10 Costco Essentials That Won't Spoil But Will Save You Money

A Costco membership gives you access to bulk and discount purchases that can help you save money on groceries and other items.

However, some people may find they can't take advantage of bulk deals on perishables because the items spoil before they use them.

Fortunately, there are other bulk purchases at Costco that never go bad, or that take a long time to spoil. These items can be far cheaper at Costco than at other stores.

Here are some must-have items you should consider picking up on your next Costco run.

We all need trash bags, so why not buy a big box of them that can last you a month or more? You can find 13-gallon garbage bags in a quantity of 200 with Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand priced at $21.49.

Olive oil is a must for many people, and high-quality, organic extra virgin olive oil is often priced right at Costco.

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.

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.

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 a number of the 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.

If you want to stock your pantry with high-quality canned goods priced right, 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 organic as well.

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.

Pro tip: If you’re unsure of whether an item costs less at Costco than at your local store, do a quick comparison online between the two retailers and use the per-unit price for comparison.

A great Costco hack is to buy gift cards at the retailer for a discounted price.

While you are visiting the warehouse, pick up gift cards to places you know you're going to 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 Panda Express 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.

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.

You don’t have to be a big-time baker to appreciate the high quality and competitive price of the 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.

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 brands in honey, including manuka honey, which is a non-GMO product that’s also glyphosate-free.

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 are not going to 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.