If You’re Not Buying These 6 Groceries at Costco, You’re Probably Overpaying
These days, grocery shopping feels like an exercise in futility. You get enough to last through the week, then you go back to the store and find that prices have only ticked up again. It’s a lather, rinse, repeat cycle in which your ability to stick to a budget ends up in the wash — and it’s not your fault.
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But you can take charge by heading to Costco. While strolling the aisles at your local warehouse, you’ll find staples you’re better off buying in bulk. Purchasing these items and keeping them on hand for weeks at a time is often far smarter financially — and more convenient — than making repeated trips to the grocery store.
1. Bread
OK, if you’re scratching your head at the idea of buying bread in bulk, especially if you’re in a one- or two-person household, remember that you can refrigerate or freeze bread instead of buying a new loaf every week.
Right now, you can get a two-pack of sliced bread at Costco for just over $8. Store extra loaves in the freezer to extend their shelf life. Frozen bread heats well in the toaster, and your sandwich will taste nearly just as good.
2. Frozen Fruit
Whether you prefer your fruit in smoothies, atop yogurt or mixed with granola, frozen fruit offers similar nutritional value to fresh options and may even retain nutrients better in some cases, without the worry that it’ll go bad before you use it.
Buying frozen fruit in bulk just makes sense. One large bag will last a while, making it a smarter option than buying multiple smaller bags at a grocery store.
3. Olive Oil
Olive oil is the foundation of many meals, from scrambled eggs to sautéed chicken and even olive oil cake. If you do a lot of cooking at home to save money, you can easily go through multiple bottles, so you’re better off getting a large one at Costco.
Often, the price per liter is lower than name brands at supermarkets. Right now, a two-liter bottle goes for $20.99. Compare that to a smaller 32-ounce bottle at Giant, which retails for $18.39.
4. Rotisserie Chicken
Costco fans have made the store’s rotisserie chicken incredibly popular, and for good reason. One rotisserie chicken can stretch into a range of meals, including chicken salad, sandwiches, Cobb salad and burritos.
It typically sells for $4.99 and has remained at that price point for years, making it one of the most affordable ready-to-eat proteins available. In many cases, it’s cheaper per pound than buying raw or frozen chicken at a traditional grocery store.
5. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a surprisingly versatile food. You can add it to a smoothie for protein, use it in comfort food sandwiches with jelly or bananas, bake it into cookies or even use it to hide your dog’s pill.
Buying peanut butter in bulk is typically more cost-effective and convenient than picking up a new jar every week or two. At Costco, you can get two 48-ounce jars of brand-name peanut butter for about $12.99.
6. Eggs
Egg prices have gotten a lot of media attention over the past several years. But you can still find good value at Costco. The Kirkland Signature brand offers a five-dozen pack of eggs for just $7.98. If you’ve got a bigger family, love to bake or just eat eggs regularly, it can make more sense to stock up here.
Editor’s note: Prices and availability are subject to change.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice.
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