Reviewed by: Erica Grandjean, APD, BNutr&Diet
Not a fan of buying in bulk? You’re not alone.
Grocery shopping has evolved over the years, much like our spending habits. Research shows we’re starting to move away from the supermarket chains and favour smaller shops, which can charge more.
We’re also more likely to shop sporadically throughout the week, which means the temptation to buy expensive one-off items is greater.
How many of us pop out to the shop on a Saturday morning and buy the delicious-looking Sonoma loaf, rather than a standard Woollies wholemeal bread?
Here are 5 key staples that cost MUCH less if you buy in bulk, at the supermarket:
1. Berries
If you love strawberries, blueberries or raspberries, you’re probably aware of how expensive a 125g fresh punnet can be.
Buying a bag of frozen berries is just as tasty and a lot more economical.
- 1kg frozen blueberries: $8.00
- 1kg fresh blueberries: $55.20
2. Bread
Bread can be stored in the freezer for up to four months and maintains its freshness when defrosted or toasted.
If you’ve got bread ready to go in the freezer, you’re less likely to splurge on an artisan loaf.
- 6 loaves of wholemeal supermarket bread: $16.80
- 6 artisan sourdough bakery loaves: $45.00
3. Red meat
Red meats can be frozen up to six months, so buy in bulk and store in zip-lock bags. Again, if you’ve got meat ready to go, you’re less likely to be tempted by expensive cuts on your way home from work.
- 1kg supermarket beef mince: $7.50
- 1kg butcher-bought beef mince: $16 – $20
Also read: Top 10 Diet Downfalls and How to Beat Them
4. Chicken
Chicken is a staple meat that shouldn’t cost the earth. It’s much more economical to buy a bulk of supermarket chicken than a few fillets here and there at the butcher’s.
- 1kg supermarket chicken breast: $8.50
- 1kg butcher-bought chicken breast: $14 to $20 (depending on where you go)
Now that you’ve got all of the ingredients, need some delicious and nutritious recipes to bring it all together? Sign up now to unlock access to 1000+ recipes customised to suit you and your goals.
