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Below is a list of 20 groceries that we consistently buy at Costco. We stick to these items because we love the quality, quantities (not ridiculously huge packages), taste and definitely prices!
I’m sharing our local Costco prices – these probably vary somewhat by state. PS. Costco did not pay me to write this post. My love of Costco propels me to share and I myself love lists like these for discovering new treasures :).
Costco Staples:
1. You can’t beat a 40 pack of Kirkland Signature water for $2.99.
2. Organic Tortilla Chips ($4.69) – I love the taste and texture of these. We go through 1 bag/week on spicy guacamole and roasted tomato salsa sprees!
3. We buy these hot cups ($9.39 for 200) in winter and clear cups in winter, plus the lids ($14.39 for 1200). We rarely go out for coffee but it’s nice to feel like we do. lol.
4. Jumbo Reynolds heavy duty foil – this double pack lasts for ever! Its so sturdy and perfect for grilled corn and every recipe that calls for foil. ($13.69 for 2 huge rolls).
Baking and Cooking:
5 & 6. I get all of my cooking oils at Costco including: avocado oil ($8.89 for 1 L), extra light olive oil ($18.99 for two 2L) and extra virgin olive oil ($11.99 for 2 L). We go through these like crazy but for normal people, these cost-effective bottles will last awhile. I love to fry foods in my extra light olive oil because it doesn’t give off that “fried food” smell.
7. Walnuts are priced well ($9.99 for 3 pounds)
8. You can’t beat a 2 lb bag of Organic Chia Seeds for $7.49.
9. Sweetened Condensed Milk ($8.99 for a pack of 6)
10. Honey! I love that they carry a wild raw LOCAL honey at our Costco ($9.89 for 40 oz)
11. From the spice aisle we buy Kirkland brand everything: sea salt ($2.79), pepper corns for the grinder and cinnamon.
12. Mayo – how do I love you, let me count the ways (don’t judge me). Have you even seen our list of mayo-containing recipes? #ridiculous ($4.99 for 64 oz)
13. Pickles – if you know me, you understand my love of pickles and I’m sad that we only have 6 pickle recipes. ($4.39 for two 33.8 oz jars)
DAIRY at Costco:
14. Mozzarella is always hanging out in our fridge. Costco has the best price that I’ve found ($3.89 for 2 lb)
15. We keep this giant bag of parmesan in the freezer and refill a small container in the fridge as needed ($10.99 for a 3 lb)
16. $5.69 for 2 (32 oz each) tubs of Greek yogurt is a steal! We use this for our typical breakfast; topped with homemade granola and berries.
17. I bake alot and love the quality of Raskas Cream Cheese. It works perfectly for my blueberry or raspberry apricot cheesecakes ($5.99 for 48 oz)
Produce at Costco:
18. Their watermelon prices are generally on the lower end and 90% of the watermelon’s we’ve purchased at Costco taste really good. Maybe it’s due to my amazing watermelon knocking skills… maybe not 😉 ($4.99 each)
19. The produce we get there varies by season but during winter, we buy their Romaine lettuce ($3.49)
20. and baby cucumbers ($4.99).
Other Things to Buy at Costco:
It’s really hard to leave Costco without hitting the snack and cookbook aisles. We always go home with a treat :).
Healthy Choices at Costco:
I kid, I kid. Don’t go anywhere, we don’t EVER buy spam. lol.
We’re hooked on using the Fooducate App (Officially called “Weight Loss Coach by Fooducate – Personalized…” So just search Fooducate in the app store. Once in the app, click: “Food Finder” to initialize the barcode scanner). I always use it at the grocery store, especially with products that are new. You scan the products barcode and it provides a health food rating with explanations to defend their ratings.
These sausages didn’t make the cut. I’ve been spared from unknowingly consuming hidden MSG and other products with unhealthy ingredients.
YOUR TURN!! What do YOU buy at Costco? Let me know in a comment below 🙂
Kerrygold butter is cheapest at Costco. It is a deep yellow because it is from grass fed beef, and it is really tasty!
Thank you so much for sharing that with me Kathy!
Love your blog and tried many of your recipes. I have to say number 3 on your costco list is bad for your pocket book no matter the price and very bad for the earth. If you are drinking coffee at home save your money and the earth and use reusable PLEASE!
Hi there, I can’t find the app you mention in the post. It would be very helpful. Is it for iPhone?
Hi Ann, The full name of the app is “Fooducate Healthy Weight Loss” and it is produced by “Fooducate, Ltd.” I hope that helps!
The rotisserie chicken is delicious and is a 3lb roasted delight for 4.99. Also hamburger is around 2.89 per pound for the good stuff. Always stock up on these. Milk, milk, and milk for 1.99 gal. Gotta have my cold milk.
Yes! Thank you for sharing that with us John!
I buy a lot of the same as you do as well as Kirkland paper towels, Kirkland toilet tissue, Kirkland laundry and dish washing detergent.
That’s so great!
Do you eat all the foods that you make and buy. Ifso, how do you stay soooo thin???
We sure do! Thank you, Rose, everything in moderation.
At this point in my life, as a widow, I don’t need food in Costco quantities, but books, books, and more books. I also time my book runs with gas fill ups. During spring, I always find plants and bulbs for the garden. And, as most people, I come out with a treat or two/three.
Yes, those are so popular in the spring especially! Thank you for sharing that with us!
We really have to STOP promoting water bottles….such a crazy waste. I love your recipes Natasha..easy and wonderfully good!
i am from south Australia, ALWAYS GET 2-4 rotisserie chickens – they freeze perfectly – when thawed simply microwave a little and are like freshly cooked – we live in the country so good to have on hand – I love the Salsa, bit hot for some but fresh tasting and delicious and of course their Minced meat – a big seller down here. P.S. Love you Natasha – you are a shining star !
Thank you so much for sharing that with me.
Cosco and Costco are 2 different stores, but same idea, things will taste different based on your personal tastebuds. I personally can’t stand Hellman’s mayo, nasty after taste, Costco is fun!
Now I have to know – what is your favorite mayo or do you go with the homemade mayo route?
Homemade mayo is the best. Once you try it you will never want to go back. But it’s VERY tricky. Do you have any fool proof tips Natasha? Out of 3 attempts only one has worked. The other were soupy messes.
Hi Liana, it has been awhile since I’ve made homemade mayo. I know it’s good though and I have a good recipe. I’ll have to dig it up – it’s been a long time! I’ll definitely share it if it’s as good as I remember it.
Meat! Our Costco sells USDA Prime USDA Choice and a large grass fed selection.
Really enjoy your food blog and SURE – give us a tour of your new fridge! I think I have your coffeemaker-love it!
I’m so glad you are enjoying our blog. We do source a good amount of our meat at Costco as well. I love that they are carrying more and more organic, grass-fed and generally healthier things.
Hmm… if you are OK with not good tasting products then by all means follow this blog. Have you ever really tasted costco’s mayo? yuck Mind you they sell Helmsmen and is much better product for flavour. I buy bottled water regular but costco’s water is not that nice tasting. I can filter my own water and get the same taste. Yes you can save on some and they do have a couple of their own products that are vary good. They just are not up to par as the use to be. I really miss my Costco from 10 years ago. Better sale and better products. Now they have taken away valuable parking for a Hugh gas bar. I used to go at least once a week is now maybe once every 9-4 months.
Their pesto is the best and so cheap! Love the snack aisle as well as the dairy, chicken and fish aisles. Their produce is great in the colder months.
That it is!! We love making visits to our Costco store!
I always buy my dairy: cream 5%, milk 1%, cheddar, mozzarella and cream cheese, yogurt and sour cream, salad greens, baby spinach and other salad veggies, butter and eggs. Those are my primary purchases, then I check the meat and poultry selections and prices. I purchase all my baking needs at Costco too, because I bake all my own breads, cakes and muffins, and the bulk packages are perfect for my needs as well as the prices.
I follow you on Facebook and love watching your videos and saving your recipes. You’re very down to earth in your presentations, and as someone who has been cooking for 66 years I really appreciate that. Good food does not require showmanship, just attention to detail.
Great suggestion Lloyd, thanks for sharing! I’m happy to hear how much you’re enjoying my site and recipes. I appreciate your encouraging, thoughtful comments!
Just a suggestion if you shop at Costco a lot get the executive membership. It’s a little more than the regular membership but at the end of the year you get a percentage back on your purchases. Usually covers the price of membership plus some
Great tip Stephanie, thanks so much for sharing!
Costco/Kirkland brand olive oil is the best. Also the 2 lb bags of Red Star active dry yeast for $5 are a great deal! It lasts forever if kept in the freezer. Way cheaper than the tiny jars at the grocery store.
Great suggestion Jenny, thanks for sharing!
Miso Dressing in 32 Oz bottle in the refrigerated section and the wonderful Hannah’s tzatziki sauce in a 30 Oz tub. My refrigerator is never without these two items
Great suggestion Mark! Thanks for sharing with other readers!
From Alberta, love your site, always purchase the rotisserie chicken. For our snacking pleasure we like the Rebellion Bean Chips, so good and being baked beans should be good for you right =D. Will usually pick up their premixed salads, find this with the chicken is a quick supper. Eggs is another regular. For some reason other items just jump into my buggy screaming taking me home!! ha ha, always end up with more than I went in for
Thanks for following Pattee and sharing your great suggestions with other readers!
Where’s the nearest store to Hendersonville NC and how much is membership?
Hi there, this Alberta girl here wishes that we could get the same Costco deals as you all in the states. I am a baker and as a wife and mom of two teens I love to shop at Costco. We always stock up on the fruit and veggies because of the price and freshness. I also love to pick up my 20kg of flour, the Kirkland Saigon cinnamon (smells and tastes amazing), and I have to always pick up yeast since it is only $4.99 for a decent size bag of it and it is super expensive everywhere else for just a tiny jar.
Thanks for sharing your great suggestions with other readers Debbie!
Love your blog and recipes. You make me laugh with your funny movements you do. Your taste test always want me to hurry and start cooking lol!
Thank you for that compliment, Laura!