13 Costco Items I Wish I'd Started Buying Years Sooner

Price: $19.99

I've sweated, melting chocolate over a double boiler, because I was sure scratch-made brownies were better than any boxed mix. This mix consistently delivers a delicious, fudgy texture with an enviable crackly top. Plus, you have melted chocolate chips scattered throughout.

Whether I'm bringing a dessert to a party or need a quick after-dinner treat, these deliver. You get six full batches for around $20.

Each Costco box includes six large pouches of mix made with Ghirardelli chocolate and a blend of semisweet, milk, and bittersweet chocolate chips for extra richness. The mix is Kosher and produces moist, chewy brownies with very little preparation beyond adding oil, water, and eggs. Many Costco shoppers consider it one of the warehouse's best baking values because each pouch makes a full pan that's ideal for parties, bake sales, or family gatherings. Reviews consistently praise the rich chocolate flavor and bakery-style texture.

Price: $24.62

I typically skip frozen fish, but these wild Alaskan salmon burgers are a major exception. Made from whole salmon fillets, they cook up quickly and taste great. Plus, each patty packs 20 grams of heart-healthy, omega-3-rich protein.

You can serve them on buns, over rice and veggies, or with a salad. Sometimes the freezer aisle holds lovely surprises.

Produced in Modena, Italy, this organic balsamic vinegar develops a balanced sweet-and-tangy flavor that's versatile enough for everyday cooking. Beyond marinades and salad dressings, it can be drizzled over roasted vegetables, strawberries, Parmesan cheese, grilled meats, or even vanilla ice cream for a traditional Italian-inspired dessert. Costco members frequently recommend it as a high-quality pantry staple because comparable imported balsamic vinegars from specialty food stores often cost considerably more for much smaller bottles.

Price: $44.99

Remember those tiny bottles of balsamic vinegar for ridiculous prices? This Kirkland version is sold at a great price, and it's made by the Italian company Acetum.

I use it in salad dressing (mixed with red wine vinegar) and almost every marinade. If I'm in a hurry, I sometimes pour balsamic vinegar on meat I plan to use later, and then add salt and spices when I'm ready to cook.

Price: $11.34

Quality vanilla extract is one of those small pleasures that enhances life in surprising ways. It's easy to overspend on a subpar product, but this one is excellent.

It's made from real imported vanilla beans and adds a rich caramel flavor and floral aroma. I don't bake as much as I used to, but I love it in cookies, muffins, and waffles when I do.

Pure vanilla extract is far more versatile than many home bakers realize. Along with cakes and cookies, it enhances oatmeal, smoothies, whipped cream, French toast, homemade ice cream, and even coffee drinks. Because it's made with real vanilla beans rather than artificial flavoring, a small amount adds noticeable depth to recipes. Costco's generous bottle offers excellent value compared with the much smaller bottles commonly sold at supermarkets, making it a smart purchase for frequent bakers.

Price: $9.64

I like having frozen blueberries in the freezer, and I used to pay more for a small bag of puny little berries. These berries are larger than other brands I've tried and are a great deal for three pounds.

Plus, unlike fresh berries that wrinkle and lose flavor quickly, these stay fresh because they are frozen at peak ripeness. I use them for smoothies, muffins, and snacking.

Frozen blueberries are a convenient way to enjoy fruit year-round without worrying about spoilage. They're also excellent for oatmeal, pancakes, yogurt parfaits, homemade sauces, and baked desserts. Because the berries are individually frozen, you can pour out only the amount you need while keeping the rest fresh in the freezer. Costco shoppers frequently praise the berries for their size, flavor, and consistent quality, especially compared with smaller, more expensive frozen fruit packages sold elsewhere.

Price: $18.19

These aren't the typical overprocessed nuggets you might expect to find in the freezer section. They're tasty chunks of chicken breast with a well-seasoned, light, crispy breading.

They're fully cooked and antibiotic-free, making them a reasonably healthy and high-protein option when you're in a rush. I like them on a salad or in a stir fry for a homemade version of sweet and spicy chicken. Four pounds gives me multiple meals.

The chicken cooks especially well in an air fryer, where the breading becomes crisp while the meat stays juicy. Beyond salads and stir-fries, the chunks are easy to use in wraps, grain bowls, pasta dishes, tacos, or homemade chicken sandwiches. Many Costco members compare them favorably to restaurant-style chicken bites because of their generous pieces of white meat and lighter coating. The large four-pound bag also offers excellent value for families or meal prepping multiple lunches.

Price: $14.99

The fact that maple syrup is the sap of a maple tree is one of life's wonders. It's a delicious sweetener that's also a whole food, with small amounts of calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

You get almost 34 ounces for about $15. Most people eat it with pancakes, but it's great in tea, marinades, over roasted veggies, or anywhere you want a hint of sweetness.

This USDA Organic maple syrup is Grade A and comes from Canadian maple trees, delivering a rich, balanced flavor without artificial ingredients. Besides breakfast favorites, it works well in homemade vinaigrettes, barbecue sauces, baked goods, oatmeal, and glazed carrots or sweet potatoes. Costco's large bottle typically costs less per ounce than similar organic maple syrups sold in standard grocery stores, making it an excellent pantry staple for anyone who enjoys cooking or baking.

Price: $74.99

I try to make sure my bedding is made of natural fibers like cotton. I used to scour the bedding aisle at Marshalls or Ross for a discounted, all-cotton sheet set, but Costco solved that.

These Kirkland sheets are made from California pima cotton. The 680 thread count is luxurious, soft, and breathable. Plus, it has reinforced elastic corners that grip the mattress and stay put all night.

Pima cotton is known for its extra-long fibers, which help create fabric that's smooth, durable, and resistant to pilling over time. The fitted sheet is designed to accommodate deeper mattresses, making it a practical choice for many modern pillow-top and memory foam beds. Customers frequently praise these sheets for their hotel-like feel, softness after repeated washing, and long-lasting construction. Comparable Pima cotton sheet sets from premium bedding brands often sell for significantly more than Costco's Kirkland Signature version.

Price: $18.99

I'm trying to eat more fish, and convenience and taste are big factors in that, but this brand of tuna costs $18 for a pack of four at my local Walmart. At Costco, you get six cans for about $19.

If you haven't tried this brand yet, it's not the shredded brown fish you usually see. These are solid chunks of pole and line-caught albacore tuna.

Wild Planet packs the tuna with minimal processing to preserve its naturally firm texture and clean flavor. The tuna works well in sandwiches, salads, grain bowls, pasta dishes, wraps, and casseroles, making it a versatile pantry staple for quick meals. Many shoppers appreciate the larger solid pieces compared with conventional canned tuna, along with the brand's commitment to pole-and-line fishing practices. Buying the six-pack at Costco also provides a lower per-can cost than many traditional grocery retailers.

Smart Drivers, Smarter Savings.

Compare car insurance rates in Ohio

See if lower rates are available

Currently Insured?

Yes

No

Multiple Cars?

Yes

No

Homeowner

Yes

No

Age

30-39

• 18-29
• 30-39
• 40-49
• 50-59
• 60-69
• 70-79
• 80+

Compare Quotes

By clicking the button above, I understand and agree that this site uses site visit recording technology (provided by Trusted Form, Jornaya, and Microsoft Clarity) Privacy Policy

Smart Drivers, Smarter Savings.

Great News! We’ve located some excellent quote options just for you.

Where can we send you info and recommendations?

Enter Email

Bundle Home & Auto to Save More?

Yes

No

Active Military?

No

Yes

Compare Quotes

By clicking the button above, I understand and agree that this site uses site visit recording technology (provided by Trusted Form, Jornaya, and Microsoft Clarity) Privacy Policy

Price: $27.99

Many health professionals say that olive oil is a good choice. I really love it in my homemade salad dressing, but it's expensive.

This two-liter bottle of genuine first-cold-pressed Italian olive oil is a great deal. Especially since it comes with full traceability from the grove to the bottle. It tastes every bit as good as oils costing twice as much.

The traceability program allows shoppers to verify the oil's origin, offering additional confidence in its authenticity. Its balanced flavor works well for salad dressings, dipping bread, roasting vegetables, sautéing meats, and finishing pasta dishes. Extra virgin olive oil is valued for its naturally occurring antioxidants and monounsaturated fats, making it a staple in many Mediterranean-style eating patterns. Costco members regularly recommend this bottle because premium Italian olive oils with similar sourcing often cost substantially more elsewhere.

Price: $17.99

Nothing makes me happier than when something I love to eat is also good for me. I recently learned that pistachios are rich in prebiotic fiber, which promotes healthy gut bacteria.

This 3-pound bag puts healthy snacking in my price range. These are U.S. Extra #1 grade nuts, dry roasted with no added oils. I wish I'd discovered this bulk option years ago instead of convincing myself I didn't need pistachios.

Leaving the shells on naturally encourages slower snacking, which many people find helps with portion control. Pistachios also pair well with cheese boards, yogurt, oatmeal, salads, and homemade trail mix in addition to being enjoyed straight from the bag. Dry roasting enhances the nutty flavor without requiring added oils. Costco shoppers frequently praise the freshness, generous bag size, and value, especially compared with much smaller packages sold at conventional grocery stores.

Price: $18.49

Is grass-fed butter better? I can't answer that, but I can tell you I love the golden hue and rich flavor of this butter. It makes the smaller packages of grass-fed butter I used to buy look absurdly expensive.

I keep this four-pack handy for toast, baking, and even making ghee at a fraction of store-bought prices. I also love the Kirkland Signature Grass-Fed Butter from New Zealand.

Kerrygold butter is made from the milk of grass-fed Irish cows, giving it a naturally rich taste and distinctive golden color. It spreads beautifully on warm bread and performs well in cookies, pie crusts, sauces, mashed potatoes, and sautéed vegetables. Many home bakers also prefer it for laminated pastries because of its rich flavor. Costco's four-pack typically costs less per pound than purchasing individual Kerrygold blocks at traditional grocery stores, making it an excellent value for frequent cooks and bakers.

Price: $11.34

I admit to dreaming of planting basil to create pesto fresh from my garden. Outside of that, this is an excellent alternative.

This 22-ounce jar is made with 100% Italian DOP Genovese basil and my favorite bottled pesto. Use it for pasta, flatbreads, to add flair to soups or sandwiches, or to give new life to chicken. It's amazing what you can do with good ingredients on hand.

The pesto also contains extra virgin olive oil, Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses, pine nuts, and garlic, creating a fresh, herbaceous flavor that's remarkably close to homemade. Besides pasta, try stirring it into scrambled eggs, spreading it on grilled cheese sandwiches, tossing it with roasted vegetables, or spooning it over grilled fish. Costco shoppers consistently rank this as one of the warehouse's standout refrigerated products because of its authentic ingredients and value compared with smaller jars sold at specialty grocery stores.

These discoveries allow you to stock up on high-quality staples and save more money on groceries without sacrificing quality. Did you know that many Kirkland Signature products are made by the same manufacturers as the name brands you've been paying premium prices for? 

By buying select items from Costco, you aren't settling for less. You're getting the same quality at a better price point. Sometimes the best-kept secret is hiding in plain sight.

Not every warehouse purchase is a bargain, but choosing products with consistently strong customer reviews and excellent value can help you get more from your membership. Staples like quality olive oil, frozen fruit, seafood, pantry ingredients, and household essentials often provide meaningful savings over time, especially when compared with buying smaller packages elsewhere. Exploring new Costco products each visit can also uncover favorites that make everyday cooking easier while helping you stretch your grocery budget further.

​​