If you’ve never purchased these Costco items before, RUN, don’t walk to the store!
Many people love Costco for their incredible rotisserie chicken, great hot dogs, and staples that can be easily bought in bulk. And with their Kirkland signature items, which are budget-friendly and sometimes even tastier than name-brand products, it’s no wonder thousands of people go to the warehouse each day.
However, if you only visit this grocery store to get mega rolls of toilet paper and indulge in their fantastic foods, you’re missing out. We’ve talked to different customers about the things they like to get from Costco, and we’re going to share all the favorites with you. So, without further ado, here are the Costco items you need in your cart:
1. Extra virgin olive oil
This ingredient is a staple in many people’s kitchens, and for a good reason: it is healthy, rich in healthy fats, has anti-inflammatory effects, can decrease your bad cholesterol levels, keeps you full a lot longer, and has so many other benefits. It’s one of the best things you could add to salads and sandwiches, so no wonder it’s one of the most loved Costco items.
While regular olive oil can go bad pretty quickly, high-quality extra virgin olive oil has an impressive shelf life. Getting this product at Costco is great for your budget too, because you can get more with less.
2. Manuka honey
Manuka honey is popular among health enthusiasts thanks to its incredible benefits, such as sore throat soothing, anti-inflammatory effects, dental plaque buildup prevention, antiviral properties, and so many others.
While this item is known for being expensive, if you get it from Costco, you’ll score a wonderful deal. You might think it’s very specific, but if you want to add this magical ingredient to your routine, make sure you get the one that’s produced in New Zealand.
This Costco item from Comvita is $39.99 for a 2.2-pound jar, which is pretty budget-friendly considering how expensive this item usually is. Moreover, it’s of high quality, delicious, and certified authentic.
3. Nuts
How often do you consume nuts? They’re amazing for your brain, body, skin, hair, and nails, so make sure you include them in your diet. Nuts are one of the Costco items you need in your cart because they’re affordable and of amazing quality.
Whether you’re shopping for pecans, walnuts, pine nuts, Brazilian nuts, cashews, or almonds, you’ll find all of them for a great price at Costco. If you’re worried they’ll get rancid, you can put them in the freezer to keep them fresh.
4. Pure maple syrup
If you get maple syrup from the grocery store, you already know it tends to be pricey and often isn’t the real thing from the tree either. It’s typically full of flavorings and sugar syrup, which isn’t good for those who want to have a clean diet.
However, pure maple syrup is one of the most appreciated Costco items, so if you want to add sweetness to your meals, check it out because it’s made with real ingredients and has a good shelf life too.
5. Eyeglasses
According to some customers, getting your prescription glasses at Costco is one of the best things you could do. We looked at the costs of eyeglasses at brick-and-mortar stores, online, and in the offices of eye care specialists. Costco had the best deals and offered the best customer experience for choosing, purchasing, fitting, and adjusting glasses. Unbelievably, they’re also incredibly stylish, so don’t miss out on this.
6. Vacation
Okay, you can’t put a vacation in your cart, but you can book one the next time you go to get the household supplies you need. You can skip the travel agent and simply log onto Costco Travel for a great list of incredible vacation packages that are fun and affordable at the same time. Check them out, because they always have special offers for their customers!
7. Food subscription services
Since you buy many Costco items in bulk to save money, why not visit the store to try a meal subscription service like Nutrisystem or Blue Apron? It’s more affordable if you first get a discounted gift card from Costco. For instance, a $100 gift card for the South Beach diet will cost around $80, which is pretty great.
8. Dried fruit
Many people avoid getting dried fruit because it can go before they start using it, but not anymore. If you love raisins, prunes, apricots, and other dried fruit, you can still get them in larger quantities from Costco. You can put them in smaller containers and enjoy them in baked goods, pancakes, yogurt bowls, oatmeal, cakes, and smoothies. They will last a good couple of months in your pantry, or you can get bigger batches and split the costs with your neighbors.
9. Store-brand products
While some people avoid generic brands at grocery stores, Costco’s generic brand, Kirkland, offers one of the best things you can get. The products are made with high-quality ingredients, and they’re also very affordable.
Some of the most beloved Kirkland products are their beers and store-roasted chicken. Other excellent products that are on par with or superior to national names include cheese, bacon, wine, vodka, olive oil, and dishwasher pods.
…What are your favorite Costco items? Let us know in the comments below!
10. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is one of the most amazing products that you can find in a store. It’s great for cooking, it’s an amazing moisturizer, it’s a good source of healthy fats, it works amazingly as a hair mask, and it’s also a fantastic makeup remover.
While a container of this Costco item might seem huge, don’t worry; you can take your time using it. Its shelf life is extremely long, and you can use it in several ways. It’s truly one of the best Costco items you could pick up from the store.
11. Pre-cut veggies
Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and carrots come in big bags that are usually less expensive than their whole counterparts at the grocery store. Plus, when you’re busy and don’t want to spend a lot of time cutting veggies, the convenience is unbeatable. If you plan to roast them in the oven and reheat portions during the week, this Costco item shouldn’t be missing from your cart.
12. Gas
Did you know that Costco topped the Fuels 50 brands in 2017? It was recognized for its market share and efficiency, especially with budget-friendly pricing. While gas prices vary across the country, it’s clear that Costco offers great value. For example, in Maple Grove, Minnesota, Costco sells regular gas at $2.35 per gallon, compared to the Hennepin County average of $2.53. Pretty great, if you ask me. Especially since gas prices haven’t been exactly low lately.
Do you know any other Costco items that shouldn’t be missing from your cart? We’re always looking for inspiration when it comes to grocery shopping, so share your tips and recommendations with us. Speaking of that, if you go to Costco and you can’t carry all those goodies home, here’s a great cart that will do the job for you.
If you find this article helpful and you’d like to check out something else on our website, here’s an excellent post for you: 6 Surprisingly Affordable Luxury Foods at Costco
