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Buy Big and Waste Less: 12 Foods to Stock Up On

Love hitting your local wholesale retailer with that three-pack of yogurt containers? Or maybe that family pack of pork chops on sale at the grocery store is calling to you? Foods sold in large formats are economical, especially when on sale or the price per unit is just right. However, the risk of waste or overconsumption is high with these products if not managed correctly. Here’s a list of 12 food items you’ll want to buy in bigger sizes, and how to use them (or store them) in order to reduce food waste.

1. Eggs

A large carton of eggs (think 30!) is one of the best-value grocery items, as the eggs stay fresh for up to 50 days after being laid, and they’re also one of the easiest to use up. Hard-boil a batch at the start of the week for breakfasts or to include as a protein in salads; they’ll keep in the fridge for 5 days, both peeled and unpeeled. Eggs are also perfect for frittatas and egg bites, which both freeze wonderfully and make future meals a low-effort affair. They’re also a natural fit for weeknight dinners like shakshuka or fried rice.

Did you know?

You can freeze egg yolks!

2. Bag of apples

Whether you’ve picked up a bag at the grocery store or the U-pick farm, if you’ve got more apples than you can handle, applesauce is the way to go. It freezes well for up to 6 months and tastes fabulous with pork chops, on waffles or makes a great addition to desserts. Whole apples also keep well in the fridge (about 4 weeks), making them perfect for a quick snack, to add to a grilled cheese sandwich or on a salad. 

3. Berries

When fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries and blackberries are on sale, it only makes sense to add a few pints to your cart! After all, they’re great for snacking, in smoothies or in a fresh coulis for waffles and pancakes, but they don’t all get eaten before they soften. So be sure to bake some in scones, muffins or dessert breads, which can then be frozen for later. 

4. Ground meat

Family packs of ground beef, chicken, turkey or pork are one of the most economical ways to buy meat. Divide the package into 1-lb portions, place in a freezer bag and roll it out flat using a rolling pin, label and freeze so you can grab exactly what you need when you need it. You can also cook some right away and turn the rest into freezer-ready meatballs, pasta sauce, taco filling or chili, which all reheat great to save time on busy weeknights.

5. Chicken drumsticks and thighs

These budget-friendly cuts are incredibly versatile and freeze well. Simply portion them into meal-sized freezer bags (you can even include a marinade!) and freeze for up to 3 months. Your future self will appreciate having ready-to-cook chicken for sheet-pan dinners, stews, curries and more with little-to-no prep. 

Here are a few handy resources when it comes to storing in the freezer and thawing:
 

6. Whole chicken

A whole chicken is one of the best-value proteins you can buy, and sometimes you can even find a value pack that includes two. This is a great way to stretch them into multiple meals. Roast them both and use the meat in soups, tacos and salads. You can also save the bones to make a rich homemade chicken broth, which freezes well and becomes the base for countless future meals. 

Excess cooked meat can also be frozen for up to 2 months. However, use it wisely: it’s great for adding to soups, for example. But if you choose to reheat it in the oven, you’re in for some very dry chicken! 

7. Pork roast

If you find a good-looking pork shoulder on sale (or even an 8-lb pork butt), it’s very much worth grabbing. Slow-cooked and braised pork freezes exceptionally well and can be repurposed into pulled pork burgers, tacos, quesadillas, pasta and other tasty dishes. Portion the cooked meat into freezer bags and you can have up to 16 servings of food ready to go.

8. Sausages

Bought a family pack of sausages that you want to stretch across multiple meals? They’re a versatile protein that’s flavourful and freezer friendly. Use them in sheet-pan dinners, pasta dishes, stews, casseroles, hot dogs and more, and you can freeze the excess links individually, either raw or cooked, so you can grab just what you need in the future.

9. Salmon

A large side of salmon is a must-buy when on sale at the grocery store, but how to make the most of it? Sure, you can cook it whole and serve it to your family or at your next dinner party. Or you can slice it into individual fillets and freeze them individually, so that you can always have some on hand for weeknight meals down the road. You can cook it in so many ways: pan-seared, grilled, baked in the oven or air fryer.

10. Potatoes

Keep potatoes in a cool, dry place; a bag can last 4 weeks when stored properly. But if you bought a large bag (10 lbs!), you get more bang for your buck, but you also need to use them proactively. Luckily, potatoes are great in everyday dishes like an omelette and a soup, or they can be turned into a myriad of side dishes, like mashed potatoes, potato salad or a baked potato. Some freezer friendly dishes include potato gnocchi and potato croquettes, so you can always have some on hand when you’re stuck on what to cook for dinner!

11. Yogurt

Can’t pass up that great deal on yogurt at your nearest wholesale store? While the price can’t be beat, you’re likely often left wondering what to do with all that yogurt, especially with a best before date looming. Aside from your usual morning yogurt with fruit and granola or your daily smoothie, other great ways to use up yogurt include: as a marinade, sauce or dressing, or simply to dollop onto salmon or soup (it makes a great replacement for sour cream). It’s also wonderful in desserts. 

Note: you can freeze yogurt in ice cubes for up to one month, but they’re only good for smoothies and not much else.

12. Cheese

Block cheese is one of the smartest bulk buys there is and it really is far superior to pre-shredded bagged cheese. You can use it for pizza, pasta and to garnish tacos, among other recipes, but can also make cheesy versions of your favourite foods, like bread or meatloaf. It will keep in the fridge for one month if stored properly; this means avoiding the usual plastic bags! Wrap them instead in cheese wax paper, which keeps them from drying out or getting mouldy. 

 

When it comes to storing cheeses or even meats, a vacuum sealer is often your best ally for extending a food’s shelf life. It removes air and creates the perfect seal, preventing growth of bacteria in the fridge and freezer burn in the freezer!

Want more ideas on preventing food waste and saving money? Be sure to consult our wide selection of articles!