Maximize Your Savings: The Ultimate Guide to 35+ Costco Must-Buys for Healthy, Whole Food Eating

The ultimate guide to Costco must-buy items that enable small families (yes, you don’t need to be feeding an army!) to effortlessly stock up on wholesome foods and maintain a healthy diet without breaking the bank.

As a savvy shopper, I’m always intrigued by what others prioritize at warehouse stores like Costco, which offer a more curated selection compared to sprawling traditional supermarkets. Are there hidden gems or incredible deals I’m overlooking? Which products truly offer superior value when purchased in bulk versus smaller quantities from a conventional grocery store?

My Costco runs are typically efficient – a “get in, get out” mission where samples are often bypassed (yes, you heard that right!). Given this focused approach, it’s essential to ensure every trip maximizes the value and healthy options the store has to offer.

However, a common observation is that many “favorite Costco buys” lists primarily feature snack foods. While delicious, a significant portion of these items are highly processed, regardless of their “healthy” marketing claims. Focusing solely on such items hardly justifies the annual membership fee.

Our philosophy centers around leveraging Costco for real, whole foods that form the foundation of nutritious, home-cooked meals. By prioritizing these essentials, the savings can be so substantial that they frequently offset the cost of an annual membership within a remarkably short period ($55/year for basic, $110/year for executive).

For our family, an executive membership is primarily paid for by the significant savings we accrue on gas. This strategic approach liberates us to take full advantage of Costco’s excellent food prices and quality without feeling pressured to overbuy or stock up excessively on every visit (more on the detailed math behind this later).

You absolutely do not need to be feeding a large family to benefit from Costco shopping. Our household, now a family of 2-3 with our children in college, finds immense value in these bulk purchases. The foods on this list are easily stored in the refrigerator, freezer, and pantry. Many items are conveniently packaged in smaller, separable units, and larger quantities are simple to repackage for individual needs.

Below, you’ll discover an extensive list of over 35 Costco must-buy items specifically curated for healthy kitchens. Our focus is squarely on real, whole foods, including fantastic organic options, designed to stretch your food budget whether you’re feeding a household of two or ten.

These are the staples we consistently purchase, and my hope is that you’ll uncover new favorites to add to your shopping list – perhaps even convincing you that a Costco membership is a worthwhile investment for your health and wallet.

Costco Must-Buy Items for a Healthy & Budget-Friendly Kitchen

Discovering smart choices at Costco can transform your grocery budget and elevate your home cooking. Here’s our comprehensive breakdown of essential items.

Baking & Pantry Staples

These foundational ingredients are essential for any well-stocked healthy kitchen, offering significant savings when purchased in bulk at Costco.

1. Pure Organic Maple Syrup – Finding high-quality, pure organic maple syrup at an affordable price can be a challenge, but Costco delivers exceptionally well. At less than $0.35 per ounce, this is arguably the most economical source for genuine, unadulterated maple syrup you’ll encounter anywhere. For those accustomed to artificial pancake syrups, making the switch to pure maple syrup is a culinary revelation. Its rich, nuanced flavor and natural sweetness elevate any dish, making it a far superior and healthier alternative to highly processed sugars. Maple syrup is a fantastic real-food sweetener, packed with beneficial antioxidants and essential minerals like manganese and zinc. We extensively use it in a variety of recipes, from savory mains like maple-mustard chicken (and even delightful maple-mustard bacon chicken bites) to wholesome breakfast staples like slow cooker apple butter. It also adds a natural, complex sweetness to homemade cranberry sauce and even special treats such as oatmeal chocolate-chip truffles. This bulk purchase ensures you always have a healthy, versatile sweetener on hand for all your culinary needs, from baking to dressings.

2. Honey – Whether you opt for Kirkland Signature Honey or their frequently available raw honey option, Costco offers excellent value. After past concerns regarding Kirkland honey’s origin, the company has implemented rigorous guarantees ensuring its authenticity and purity. This provides confidence when purchasing honey in bulk, especially when our supply of local honey from my brother-in-law runs low. Honey is a wonderful natural sweetener, rich in enzymes and antioxidants, making it a staple in our healthy kitchen. We incorporate it into recipes like homemade sweet chili sauce, lemon-flaxseed muffins, and chocolate peanut butter cups. It’s also crucial for making homemade honey mustard dressing and, of course, our daily granola.

3. Olive Oil – Costco’s organic olive oil is not only competitively priced but also of high quality, making it accessible for almost any budget. Given its role as a cornerstone of healthy cooking, especially for homemade dressings, you’ll find yourself using a significant amount. Making your own salad dressings, such as this versatile vinaigrette (4 ways), is so simple and flavorful that you’ll likely stop buying store-bought versions. Opting for a larger bottle, even for smaller households, translates into considerable long-term savings and ensures you always have this essential healthy fat on hand. Store in a cool, dark place to preserve its quality.

4. Pecans – Supermarket prices for pecans can be prohibitively expensive, making Costco’s bulk option an undeniable bargain. Pecans are incredibly versatile; they can be a delightful snack on their own or an enriching addition to both sweet and savory dishes. We frequently transform them into delicious, health-conscious snacks like maple-sweetened and spicy pecans or easy spiced nuts, which double as an excellent afternoon bite or a crunchy salad topper. Furthermore, they are a fantastic ingredient for baked goods, adding depth and texture to muffins and decadent desserts. To maintain freshness, store the large package in the refrigerator or freezer and retrieve only what you need.

5. Walnuts – Another freezer staple for our healthy kitchen, walnuts are a powerhouse of nutrition, particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These versatile nuts are perfect for baking indulgent treats like chocolate chip walnut pie, adding a wholesome crunch to no-fail zucchini bread, and enhancing the texture of soft chocolate chip cookies. Beyond baking, we incorporate a handful into our morning granola daily (lightly sweetened with honey & maple syrup!) and frequently feature them in fresh salads. Their numerous health benefits and versatility make them a must-buy at Costco.

6. Chia Seeds – If you’re looking to effortlessly incorporate these tiny, nutrient-dense powerhouse seeds into your daily diet, Costco is an excellent source for bulk purchases. Chia seeds are renowned for their high fiber, omega-3 fatty acid, and protein content, making them a fantastic addition to various meals. In our household, we primarily add them to our homemade granola and certain baked goods, meaning a single bag can last us almost two months. Remember to store chia seeds in the refrigerator to prolong their freshness and nutritional integrity.

7. Hemp Seeds (Hemp Hearts) – We’ve recently integrated hemp seeds into our morning granola, not just for their impressive health benefits – including a complete protein profile and rich omega-3s – but also because of their delightful, slightly nutty flavor. Their versatility extends beyond granola; I also enjoy adding them to smoothies, where I find their texture and taste more appealing than chia seeds. This bulk option from Costco makes incorporating this nutritious superfood into your diet both easy and economical.

8. Pure Vanilla Extract – The large bottles of pure vanilla extract available at Costco represent significant savings compared to the smaller, often pricier bottles found in regular supermarkets. Beyond the cost-effectiveness, the quality of Costco’s vanilla is consistently superior, offering a rich, authentic flavor that elevates any recipe. Stored properly in a cupboard, this large bottle will last a long time, ensuring you never run out of this essential baking ingredient. Pure vanilla is precisely what makes simple recipes, like this 4-ingredient homemade chocolate syrup, truly exceptional.

9. Yeast – Purchasing yeast in small, individual packets from traditional grocery stores is considerably more expensive than buying it in bulk. Costco’s large package of yeast, priced at less than $0.15 per ounce, offers incredible value. This generous supply empowers you to bake your own fresh bread and doughs frequently, without worrying about the cost. You can indulge your passion for baking with recipes like easy whole wheat sandwich bread, rustic artisan bread, and quick no-wait pizza crusts to your heart’s desire. The best part? This bulk yeast stays fresh for an extended period when stored in your freezer, making it a smart, long-term investment for any home baker.

10. Coarse Ground Black Pepper – A true culinary essential, coarse ground black pepper offers a bolder, more pungent flavor profile than finely ground varieties, and Costco provides an excellent price point for this hard-to-find option. I personally prefer cooking with coarse ground pepper because it creates less “dust” that can induce sneezing and delivers a more distinct pepper flavor in dishes. If your preference leans towards a finer grind, Costco also offers that option, ensuring everyone can find their perfect black pepper. This bulk purchase means you’ll always have high-quality pepper on hand for seasoning everything from meats to vegetables.

11. Kirkland’s Ground Saigon Cinnamon – Revered in the culinary community for its potent and aromatic flavor, Kirkland Signature Ground Saigon Cinnamon is an exceptional deal at Costco, often priced incredibly low. This robust cinnamon is a staple in our kitchen, and at such a value, I feel comfortable using a tablespoon or more in our homemade granola daily. Did you know that cinnamon is also incredibly healthy, offering anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties? Its distinct flavor adds warmth and depth to both sweet and savory dishes, from oatmeal and baked goods to spiced stews and rubs.

12. Himalayan Pink Sea Salt – A foundational ingredient in any kitchen, good quality sea salt is indispensable for seasoning and enhancing flavors. Costco offers excellent quality Himalayan Pink Sea Salt, known for its rich mineral content and distinct flavor. This particular type of sea salt is harvested from ancient sea beds in the Himalayan mountains and contains trace minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium, giving it its characteristic pink hue and unique nutritional profile. Buying it in bulk ensures you always have a premium salt on hand for all your cooking and seasoning needs.

Pantry Essentials

Stocking up on these non-perishable items from Costco ensures your pantry is ready for healthy meal preparation any day of the week.

13. Natural Peanut Butter – Costco offers a fantastic selection of natural peanut butter, including organic options, Adam’s brand, and our personal favorite made with Valencia peanuts, which boasts an incredibly rich and smooth taste. If peanuts aren’t your preference, you’ll also find great deals on other natural nut butters. Many natural peanut butters require stirring due to natural oil separation – don’t be misled by “natural no-stir” options, as they often contain added ingredients to prevent separation. For an easy stirring solution, check out this clever trick for stirring natural nut butters that helps maintain consistency. A common misconception is that nut butters require refrigeration. While refrigerating can help prevent separation, it also makes them harder to spread. We never refrigerate ours; instead, we store them in the pantry for easy access and perfect spreadability.

14. Kalamata Olives (or Stuffed Green Olives) – These flavorful olives have become an indispensable staple in our household, especially given our love for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Their briny, robust flavor enhances dishes like Greek Pizza, Mediterranean scrambles, and Greek tuna salad. The best part? They last an impressively long time in the refrigerator, making the bulk purchase highly practical. Even better, once the olives are gone, don’t discard the balsamic-vinegar juice! It makes an exceptional base for a homemade vinaigrette, adding another layer of cost-saving and flavor to your healthy meals.

15. Organic Canned Diced Tomatoes – Unless you’re canning your own tomatoes at home, organic canned diced tomatoes are an absolute essential for any healthy pantry. Costco offers a fantastic price point for these, ensuring you always have them on hand for a multitude of recipes. They are the backbone of comfort foods like homemade tomato soup, hearty dishes such as spicy beef, tomato, and corn stew, and countless other sauces and stews. Opting for organic varieties helps avoid unwanted pesticides and ensures a purer flavor profile for your cooking.

16. Organic Tomato Paste – Much like the organic diced tomatoes, Costco provides an excellent deal on organic tomato paste. This concentrated ingredient is a flavor booster for many dishes, adding depth and richness. We regularly use it to create our incredibly easy and delicious homemade ketchup sweetened with honey, significantly healthier than store-bought versions. It’s also a key component in flavorful sauces like honey-chipotle BBQ sauce. Buying organic ensures you’re using the highest quality product for your family’s meals.

17. Organic Broth/Bouillon – While our freezer is typically well-stocked with homemade chicken and turkey stock, having a good quality organic bouillon on hand is incredibly convenient. Costco’s bouillon is perfect for recipes that only call for smaller quantities, such as 1/2 to 1 cup, like when making flavorful tasty rice or preparing tender long-cooked green beans. It’s a time-saver that ensures you can quickly add a rich, savory base to your dishes without having to thaw a large batch of homemade stock, making healthy cooking more accessible on busy weeknights.

Dairy & Refrigerated Essentials

These refrigerated staples are vital for countless recipes, and Costco’s bulk pricing makes them incredibly economical.

18. Butter – Butter is a cornerstone of most cuisines, and while you might occasionally find it on a “loss-leader” sale at other supermarkets (often with strict purchase limits), Costco consistently offers it at a great price point. This reliable value makes it an ideal place to stock up on high-quality butter for all your cooking and baking needs. For smaller households, butter freezes exceptionally well, allowing you to take advantage of the bulk price without worrying about spoilage. Just wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer until needed, ensuring you always have this essential ingredient on hand.

19. Eggs – Eggs are an incredibly versatile and affordable protein source, and Costco caters to various household sizes and preferences. You can choose from packages ranging from 1.5 dozen organic eggs all the way up to 5 dozen, ensuring there’s an option for everyone. Eggs are perfect for quick and easy dinners like hearty chicken-spinach frittatas, savory sausage-chard frittatas, and comforting potato-caramelized onion frittatas. Their nutritional value and adaptability make them a continuous must-buy.

20. Feta Cheese – While feta might not be a universal staple, it’s a constant in our kitchen. This tangy, salty cheese has a remarkable ability to elevate simple dishes, transforming simple sliced tomatoes into a vibrant salad. It imparts the perfect flavor to a variety of recipes, from creamy dips and refreshing cabbage slaws to even unexpected breakfast delights like roasted root vegetable hash. Costco’s bulk feta offers excellent value, ensuring you always have this Mediterranean gem to add a burst of flavor to your meals.

21. Real Parmesan Cheese (Block) – When it comes to Parmesan, always opt for the block form over pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking additives that affect both flavor and texture. At first glance, Costco’s large blocks of real Parmesan might seem expensive, but that’s because you’re getting a substantial amount of high-quality cheese. It boasts an incredible shelf life, lasting up to six months when properly stored, and includes the rind, which is a fantastic flavor enhancer for vegetable soups and stocks. With this bulk purchase, you can indulge in making classic Caesar salad and dressing, savory Parmesan rice cakes, and delicious fish with a Parmesan-herb crust to your heart’s content, knowing you have a premium ingredient at a great value.

Fresh & Frozen Protein Powerhouses

Protein is essential for healthy eating, and Costco’s selection of fresh and frozen meats offers both quality and value.

22. Italian Sausage Links – Costco offers an incredible deal on Italian sausage links, typically packaged in convenient sets of four 5-link packages. This makes it incredibly easy to separate for smaller families, allowing you to use just what you need and freeze the rest. These versatile sausages are perfect for whipping up dinner in under 30 minutes with simple sheet pan roasted sausages and vegetables, or as a flavorful base for a hearty slow cooker Italian sausage vegetable soup. The quality and bulk pricing make them an economical and delicious protein choice for a variety of meals.

23. Frozen Chicken Thighs (or Breasts/Tenders) – Whether you prefer thighs, breasts, or tenders, Costco’s bulk frozen chicken options are a freezer staple for any healthy kitchen. Buying chicken in this format ensures you always have a lean protein source readily available for all kinds of meals. From quick and flavorful appetizers and comforting slow cooker chicken chili to simple soy-sriracha grilled chicken, the possibilities are endless. The individual freezing of pieces often means you can easily grab just what you need, minimizing waste and maximizing convenience.

24. Rotisserie Chicken – For years, I overlooked the incredible value of Costco’s rotisserie chicken, priced consistently around $5 for a delicious 3-pound bird. Now, it’s a non-negotiable must-buy on every trip. We often purchase one, or even two, to ensure we have enough. The cooked chicken can be shredded and divided into 1-2 cup portions, perfect for stashing in the freezer. This pre-cooked protein makes whipping up quick and easy rotisserie chicken dinners a breeze on busy weeknights, saving both time and money.

Fresh & Dried Produce Picks

Even when buying in bulk, Costco offers fantastic fresh and dried produce that can be smartly stored and utilized for healthy meals.

25. Organic Carrots – Costco’s organic carrots are not only incredibly affordable but almost consistently sweeter than other varieties, including many “baby” carrots found elsewhere. For smaller families, the large bag might seem daunting, but fear not: these carrots have an impressive shelf life, lasting for months in the refrigerator when stored properly. Their versatility is unmatched; use them generously in carrot-heavy dishes like lemon-garlic grated baked carrots, hearty slow cooker cassoulets, or simply as a crisp, healthy snack served with homemade ranch or feta dip. They are a continuous source of essential vitamins and fiber for your diet.

26. Dried Cranberries – While acknowledging that dried cranberries typically contain added sugar, we consume them in moderation. The large package from Costco offers excellent value and lasts us for many months. These tart-sweet berries are perfect for sprinkling over our morning granola, adding bursts of flavor to baked goods like cranberry crumb muffins, and providing a vibrant contrast in broccoli slaw. They are also a key ingredient in one of our favorite winter salads, combining beautifully with feta, sweet onions, and nuts atop a bed of spinach or romaine lettuce.

27. Organic Raisins – Some members of our family prefer the classic sweetness of raisins over cranberries in their granola, and Costco’s organic raisins are an excellent choice. Beyond breakfast, raisins are a crucial component in perhaps my favorite recipe ever, addictive tomato chutney, where their sweetness balances the savory notes. They also make a convenient and energizing snack when paired with nuts. The price point for these organic raisins at Costco is consistently significantly lower than what you’d typically find at other grocery stores, making them a smart and healthy bulk purchase.

28-29. Organic Romaine & Organic Spinach – Fresh greens are indispensable for a healthy diet, and Costco offers great options for both organic romaine and organic spinach. We most frequently opt for romaine due to its impressive shelf life in the refrigerator and its crisp texture, which is perfect for our beloved Caesar salads. If you choose spinach, strategic meal planning is key to utilizing the larger container within a week before it starts to spoil. Beyond being a fantastic base for various salads, spinach can be incorporated into numerous delicious dishes, such as one-pot Italian sausage with spinach, a hearty chicken-spinach frittata, or a warming curried turkey rice soup, ensuring no leafy green goes to waste.

30. Sweet Onions – Sweet onions have a magical ability to enhance the flavor of most dishes, adding a gentle sweetness and depth without the harshness of other onion varieties. It’s truly a disappointment when Costco doesn’t have them in stock (which occasionally happens with seasonal produce). Stocking up on these when available allows you to create incredible culinary delights, like an easy homemade onion dip so delicious you’ll want to lick the bowl clean. They are also fantastic caramelized, roasted, or used raw in salads and sandwiches.

31. Sweet Peppers (Red, Yellow, and/or Orange) – I absolutely adore sweet peppers – their vibrant colors and crisp, sweet flavor make them a versatile addition to countless meals. I regularly incorporate them into roasted vegetable dishes for dinner, whether it’s with chicken or with sausage, adding both flavor and essential nutrients. They’re also perfect for slicing and adding to fresh salads or serving on a colorful vegetable platter with healthy dips. Costco’s bulk pricing on these ensures you can enjoy a consistent supply of these vitamin-rich vegetables.

32. Fruit: Pineapples, Mandarin Oranges, Grapes, Bananas – While Costco offers a selection of fresh fruits like pineapples, mandarin oranges, grapes, and bananas, we typically limit our purchases to one or two of these. This is often an area where we can find better deals elsewhere on smaller packages that are less likely to spoil before we can consume them. However, the deal on whole pineapples at Costco is usually unbeatable, offering great value for this tropical fruit. We also consistently find good value and manage to finish the mandarin oranges and grapes before they go bad, making them smart occasional buys.

Snack & Drink Staples

Healthy snacking is easy with these bulk buys, and Costco also offers great deals on everyday beverages.

33. Almonds (Raw) – I used to buy roasted almonds, but a game-changing discovery was that raw almonds at Costco are cheaper for a larger package, and roasting almonds yourself with this simple recipe yields a far superior, fresher taste. I haven’t looked back since! While we occasionally indulge in mixed nuts, I always ensure I have a bag of raw almonds. They are my go-to healthy snack, providing a satisfying crunch and essential healthy fats. I also regularly add them to our homemade granola. Storing them in the freezer helps maintain their freshness and prevents rancidity over time.

34. Organic Tortilla Chips – To avoid genetically modified corn, I have exclusively purchased organic corn chips for many years. However, this can become quite expensive for a staple we frequently use for easy haystack or nacho dinners, and, of course, for dipping into either homemade canned salsa or fresh pico de gallo. Costco’s large bag of organic tortilla chips offers an exceptional price, but it used to be too much for our family, even when our kids were living at home full-time. That was until I learned this ingenious trick to keep them fresh. Now, I always take advantage of this fantastic price on organic chips, ensuring we have a healthy and affordable snack option!

35. Coffee – For coffee aficionados, Costco presents a wide array of coffee options that can lead to significant savings. We’ve been loyal to the basic San Francisco Bay Coffee French Roast they’ve carried for years, appreciating its consistent quality and value. Additionally, we occasionally seize the opportunity to purchase a bag of Starbucks coffee when an instant coupon is available, making it even more economical. Whether you prefer whole bean or ground, dark roast or light, Costco likely has a bulk coffee option to keep your mornings fueled and your budget happy.

Maximizing Membership Value: The Gas Reward Strategy

While not directly kitchen-related, I previously mentioned that our Costco membership is almost entirely paid for by our gas savings alone. This clever strategy allows us to take full advantage of Costco’s exceptional food deals and quality without feeling the pressure to overspend or make excessive bulk purchases, simply because we know our membership costs are already covered.

You can save money and earn rewards on gas in two primary ways:

1. Competitive Pricing: Costco gas stations consistently offer some of the cheapest prices around, typically beating competitors by at least $0.05 and often up to $0.20 per gallon. Over time, these daily savings add up significantly.
2. Cash Back Rewards: Utilize a rewards credit card that offers a high percentage back on gas purchases. We personally use the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi, which provides an impressive 4% cash back on eligible gas purchases worldwide, including at Costco. However, any rewards card that gives you a substantial percentage back for gas will work effectively.

Here’s a simple example to illustrate the savings: If your household’s monthly gas budget is $200, over 12 months, that amounts to $2,400 spent on gas. Earning 4% cash back on this amount translates to a substantial $96.00 annually. This figure more than covers the cost of a Basic Costco Membership ($60/year) and nearly fully offsets an Executive Membership ($120/year), which we have. An Executive Membership is even more beneficial as it also provides a 2% annual reward on eligible Costco purchases (up to $1,000), effectively creating a “double-dip” on savings and further validating the membership cost.

Since we effortlessly cover our membership fees through these gas savings, we can freely leverage Costco’s advantageous food prices and high-quality products, even as a small household. Therefore, unless you don’t own a car, this strategy makes a Costco membership a financially viable and smart investment for most households, enhancing both your grocery budget and overall savings.

What are Your Costco Must-Buy Items? Share Your Favorites!

We’d love to hear from you! What are your essential Costco purchases that help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and stretch your food budget? Share your recommendations and insights in the comments below.