We really like the Kirkland brand liquid laundry detergent, the one that’s unscented and good in high-efficiency machines. I must use less than the recommended amount because it lasts forever, but it still does a great job with no obnoxious lingering faux-floral stench. And the kitchen trash bags! It’s just two of us, and we typically put out just one bag a week what with recycling and municipal compost pickup and Ridwell, so a box of those lasts us close to 2 years.
I pay for my membership with what I save on Culturelle and CoQ-10, but I have to say some of your listed items are cheaper at Wegman’s. What can I not resist at Costco? Those street taco kits, walnuts (so cheap and super fresh), chicken tenders, and of course their rotisserie chicken and tuxedo cake (now that’s a balanced meal). Otherwise, for just us two empty nesters, most package sizes are too much for us to consume. But thanks for some of those suggestions, which I will try next time!
Shopping in bulk is definitely not ideal for two empty nesters -- although my Grandmother would go in on bulk paper items with her girlfriends, which was so cute. I'm sorry you don't have good produce at your Costco. So lame! I've never had any issues with produce, besides the occasional too-green banana bunches. And now...I'm craving cake.
PS I find Costco’s produce dry and not so fresh. Me, I’m a Wegman’s girl. I pass three other supermarkets on my weekly 35-40 minute drive to get there.
We just got rid of our Costco membership at the start of the year. I love the company, but the problem was the size of the items. Like, if you try something that looks good, it's $10. If your husband or kids get all splurgy and bring home an extra crate of fruit or a million baked goods or you fall in love with Squishmallows... it was like the never ending money pit. We stocked up on our essentials and are taking a year off. I'm spending less, even though the individual items at my local grocery might cost more. Because I order online for pickup, and no one (including me) buys crap we don't need.
Eep! Seems like you made a good choice for your family. I would never recommend buying things you don't need; only buying the things you already use, and want to find for less money (and with fewer shopping trips). I can hardly think of a single thing we've randomly "tried" besides the frozen fruit, which worked out, and the mini spanikopita which ... well, we ate but probably will stick with Trader Joe's for those.
I hope this list gives people some guidance to save money. Not to let good food go to waste.
We are also a Costco family! Generic Claritin, Qtips, Kleenex, Orowheat white bread (the only bread my 19 year old will eat), Oreos, Ruffles, nuts, chocolate covered snacks, seaweed snacks, bacon crumbles, jarred peaches, ranch dressing, Olive Garden Italian dressing, calrose rice, EVOO, peanut butter (both creamy and crunchy because my two teenagers don't agree on much), croissant sausage breakfast sandwiches, mushrooms, tp, paper towels, batteries (we like the Kirkland - they're cheaper), pesto, salami, Aidele's sausages, half and half, eggs, butter, baked treats, clothes. Sadly we have to drive from OR to CA for booze but when we do ... booze!
It’s so interesting hearing some of the different things that may vary by region. I can’t recall ever seeing Olive Garden dressing, but maybe I didn’t look? We two are a split peanut butter household so I share your pain. Thank you for your recos Elizabeth!
I just joined Costco this year, first because I found out they DELIVER. (with a regular personal membership they do a 2-day delivery which is free if you spend at least $75) This doesn't include fresh or refrigerated foods, but if you want to spring for the the business level, you can get some of that delivered. For things like that 25 pound bag of Jasmine rice (wheeee!) it came right to my porch along with assorted cleaning products, toilet paper, and vitamins.
I was ready to join when I heard about their pro DEI stance, and when I found out about the free delivery, I was sold.
Don Pancho Cilantro Lime Crema Everything Sauce. In the refrigerated section. Great on steak, tacos, salad, and dip for artichokes or brussels sprouts. YUM!
Where do you have room to store it all?! Two person household here - I would love to find someone to share my membership with to avoid waste and make sure I am not drowning in toilet paper here!
(Although I just realized I should buy and donate extra stuff to local food pantries....)
The Prepper Closet is where we keep the paper goods and cases of soda, and we have a deep pantry for the rest. But to be clear -- we don't buy ALL of these things every trip! And we definitely need to negotiate for freezer space: "Kids, it's either the billion-pack of Eggos from Costco, or a bunch more pigs in a blanket from Trader Joe's"
When I lived in Houston, I got a CSA veggie box, lamb and eggs from a neighbor, and almost everything else from Costco and Trader Joe's. We had a WF about 2 blocks away for special things or last minute things. We moved to Australia 5 years ago, and it took me a long time to figure out how to shop. We do have a Costco about 30 minutes away, but it doesn't have all the things I'm used to and depended on. That said, my current Costco staples: toilet paper (I've always been a Kirkland TP girl), eggs, butter, peanut butter pretzel nuggets, chips, tortillas (hard to get good tortillas in Australia), produce (although now we're empty nesters so can't get through the big packages anymore), ground beef, lamb chops, chicken thighs, shredded rotisserie chicken (sold in 1kg packages here), Coke Zero, razors, pasta, sugar, flour, chocolate chips. Sadly they don't have the big bottles of advil and zyrtec here. It's a problem! We usually stock up when we're in the US but don't have a trip planned and we're running out of zyrtec! So now I get my usual groceries at the local supermarket and do stock up trips to Costco every couple months.
We don't buy the actual rotisserie chicken, but I buy the packaged shredded meat for super easy chicken salad, which is a staple in my house. I use half and freeze the other half for the next week.
I can use the whole package for making chili—real chili not the wimpy white chicken chili. It makes enough for 6-8 meals for both of us. I but the cans of chunk chicken for chicken salad since we don’t eat that much chicken salad.
I am hooked on the sugar-free Ricola lozenges. As a consultant, trainer, and public speaker I talk A LOT and these things keep me going. Even when just working on the computer I reach for them, lots better for my waist than regular snacking. Great article, thanks for sharing!
Honest question: do you still like it? It seems to me like it’s changed significantly since they sold it. The vodka sauce barely even had any cream in it. It was like a marinara.
I’ve never had the vodka sauce. I mainly but at Costco and mine only carries the marinara. I think it is still the best sauce and worth the Costco price.
Have you noticed the chicken breasts being “woody” and tough? Reddit is convinced it’s the chicken quality and not just being overcooked.
I can’t tell if it’s in my head now or a legit complaint. I tend to sous vide the chicken and it’s been pretty tender and shreddable.
I also get Kodiak pancake mix. We have a Friday “breakfast for dinner” tradition.
Veterinary pharmaceuticals…amazing. One of my two hounds of doom has allergies and takes apoquel for it. The person staffing the vet’s pharmacy told me they charge $800 for a two month supply and gave me a paper Rx, then recommended Costco. $60 for the same stash. Also, their bully sticks are amazing, and most of the dog treats are high quality and very affordable. Seasonal supplies…Halloween candy, boxed cards, gift wrap, decorations, ribbon…really high quality but priced crazy cheap. The boxed cards are stunning. If you are very very lucky you will find one of their combo boxes with blanks, birthday, sympathy, and other general cards. Fresh flowers. This week I got myself a bouquet of 2 dozen roses. $18, and they usually last more than two weeks. OTC meds. I get zyrtec, allegra, and mucinex. That alone pays for the membership and saves me an additional $350/year. I started saving myself money by buying organic milk - I’m single and was typically pouring most of my milk away because it was spoilt. Then I realized the sell by dates on organic milk are typically 2 months instead of 2 weeks. No more crying over spoilt milk. This area has a large south Asian population, so there are many Indian foods available at Costco. And then there are the pizza slices.
Welp, I became a new Costco member after the Target capitulation started, but as a household of two, it has been a bit overwhelming. But this week I used this post to order quite a number of things, so thank you for taking the time to share your recommendations!
Thank you so much for telling me Elisa, I’m so glad to help!
I stick with a list
skip the impulse purchases (Although those anthropology style bowls were super cute, I put them back on the shelf before checkout)
And make sure I am buying things we will actually eat and use as opposed for the “ Wishful shopping” 3 pounds of brussels sprouts that I know will not get eaten.
Also, be sure to check expiration dates. There are some things that are there because you don’t have that long to eat them.
We really like the Kirkland brand liquid laundry detergent, the one that’s unscented and good in high-efficiency machines. I must use less than the recommended amount because it lasts forever, but it still does a great job with no obnoxious lingering faux-floral stench. And the kitchen trash bags! It’s just two of us, and we typically put out just one bag a week what with recycling and municipal compost pickup and Ridwell, so a box of those lasts us close to 2 years.
The garbage bags save a fortune. (Just added to my cart!)
I pay for my membership with what I save on Culturelle and CoQ-10, but I have to say some of your listed items are cheaper at Wegman’s. What can I not resist at Costco? Those street taco kits, walnuts (so cheap and super fresh), chicken tenders, and of course their rotisserie chicken and tuxedo cake (now that’s a balanced meal). Otherwise, for just us two empty nesters, most package sizes are too much for us to consume. But thanks for some of those suggestions, which I will try next time!
Shopping in bulk is definitely not ideal for two empty nesters -- although my Grandmother would go in on bulk paper items with her girlfriends, which was so cute. I'm sorry you don't have good produce at your Costco. So lame! I've never had any issues with produce, besides the occasional too-green banana bunches. And now...I'm craving cake.
PS I find Costco’s produce dry and not so fresh. Me, I’m a Wegman’s girl. I pass three other supermarkets on my weekly 35-40 minute drive to get there.
We just got rid of our Costco membership at the start of the year. I love the company, but the problem was the size of the items. Like, if you try something that looks good, it's $10. If your husband or kids get all splurgy and bring home an extra crate of fruit or a million baked goods or you fall in love with Squishmallows... it was like the never ending money pit. We stocked up on our essentials and are taking a year off. I'm spending less, even though the individual items at my local grocery might cost more. Because I order online for pickup, and no one (including me) buys crap we don't need.
Eep! Seems like you made a good choice for your family. I would never recommend buying things you don't need; only buying the things you already use, and want to find for less money (and with fewer shopping trips). I can hardly think of a single thing we've randomly "tried" besides the frozen fruit, which worked out, and the mini spanikopita which ... well, we ate but probably will stick with Trader Joe's for those.
I hope this list gives people some guidance to save money. Not to let good food go to waste.
We are also a Costco family! Generic Claritin, Qtips, Kleenex, Orowheat white bread (the only bread my 19 year old will eat), Oreos, Ruffles, nuts, chocolate covered snacks, seaweed snacks, bacon crumbles, jarred peaches, ranch dressing, Olive Garden Italian dressing, calrose rice, EVOO, peanut butter (both creamy and crunchy because my two teenagers don't agree on much), croissant sausage breakfast sandwiches, mushrooms, tp, paper towels, batteries (we like the Kirkland - they're cheaper), pesto, salami, Aidele's sausages, half and half, eggs, butter, baked treats, clothes. Sadly we have to drive from OR to CA for booze but when we do ... booze!
It’s so interesting hearing some of the different things that may vary by region. I can’t recall ever seeing Olive Garden dressing, but maybe I didn’t look? We two are a split peanut butter household so I share your pain. Thank you for your recos Elizabeth!
Whyyyyyy don't they offer a two-pack with one crunchy and one creamy?? Million dollar idea!
BRILLIANT ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
We love the refried beans by the case - no bad oils!
I just joined Costco this year, first because I found out they DELIVER. (with a regular personal membership they do a 2-day delivery which is free if you spend at least $75) This doesn't include fresh or refrigerated foods, but if you want to spring for the the business level, you can get some of that delivered. For things like that 25 pound bag of Jasmine rice (wheeee!) it came right to my porch along with assorted cleaning products, toilet paper, and vitamins.
I was ready to join when I heard about their pro DEI stance, and when I found out about the free delivery, I was sold.
Great tip! We have used instacart for delivery but that sounds like a perfect option for lots of members.
Don Pancho Cilantro Lime Crema Everything Sauce. In the refrigerated section. Great on steak, tacos, salad, and dip for artichokes or brussels sprouts. YUM!
Oohhhh
P.S. I think it’s a seasonal item. But so, so good!
Also don't sleep on the clothes ;) ;) ;). Especially staples like socks and underwear!
Where do you have room to store it all?! Two person household here - I would love to find someone to share my membership with to avoid waste and make sure I am not drowning in toilet paper here!
(Although I just realized I should buy and donate extra stuff to local food pantries....)
The Prepper Closet is where we keep the paper goods and cases of soda, and we have a deep pantry for the rest. But to be clear -- we don't buy ALL of these things every trip! And we definitely need to negotiate for freezer space: "Kids, it's either the billion-pack of Eggos from Costco, or a bunch more pigs in a blanket from Trader Joe's"
CHEESES
When I lived in Houston, I got a CSA veggie box, lamb and eggs from a neighbor, and almost everything else from Costco and Trader Joe's. We had a WF about 2 blocks away for special things or last minute things. We moved to Australia 5 years ago, and it took me a long time to figure out how to shop. We do have a Costco about 30 minutes away, but it doesn't have all the things I'm used to and depended on. That said, my current Costco staples: toilet paper (I've always been a Kirkland TP girl), eggs, butter, peanut butter pretzel nuggets, chips, tortillas (hard to get good tortillas in Australia), produce (although now we're empty nesters so can't get through the big packages anymore), ground beef, lamb chops, chicken thighs, shredded rotisserie chicken (sold in 1kg packages here), Coke Zero, razors, pasta, sugar, flour, chocolate chips. Sadly they don't have the big bottles of advil and zyrtec here. It's a problem! We usually stock up when we're in the US but don't have a trip planned and we're running out of zyrtec! So now I get my usual groceries at the local supermarket and do stock up trips to Costco every couple months.
Thank you for all the good ideas. Everyone loves that rotisserie chicken!
We don't buy the actual rotisserie chicken, but I buy the packaged shredded meat for super easy chicken salad, which is a staple in my house. I use half and freeze the other half for the next week.
I’ve done that, too. So easy!
I can use the whole package for making chili—real chili not the wimpy white chicken chili. It makes enough for 6-8 meals for both of us. I but the cans of chunk chicken for chicken salad since we don’t eat that much chicken salad.
I have been a fan of Aussie lamb available at our Costco for $5/lb. A 5 lb lamb roast makes 3 meals for our family.
I am hooked on the sugar-free Ricola lozenges. As a consultant, trainer, and public speaker I talk A LOT and these things keep me going. Even when just working on the computer I reach for them, lots better for my waist than regular snacking. Great article, thanks for sharing!
That is a great tip, thanks Bryan!
We buy Rao’s brand pasta sauce. It is the best deal at Costco.
$11.99 for two 28oz jars that are $9.99 for one 24oz jar at the grocery store.
No other jarred sauce will do.
Honest question: do you still like it? It seems to me like it’s changed significantly since they sold it. The vodka sauce barely even had any cream in it. It was like a marinara.
I’ve never had the vodka sauce. I mainly but at Costco and mine only carries the marinara. I think it is still the best sauce and worth the Costco price.
Have you noticed the chicken breasts being “woody” and tough? Reddit is convinced it’s the chicken quality and not just being overcooked.
I can’t tell if it’s in my head now or a legit complaint. I tend to sous vide the chicken and it’s been pretty tender and shreddable.
I also get Kodiak pancake mix. We have a Friday “breakfast for dinner” tradition.
I love that tradition!
Veterinary pharmaceuticals…amazing. One of my two hounds of doom has allergies and takes apoquel for it. The person staffing the vet’s pharmacy told me they charge $800 for a two month supply and gave me a paper Rx, then recommended Costco. $60 for the same stash. Also, their bully sticks are amazing, and most of the dog treats are high quality and very affordable. Seasonal supplies…Halloween candy, boxed cards, gift wrap, decorations, ribbon…really high quality but priced crazy cheap. The boxed cards are stunning. If you are very very lucky you will find one of their combo boxes with blanks, birthday, sympathy, and other general cards. Fresh flowers. This week I got myself a bouquet of 2 dozen roses. $18, and they usually last more than two weeks. OTC meds. I get zyrtec, allegra, and mucinex. That alone pays for the membership and saves me an additional $350/year. I started saving myself money by buying organic milk - I’m single and was typically pouring most of my milk away because it was spoilt. Then I realized the sell by dates on organic milk are typically 2 months instead of 2 weeks. No more crying over spoilt milk. This area has a large south Asian population, so there are many Indian foods available at Costco. And then there are the pizza slices.
Kirkland pesto is THE BEST pesto.
Right? I mean it’s not like straight from the garden, but as far as store-bought, it’s pretty great!
Welp, I became a new Costco member after the Target capitulation started, but as a household of two, it has been a bit overwhelming. But this week I used this post to order quite a number of things, so thank you for taking the time to share your recommendations!
Thank you so much for telling me Elisa, I’m so glad to help!
I stick with a list
skip the impulse purchases (Although those anthropology style bowls were super cute, I put them back on the shelf before checkout)
And make sure I am buying things we will actually eat and use as opposed for the “ Wishful shopping” 3 pounds of brussels sprouts that I know will not get eaten.
Also, be sure to check expiration dates. There are some things that are there because you don’t have that long to eat them.
Let me know what you find and love!