I'm 28 and Shop at Costco — Here are 5 Things Actually Worth Buying in Bulk
When you step into a grocery store right now, you might feel like you should have been saving up for a 20% down payment on eggs. Food costs have remained high since the COVID-19 pandemic, and shoppers have had to cut back on purchases they made with ease before the price hikes.
Many money experts and savvy shoppers alike would advise buying in bulk when you can, as that will save you some cash in the long run.
However, which items should you stock up on and which should you avoid? Depending on whether you are designing a grocery list for a large family or just want to pinch some pennies to get your own monthly budget under control, Costco can be a good bet if you know how to navigate the nuances.
Learn More: 5 Groceries You Should Skip at Costco If You Want To Save Money
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MoneyLion spoke with Ben Smyth, a 28-year-old from Mear, Michigan, who runs an RV and vacation rental resort near Lake Michigan. He had some great insight on a few Costco items he never skips on, as they are totally worth buying in bulk.
Steak Slabs
Smyth said he buys bulk meat that can be sliced up by a butcher.
"I’ll buy an entire New York slab and cut it into 20 New York strips, and it’s crazy cheaper than buying individual cuts,” he said.
Though there are many options of slabs you could grab, and the selection and price will vary by location, buying expensive but high-quality beef and freezing what you don’t eat right away can save you a lot of money.
It’s pricey but the math at the end of the month will work out in your favor. For example, a 20-count of Costco’s Rastelli’s USDA Choice Black Angus Sirloin Coulotte Steak costs $159.99, which is about $8 per steak.
Clothing and Seasonal Gear
Whether the weather is chilly or sunny, Costco has great deals on bulk utility pieces like undershirts, socks, hats and more. Smyth says he always grabs his seasonal wardrobe updates at Costco.
“Clothing at Costco is highly underrated. I get most of my winter and fall wear, especially at a nice price. Summer and spring [pieces] are good, but not as appealing to me," Smyth said.
You can never go wrong with some fresh new T-shirts to feel upgraded and crisp coming into spring. Try picking up a six-pack of the favorably reviewed Kirkland Signature Men's Heavyweight Crew Tees. It will set you back $26.99, or about $4.50 per shirt.
Ground Beef
If you are meal prepping or preparing for a big barbecue now that the weather is shaping up, burgers are always a popular choice. Ground beef is a staple for many recipes and Smyth never goes to Costco without grabbing his favorite pick.
“10-, 20-, 30-, 50-pound ground beef logs, you have to ask for them from the butcher, but it’s nearly half price, and then you cut and freeze individual portions at home,” said Smyth.
Talking to the butcher will always get you what you need, but if you are ordering online, you could also try Pederson Natural Farms 100% Grass-Fed Organic Ground Beef. You get 12 1-pound packs for $149.99, or about $12.50 per pound.
Vitamins
If nothing else, the hope is that a vitamin a day will keep the high medical bills away, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay a premium price just to feel a bit better. Smyth loves the vitamin selection at Costco, or more accurately, the price tag on the vitamins at Costco.
“Vitamins are stupid cheap. I can get a 60-day supply from Costco, which would equate to a 30-day to 40-day supply on Amazon or from the pharmacy.”
He stocks up on a variety of supplements, and so can you. For example, you can get Kirkland Signature Super B-Complex with Electrolytes for $18.49 for a 500-tablet bottle.
Chicken Pot Pie
Now, this may not initially sound like a bulk-buy purchase, but when planning out meals for one for the next few nights, it certainly counts, especially when it comes to the money you won’t be spending on dining out.
“My all-time favorite item from Costco is their chicken pot pie. It’s seasonal but feeds six (it lasts me three perfect ‘guy dinners’) and is better than any other pie I’ve ever had. The ‘premade section’ of the deli is hot,” Smyth said.
As a Costco lover, he gave one final piece of advice, or rather a friendly mandate: “Lastly, if you visit Costco without getting a hot dog or slice of fresh pizza, you did the whole thing wrong.”
Editor's note: Prices and availability are accurate as of April 5, 2026, and 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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