50 Cult-Favorite Things to Always Buy at Costco

They make your membership so worth it!

Author:
Jessica Sager
Sep 22, 2023

There is a reason almost everyone who shops at Costco is so obsessed with the wholesale club: It has low prices, huge quantities (great for quarantining when you want to make as few trips as possible!), a seriously stellar food court and sells just about everything you could ever possibly need. That said, some of their deals are better than others. Here are the 50 best things to always buy at Costco!

Best Things to Buy at Costco

1. Food Court Treats and Snacks

Costco's food court is the stuff of legend, and it's only grown in recent years, with items ranging from churros to pizza to acai bowls. Their most famous and popular offerings, however, remain their hot dog and soda combo, which hasn't changed in price since 1985: Costco President and CEO W. Craig Jelinek reportedly said that Costco co-founder Jim Sinegal threatened to kill him if they raised the price from its iconic $1.50. Inflation estimates say it would otherwise be around $3.65 today.

2. Meat and Eggs

It's easy to be mesmerized by the incredible selection and quality of the meat Costco offers at hard-to-beat prices. Whole uncooked chickens will cost you $2.99 per pound and cuts of beef will be around $11.99 per pound. Compared to your neighbor grocery stores, these prices are a steal! For eggs, you save 34 percent on an 18-count carton of eggs at Costco and even more on larger quantities compared to other retailers.

3. Olive Oil

Experts and even celebrity chefs love Costco for their mega bargain on olive oil. Kirkland Signature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil costs less than 15 percent as much as other brands and is one of the rare olive oils to meet the standards for extra-virgin.

Related: What to Buy at Dollar Tree

4. Baked Goods

As if you weren’t already aware, Costco's bakery department is truly a magical place any time of the year. Here you will find an array of decadent cookies, perfect breakfast muffins, and soft and tender pound cakes. Feel free to stock up on what your carb-loving heart desires.

5. Oatmeal

Winter is coming, and if you like to warm up in the morning with a hot bowl of oatmeal (and especially if you like to use it for baking), it can't hurt to stock up in Costco quantities.

6. Nuts

You'd be nuts to skip Costco's deals on mixed nuts.

7. Berries

Costco's frozen fruits and berries, as well as their organic fresh berries, are a major steal.

8. Microwave Popcorn

Microwave popcorn can be pricey at supermarkets, but give you much more bang for your buck at Costco.

9. Vanilla Extract

You'll get 16 oz. of pure vanilla extract at Costco for just $17 compared to $12 for just 4 oz. at other retailers.

10. Frozen Prepared Foods

Not all frozen prepared foods at Costco will be a bargain, but most are. Look around!

11. Cheese

Pecorino Romano, habanero cheddar, mozzarella. Whether it's soft, hard grated, blocks or in a flight, Costco's cheese selection will make for the most amazing platters you've ever had, and for super affordable prices.

12. Maple Syrup

Sweeten up your breakfast with genuine maple syrup at a bargain.

13. Almond Butter

Almond butter is a major steal at Costco!

14. Peanut Butter

This pantry staple, especially if you have kids, is a big bargain at Costco.

15. Almond Milk

Almond milk can be pricy, but it's a great deal at Costco, especially because it has a good shelf life.

16. Oat Milk

Oat milk can be scarce as well as expensive. If you love the much-hyped dairy alternative, stock up!

17. Salty Snacks

Chips, pretzels, cheese curls, and salty-sweet bark can run up a big bill, especially if you buy small, single-serve packs or bags. Buying snacks in bulk at Costco will save you some serious dough, as well as the time you'd otherwise spend to parse out servings from larger packages in sandwich bags.

18. Pumpkin Pie

Costco pumpkin pie (seasonal) is the stuff autumnal dreams are made of: They've used the same recipe since 1987, and at just $5.99 for a 12-inch pie, the massive dessert may actually cost less than making your own pumpkin pie from scratch. Bonus? Costco pumpkin pie actually freezes really well, too, so if you think you'll have a craving for it year-round, you can stock up when it's available.

19. Rotisserie Chicken

Costco's iconic rotisserie chickens have no MSG, and they're also gluten-free, making them a great option for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Aside from a major steal at just $4.99 for an entire bird, you can also snag leftover pieces at certain locations and serve a full meal. You can also make flavorful stock from it, too!

18. Shrimp Cocktail

An affordable favorite for party platters, Costco's shrimp cocktail has almost as much of a cult following as Costco rotisserie chicken and Costco pumpkin pie.

19. Wine

Whether you imbibe on Costco brand wines or brand names from the warehouse, you'll save big.

20. Booze

Costco has some seriously inexpensive spirits, and the savings are downright intoxicating, whether you're going for top-shelf or their own in-house brands.

21. Organic Foods

Organic food always comes at a premium price tag, but their markups are much smaller in Costco's organic food section than at other retail stores.

22. Pet Supplies

Obviously your individual pet's needs may vary, but depending on Fido's diet, you can probably get his food, equipment and treats for less here.