Always Add These 8 Costco Staples to Your Cart

Costco isn’t just a warehouse—it’s one of the best places to stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing quality. Some products are such a good deal that skipping them is basically leaving money on the table. Whether you’re feeding a family or just stocking up smart, these eight staples deliver consistent value, quality, and serious savings every time you shop.

Kirkland Signature Bacon

Costco’s in-house Kirkland brand consistently beats name brands in both taste and price—and their bacon is a prime example. A 4-pound pack costs significantly less per pound than most grocery stores, and the quality holds up across the board.

In blind taste tests, Kirkland bacon has outperformed competitors in flavor and crispiness. According to Consumer Reports, it’s one of the highest-rated bacon products in its category.

Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Olive oil can get pricey fast—but Costco’s large bottle of Kirkland Signature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil offers serious bang for your buck. It’s cold-pressed, USDA certified organic, and imported from Greece, Italy, or Spain depending on the batch.

It regularly ranks as one of the best-value oils on the market, often listed in Wirecutter’s recommendations for bulk buys. For both cooking and finishing, it’s a must-grab item.

Rotisserie Chicken

This one’s a classic. For just $4.99, Costco’s rotisserie chicken is one of the most popular and budget-friendly meal starters you can buy. It’s large, flavorful, and sold at a loss to bring people into the store—a move Costco has publicly acknowledged.

According to New York Post, Costco refuses to raise the price, even with rising inflation. You can’t beat that for a fully cooked meal base.

Cheese Blocks and Shreds

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just love a good cheese board, Costco’s bulk cheeses are a no-brainer. Big name brands like Tillamook and high-quality imports cost significantly less per ounce when bought at warehouse scale.

Their shredded mozzarella and cheddar are especially useful for meal prepping or freezing. Plus, Costco often carries seasonal specialty cheeses at steep discounts compared to other grocery stores.

Paper Towels and Toilet Paper

Household basics like paper goods can add up fast—but buying in bulk cuts your cost long-term. Kirkland Signature’s paper towels and bath tissue are frequently compared to premium brands for performance, but come in at a much lower price.

Good Housekeeping has reviewed Kirkland toilet paper, noting its strength and softness. Stocking up during each trip means you’ll rarely run out—and always pay less per roll.

Nut Butters and Mixed Nuts

Whether you’re keto, plant-based, or just snacking smart, Costco’s nut section offers top-tier value. Large jars of organic peanut butter or almond butter cost much less than smaller grocery brands. And the mixed nuts—especially the unsalted Kirkland Signature ones—are a protein-packed staple.

Compared to standard supermarkets, you’re getting more volume, fewer additives, and a much better price per ounce. These are great for healthy snacking or bulking up your pantry staples.

Frozen Organic Berries

If you buy frozen fruit regularly, Costco is one of the best places to stock up. Their organic frozen blueberries, strawberries, and berry medleys come in giant resealable bags at prices well below typical grocery store options.

Perfect for smoothies, oatmeal, or baking, they’re a smart buy that cuts waste and boosts nutrition. According to EatingWell, these are among the best-value frozen items available.

Maple Syrup

Real maple syrup is expensive—but not at Costco. Their 33.8 oz jug of 100% Grade A maple syrup regularly beats the cost of even store-brand syrups elsewhere. It’s organic, high quality, and priced to move.

For anyone who uses it for baking, breakfast, or even cocktail mixers, it’s a pantry item worth picking up every time. It’s also one of the most consistent recommendations across food budget guides and online savings forums.