I’ve had a Costco executive membership for almost a decade, and while my shopping habits have changed since having kids, my love for all things Costco has not.
Where else can you buy a seasonal wardrobe, weekly groceries, household staples, and a ready-to-eat pizza big enough to feed an entire family (teenagers included)?
Plus, the $130-a-year executive membership comes with perks like 2% back on all purchases (distributed as an annual check) and earlier access to the store, which feel like pretty big wins.
However, the membership perks would mean nothing without quality products at competitive prices, and I think these items are worth it every time.
Kirkland Signature lean ground beef gives me easy meal options in convenient packaging.
Ground beef is a mealtime staple in our household, and Costco makes it easy for me to keep plenty on hand.
I like this bag of five individually packaged 1-pound frozen logs of meat because they’re easy to store and keep fresh until I’m ready to thaw and use them.
The large jars of Kirkland Signature organic marinara sauce are perfect for my family of four.
A three-pack of Kirkland Signature organic marinara sauce is almost always in my cart.
Each 2-pound jar of sauce can be used to make two meals for our family of four when combined with ground beef and pasta. (I like the Garofalo organic pasta variety pack, which I also grab at Costco).
One of my favorite ways to use the marinara is by simmering it with leftover pot roast in the crockpot for an easy ragù.
My family loves organic Cosmic Crisp apples so much that we buy two bags at a time.
My two kids eat apples almost daily, so Costco’s large bags feel like a great value.
We like Cosmic Crisp apples because they tend to last longer than other varieties when stored properly. Plus, we love the crisp texture and perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Premade mashed potatoes are an everyday side that feels special.
Mashed potatoes aren’t necessarily difficult to make, but preparing them takes time and requires more dishes than I like to clean, especially on weeknights.
I always grab some sort of premade mashed potatoes from the prepared food section at Costco for an easy side dish my family loves.
Recently, I picked up a package of Reser’s Fine Foods Main St. Bistro restaurant-style mashed potatoes. I like that it includes two individually wrapped containers, so I can use one and freeze the other.
My kids love Kirkland Signature’s lightly breaded chicken-breast chunks for weekend lunches.
Costco’s private-label lightly breaded chicken chunks taste just like frozen nuggets from mainstream brands for a fraction of the price.
We follow the air-fryer directions on the package, and the chicken turns out perfectly golden brown every time.
We keep Oikos Triple Zero Greek yogurt on hand for a quick protein boost.
We love yogurt for a healthy snack, and buying in bulk ensures my family always has some in the fridge.
Each cup of Oikos Triple Zero Greek yogurt is packed with 15 grams of protein — without added sugars or artificial sweeteners. The variety pack offers three flavors, so everyone gets one they love.
Granola adds crunch to our favorite snacks.
Granola is a fun, crunchy treat we enjoy adding to things like yogurt, smoothie bowls, and even ice cream.
Costco offers a variety of family-sized options, making it easy to find something for everyone. On a recent trip, I bought a 34-ounce bag of Purely Elizabeth salty-sweet granola that was on sale for $8 ($3 off).
My kids love hummus, especially when it comes in its own perfectly portioned cup.
Kirkland Signature hummus cups are a solid portable snack packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
I like to pair them with fresh produce, like baby carrots and cucumber slices, or pretzel chips and pita bread — all available at Costco.
I’ve found a lot of value in Costco’s coffee selection.
Costco has an impressive coffee selection: a mix of local beans, international brands, and private-label options — including cups for Keurig and Nespresso machines.
Coffee prices have been rising, but I can still find a pretty great value when I buy beans in bulk at Costco. Recently, I picked up a 2-½ -pound bag of Kirkland Signature House Blend for less than $20.
My family loves snacking on roasted nuts, and Kirkland Signature pistachios are our favorite.
Costco offers a wide variety of roasted and raw nuts in bulk. My kids especially enjoy snacking on pistachios, or “open-ups” as my 4-year-old calls them.
The roasted nuts satisfy our salt cravings and, with protein and healthy fats, they make a great substitute for less healthful options, like typical potato chips.
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