We picked up a 50 lb bag of dry pinto beans today. I usually pay $1.18 per pound, but buying in bulk brings the per pound cost down to .46. Now, I just need to figure out how to store them so they are still good when I get to the end of the supply. I am looking into food storage tubs. I figure I will need 2 - 5 gallon tubs.
I am also looking for bulk flour, to see if I can bring my per pound cost down as well. The best I have found recently was $2.29 for 10 lbs. I am keeping an eye out for holiday sales and other sales in bulk to see if I can do better. I have a good set up for 10 lbs, but if I get much more, I will likely need another 5 gallon storage bin for flour.
The bins are an expense up front, but will be offset if they help preserve shelf life and are still in good condition for future batches.
I am a newbie to bulk buying/storing and would LOVE ideas that some of my more seasoned frugal friends may have to share!! Do's, Don'ts and anything in-between is welcome!
Update: I found 6 food safe 5-gallon buckets with lids on Amazon. I used some points that I had, and my final out of pocket cost was $20 for 6. This will give me a few extra containers for other bulk buys. Of course, trying to minimalize - buying extra made me twitch a little, but I am confident these will come in handy as I strive to drive food costs down.
November 23rd, 2020 at 11:03 pm 1606172606
November 23rd, 2020 at 11:49 pm 1606175383
I presume you've already heard of the tip to run things like flour and corn meal through the freezer for a week or so. Ideally, ten days later you run them through the freezer again.
My tip is that if you have any doubt that the containers are very tightly closed, then run a length of clear mailing tape around the area where the lid meets the walls of the container. Then make sure the tape is completely sealed. That will keep the tiniest bugs out.
November 24th, 2020 at 09:26 am 1606210002