A trip to Costco can feel like an adventure, mainly because we always leave with stuff we never went in to buy. However, if you want to make the most of your membership, then it’s all about knowing which items are worth stocking up on. Here are 19 things you should always grab at Costco to save big.
Paper Towels and Toilet Paper
Don’t skip purchasing obvious essentials such as paper towels and toilet paper. You get way more rolls for a lower price than at regular grocery stores, and you won’t have to restock every week. Plus, the quality of Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand rivals the big-name competitors, often at a fraction of the cost.
Laundry Detergent
Next up, laundry detergent is one of those items that you’ll always need, so why not stock up? Costco offers massive jugs of top brands like Tide and Kirkland Signature, and the per-use cost is significantly lower than at your local supermarket. While the containers can be heavy, the savings are worth it.
Coffee
If you’re a coffee lover, buying your beans or grounds at Costco is a serious game-changer. The prices on large bags of popular brands like Starbucks, Peet’s, and even organic options are much lower than what you’d pay at a regular grocery store.
Also, for the hardcore coffee enthusiasts, Costco often carries specialty roasts and seasonal blends at unbeatable prices.
Meat and Poultry
Here’s something that serious home cooks swear by, Costco’s meat and poultry section. You can find high-quality cuts of beef, chicken, pork, and even organic options at prices that beat most local stores. While buying meat in bulk might seem overwhelming, simply portion it out and freeze it at home.
Cheese
If you’re a cheese lover, then Costco is like a paradise. Hard cheeses like parmesan and cheddar freeze well, so you can stock up without worrying about spoilage. Plus, Costco often has cheese assortments perfect for charcuterie boards, so you’re always ready for your next gathering.
Eggs
As we all know, eggs are a staple in most households, and Costco offers them in bulk at unbeatable prices. Since eggs have a decent shelf life when stored properly, buying in bulk makes sense, especially if you use them regularly for breakfasts, baking, or meal prepping.
Baking Essentials
For all the home bakers out there, Costco is a goldmine for baking essentials and staples like flour, sugar, baking powder, and even vanilla extract are available in large quantities at lower prices.
Even if you don’t bake often, these pantry staples have a long shelf life, so stocking up means you’re always ready when the baking bug bites.
Cooking Oils
When it comes to cooking oils, Costco’s prices are hard to beat. For example, Kirkland Signature’s organic extra virgin olive oil, in particular, is a favorite among home cooks and chefs alike for its quality and price. Oils can last for months if stored properly, so it makes sense to stock up and avoid those pricey last-minute trips to the store when you run out.
Frozen Fruits and Vegetables
Ask anyone, and they’ll tell you that frozen fruits and vegetables are a lifesaver for quick meals, smoothies, and healthy snacks. Costco offers a wide variety of frozen produce in bulk bags, often at lower prices than your local supermarket.
And if you’re into meal prepping, having frozen veggies on hand makes it easy to throw together healthy meals in a pinch.
Snacks
Let’s face it, we all love snacks, and Costco is the ultimate place to stock up on them. Stores often offer multi-packs, so you get variety without having to buy several different items separately. For those with kids, Costco’s bulk snack packs are perfect for lunchboxes or after-school treats.
Canned Goods
It goes without saying, but canned goods are pantry staples, and Costco offers them in bulk at great prices. Think beans, tomatoes, soups, tuna, and even canned chicken. They also have a long shelf life, so buying in bulk means fewer trips to the store and less worry about running out.
It’s a simple way to keep your pantry stocked and ready for anything, and don’t forget about canned fruits, which are great for baking or adding to yogurt and oatmeal.
Nut Butters
If you’re a fan of peanut butter, almond butter, or any other nut butter, Costco is the place to stock up. The prices on large jars are much lower than at regular grocery stores, and the quality is often just as good, if not better. Nut butters have a long shelf life and are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for spreading them on toast, adding them to smoothies, or using them in baking.
Beverages
Let’s take a moment for Costco’s beverage section, which is massive, and the savings are real. The Kirkland Signature wines, in particular, are surprisingly good for the price, and you can often find top-brand sodas and juices in multi-packs.
Costco also offers bulk packs of coffee creamers, flavored syrups, and tea, so you can create your favorite café-style drinks at home. And for health-conscious shoppers, there are plenty of options like coconut water, kombucha, and protein shakes.
Vitamins and Supplements
If you regularly take vitamins or supplements, Costco is an excellent place to buy them in bulk. The prices on popular brands are often much lower than at pharmacies or health stores, and their Kirkland Signature line offers high-quality options at an even better price.
You can also expect to find specialty supplements like collagen, turmeric, and magnesium, which can get pricey at other stores.
Pet Supplies
For pet owners, Costco is a goldmine and Kirkland Signature’s pet food is highly rated for its quality and affordability, and the massive bags mean fewer trips to the pet store. Bulk packs of treats and toys help keep your pets happy and entertained without breaking the bank, so stocking up on these essentials means more money saved and more wagging tails.
Personal Care Products
You may already know that toiletries and personal care items are another area where Costco shines. Think toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and razors, all available in bulk at great prices. Also, let’s not forget about the bulk packs of deodorant and soap, which are great for families or shared households.
Office Supplies
No matter if you work from home or just need supplies for the house, Costco offers great deals on office essentials. It means buying in bulk is especially helpful for families with school-aged kids or anyone who goes through a lot of paper and ink.
Not only this, Costco’s return policy gives you peace of mind on bigger purchases like chairs, desks, and filing cabinets.
Seasonal Items
One of Costco’s hidden gems is its rotating stock of seasonal items, however, the key is to shop early, as popular seasonal items tend to sell out quickly. But if you time it right, you can score amazing deals on everything from Halloween costumes to Christmas trees.
The store also offers great deals on seasonal clothing, like winter coats and summer swimwear, often at prices much lower than specialty stores.
Gasoline
Last but not least, let’s not forget about Costco’s gas stations. If your local Costco has a gas station, filling up there can save you a decent chunk of change over time. Their fuel prices are often significantly lower than nearby stations, and the quality is top-notch.