20 Practical Essentials to Stockpile to Save Money in 2025
Stockpiling is a great way to stretch your grocery budget. Whether you’re striving for food security or simply to be able to shop your pantry, these 20 items will help you build your stockpile to save money.
I hear all the time that stockpiling or buying in bulk is expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Almost every item on this list is already affordable or frequently reduced to make it affordable. Anyone can build a stockpile to save money. Here’s how.
20 Essentials to Stockpile to Save Money:
Toilet Paper
If there is anything 2020 taught us, it was, don’t forget the toilet paper. I’m not asking you to go crazy. If there is a deal on your favorite brand of toilet paper, buy one for now and one for later.
Toiletries
When I think of stocking up on toiletries, I think of things like shampoo, body wash, and tooth paste. These are items that have crazy good sales very regularly. No sense in paying full price if you don’t have to.
Laundry Detergent
Laundry soap is one item I actually buy name brand. Did you know you don’t need as much laundry detergent as most people think you do? Buying quality laundry detergent on sale and only using what is needed will save you a ton of money!
Light Bulbs
This is something my husband does well. He waits for sales on light bulbs and stocks up. We usually only need to purchase them every few years and no rushing out to grab more.
Vinegar
Another of my laundry hacks is using vinegar in my loads. I use it in place of fabric softener. It doesn’t leave a smell behind. I also use it for cleaning and cooking.
>> Genius Laundry Hacks to Save You Time and Money <<
Baking Soda
Baking soda is extremely budget-friendly and one that should be in anyone’s stockpile. It is great at removing odors, can be used for numerous DIY homemade toiletries, as well as just for general baking purposes.
>> How to Make Homemade Foaming Hand Soap <<
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another very affordable item to stockpile. It has so many uses. It can be great for cleaning, as well as many medicinal uses.
Batteries
Batteries can be super expensive, so when we find a good deal on them, we stock up. Having small children with toys and gear that require batteries means we go through them quite often. They’re also important to have in an emergency.
Rice
We are huge fans of rice in our home. We love adding it to stretch meals. It also stores very well and is extremely budget friendly. Don’t think you need to just have white rice to save money, either. Brown rice is much more nutrient dense and just as affordable.
Dried Beans
Dried beans are my favorite way to make beans. I usually prepare them in my instant pot and portion them. Saves me money and they’re easy to stock pile and keep on hand!
Hot Breakfast
We always stock up on grits and oatmeal. It is just so economical as well as healthier than most breakfast options. It contains a good bit of protein to keep those bellies full.
Frozen Fruits and Vegetables
Not only is it a good idea to have frozen fruits and vegetables stockpiled for different meals, but it’s also a great idea to buy fresh fruit in season and freeze it for later. They’re great for smoothies, oatmeal, and baby purees.
Canned Foods
Canned foods are great for an emergency stockpile, but we also have canned veggies and fruits just for our day-to-day meal plans. This is one of the best items to stockpile to save money.
>> How to Make a Meal Plan + Free Printables <<
Baking Supplies
It’s always good to have sugar and flour on hand. You can create so many pantry meals just by having these ingredients and a few others on hand.
>> Easy, Frugal Pantry Meals to Save You Money <<
Pasta
Pasta is great not just as a main dish, but also as an add-in to many dishes like soups and stews. When pasta goes on sale, I always grab several boxes, especially whole grain. Another must-have item for us to stockpile to save money.
Tortillas
My husband is basically one giant tortilla. He will use any excuse to eat something in a tortilla. We frequently stock up on them and freeze them. Otherwise, he’s heading to the store to get his must have item.
Pet Food & Supplies
If you have pets, it may be a good idea to keep an eye on certain websites where sales regularly offer incentives. Chewy is one that comes to mind. You can frequently get $30 back for spending a certain amount. This is a good time to stock up on food and preventative medicine.
Condiments
Being in the midwest, you have to have a ranch stockpile. Nothing worse than running out of ranch right before pizza night.
Herbs and Spices
You have to be careful with herbs and spices. They tend to lose flavor, especially after they have been opened. However; there are certain ones we use almost daily, such as salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, creole seasoning, and ginger, just to name a few. Buying these in bulk or stocking up on them helps save money.
Sweeteners
I don’t know about you, but I can’t have my morning coffee without my stevia. I rarely shop at Aldi anymore, but when I do, I stock up on a few bags of it. The price is much cheaper there, even though most everything else is comparable to my other local stores.
