I live 2 hours from the nearest Costco. Here are 10 items worth the 130-mile drive.

I didn’t know just how vital Costco was to my household until we moved from Denver to Sheridan, Wyoming.

Alongside Rhode Island and West Virginia, Wyoming is one of three states without any Costco locations.

Despite my husband and I being DINKWADs (dual income, no kids, with a dog), we’re accustomed to shopping in bulk, in part because we grew up in rural areas where it’s common to do so. It also helps us stretch our grocery budget.

Now, when I make my monthly two-hour drive to Costco in Billings, Montana, I never leave the store without these 10 items.

Kirkland Signature plain Greek yogurt is the most versatile ingredient in my fridge.

Plain Greek yogurt is my superstar ingredient for adding protein to recipes. I like to use it in place of sour cream, add protein powder to it for a quick breakfast, and use it in place of oil when baking gluten-free brownies.

This 48-ounce tub lasts me about two weeks.

Better Than Bouillon roasted beef base is my secret sauce.

In my opinion, the Better Than Bouillon roasted beef base tastes much richer than boxed broths, so it’s great for making stews and soups.

I also like to use it for gravies, marinades, and slow-cooked meats.

I make sure 80% of my cart is filled with produce.

I like to buy organic produce, like the Josie’s Organics baby spinach, at Costco because I can get more for my money than I do at my local grocery store.

The Simple Mills almond flour crackers are a great gluten-free snack.

I’ve noticed that gluten-free snacks can be hard to find in my local grocery store.

So, I like purchasing a double-bag box of Simple Mills almond flour crackers at Costco. They usually last me a month and are always a hit at family gatherings.

Liquid IV is my not-so-guilty pleasure.

When I can fit it into my grocery budget, Liquid IV is one of my splurge items.

Having these hydration packets on hand, especially in the hotter months living at higher elevations, is a game changer for me. I’ve noticed that when I use them, I get fewer headaches and cramps post-workout.

I also like to pour them over ice with a lime wedge for a dinnertime mocktail.

This bag of Kirkland Signature frozen shrimp will be thawed in time for dinner.

In my experience, it can be hard to find good seafood that won’t bust my grocery budget. That’s why I always grab a bag of Kirkland Signature frozen shrimp.

Plus, it’s thawed by the time I get home, so I can make dinner quickly.

Kirkland Signature eggs are a great value.

A dozen eggs can cost nearly $6 at my local grocery store. So, I love that I can get a 24-pack of Kirkland Signature eggs at Costco for $8.20.

Pure Protein Bars make the perfect road trip snack.

I always snag a box of these Pure Protein bars at Costco as part of my high-protein diet. They’re a great road trip snack for my drive home, too.

I will never stop buying Charmin toilet paper in bulk.

For me, buying toilet paper in bulk isn’t just about saving money. It’s also about my irrational fear of running out — fueled by the shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Periodically, Costco will run a sale, and I’ll buy two packages of Charmin at a time.

Before heading home, I always remember to fuel up.

As a Costco member, I get access to its gas stations, so my final purchase is always getting gas for the 130-mile drive home.

Click to keep reading Costco diaries like this one.

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