Whether it’s oils and nuts or premium frozen goods that simplify weekday dinners, these are the essentials I consistently pick up at Costco.
Reviewed by Registered Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S.
I’ve been a loyal Costco customer for many years. Because I shop there frequently, one day an employee approached me suggesting I switch to an executive membership. The only thing stopping me from doing all my grocery shopping here is their lack of kale; even then, my spouse insists on having his dark, leafy greens.
However, there are specific items that I consistently purchase from Costco. They not only offer superior quality but also come at an affordable price point. While some products might be priced similarly or even slightly higher than those found elsewhere, their value often justifies the additional expense, ensuring I restock less frequently. Whether it’s essential kitchen basics such as cooking oil and various nuts, or freezer essentials that prevent costly dining-out experiences during hectic evenings, my shelves and storage areas are well-stocked with Costco goods. Below are my top picks.
Related:
12 Overlooked Items Worth Buying at Costco, Say Food Connoisseurs
1. Oils
Premium oils often come with a high cost. Therefore, I opt for big containers of avocado oil and extra-virgin olive oil.
olive oil
I transfer them into smaller, more attractive bottles and display them on my countertop to avoid having large plastic containers visible. The bigger bottles get stored in the pantry to maintain their freshness. Typically, I purchase the 2-liter sizes. During my last shopping trip, these cost me $21.99 for avocado oil and $26.39 for extra-virgin olive oil at Costco — both prices being roughly half what I’d pay for equivalent quantities elsewhere.
2. Nuts
A considerable amount of nuts get consumed at our place. My spouse incorporates them
walnuts
He adds almonds and pecans to his oatmeal and chia pudding, and we enjoy snacking on pistachios, cashews, and assorted nuts. I purchase these from Costco since our family consumes such large quantities, not to mention their great deals. For instance, you can buy a 3-pound bag of walnuts for around $12, and two-and-a-half pounds of mixed nuts cost approximately $15—truly unbeatable prices. To keep everything fresh, I divide the nuts into big mason jars and store whatever we won’t finish eating within a week in the freezer.
Related:
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3. Frozen Pot Stickers
My family loves potstickers and dumplings, which also happen to be an excellent go-to for a speedy meal. About a couple of years back, I began saving excess rice in a freezer-safe bag, gradually building up more each time we had leftovers after dinner. Currently, I utilize this stockpile to create homemade fried rice that pairs wonderfully with our favorite dishes like potstickers—this particular combination graces our table at least once every two weeks. Among various brands available at Costco, I have tried nearly all; however, my top picks remain Bibigo and Ling Ling due to their convenient inclusion of individual sauce packets.
Soups
Stir-fries that include potstickers are equally delightful. My daughter occasionally prepares them for breakfast, and I have prepared some, placing them in a Thermos for her to enjoy at lunchtime too.
4. Rao’s Marinara Sauce
I apologize, Bove’s, as I adore your meatballs, but nothing compares to Rao’s marinara sauce. (This option also made it among our top choices.)
marinara sauce taste test
!) You won’t find a better deal on its price at Costco either! Whenever I plan a Costco visit over the weekend, I usually head there first before going to the usual supermarket, just in case they might not have what I need and I’ll have to wait for my next shopping trip. Last time, I realized too late that I’d forgotten to grab my jars of Rao’s and was quite surprised by the higher prices at the nearby grocery store. At Costco, you can buy a two-pack of 28-ounce jars for around $12—while a solitary 24-ounce jar costs upwards of $8 at my neighborhood market.
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5. Cheese
We absolutely adore cheese at our place and consume quite a bit of it regularly. Additionally, since most types of cheese remain fresh for an extended period, I don’t stress about buying bigger portions from Costco as they won’t spoil quickly. Regardless of some misconceptions out there,
cheese
It is highly nutritious and offers several notable health advantages. We consistently choose Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar cheese for preference; additionally, we stock up on containers of Kirkland Feta and Parmigiano-Reggiano. For pizza nights, we also pick up fresh mozzarella. When hosting guests, an assortment of premium cheeses makes an appearance. The selection includes exceptional handcrafted choices such as Humboldt Fog along with varieties from Vermont Creamery and Jasper Hill Farm.
Related:
The 4 Cheeses You Should Definitely Purchase at Costco, Says a Food Editor
6. Organic Berries
Regardless of the time of year, the cost of organic berries at Costco tends to be more economical compared to regular supermarkets. You can typically find organic blueberries and raspberries there, and occasionally they also stock strawberries and blackberries.
7. Chilled Fruits and Vegetables
If you have ample freezer storage and frequently prepare smoothies, it’s challenging to find a better deal than Costco’s frozen fruits. Their extensive range is great for those who enjoy diversity in their choices. And
Frozen fruits and veggies may actually be more nutritious.
These options taste better than fresh because they’re frozen at their prime ripeness. We have started enjoying snacks like frozen cherries and mango pieces (the latter being a go-to treat for me during pregnancy). Additionally, I purchase frozen mixed vegetables and broccoli. Nearly all of Costco’s frozen offerings are organic as well, which might be important to some people.
8. Frozen Fish
I found out that I consume more fish when it’s stored in my freezer. The quality of frozen fish is excellent; much of what you consider fresh from the seafood section has been frozen before too (just check the label next time). Wild-caught salmon and cod are the types I usually purchase. Some of my go-to recipes for these include
Miso-Maple Salmon
and
Almond-&-Lemon-Crusted Fish with Spinach
.
Related:
What Occurs to Your System When You Consume Salmon?
9. Kalamata Olives
I have Lebanese heritage and often prepare many Mediterranean-style dishes, such as
falafel
or
mujadara
Served alongside a large Greek salad. One of my daughter’s favorite morning meals is kale, feta, and olive tacos. I often prepare for her what I refer to as “the Lebanese girl snack,” featuring olives, feta cheese, hummus paired with cucumbers, carrots, and either crackers or naan bread dipped into the mix inside her bento box. To put it simply, we consume plenty of Kalamata olives; thus, purchasing this sizable container works well for our household needs. Additionally, the brine these olives come packed in serves wonderfully as an alternative to vinegar when making salad dressings.
10. Chia Seeds
My spouse and child are big fans of
chia pudding
I prepare a few servings for each of them on Sundays, and they can customize their bowls as desired in the mornings before digging in. I typically include a dash of milk, some berries, and maple syrup, along with an occasional sprinkle of cocoa powder, specifically for Lila. Dan prefers adding extra milk, granola or muesli, and fresh fruits instead. Chia seeds offer numerous health advantages; primarily, they are rich in fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids.
11. Oats
Our household consumes a significant amount of oats! My spouse prepares oatmeal several times per week, and during warmer weather, I batch-make muesli. Baking with oats is also one of our preferences.
oatmeal cookies
and
oat bread
, too.
Related:
What Occurs to Your System When You Consume Oatmeal Daily?
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