Embarking on your next expedition to the warehouse club? To help you navigate the vast aisles, we’ve curated a list of the 10 absolute best food staples and pantry items to stock up on at Costco. From premium cheeses and essential cooking oils to versatile baking ingredients, these selections promise exceptional quality and unbeatable value. (Please note: This article is an independent guide and is not affiliated with Costco. We are simply enthusiastic members sharing our favorite finds.)
Costco offers an incredible treasure trove of products, making every visit an adventure. However, with such a wide array of choices, it can sometimes be challenging to distinguish between impulse buys and genuinely smart investments for your kitchen. This comprehensive guide aims to simplify your shopping experience by highlighting the most valuable grocery staples that consistently deliver on quality and savings.
In this curated list, you’ll discover my personal top 10 essential grocery items to purchase in bulk at this popular warehouse club. These are products that are almost always found in my pantry or refrigerator, offering significant savings compared to typical supermarket prices. Investing in these staples at Costco not only streamlines your cooking but also ensures you’re getting premium ingredients without breaking the bank. Prepare to elevate your culinary game while maximizing your grocery budget!
*Kindly note that product availability and pricing are subject to regional variations and market fluctuations. For the most current and accurate information pertaining to your local area, we recommend contacting or visiting your nearest Costco warehouse.
1. The Authentic Kirkland Signature Parmigiano Reggiano
If I were forced to choose just one standout item for a “must-buy at Costco” list, it would undoubtedly be their Parmigiano Reggiano. The Kirkland Signature wedges are not just good; they are the real deal. Directly imported from Italy, each wedge proudly bears both the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) seal and official cheese certification marks, assuring its authenticity and superior quality. Furthermore, these exquisite cheeses are aged for a minimum of 24 months, contributing to their rich, complex flavor profile and granular texture that connoisseurs adore.
While the price may experience minor fluctuations throughout the year, the savings achieved when purchasing this Italian masterpiece at Costco are consistently substantial, especially when compared to the often exorbitant prices found at specialty cheese counters or regular grocery stores. This makes it an incredibly cost-effective way to enjoy genuine Parmigiano Reggiano without compromise.
For optimal freshness and flavor, I prefer to purchase the large wedges, which typically weigh around 1-1/2 pounds, and shred or grate the cheese as needed. This approach ensures maximum aromatic intensity in every dish. However, for those who value convenience, Costco also offers pre-shredded Parmigiano Reggiano in sealed canisters.
To prepare the wedge, I either use a microplane for fine grating over individual servings or process larger quantities in my Vitamix for bulk storage. Once grated, it can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for continued freshness.
A crucial tip for anyone buying the wedge: never discard the rinds! These hard, flavorful remnants are culinary gold, perfect for infusing deep umami notes into soups, stews, and stocks. If you don’t plan to use them immediately, simply store them in a zip-top bag in the freezer, ready to be dropped into your next simmering pot of deliciousness.
Bonus Tip: The same excellent advice applies to Costco’s wedged Pecorino Romano. This sheep’s milk cheese also boasts all the necessary certification marks and is aged for at least 9 months, offering a sharper, saltier alternative that is equally versatile in the kitchen. Both cheeses represent exceptional value and quality at the warehouse club.
Elevate Your Dishes with Parmigiano Reggiano:
2. Flavorful Whole Black Peppercorns
A common thread running through nearly all my recipes is the simple yet powerful instruction: “freshly ground black pepper.” There’s a compelling reason for this insistence: the depth and vibrancy of flavor achieved by grinding whole peppercorns just before use is incomparably superior to pre-ground varieties. When you grind peppercorns in a pepper mill, you release their volatile oils and aromatic compounds directly into your dish, providing a punchier, more nuanced taste experience. Additionally, using a mill allows you to precisely control the coarseness of the grind, tailoring it to the specific requirements of your recipe, from a fine dust for delicate sauces to a coarse crack for searing steaks.
While those small jars of whole peppercorns can quickly become an expensive habit at conventional supermarkets, Costco offers a phenomenal solution. At the time of this publication, Kirkland Signature’s generous 14.1-ounce jar of high-quality Vietnamese peppercorns provides savings of up to 50% compared to many bulk-packaged options found elsewhere. This significant cost-efficiency makes it incredibly easy to justify always having fresh pepper on hand.
As a whole spice, black peppercorns boast an impressive shelf life. When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark pantry, they can maintain their freshness and potency for up to two years. This longevity means you can confidently stock up on Costco’s large jar without worrying about spoilage, ensuring a constant supply of vibrant flavor for all your culinary endeavors.
Add Zest with Freshly Ground Peppercorns:
3. Premium Organic Pure Maple Syrup
For everything from enriching your morning pancakes to crafting sophisticated cocktails and creating glistening glazes, I consistently ensure my refrigerator is stocked with a large jug of Costco’s pure maple syrup. It’s such an indispensable item in my kitchen that I always have a backup bottle in the pantry, ready for when the current supply starts to dwindle.
The Kirkland Signature pure maple syrup is an exceptional product, boasting USDA organic certification and Grade A, Amber classification. This indicates a rich, full-bodied flavor profile that is both complex and beautifully balanced – far superior to many generic brands. What truly sets it apart, however, is its incredibly competitive price point. At the time of this article, a full liter of this premium syrup costs approximately $0.33 per ounce. It’s virtually impossible to find a comparable non-specialty grocery store product that can rival both its exquisite flavor and remarkable affordability. This makes it an essential purchase for anyone who appreciates real maple syrup.
Versatile Maple Syrup Creations:
4. High-Quality Shelled Nuts for Baking and Snacking
For any serious baker, snack enthusiast, or home cook, a well-stocked pantry of high-quality nuts is indispensable. When it comes to bulk purchasing of shelled walnuts, pecans, almonds, and pine nuts, Costco is my unrivaled destination. The consistent quality of their nuts is exceptional, making them perfect for everything from holiday baking to everyday cooking and healthy snacking.
Costco offers these essential nuts in generous, economical packages: you’ll find halved walnuts and whole almonds typically in 3-pound bags, halved pecans in 2-pound bags, and organic pine nuts in 1-1/2 pound bags. This bulk packaging translates into significant savings, especially when compared to smaller packages at other retailers. For instance, on a recent shopping trip, Kirkland walnuts were priced at an impressive $0.23 per ounce ($10.99 for a 3-pound bag), often half the price per ounce of smaller bags from other popular stores like Trader Joe’s.
To ensure these valuable ingredients remain fresh and flavorful for as long as possible, proper storage is key. If I’m not planning to use the nuts immediately, especially when preparing for large events like holiday baking, I store them in the freezer. Freezing effectively preserves their natural oils and prevents them from going rancid, allowing them to retain their crisp texture and vibrant flavor for up to a year. This strategy ensures you always have fresh, high-quality nuts on hand whenever inspiration strikes.
Creative Uses for Your Costco Nuts:
5. Convenient and High-Quality Organic Chicken Stock
While I absolutely cherish the process and unparalleled depth of flavor that comes from making my own homemade chicken stock for the freezer, I’ll be the first to admit that it’s not always practical. For those busy weekdays or when I simply need a convenient culinary shortcut, I rely heavily on cartons of commercial broths and stocks. This is where Kirkland Signature Organic Chicken Stock shines brightly and has earned a permanent spot on my “best things to buy at Costco” list for many years.
This particular stock is a fantastic find, ticking all the right boxes for quality and versatility. It’s proudly fat-free, USDA-certified organic, and gluten-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs. Its flavor profile is well-balanced and robust, providing a solid foundation for countless recipes without overpowering other ingredients. While it’s not a low-sodium product (a factor to consider if your recipe specifically calls for reduced sodium stock), I’ve consistently found its salt content to be comparable to other “regular” commercial stocks available on the market. Over the years, I’ve successfully incorporated it into virtually every dish requiring broth or stock, from risottos and soups to sauces and gravies, with consistently excellent results.
You’ll typically find this indispensable chicken stock sold in a convenient box containing six 32-ounce resealable cartons, usually priced around $10-$12. Keep an eye out for special member savings coupons, as Costco often offers additional discounts on this popular item, making an already great deal even better. Stocking up on this organic chicken stock ensures you’re always prepared to add rich flavor to your meals.
Essential for Flavorful Stock-Based Dishes:
6. The Ultimate Kirkland Signature Bacon Deal
While I thoroughly enjoy exploring the nuanced flavors of small-batch, artisanal, and specialty bacons, when it comes to a reliable, all-purpose pork staple for everyday cooking and the classic weekend breakfast, Kirkland Signature bacon consistently delivers. It perfectly captures that nostalgic, comforting breakfast vibe every time.
Costco offers its house brand bacon in several convenient varieties to suit different preferences and culinary applications, including regular cut, thick cut, and reduced sodium options. This versatility ensures there’s a Kirkland bacon for every need. The slices are consistently well-balanced between lean meat and rich fat, offering a delicious hickory-smoked flavor that is present but never overpowering. It cooks up beautifully crisp, making it ideal for everything from sandwiches to salads and beyond. What truly seals its status as a top pick is its incredibly competitive price. Currently, at my local store, it typically ranges from $3.30 to $3.50 per pound. In fact, Kirkland Signature bacon has even been recognized by Consumer Reports, where it notably outperformed many other name-brand bacons in terms of both price and overall quality.
The primary consideration when purchasing bacon at a warehouse club like Costco is the quantity—you’re typically committing to a substantial purchase of 3 to 4 pounds at a time. However, this shouldn’t be a deterrent! The bacon is thoughtfully divided into separate 1- to 1-1/2 pound packages within the larger bulk pack. This clever packaging makes it incredibly easy to manage. Simply transfer the unused packages directly to your freezer, where they will maintain their freshness and quality for an impressive 6 to 8 months. This ensures you always have a supply of delicious bacon ready for all your cravings and recipe needs.
Bacon Beyond Breakfast:
7. Authentic and Affordable Genovese Basil Pesto
As anyone who follows my culinary adventures knows, I take immense pride in crafting my own fresh pesto using the vibrant basil harvested directly from my patio garden during the summer months. However, when the chill of autumn sets in, or when a recipe calls for a substantial batch of pesto beyond my garden’s yield, Kirkland Signature Genovese Basil Pesto from Costco becomes my go-to choice. It stands out as one of the finest-tasting commercial pestos I’ve encountered, delivering an authentic and rich flavor profile thanks to its use of DOP Genovese basil.
Beyond its exceptional taste, the value offered by this pesto is truly unmatched. At the time of this publication, a generous 22-ounce jar typically costs around $8.99, a price that is incredibly difficult to beat for a pesto of this quality. This makes it an affordable luxury for elevating everyday meals.
I always keep a jar of this versatile pesto in my refrigerator, ready to be incorporated into a multitude of dishes. It’s fantastic for quickly whipping up flavorful sandwich spreads, tossing with pasta for a speedy weeknight dinner, creating aromatic compound butters, or simply adding a burst of fresh, savory flavor to various recipes. If you anticipate not using the entire jar before its recommended refrigeration period, don’t fret! You can easily freeze portions in an ice cube tray, just as you would with homemade pesto. Once frozen, transfer the pesto cubes to an airtight freezer bag, and they’ll be ready to add a taste of summer to your cooking whenever you need it.
8. Economical and Aromatic Pure Vanilla Extract
While I thoroughly enjoy experimenting with unique and specialty vanilla extracts for particular recipes, for my everyday, all-purpose baking needs – especially during the busy holiday season when I’m tackling large batches – Kirkland Signature Pure Vanilla Extract is an absolute staple on my Costco shopping list. This extract delivers the classic, warm, and well-rounded vanilla flavor that forms the backbone of countless beloved desserts. It performs exceptionally well in a wide array of baked goods, including cookies, cakes, muffins, brownies, and much more, consistently enhancing their taste with its rich aroma.
The value proposition for this vanilla extract is truly remarkable. At the time of this post, a substantial 16-ounce bottle was priced at approximately $29.99, which breaks down to about $1.87 per ounce. In stark contrast, a popular brand-name vanilla extract at a regular grocery store might cost $4-$5 per ounce, while specialty extracts can easily range from $6-$7 per ounce or even higher. This significant price difference makes Costco’s pure vanilla extract an undeniable steal for anyone who bakes frequently or uses vanilla in large quantities. Investing in this large bottle ensures you have a high-quality, cost-effective vanilla supply that will last through many baking projects.
Sweeten Your Creations with Vanilla:
9. Kirkland Signature Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: A Baker’s Dream
Previously, #9 on my esteemed list was Kirkland Signature Hazelnut Spread with Cocoa. Unfortunately, I’ve noticed its absence from shelves and have been informed it was discontinued. While this particular item may no longer be available under the Kirkland brand, fear not, chocolate hazelnut lovers! You can often still find brand-name Nutella at excellent prices in Costco stores, so stocking up on that beloved spread remains a viable option.
For this updated selection, I’m thrilled to replace it with Kirkland Signature Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips. These high-quality chips come in an impressively large, resealable 4-1/2 pound bag, making them an absolute godsend for avid bakers, especially during peak holiday baking seasons. They are consistently good quality, melting beautifully and providing that classic semi-sweet chocolate flavor that is essential for old-fashioned chocolate chip cookies, delightful brownie mix-ins, rich chocolate sauces, and so much more. The generous quantity ensures you won’t run out mid-recipe and offers fantastic value for money.
Baking Tip: To maximize freshness and convenience, I highly recommend portioning these chocolate chips. I like to measure them into standard 12-ounce portions (equivalent to a typical bag of chocolate chips) and then vacuum seal them in smaller food saver bags. This smart storage method allows me to simply grab a pre-portioned bag from the pantry whenever a recipe calls for a standard quantity of chocolate chips, saving time and preventing waste.
10. Quality Cooking Oils in Bulk: An Essential Pantry Investment
Initially, I considered labeling this entry simply “extra virgin olive oil,” but I quickly realized that such a narrow focus wouldn’t do justice to the excellent range of cooking oils available at Costco. Indeed, whenever I require any cooking oil in bulk, my first stop is almost always Costco, and I frequently opt for their reliable house brand, Kirkland Signature. Their oils consistently offer excellent quality, and the cost savings compared to purchasing smaller bottles at regular grocery stores are truly substantial.
For high-heat cooking methods like deep frying, I regularly pick up the convenient two-pack of Kirkland Signature vegetable oil, providing a total of 6 quarts. This quantity is ideal for various frying tasks. I’m hopeful that they might introduce peanut oil in a similar, more manageable configuration in the future, as the very large 4.5-gallon size I’ve seen previously is often more than an average home kitchen would use.
The Kirkland line extends to a superb USDA-certified organic extra-virgin olive oil, famously favored by Chef Samin Nosrat of Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat fame. They also offer imported Spanish extra-virgin olive oil and a versatile regular olive oil. Beyond their own brand, you’ll often discover name-brand specialty oils, such as avocado oil, available at very attractive prices. This extensive selection caters to every culinary need, from everyday sautéing to delicate dressings.
My sole word of caution, particularly when purchasing the fruitier, more delicate, or higher-priced oils, is to carefully consider your actual usage needs. Once opened, these finer oils can gradually lose some of their nuanced flavor and aromatic luster over time, especially if not stored optimally. If you don’t anticipate using a large bottle of a specific oil within a reasonable timeframe (typically a few months after opening), you might be better served by purchasing smaller quantities from your local grocery store. I generally opt for the larger extra virgin olive oil bottles when I’m engaged in extensive cooking projects around the holidays or hosting numerous parties throughout the summer, ensuring the oil is consumed while at its peak quality.
Culinary Versatility with Quality Oils:
What essential grocery items make it onto your Costco shopping list? Share your “Best Things to Buy at Costco” and smart bulk-buying tips in the comments below – we’d love to hear your favorites!