12 Things You Should Never Buy in Bulk

Repeat after me: Bigger isn’t always better.

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Repeat after me: Bigger isn’t always better. Yes, you certainly can save money by buying some things in bulk. But it’s a mistake to think that the biggest package you can find at Costco or Sam’s Club is the best deal every time.

In fact, when you start comparing the per-unit prices of everyday items, you’ll find that smaller packages often cost less per unit than supersize containers. What’s more, bulk purchases can be a waste of money – even if the per-unit price is less – if you’re unable to use up such large quantities before they expire, spoil or simply lose their appeal.

Here are several everyday items you should avoid buying in bulk. Over a year’s worth of shopping trips, the savings could add up to hundreds of dollars.

Cameron Huddleston
Former Online Editor, Kiplinger.com

Award-winning journalist, speaker, family finance expert, and author of Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk.

Cameron Huddleston wrote the daily "Kip Tips" column for Kiplinger.com. She joined Kiplinger in 2001 after graduating from American University with an MA in economic journalism.