11 Secrets to Huge Bulk Grocery Savings

6. Leverage warehouse clubs and wholesale stores

Warehouse clubs like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s often offer strong unit-price savings on staples, but membership fees must be part of the math. Divide the annual membership by expected annual savings to see the break-even. Many shoppers find that buying a few high-use items—cooking oil, toilet paper, cheese, or frozen proteins—pays for the membership within months. Compare club-pack prices to your local supermarket sales; sometimes the club offers better value, even considering fees. Warehouse clubs also carry seasonal items and large-format pantry staples that are hard to find elsewhere. If you don’t want a membership, see if a friend or family member will share the card, or use stores that offer one-day guest passes. Remember to check unit prices and take advantage of return policies on nonperishables. With a little planning, a club membership can be a low-effort way to lower per-unit costs on staples you already use.