It can be tough to come by corporations that actually work to be ethical, but Costco has managed to stand out from the crowd.
The retailer actively works to keep prices down and can help you keep more money in your wallet pretty consistently. That’s why we legitimately enjoy making our regular Costco run for household staples.
Here’s what ends up in our cart every time, no matter what we're looking for.
Earn 2% cash rewards at grocery stores and Costco
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card(Rates and fees) is a powerful rewards card that allows you to earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases — including on groceries, even at warehouse stores like Costco.
New cardholders can also earn a one-time cash rewards bonus — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months!
If you’re looking for a powerful rewards card that offers an extended intro APR period, look no further, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card checks that box too!
This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable). Which is great for someone who wants a break from high interest rates, while still earning rewards.
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Click here to apply for the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card now.
Hot dog combo
Arguably Costco’s most famous offering, and one of many great Costco hacks, the $1.50 all-beef hot dog and soda combo has been $1.50 since its debut back in 1984.
We like to start out by having one at the food court to avoid shopping on an empty stomach. This can help save money, as you’ll be less inclined to impulse buy.
Toilet paper
Whether you opt for the Kirkland option or another brand, you can’t beat the price of toilet paper at Costco.
We particularly like the 30-pack of Kirkland toilet paper, which is a solid deal at under $25. It helps that the paper isn’t chintzy and won’t fall apart.
Paper towels
If the store-brand toilet paper at Costco is good, it stands to reason that the paper towels are as well.
To that end, you can snag a 12-pack of the stuff for nearly the same price as the toilet paper. That’s a much better bang for your buck than what you’ll find at any regular grocery store.
Stop overpaying when you shop online at Costco
Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.
Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.
Capital One Shopping is free to use and won't show you ads. Add it today and stop overpaying!1
Garbage bags
Continuing with the staples everyone needs at home, the Kirkland box of 200 garbage bags always makes it into our cart.
We prefer the scented option — which is pleasant without knocking you over. A box will set you back just over $20, and there’s a good extra-large option if you need it.
Supplements
Given that we take a multivitamin daily, buying this product in bulk makes sense. Fortunately, Costco carries a huge variety of supplements, all at reasonable prices.
You can opt for Kirkland products, but the retailer also carries supplements made by other trusted brands.
Trending Stories
Cat Litter
While this item can be a bit tough to wrangle into your cart, the 42-pound bag of Scoop Away cat litter is worth the hassle.
Two boxes are included for $27.99, but it does a good job of clumping and sealing in odors. It’s also pretty good at not generating too much dust when you pour it into the box.
Dishwasher detergent
Doing dishes is certainly not our favorite household task, but they have to get done anyway. This makes us all the more grateful for having a dishwasher.
We also prefer dishwasher pods for the same reason, which is why we buy the box of 90 Cascade Complete pods for around $20 every time we go to Costco.
24-pack of sparkling water
There’s a reason more and more people are ditching regular soda in favor of sparkling water: It gives you the same carbonated pleasure without all of the sugar or additives.
We’re fans of the 24-count variety pack of Lacroix at Costco, which offers lemon, lime, and grapefruit flavors.
Coconut water
If you’re ultra-committed to your hydration, you know that sometimes regular water isn’t going to cut it, especially if you’re someone who works out frequently.
Since we do daily, it’s always good to have a 12-pack of Kirkland coconut water nearby. That way, you can replenish what you lose in your sweat while out for a run. And at around $13, that’s a serious steal, too.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Kirkland vodka
Sometimes we’re more focused on having a good time or entertaining than hydrating. That’s why we always buy the handle of Kirkland vodka when we’re at Costco.
It may be bulk liquor, but it’s good enough to spur rumors that it’s the same as Grey Goose — a high compliment indeed.
Coffee
America’s love affair with coffee is well-documented, and it’s certainly popular with us. When we’re feeling cheap, we opt for the three-pound can of Kirkland’s ground Colombian coffee for around $15.
When we’re feeling bougie, we’ll splurge on the two-pack of two-pound bags of Mayorga Cafe beans and grind them at the front of the store.
Soy milk
We go through a lot of Costco’s organic soy milk at home. We use it in our coffee, cereal, morning smoothie, and when we bake.
Fortunately, Costco sells soy milk in a 12-pack of 32-ounce containers, all for around $18. If that’s not your jam, they also have good deals on almond and oat milk.
Peanut butter pretzels
It’s hard to find a snack that manages to be tasty and satisfying while also having a relatively decent nutritional profile.
Enter the almighty Kirkland peanut butter-filled pretzel nuggets, which come in a 55-ounce container for around $12.
These crunchy and addictive treats have 130 calories per serving (8 nuggets) with one gram of fiber and four grams of protein.
Cage-free eggs
Last but not least on our list is Costco’s cage-free eggs. We always try to get the organic versions with the brown shells, though that’s just our peckish preference at work.
The cost for two dozen eggs will vary depending on your store, but it’s reasonable for good-quality stuff.
Bottom line
Costco is known essentially for one thing: Selling a wide variety of high-quality products while helping its members save on groceries. That’s why we return to Costco time and time again for food and household staples.
However, it can also be worth it to stray and try a new product once in a while, especially if you have a great cash-back credit card in your wallet.
Given how hard it is for entrepreneurs to get their offerings sold at the big box juggernaut, you know it will at least be worth a shot.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.
Author Details