Source: LendingTree, LLC
Shoppers looking to save money on groceries and household items could cut their costs by more than a quarter by buying in bulk, a new analysis finds.
According to a study by LendingTree, consumers can save an average of 27% when buying large quantities instead of smaller packages — the same level of savings found in 2023 and slightly higher than in 2021.
Some products offer even bigger savings. Ring Pops, Bounty paper towels, and Duracell AA batteries top the list, with bulk discounts of 82%, 65%, and 60%, respectively.
However, bulk buying doesn’t always pay off. Products like honey and shampoo show little or no savings, and many shoppers end up wasting what they buy.
In a separate survey, 89% of Americans said they’ve bought in bulk, with 24% doing so often. Yet 38% admitted they sometimes or often throw away unused items. Only one in four bulk buyers said they never waste products.
“Saving 27% can be a big deal, especially for everyday essentials,” said Matt Schulz, chief consumer finance analyst at LendingTree. “But if you throw out half of what you buy, those savings disappear.”
The report found that 41% of bulk shoppers save between $25 and $50 a month, or $300 to $600 a year. That could reduce annual food-at-home spending by up to 10%, based on federal data showing households spend about $6,000 a year on groceries.
Experts suggest that shoppers plan purchases carefully to avoid waste and manage upfront costs. Sharing bulk items with family or friends, sticking to a list, and using rewards credit cards can also help maximize savings.
