Costco is one of the few retailers that can make a shopping trip feel like a treasure hunt. With its bulk packages, house-brand quality, and prices that are tough to beat, it consistently delivers better value than most grocery stores. For those who shop wisely, the savings can be substantial, especially on items you use regularly. While not every bulk purchase makes sense for every household, these 25 Costco finds are proven money-savers.
1. Rotisserie Chicken
Costco’s rotisserie chicken has become legendary for a reason. At around three pounds, it sells for a low fixed price that has remained the same for years, even while grocery store prices for similar chickens have climbed. Other stores often charge more for smaller birds that are less juicy and flavorful. The Costco chicken is big enough to feed a family for dinner, with leftovers for sandwiches or soups. If stored properly in an airtight container, it can last in the fridge for several days, making it a great choice for budget-conscious meal planning.
2. Kirkland Signature Olive Oil
Olive oil is a kitchen staple, but high-quality extra virgin varieties can be expensive. Costco’s Kirkland Signature extra virgin olive oil delivers premium taste and aroma at a price per ounce that is significantly lower than most grocery brands. The quality is high enough for salads, marinades, and finishing dishes, and it comes in bottles large enough to last months if stored in a cool, dark place. Buying in bulk ensures you always have fresh oil on hand without frequent restocking trips.
3. Organic Maple Syrup
Pure maple syrup is often one of the most overpriced items in regular supermarkets, especially if you buy small bottles. Costco offers a large, BPA-free jug of organic maple syrup for a much better cost per ounce. This is not watered down or flavored syrup, but pure Grade A maple goodness. The large container can be stored in the refrigerator for months after opening, making it an excellent long-term value for breakfast lovers and bakers.
4. Cheese Blocks and Shreds
Cheese prices vary widely, but Costco’s large blocks and shredded bags are consistently cheaper per pound than those at grocery stores. They also offer specialty cheeses, from aged cheddar to imported Parmesan, at competitive prices. For best freshness, cheese can be portioned into smaller pieces, wrapped well, and frozen for future use. This prevents waste while still allowing you to take advantage of bulk pricing.
5. Fresh Berries
Costco’s bulk packs of blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries often cost less per pound than the smaller containers sold at grocery stores, especially during peak harvest months. The berries are typically fresh and ripe, and buying in bulk is perfect for families or anyone who enjoys smoothies, baking, or healthy snacking. To extend their shelf life, berries can be rinsed in a vinegar-water solution and stored in a breathable container in the fridge.
6. Organic Eggs
Costco’s two-dozen organic egg packs almost always beat the per-egg price at grocery stores, sometimes by more than 25 percent. The eggs are consistently fresh with strong shells, making them ideal for both cooking and baking. For best results, keep them in the original carton in the coldest part of the fridge, not the door, to maintain consistent temperature. They can last three to five weeks when stored properly. Bulk buying also reduces the need for frequent restocking, which cuts down on extra trips and costs.
7. Bagels
Sold in bulk sleeves, Costco bagels cost far less per piece than those from supermarket bakeries, often by half. They are baked fresh and available in multiple flavors. The texture holds up well after freezing, making them practical for long-term storage. Slice before freezing for faster toasting later. A single pack can cover breakfast needs for weeks, especially when stored in freezer-safe bags.
8. Nut Butters
Costco’s large jars of peanut or almond butter offer significant savings compared to smaller grocery store jars. The per-ounce cost can be 30 to 40 percent lower, even for organic varieties. The ingredients are typically minimal, with no unnecessary additives. Stored in a pantry, nut butters last for months, and refrigeration after opening can extend freshness even further. Their long shelf life and high protein content make them a consistent value buy.
9. Frozen Fruit
Large bags of frozen berries or mango from Costco cost much less per pound than grocery store equivalents. They are frozen at peak ripeness, preserving flavor and nutrients. The larger packaging reduces the need for multiple purchases, lowering overall costs. Stored in a standard freezer, they remain good for up to a year. Buying in bulk ensures a steady supply for smoothies, baking, and breakfasts without worrying about waste from spoilage.
10. Coffee Beans
Costco’s bulk coffee bags, including Kirkland Signature and major name brands, offer savings of 20 to 35 percent per pound over supermarket pricing. Whole beans maintain quality longer than pre-ground coffee and can be stored in airtight containers for weeks. Buying in bulk ensures consistent supply and avoids higher costs from smaller, more frequent purchases.
11. Wine
Costco sells many wines at 20 to 40 percent less than retail, including exclusive imports and award-winning bottles. The selection covers a wide price range, making it possible to save whether buying budget bottles or premium vintages. Bulk purchasing for events or home use can multiply the savings. Since wine keeps well when stored in a cool, dark place, stocking up is cost-efficient.
12. Meat and Poultry
Costco’s meat prices per pound, particularly for USDA Choice and Prime cuts, are consistently below those of grocery stores. Bulk packs of chicken, beef, or pork can be divided and frozen in meal-sized portions. This approach lowers per-meal cost and ensures a steady supply without frequent store trips. The consistent quality and competitive pricing make meat one of the strongest value categories at Costco.
13. Salmon
Costco’s fresh and frozen salmon consistently costs less per pound than comparable cuts at most grocery stores, often by $2 to $4. The store offers both farm-raised and wild-caught options, giving shoppers flexibility in price and taste preference. Fresh fillets are cut into large, even portions, making them easy to divide for multiple meals. Vacuum-sealed frozen fillets keep their quality for months, and bulk buying allows for savings on a premium protein that typically carries a high price in supermarkets.
14. Organic Milk
Costco sells organic milk in three half-gallon cartons per pack, which reduces the per-ounce price compared to buying single cartons at grocery stores. The milk has a longer shelf life due to ultra-pasteurization, making it practical for families who drink it daily. Packaging in smaller half-gallons also minimizes waste by preventing spoilage before use. Buying multiple packs ensures stable supply at a lower cost without repeated store trips.
15. Greek Yogurt
The large tubs of Greek yogurt at Costco are priced far below the equivalent cost of multiple single-serve cups from grocery stores, often by more than 30 percent per ounce. The plain variety has a high protein content, making it versatile for sweet or savory recipes. The bulk packaging can be portioned into smaller containers to maintain freshness. When stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator, it typically lasts two to three weeks, making it ideal for regular consumption.
16. Paper Towels
Costco’s Kirkland Signature paper towels are sold in large packs at a lower cost per roll than many major national brands. Each roll contains more sheets than standard grocery store rolls, effectively lowering the cost per use. The towels are strong and absorbent, making them suitable for both household cleaning and kitchen use. Buying in bulk reduces the frequency of purchases and ensures stock availability for months.
17. Toilet Paper
Bulk toilet paper from Costco offers one of the lowest per-roll costs on the market, while maintaining consistent quality. Each package contains multiple large rolls, which means fewer restocking trips. The product’s storage efficiency makes it a practical purchase for households with available space. Since toilet paper is a non-perishable item, buying in large quantities locks in savings over time.
18. Organic Frozen Vegetables
Costco’s organic frozen vegetable packs are cheaper per pound than smaller grocery store bags, with price differences often exceeding 25 percent. Options like broccoli, mixed vegetables, and green beans are flash-frozen to retain nutrients. The larger bags allow buyers to cook only what they need, reducing food waste. Stored properly in the freezer, they last up to a year without quality loss.
19. Avocados
Bulk bags of avocados at Costco can reduce the per-unit price by as much as 30 percent compared to grocery store pricing. While they ripen quickly, refrigeration after they reach peak ripeness extends their usability by several days. For longer storage, avocados can be mashed and frozen in airtight containers. This makes them a cost-effective choice for households that use them frequently in salads, sandwiches, or spreads.
20. Snacks and Chips
Large bags of tortilla chips, pretzels, and snack mixes at Costco have a much lower cost per ounce than supermarket versions. The bigger packaging is suitable for parties, lunch packing, or long-term snacking. To maintain freshness, reseal bags tightly or transfer to airtight containers. Bulk buying not only reduces cost but also minimizes the packaging waste from multiple smaller purchases.
21. Cooking Oils in Bulk
Gallon-sized bottles of oils such as vegetable, canola, and avocado oil from Costco can be 25 to 40 percent cheaper per ounce than grocery store bottles. Bulk quantities are especially economical for households that cook daily or for large families. Proper storage in a cool, dark place prevents oxidation and extends shelf life. The larger containers can also be decanted into smaller bottles for easier handling in the kitchen.
22. Honey
Costco’s large containers of pure honey often cost significantly less than smaller bottles of equal quality from supermarkets. Since honey has a near-unlimited shelf life when stored properly, buying in bulk carries no risk of spoilage. It can be used for sweetening drinks, baking, or as a natural remedy, making it a multi-use purchase that offers ongoing savings.
23. Nuts
Bulk containers of almonds, cashews, or mixed nuts from Costco often sell for 30 percent or more below the per-pound cost at grocery stores. Because nuts can go rancid over time, refrigeration or freezing is recommended for long-term freshness. Buying in bulk is especially economical for households that use nuts for snacks, baking, or cooking.
24. Organic Spinach and Salad Mixes
Costco’s large tubs of organic spinach and mixed greens cost less per ounce than small clamshell packs at grocery stores, sometimes by more than half. These greens are pre-washed, saving prep time. To extend freshness, store them with a dry paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture. This reduces spoilage and maximizes the value of the bulk purchase.
25. Baking Supplies
Bulk bags of flour, sugar, chocolate chips, and other baking staples at Costco are priced well below grocery store equivalents. The cost per pound is often 20 to 40 percent less. Since these items have long shelf lives, they can be stored for months in airtight containers. Buying in bulk is particularly cost-effective for frequent bakers or households that cook from scratch.
Read More: Think Twice Before Buying These 12 Costco Canned Foods
Disclaimer: This article was created with AI assistance and edited by a human for accuracy and clarity.
