4 Things to Buy in Bulk—and 3 to Buy in Small Quantities

We know cooking oils don't last forever, but until we saw this chart, we had no idea just how quickly they can go rancid. For instance, peanut oil, which is excellent for achieving the crispiest crust on a chicken drumstick, will keep for two years in your pantry (after you open it). If you're making fried chicken for six, you'll probably go through about 64 ounces of oil, which is a size that most supermarkets sell for $7, or even less. If you buy a larger size and don't fry foods often, the oil will likely go bad before you finish it (signs to look for: an off smell or a change in color).