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9 Items I Never Leave Costco Without (They're All Under $20)

These go-to Costco items prove you don't need to spend big to stock up smart.

Costco Items I Never Leave Without Featured Image
Updated July 2, 2025
Fact checked

Every Costco member has that set list of things they have to get each time they go to their favorite store.

Sometimes, the best Costco shopping hacks include snacks or household items you can't live without, or maybe you like trying new things that become pantry staples. 

Here are the Costco items I always make sure are on my list and why you should add them to your cart the next time you head to the store.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

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Goldfish Crackers

Courtesy of Costco Costco Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Crackers

Price: $14.99

Costco has two options for Goldfish Crackers, but I prefer this pack of 45 pouches of crackers compared to the box with more than four pounds of crackers in three stay-fresh bags.

The pouches have proven to be an easy-to-grab snack that I like to throw into a backpack, purse, lunchbox, or even grab for a car ride when I leave the house.

Kirkland Signature Trail Mix

Courtesy of Costco Kirkland Signature Trail Mix

Price: $15.99

I prefer the 4-pound bag of Kirkland Signature Trail Mix rather than the box of snack packs.

It's a great way to get a small bowl of trail mix that I like to snack on while working at my desk when I need a quick bite — if I can get to it before the rest of the family eats it all. Buying this item in bulk is also a great way to save money shopping

Kirkland Signature Cheese Pizza

Courtesy of Costco Kirkland Signature Cheese Pizza

Price: $13.39

The Kirkland Signature Cheese Pizzas come in a box with four pizzas, and I can adapt them to make everyone in the family happy.

I'll usually grab a small package of pepperoni, some vegetables, and a bag of shredded mozzarella from my local grocery store so everyone in the family can customize their slices with their favorite toppings.

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Kirkland Signature Albacore Solid White Tuna

Courtesy of Costco Kirkland Signature Albacore Solid White Tuna

Price: $17.99

Tuna is a great pantry staple, so I try to keep some of the Kirkland Signature Albacore Solid White Tuna on hand.

I'll use several of the eight 7-ounce cans when I'm making a big batch of tuna salad for the family or add it to a noodle casserole for an easy dinner.

Seeds of Change Organic Quinoa and Brown Rice

Courtesy of Costco Seeds of Change Organic Quinoa and Brown Rice

Price: $14.99

I usually grab at least one box of the Seeds of Change Organic Quinoa and Brown Rice at Costco, which contains six 8.5-ounce pouches.

If I'm stuck on what to make as a side dish with chicken or fish, I can throw a pouch of the quinoa and brown rice mix into the microwave.

Cosmic Crisp Apples

Courtesy of Costco Cosmic Crisp Apples

Price: $6.19

I normally don't recommend buying produce at Costco because it could be hard to get through a bulk amount of fresh produce before it goes bad.

But my family loves eating apples, so the 4-pound bag of Cosmic Crisp Apples gets finished way before they start to rot, and it's a simple-to-grab, healthy snack.

Kirkland Signature Rotisserie Chicken

Courtesy of Costco Kirkland Signature Rotisserie Chicken

Price: $5.84

I always have space in my cart for a Kirkland Signature Rotisserie Chicken. I usually pick it up because it's an easy dinner option that night, but sometimes, I'll take it home to cut it apart and make my own chicken salad.

Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals

rh2010/Adobe happy women with shopping bags

July is in full swing, bringing the height of summer. That also means peak season for hot deals and unbeatable savings. Now’s the time to save big on:

  • Grills, coolers, and outdoor living upgrades
  • Travel must-haves for road trips and beach days
  • Swimwear and summer fashion
  • For grocery savings, grab seasonal produce like watermelon, peaches, and tomatoes

While you're enjoying the sunshine, retailers are quietly making room for back-to-school inventory. That makes July a prime opportunity to scoop up summer favorites while the deals are still blazing.

Kirkland Signature Organic Tortilla Chips

Courtesy of Costco Kirkland Signature Organic Tortilla Chips

Price: $7.79

The Kirkland Signature Organic Tortilla Chips are a good snack to have on hand, but I also like to use them for a tasty Nacho Night dinner.

I'll spread them on a sheet pan with some black beans, leftover rotisserie chicken, and cheese, and toss them in the oven for a few minutes.

Then, the family can decide what to put on top of their own nachos, such as salsa, guacamole, olives, and other toppings.

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Quick tips: How to save on your grocery bill

pawczar/Adobe woman buying fruits at grocery store

Grocery shopping doesn't have to break the bank when you use the right strategies. Here are three quick tips for reducing food expenses:

  • Buy store brands instead of name brands whenever possible.
  • Always make sure to compare unit prices, not just sticker prices.
  • Join your store's loyalty program so you don’t miss out on member discounts.

Even though something like choosing coupons in your grocery store app can feel like an annoying task, the savings can really add up.

Kirkland Signature Moisture Shampoo

Courtesy of Costco Kirkland Signature Moisture Shampoo

Price: $11.99

The Kirkland Signature Moisture Shampoo comes in a 33.8-ounce pump bottle, so it dispenses the right amount of shampoo every time, but it takes me a while to use it all.

I also usually grab a bottle of the Kirkland Signature Moisture Conditioner at the same time, so I'm stocked up on hair care.

Bottom line

Baharlou/Adobe costco wholesale store facade

Costco can be a great place to shop for special items or staples you pick up every time you visit.

But it can also be tempting to pick up some impulse purchases when you're shopping, so consider making a list before you go if you're on a tight budget and trying to save money on groceries.

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