Items to avoid buying in bulk

HOUSTON – Toothpaste, trash bags, dry rice and pasta are all great items you can stock up on at the nearest wholesale club. But there are some things you should avoid buying in large quantities. 

Large tubs of cooking oil seem like a good purchase, but it has a shelf life of about six months, so don’t buy more than you need. 

The same goes for liquid bleach. 

Paper goods are another product you can find better deals on at small supermarkets. 

The same goes for cereal. You’ll probably pay less per ounce and get smaller amounts. 

For soda drinkers, your favorite brand can be found below cost at small grocery stores. They use it as a tactic to bring in more customers.

You should avoid buying produce at large wholesale clubs, as produce perishes quicker and usually costs more in bulk. 

Another item you’ll want to buy in smaller amounts from the grocery store are spices. Many of them lose flavor in about a year, so unless you’re feeding an army, it’s best to stick with the small sizes. 

Something else experts say to keep in mind when shopping: It’s important to check the price per ounce for every product. By doing these calculations to save a few cents, over time it can add up to real dollars in your pocket.