us for the year.</p> <p>Amazon: I keep an eye on blogs that post deals for Amazon and try to score household products on Subscribe and Save stacked with a coupon and the 15% off for 5 or more subscriptions for that month. Then I cancel the subscription. :-) The things I get this way are usually Lysol or Clorox wipes and toilet bleach, with face wash or deodorant thrown in as the subscription filler. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-do-you-buy-in-bulk-to-save#post-2463259 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 14:12:48 +0000 Umbreon 2463259@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The stuff we always get at Costco: Toilet paper, paper towel, kleenex, tin foil, zip lock bags, dryer sheets, toilet cleaner, BBQ sauce, bacon, gum, granola bars (If they're on sale) and canned tomatoes. </p>