Costco is known for its great deals and bulk purchases, but not every item in their vast inventory is a steal or even worth the shelf space in your pantry. To help you navigate their wide aisles, here’s a definitive guide on what to scoop up and what to skip on your next Costco run.
Must-Haves at Costco
1. Rotisserie Chicken $4.99/each
A perennial favorite, Costco’s rotisserie chicken is known for its flavor and unbeatable price.
Nutritional Facts
Calories per serving: 140
Fats: 7g
Carbs: 1g
Sodium: 460mg
Protein: 19g
Ingredients
Whole chicken, water, seasoning
Preparation Instructions
Ready to eat; perfect for meals and recipes.
2. Maple Syrup $10.99/33.8 fl oz
Pure and natural with a rich flavor, this syrup is a sweet deal.
Nutritional Facts
Calories per serving: 210
Fats: 0g
Carbs: 53g
Sugars: 50g
Ingredients
100% pure maple syrup
Preparation Instructions
Use as desired on pancakes, waffles, or for baking.
3. Chicken Stock $6.99/6 ct, 32 oz
A kitchen staple, perfect for soups and cooking.
Nutritional Facts
Calories per serving: 10
Fats: 0g
Carbs: 2g
Sodium: 570mg
Ingredients
Chicken broth, natural flavors
Preparation Instructions
Ready to use in any recipe requiring stock.
4. Peanut Butter $9.99/2 ct, 48 oz
Smooth, creamy, and without unnecessary additives.
Nutritional Facts
Calories per serving: 190
Fats: 16g
Carbs: 7g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 8g
Ingredients
Roasted peanuts, salt
Preparation Instructions
Spread on bread, use in recipes or eat straight from the jar.
5. Tomato Paste $6.49/12 ct, 6 oz
Thick, rich, and perfect for sauces and stews.
Nutritional Facts
Calories per serving: 30
Fats: 0g
Carbs: 7g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Sugars: 4g
Ingredients
Tomatoes
Preparation Instructions
Use as needed in recipes.
6. Hot Dog and Soda Combo $1.50/combo
The famous Costco hot dog and soda offer unbeatable value.
Nutritional Facts
Varied by choice of drink and condiments
Ingredients
Beef hot dog, bun, choice of soda
Preparation Instructions
Ready to eat at Costco’s food court.
7. Alcohol (Even Non-Members) – Price Varies by type and size
A wide selection of quality wines and spirits often at discount prices.
Nutritional Facts
Varies by product
Ingredients
Varies by product
Preparation Instructions
Enjoy responsibly.
8. Vanilla Extract $11.99/16 fl oz
Pure vanilla extract that’s perfect for baking and flavoring.
Ingredients
Vanilla bean extractives in water, alcohol
Preparation Instructions
Use as directed in recipes.
9. Food Court Pizza Slice $1.99/slice
Generously sized slices of pizza with robust toppings.
Nutritional Facts
Calories per serving: 700
Fats: 24g
Carbs: 72g
Dietary fiber: 3g
Protein: 44g
Ingredients
Varies by topping
Preparation Instructions
Ready to eat at Costco’s food court.
10. Frozen Fruit $9.99/4 lbs
Great for smoothies, baking, or snacking.
Nutritional Facts
Calories per serving: 70
Fats: 0g
Carbs: 18g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Sugars: 15g
Ingredients
Mixed berries
Preparation Instructions
No Preparation Instructions needed; eat straight from the freezer or thaw.
11. Cakes $15.99/10-inch cake
Delicious, beautifully decorated, and perfect for any celebration.
Nutritional Facts
Calories per serving: 270
Fats: 14g
Carbs: 34g
Sugars: 24g
Ingredients
Sugar, flour, eggs, oil, frosting
Preparation Instructions
Ready to serve.
12. Fully-Cooked Bacon $10.99/48 oz
Convenient and tasty, a quick breakfast option.
Nutritional Facts
Calories per serving: 60
Fats: 4.5g
Carbs: 0g
Protein: 6g
Ingredients
Bacon
Preparation Instructions
Heat in the microwave or on a skillet.
Items to Skip at Costco
1. Produce
Often sold in bulk, which can lead to waste due to spoilage before use.
2. Bulk-Buy Baked Goods
Like produce, large quantities can go stale or spoil before they’re fully consumed.
3. Cereal
Typically not significantly cheaper than at other retail stores.
4. Pasta
Smaller packages elsewhere might be more practical with better pricing per unit.
5. Chicken Breast
Often more expensive per pound compared to other supermarkets.
6. Soda
Frequently on sale at other retailers, allowing for better savings outside of Costco.
7. Cheesecake
Large size may be impractical for smaller households or those watching their sugar intake.
Armed with this guide, your next trip to Costco can be more efficient, ensuring you get the best deals without falling into the trap of bulk-buy remorse. Happy shopping!
