14 Sam’s Club Bulk Deals That Might Be a Waste of Money

Shopping in bulk at Sam’s Club can be a great way to save money, but not every deal is as good as it seems. While the warehouse club offers discounts on large quantities, some items might not be worth the price or the storage space. Bulk buying only makes sense if you can actually use everything before it goes bad or becomes less effective. To help you avoid spending on items that might not be worth it, here are some bulk deals that could end up being a waste of money.

Member’s Mark Cottage Cheese – $4.52

Cottage cheese is a great source of protein, but buying it in bulk might not be the best idea. The large container means you have to eat it quickly before it spoils, which can be tough unless you are using it daily. Since dairy products have a short shelf life, you could end up wasting money if it goes bad before you finish it. Plus, cottage cheese is often on sale at regular grocery stores, making bulk purchases less of a deal. If you are the only one in your household eating it, a smaller tub might be the smarter choice. Unless you plan to use it in multiple recipes, this bulk buy might not be worth it.

Ground Beef – $4.58/lb

Ground beef is a staple in many kitchens, but the bulk packs at Sam’s Club may not always be a good deal. While the price per pound can be competitive, the real issue is storage. If you do not have a large freezer, keeping several pounds of beef fresh can be a hassle. There is also the concern of freezer burn if you do not use it fast enough. Grocery stores often run sales on ground beef, sometimes beating bulk store prices. Unless you are meal prepping or have a big family, you might be better off buying smaller portions elsewhere.

Six Star Kellogg’s 30g Froot Loops Protein Shake – $20.24

A Froot Loops-flavored protein shake might sound fun, but it is not necessarily a smart bulk buy. These drinks can be hit or miss when it comes to taste, and if you do not like it, you are stuck with a large pack. The sugar content in flavored protein shakes can also be high, making them less healthy than you might expect. Many people prefer to buy a single bottle before committing to a whole case. Plus, there are plenty of other protein shakes available at a lower cost per serving. If you want a reliable option, it might be better to stick with more established protein brands.

Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen Spray – $16.96

Sunscreen is essential, but buying it in bulk is not always a good idea. Spray sunscreens tend to run out quickly because people apply them more liberally, and they often lose their effectiveness over time. If you do not use sunscreen regularly, you might end up with expired bottles before you can finish them. Some people also prefer lotion-based sunscreens, which provide better coverage and last longer on the skin. Plus, stores frequently offer discounts on sunscreen, especially during off-seasons. Unless you are using it daily or sharing with a family, a smaller bottle might be the smarter purchase.

Lawry’s Seasoned Salt – $7.48

Seasoned salt is a kitchen staple, but buying a big container could be overkill. Since seasoning blends lose their potency over time, you may end up with a giant container of salt that does not taste as fresh. Many people do not go through seasoned salt quickly, especially if they only use it occasionally. Smaller bottles are often available at regular grocery stores for a comparable price. If you are a frequent cook and love Lawry’s, it might make sense, but for most people, this bulk size is unnecessary. You might be better off grabbing a smaller bottle to avoid stale seasoning.

Jasmine Rice – $17.98

Jasmine rice is a pantry essential, but a bulk bag is not always the best deal. While rice has a long shelf life, storing large amounts properly can be challenging. If it is not sealed well, it can attract pantry pests, making the entire bag unusable. Many grocery stores sell jasmine rice in smaller, resealable bags for just a slightly higher price per pound. If you do not eat rice often, a huge bag could take up unnecessary space in your pantry. Unless you are feeding a big family or cooking rice daily, a smaller bag is a more practical option.

Energizer MAX AA Alkaline Batteries – $24.98

Bulk packs of batteries seem like a good idea, but they are not always a money-saver. Unless you use AA batteries frequently, they could sit unused for years, slowly losing their charge. Many electronics now use rechargeable batteries, making disposable ones less necessary. You might find better deals on batteries at warehouse sales or even during holiday discounts. Plus, some brands offer batteries with a longer shelf life at a lower price. If you do not need a huge pack right away, buying a smaller set as needed might be the better move.

Campbell’s Condensed Chicken Noodle Soup – $12.98

Canned soup is convenient, but buying it in bulk can lead to waste. Unless you eat it regularly, you might get tired of the same flavor before finishing the pack. Plus, the sodium content in canned soups is often high, making them less ideal for frequent consumption. Grocery stores frequently offer sales on canned soup, sometimes making individual cans cheaper than the bulk price. If you only have soup occasionally, it makes more sense to buy a few cans rather than a whole case. Unless you are stocking up for emergencies, this bulk buy is not a great deal.

Member’s Mark Pre-Pinched Frozen Sandwich Croissants – $39.76

These frozen croissants might seem like a convenient breakfast option, but the price is steep. Bulk frozen items take up a lot of freezer space, which can be an issue if you have limited room. If you do not eat them often, they can get freezer burn and lose their texture. Many bakeries and grocery stores sell fresh croissants for a comparable price, without the need for extra storage. The cost per croissant is also not much cheaper than what you would pay elsewhere. Unless you are hosting brunch regularly, this bulk buy is probably not worth it.

Member’s Mark Cucumber Garlic Dill Tzatziki Dip – $6.24

Tzatziki is delicious, but it has a short shelf life once opened. If you are not planning to use it within a few days, you might end up throwing some away. Since it is made with yogurt, it can spoil quickly if not stored properly. Many grocery stores sell smaller containers for just a little more per ounce, giving you fresher dip without the risk of waste. If you entertain often, a bulk container might make sense, but for most people, a smaller size is the smarter choice. Unless you are eating it daily, this is a risky bulk buy.

Member’s Mark Moisturizing Hand Soap Refill – $7.98

Hand soap is essential, but the bulk refill might not be necessary. Some people prefer to switch scents frequently, making a large container less appealing. If you do not use a lot of liquid soap, it might take a long time to go through, potentially losing its scent or thickening over time. Many stores offer sales on hand soap, making smaller bottles just as cost-effective. Plus, some people prefer foaming soap, which requires a different type of refill. If you like variety, this bulk buy might not be the best fit.

Member’s Mark Distilled White Vinegar – $5.98

White vinegar has many uses, but not everyone needs a giant bottle. While it does not spoil easily, storing a large amount can be inconvenient, especially if you do not use it often. Many people only need vinegar for occasional cooking or cleaning, making a smaller bottle more practical. Grocery stores often sell smaller bottles at a similar price per ounce, allowing for better storage and fresher use. Unless you regularly use vinegar for cleaning or pickling, a smaller size is the better buy. If it just sits in your pantry for years, it is not really saving you money.

Fresh Produce

Buying fresh produce in bulk might seem like a good deal, but it can lead to waste. Fruits and vegetables have a limited shelf life, and unless you consume them quickly, they can spoil before you get your money’s worth. Some bulk produce packs include too much of the same item, which can be difficult to use up. Many grocery stores offer competitive prices on produce, allowing you to buy only what you need. If you do not have a large family or meal plan carefully, bulk produce is not always practical. Unless you are sure you will eat it all, smaller portions are the way to go.

Gift Card Multipacks

Gift card multipacks can be tempting, but they are not always a smart purchase. Some packs include cards for restaurants or stores you might not visit often, making them less useful. While the discount on bulk gift cards is nice, it is only worth it if you actually plan to use them all. Many retailers offer promotions on single gift cards during the holidays, sometimes providing a better deal. If you do not need multiple gift cards at once, buying them individually might be smarter. Unless you are gifting several at a time, these multipacks can be unnecessary.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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