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16 Thrifty Costco Deals To Start the New Year With a Full Pantry (And Wallet)

Savvy shoppers start the new year with a stocked pantry but stay under budget.

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Updated Jan. 3, 2025
Fact checked

Holiday shopping might take a toll on your bank account, but even though your budget is stretched, you still need to pack your pantry with groceries to start the new year. Don’t worry about breaking the bank — we can help you to save money at Costco.

These bargain-priced buys from the warehouse club will save you extra trips into the cold winter weather and ensure you have everything to start the year fully stocked.

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

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Pierre Cheese Sables Party Assortment

pierre cheese sables party assortment

Price: $7.97

The holidays are over. But that doesn’t mean you’re done planning parties. This 1.32-pound box of cheese-flavored crackers and buttery crisps is perfect for winter gatherings — or snacking. Add the biscuits to a charcuterie tray or pair them with your favorite fruit spread.

Unreal Dark Chocolate Coconut Minis

unreal dark chocolate coconut minis

Price: $12.99

Snack smarter in the new year. If you have a holiday candy hangover, these minis are the perfect alternative to overly sweet treats. 

Made from Fair Trade dark chocolate, organic coconut, and organic cassava syrup, the gluten, dairy, and soy-free non-GMO bars have over 50 percent less sugar than similar products.

Don’t worry about sacrificing taste — Costco shoppers rave about the flavor. Redditor Joyous_catley wrote, “The coconut ones have ruined me. I will never eat Mounds or Almond Joy again.”

Kirkland Almond Butter

kirkland almond butter

Price: $7.49

Start your new year’s health resolutions with this protein-packed nut butter. A massive 27-ounce jar of this almond-packed pick is less than $7.50 right now — and it’s possible you could score an even better deal.

We spotted the 1.68-pound container for $5.99 at a Local Costco store. A smaller 12-ounce size of Justin’s Classic Almond Butter sells for $7.69 at Target.

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Starbucks Organic Winter Blend Coffee

starbucks organic winter blend coffee

Price: $21.99

Skip pricey barista blends and brew your own Sbucks at home. Get 2.5 pounds of the 100 percent Arabica bean medium roast for less than $22 at Costco.

Customer sekhmet raved, “It is exceptional. I use it in my espresso machine…the taste is just fantastic — very strong with a kick.”

Kirkland Organic Tomato Sauce

kirkland organic tomato sauce

Price: $11.99

The winter weather makes you want to stay inside where it’s warm. With this 12-count of 15-ounce cans, you won’t have to go out for meals. Whip up a savory spaghetti dinner, eggplant parmesan, lasagna, or a hearty stew. The USDA organic California Roma tomatoes give this sauce a fresh, zesty flavor. And bonus, the price is just right.

The same 12-piece quantity you can get for $11.99 at Costco would cost over $16 at the other superstore retailer.

Kirkland Organic Chicken Stock

kirkland organic chicken stock

Price: $11.99

Nothing says warm and cozy comfort food like a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup. If you don’t have time to make stock from scratch, Costco’s Kirkland brand can help.

Snag a bulk buy box of six 32-ounce cartons for under $12. You could get a better deal in your local store. We found this USDA organic stock for $8.99.

Craize Sweet Corn Crisps

craize sweet corn crisps

Price: $7.99

Is your New Year’s resolution to eat better? Greasy chips and fatty French fries aren’t on a nutritious snacking menu. These crisps, made with simple ingredients like corn flour, olive oil, and sea salt, are a healthier alternative.

Get a 14-ounce bag of crackers for $7.99 this year. Craize sells four-ounce pouches for $4.99 on the brand’s website. You would pay over $17 at this price to get Costco’s size.

Wild Mushroom Company Dried Gourmet Mushrooms

dried gourmet mushrooms

Price: $13.99

Add this mix of mushrooms to soups, stews, omelets, roasts, marinated chicken recipes, and more. The 12-ounce container is a bargain for under $14. Four ounces of Northwest Wild Foods Dried Wild Mushroom Mix costs $29.99 online.

Kirkland Sea Salt

kirkland sea salt

Price: $3.99

Sea salt is a staple that should be in every pantry. If the only salt in your home this winter is the kind that goes onto the driveway, pick up a pack of this Kirkland generic ASAP.

Don’t overspend on fancy “gourmet” seasonings. Save money and score this 30-ounce container for less than $4. A 19.4-ounce jar from Williams Sonoma costs $14.95.

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.

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Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate

swiss miss hot chocolate

Price: $7.99

Curl up on the couch with a steaming cup of cocoa, or take these packets on your next ski trip. The classic hot chocolate is back in stock — and you can nab a 50-count box for under $8.

Target sells an eight-pack of the same item for $2.99. That equals over $18.50 for 50 of the eight-ounce pouches.

Kirkland Microwave Popcorn

kirkland microwave popcorn

Price: $16.99

Now that the holidays are over, you’re ready to rest and relax at home. Add a 44-count box of Costco’s store-brand microwave popcorn for a movie night in. The butter flavor is a popular pick.

Costco shopper Davidesales gave the Kirkland generic five stars: “This is the best tasting microwave popcorn I have ever eaten.”

Nature’s Bakery Organic Oatmeal Crumble

natures bakery organic oatmeal crumble

Price: $13.69

Donuts and toaster pastries won’t help your New Year’s resolution to eat healthier, so swap these out for this organic option.

The bulk buy box includes 12 strawberry and 12 apple flavors. Pop a pack into your purse for a quick breakfast on the go, or take a few on your next winter road trip.

Paradise Green Peas With Garlic Slices

paradise green peas with garlic sauce

Price: $9.99

Are you looking for something different to stock your pantry with in the new year? These savory dried veggies are packed with fiber and protein, making them a healthier (and tastier) alternative to chips.

Redditor teenhamodic praised this snack, “They have such a satisfying crunch and remind me of the wasabi peas from the Asian markets.”

Snapdragon Pho

snapdragon pho

Price: $14.99

Make a steaming bowl of this beef-flavored noodle soup to take the winter chill away. For under $15, you’ll get nine of the 2.7-ounce bowls.

Costco customers have only good things to say about the quality and the cost. Shopper Vicki wrote a glowing review, “A quick, filling, and delicious pho bowl that makes for a satisfying lunch or hearty snack. The aroma from cooking the bow makes your mouth water in anticipation.”

Barilla Thin Spaghetti

barilla thin spaghetti

Price: $9.99

This four-pack of two-pound boxes equals a whopping eight pounds of pasta. That’s more than enough to feed your family in the winter months. Cook the noodles and add in your favorite marinara, pesto, or a rich, creamy alfredo sauce.

One pound of Barilla’s thin spaghetti costs $1.99 at Target. You’ll pay almost $16 to get the same quantity Costco sells for $9.99.

Crisp Power Protein Pretzels

crisp power protein pretzels

Price: $7.99

Pass on plain pretzels and add this healthier option to your New Year’s snacking routine. Each pack contains 16 grams of protein. But that’s not all. These pretzels are also fiber-rich and low in carbs, making them an ideal alternative to sweet, salty, and greasy treats.

Bottom line

Alfonsodetomas/Adobe costco logo

Stock up on these pantry picks right now and fill your kitchen with plenty of flavorful finds.

Costco’s low prices aren’t the only way to save money. Use the best cash back credit cards to earn perks, points, and other rewards on eligible purchases in the new year.

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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

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Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

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