What 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. Fresh Eggs
You can 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.
4. Cold Cereal
Cold cereal won’t go bad for a while, especially if it stays sealed or stored in an airtight container, so feel free to buy this in bulk.
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 $25 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
Whether it’s 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 and cheese curls 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.
23. Dishwasher Detergent
It doesn’t expire, and you get a ton of bang for your buck.
24. Soap and Body Wash
Whether you prefer drugstore brands or something a little fancier like Philosophy (also great for gifts!), Costco has what you’re looking for at way less than standard retail markups.
25. Deodorant and Antiperspirant
Let’s face it, you use this every day (we hope). Why not stock up and save?
26. Makeup
Obviously you won’t be able to test things out the way you would at a normal department store, but if you know what works for you and can find it at Costco, you’ll get it for a lot less.
27. Shampoo and Conditioner
You can snag major deals on huge quantities of shampoo and conditioner at Costco, and this stuff doesn’t go bad, so stock up!
28. Lysol Disinfectant
Costco sells four-packs of Lysol disinfectant spray. That’s essentially liquid gold when you’ve got kids in the house.
29. Laundry Supplies
Beyond just laundry detergent and fabric softener, get major deals on dryer sheets and dryer balls, like the ones below, that can be tougher to find at other stores.
30. Washers and Dryers
If you’re looking for new laundry equipment, check out Costco for washers and dryers at great prices and with their extra warranty.
31. Robotic Vacuums
Sick of lugging your vacuum up and down the stairs, or just vacuuming in general? Costco has robotic vacuums at lower prices than most retailers so you can kick your feet up and cross one more chore off of your list.
32. Disposable Razor Refills
Disposable razors and refill blades are much cheaper at Costco than virtually anywhere else.
33. Toys
From blocks to plush, Costco has solid deals on toys you won’t find anywhere else for less.
34. Workout Clothes
Let’s be real: You’re going to get sweaty in these, so while you want them to be durable and comfortable, you probably don’t want to break the bank. Athleisure apparel at Costco is affordable and will last you a while.
35. Men’s Shirts
Costco’s men’s shirts have a cult following for their comfortable fit and low prices.
36. Over-the-Counter Medication
Save major on markups on over-the-counter drugs, be it allergy medicines or pain relievers.
37. Prescription Medication and Flu Shots
Costco Pharmacy doesn’t require a membership to get your medications or flu shot.
38. Holiday and Seasonal Decor
Costco’s holiday decorations are high quality and will last you so many seasons.
39. Gift Wrap
Costco’s gift wrap is double-sided and super durable, and one pack of four rolls will last you years.
40. Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses
Costco Optical offers great prices for eyeglasses and contact lenses.
41. Mattresses
You won’t lose sleep over mattress prices here, as Costco has many name-brand mattresses for much less. The only downside? You can’t test them out in-store.
42. Televisions
Costco has great warranties for their televisions.
43. Kitchen Appliances
Refrigerators, microwaves, air fryers, blenders, mixers: You’ll likely get a great deal on kitchen appliances at Costco, in addition to their good warranty program.
44. Batteries
Batteries from Costco are almost always cheaper than from anywhere else.
45. Furniture
Whether you’re renovating or just redecorating, Costco’s furniture offerings, from bathroom vanities to sofas, make it easy to get a home you’ll love.
46. Tires
Costco doesn’t just have affordable tires, but those tires come with a five-year road hazard guarantee and lifetime maintenance (like flat repairs and balancing). That said, be prepared for a bit of a wait (go shopping in the meantime!).
47. Fuel
Costco’s gasoline is a bargain if you’re a member.
48. Flowers
Whether you’re just sprucing up your kitchen table or planning a wedding, Costco florals are seriously affordable and so pretty!
49. Luggage
Luggage that won’t break the bank or fall apart if you pack your heaviest coats? Heaven.
50. Gift Cards
You can pay much less than the actual face value (sometimes up to 25 percent less!) if you purchase gift cards at Costco. Whether or not you have to give them as gifts to others is up to you: If you see gift cards for restaurants, services or fun nights out that you use often, treat yourself! Next, find out exactly how to make the most of your Costco membership!
