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10 Things You Should Always Buy at Costco

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If you’ve ever found yourself wandering the towering aisles of Costco, oversized cart in hand, wondering what’s truly worth tossing in, you’re not alone. The warehouse giant is known for its bulk deals and loyal shoppers, but not every product is a slam dunk.

Some items are legendary for a reason, and if you know what to look for, you can stretch your dollars further than you thought possible. Let’s cut through the noise and talk about what you should always grab at Costco.

Nut Butters

Peanut Butter
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If peanut butter is a staple in your kitchen, Costco is your spot. Their 2-pack of organic peanut butter clocks in at about $10, and the ingredients are refreshingly simple: peanuts and salt. For almond butter lovers, Costco’s house brand has been praised for its smooth texture and clean taste.

Rotisserie Chicken

rotisserie chicken.
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This is the crown jewel of Costco shopping. At $4.99, the rotisserie chicken is a steal. It’s been the same price since 2009, and Costco sells over 100 million of them a year. It’s flavorful, convenient, and ridiculously cheap, whether you eat it straight from the container, shred it for tacos, or throw it in a soup or salad.

Toilet Paper

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Not exciting, but essential. Costco’s Kirkland Signature toilet paper regularly ranks as a top choice in consumer tests. A Consumer Reports analysis found Kirkland TP outperformed even premium brands on strength and softness. With 30-roll packs, you won’t be running out anytime soon, and the price per roll often beats what you’d pay at grocery chains or online.

Gasoline

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If your local Costco has a gas station, don’t pass it by. Their fuel is top-tier, and the price difference adds up. According to a CNN report, Costco gas is typically 20cents cheaper per gallon than nearby competitors. Fill up your tank and feel good knowing you just saved enough for a slice of pizza and a soda at the food court.

Batteries

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You might not think about it until your remote dies, but Costco’s battery packs are a budget saver. The Kirkland Signature AA batteries are made by Duracell, and they often perform nearly identically. The big packs mean you’re stocked for months, and the cost per battery beats drugstore prices by a mile.

Organic Maple Syrup

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If you’ve checked maple syrup prices at other stores, you know the real stuff isn’t cheap. At Costco, you can grab a liter of 100% pure organic maple syrup for less than $13. That’s about half the price per ounce compared to Whole Foods or Target. Pancake Sunday just got sweeter.

Prescription Medications

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You don’t even need a membership for this one. A Consumer Reports survey found that Costco’s prescription drug prices were among the lowest in the U.S., often beating local pharmacies by a wide margin. Their generics in particular offer serious savings, and the pharmacy staff doesn’t skimp on quality service.

Shredded Cheese

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One big bag of shredded cheese from Costco can last you multiple dinners, quesadillas, and midnight nacho emergencies. A 2.5-pound bag of Kirkland shredded mozzarella is much cheaper per pound than buying small packs at the grocery store. Toss it in the fridge if you can’t finish it fast enough.

Eyeglasses

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Need new specs? Costco’s Optical Department consistently ranks high for customer satisfaction. You’ll find frames from top brands, quality lenses, and on-site optometrists for a fraction of the usual retail cost.

Wine

They Block the Entire Aisle for a Price Comparison Moment
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Costco is one of the biggest wine retailers in the U.S., and the Kirkland Signature label is no joke. Their wines are sourced from reputable vineyards, sometimes the same ones that bottle much pricier options.

Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.

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