For awhile my husband had a Sam’s Club membership through work. We hardly ever used it. Then I took a class with Chef Amy at our farm, and was introduced to a number of great items that you can buy at Costco. I have no idea if it saves us any money, but it sure is convenient. Here is what I usually stock up on:
- Quinoa
- Feta (I go through a ton of it in the summer, what with greens and pasta salads)
- Organic 100% lemon juice (it comes in a large bottle)
- Capers
- Peeled garlic (yes, it’s cheating. But it’s better than the pre-minced)
- Olives
- Organic olive oil
- Prosciutto
- Dried mushrooms
- Pine nuts
Do you have a membership? What do you recommend?
Note: Costco did not reimburse me in any way for this post, although if they offered I’d a taken it!
This post shared at Frugal Friday
Oh wow! I almost never buy any perishables at Costco. I’m more the TP/Paper towels shopper. Although hidden gems are the giant bottle of Kirkland vodka and dog beds. Both cheap and great quality from Costco!
Kirkland vodka, you say? I’ve never seen that one! Do they have any other spirits?
Will definitely have to check that out – thanks!
I believe the Kirkland Brand is actually bottled Grey Goose under Kirkland name.
Yeast! Definitely cheaper in bulk.
They have Organic Half and half that is a GREAT price. Also, unsalted butter (not organic, but I have a limited budget, I get what I can!).
They also have a good selection of organics/natural dry foods… Last time I was there I found organic, whole grain, no HFCS “lucky charms” My kids don’t normally get sugar cereal expect for vacations…now when then do get it it will be a more healthy version.
What are you making at your house with all that food? And can I come over and help you dispose of it? lol
And peeled garlic isn’t cheating, it’s good time management:)
Yum! I could definitely go for those items too! I’m visiting from Things I Love Thursday. Have a great Thursday! suchakingdom.blogspot.com
Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Organic Butter
Frozen wild Alaskan Salmon (we never buy Atlantic Salmon because the fishery isn’t well managed)
Frozen Alaskan Halibut
Tuna (one of the few places you can actually get 7 oz cans anymore)
Organic lemon juice
Organic Chicken Stock
fingerling potatoes
Avocados!
Organic Corn Chips (no GMOs = yay!)
Hi and thank you! Today I googled “What to do with kale” and your blog was the top hit. Now I’m going to make the confetti kale for supper. My son gave me the kale from his CSA. I’m joining a farmer’s market basket group for this year, and maybe a CSA next year. I’m looking forward to getting better at cooking different veg and especially greens (which everyone eats down here, but I’ve avoided it in my 14 years here).
We love their organic milk, eggs, great selection of cheeses, produce, and coffee as well.
Oh, and ours just recently started carrying whole organic chickens as well as organic boneless skinless thighs and breasts.
I like your list!
I buy frozen broccoli, Kirkland salsa and ground beef – all organic. I also buy milk, chicken breasts, and over-the-counter medications.
We buy on a biweekly basis
Milk ( rGBH free) not organic
10lbs of sugar ( costco beats our local stores by at least a dollar)
bread ( best price)
banannas
and yogurt, cause the carry the kid size greek stuff…
Love your blog! I will visit often!
I was so delighted that your list was all real food! So many bulk stores carry tons of packaged stuff (especially Sam’s Club), so I’ve hesitated to buy a membership. It sounds like Costco is way more diverse. Do you know if they’ll let you go in and look around without a membership? I’d like to make sure we’d actually buy stuff they carry before I shell out the money.
I’m really enjoying your blog (just found you through WFMW)!
http://mindofthemother.blogspot.com/
I used to have a Sam’s membership through my husband’s work and I know what you mean about the processed stuff! It wasn’t until I took a cooking class where so much of the ingredients were from Costco that I decided to check it out. I’m pretty sure they’ll let you look around. Better yet, if you happen to have a friend who has a membership, you can go with them and they will subtotal two orders for you on that persons membership.
Avocados tend to be very expensive here (Pennsylvania) but Costco has good ones at a reasonable price. We buy them when they’re from California or Mexico; in the winter, they get them from Chile, and I avoid buying stuff that’s traveled that far.
Once in a while Costco has 5-pound bags of organic carrots at a very low price. We get one of those, shred all the carrots, and freeze 1-cup portions for later use.
Cheese.
Butter in whole pounds–less packaging than sticks.
Whole almonds.
Almond butter in a particularly nice reusable glass jar.
Organic strawberry spread.
Vitamins.
Toothbrushes.
And we also buy some foods that I know we could make at home if we were more dedicated: crackers, corn chips, granola (Nature’s Path Ancient Grains granola from Costco is SO GOOD!), frozen spinach ravioli, pierogies, bread.
If you’re east of the Mississippi River, check out my comparison of Costco and GFS Marketplace–both have bargains, but on different things!
organic milk, organic butter, baby mixed kales in the giant bag, maple syrup, cinnamon