Often times we get good deals in packages compared to buying individual items. I love and dislike marketing’s power over buyers. It’s not always the best deal to buy in bulk unless you’re really going to use the excess as soon as possible otherwise it takes up unnecessary space. That includes bulk food from stores such as Costco or Sam’s Club. If there is space in your home to store extra and you plan on using all of the food items, then some bulk deals are worth it. Don’t forget to check the expiration date.
Buying food such as nuts, dried beans or grains in bulk can also be a blessing and a curse. It can be great to buy only what you need for a recipe, in particular using an item you’ve never experimented or never eaten before. The cursed part is often I’ve found in many kitchens I’ve worked in, duplicated bags of the same items. Those are often forgotten or hard to find because a bag of lentils can be buried underneath other bulk items in plastic bags. Depending on the size of the cabinet, consider moving those bagged food items into a clear Tupperware or Mason jar or into a bin with all bulk items to help easily locate such items. Labeling can help to save time and take out the guess work especially if there are multiple cooks at home. I also recommend adding dates when you buy items so you know how long it’s been in your cabinet.