Costco gives you access to bulk and discount purchases that can help you unlock the true value of your membership. However, some people don't love shopping in bulk because perishable items can spoil quicker than they can enjoy them.
That's why we've come up with a list of must-have items you should definitely consider picking up on your next Costco run that won't spoil but will absolutely save you money.
Editor's Note: Prices may vary by location and can change over time.
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Garbage bags
![13-gallon trash bags Costco](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/02/15/13-gallon-trash-bags-costco.jpg)
We all need trash bags, so why not buy a big box of them that can last you a month or more?
You can buy 200 13-gallon garbage bags with Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand, which is normally priced at $19.99.
Olive oil
![Tre two-liter olive oil Costco](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/02/15/tre-two-liter-olive-oil-costco.jpg)
Olive oil is a must for many people, and high-quality, organic extra virgin olive oil is often priced right at Costco. A 2-liter Kirkland Signature brand bottle costs $25.99.
You’ll find a number of olive oil options, including some that are cold-pressed to ensure freshness. Others can be traced to Italy, which means you know where the olives are coming from and that they're high in quality.
Oatmeal
![Quaker Oats old-fashioned oatmeal Costco](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/02/15/quaker-oats-old-fashioned-oatmeal-costco.jpg)
Costco carries oatmeal products in both individual servings and much larger containers.
Buying oatmeal in bulk is likely to save you money on a breakfast food that can last a long time. And don’t overlook the breakfast cereal deals Costco offers as well.
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Coffee
![Kirkland Signature Colombian coffee Costco](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/02/15/kirkland-signature-colombian-coffee-costco.jpg)
Whether you prefer K-cups or a big container of coffee beans, Costco offers both. In addition to coffee, you can also pick up a variety of creamers to go with it.
The store stocks several big coffee brands, including Tim Hortons, Starbucks, and Folgers. If you want to save even more, consider the well-respected line of Kirkland Signature coffee products.
Canned foods
![Bumble bee Albacore tuna Costco](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/02/15/bumble-bee-albacore-tuna-costco.jpg)
If you want to stock your pantry with high-quality canned goods at a reasonable price, check out the wide range of products available at Costco.
Favorites include Kirkland Signature-brand chicken breast, green beans, albacore and light tuna, and a lot of beans. Many of Costco’s canned products are also organic.
Laundry supplies
![Kirkland Signature laundy pacs Costco](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/02/15/kirkland-signature-laundry-pacs-costco.jpg)
From Tide to Kirkland Signature products, Costco has a huge lineup of laundry supplies.
The retailer often carries bundles or larger-than-normal sizes that help reduce your cost. This is especially true with laundry supplies since everyone has to do laundry, and you're not very likely to have to throw any out because you didn't use them up.
Gift cards
![Cinemark gift card Costco](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/02/15/cinemark-gift-card-costco.jpg)
Another great Costco hack is to buy gift cards at the retailer for a discounted price.
While you are at the warehouse, pick up gift cards to places you know you'll visit in the future. For example, Costco offers a range of restaurant gift cards, often at great prices below the face value of the card.
Looking for two $50 gift cards to Macaroni Grill for just under $80 total? You'll find them at Costco. You can also find discounted movie, travel, and retail gift cards, among other types.
Diapers
![Kirkland Signature diapers Costco](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/02/15/kirkland-signature-diapers-costco.jpg)
If you're a new parent, you already know that you can't have enough diapers and wipes. Buying in bulk can help you save money.
You can find a range of brands at Costco, including the Kirkland Signature brand, which can be much cheaper than name brands. You may want to check out the discounts on baby formula Costco offers too.
Vanilla
![Pure vanilla extract Costco](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/02/15/pure-vanilla-extract-costco.jpg)
You don’t have to be a big-time baker to appreciate the high quality and competitive price of pure vanilla extract at Costco.
This is a natural extract and not vanilla flavoring, so you’re getting the true flavor straight from the bean.
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.
Maple syrup and honey
![Kirkland Signature wildflower honey Costco](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/02/15/kirkland-signature-wildflower-honey-costco.jpg)
Kirkland Signature Organic Pure Maple Syrup has a great reputation among shoppers thanks to its pure Grade A amber-rich quality.
Costco also stocks some of the best honey brands, including manuka honey, a non-GMO product that’s also glyphosate-free.
Bottom line
![Costco membership card](https://cdn.financebuzz.com/filters:quality(75)/images/2023/02/01/costco_membership_card.jpg)
Shopping at Costco is an excellent way to fill up your pantry. That way, you don’t have to think about heading to the store as often.
Buying items in bulk that last a long time also offers the chance to save substantially. These items will not go bad in the near future.
So grab one of the top credit cards for Costco shoppers and look for everyday items that can help you save.
More from FinanceBuzz:
- 7 things to do if you’re barely scraping by financially.
- Are you a homeowner? Get a protection plan on all your appliances.
- 6 genius hacks Costco shoppers should know.
- Learn how you can escape the paycheck-to-paycheck grind.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
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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. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% 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.