Making a shopping list for your next trip to the warehouse club? From cheese and chicken stock to chocolate chips, here are my 10 best things to buy at Costco for food staples and pantry items. (Neither Striped Spatula nor this post are affiliated with Costco. We’re just happy members.)
I enjoy wandering the aisles at Costco, but with so many options it can be hard to decide what’s worthwhile to buy in bulk. Below are my top 10 grocery staples that I regularly purchase there—items I keep on hand in my pantry or fridge because they deliver quality and real savings compared with typical grocery-store prices.
Note: product availability and pricing vary by region and over time. Check your local warehouse for up-to-date information.
1. Real Deal Parmigiano Reggiano
If I could recommend only one Costco buy, it would be Parmigiano Reggiano. Kirkland Signature wedges are imported from Italy and carry the proper certification marks, typically aged at least 24 months. Compared to the cheese case at most grocery stores, the price is consistently much better.
I prefer to buy the large wedges (about 1½ pounds), then grate or process them as needed. Grated cheese stored in a sealed container keeps well in the fridge. Don’t toss the rinds—save them for adding depth to soups, stews, and stocks, or freeze them for later use.
Bonus: The Pecorino Romano wedges sold there are also properly certified and aged, and make another great buy.
Use It (Parmigiano Reggiano Recipes):
2. Whole Black Peppercorn
Freshly ground black pepper adds a depth of flavor that pre-ground pepper can’t match. Costco’s large jars of whole peppercorns offer excellent value—often significantly cheaper per ounce than smaller jars at regular grocery stores. Whole peppercorns store well in a cool, dark pantry for up to a couple of years.
Use It (Peppercorn Recipes):
3. Organic Pure Maple Syrup
Costco’s Kirkland organic maple syrup is a versatile pantry staple—perfect for breakfasts, sauces, glazes, and cocktails. The jug offers USDA-organic, Grade A syrup at a price per ounce that’s hard to beat. I keep one in the fridge and a spare in the pantry so I’m never without.
Use It (Maple Syrup Recipes):
4. Shelled Nuts
Costco sells large bags of shelled nuts—walnuts, pecans, almonds, and pine nuts—that are excellent for baking and snacking. Because the portions are larger than typical grocery-store offerings, the price per ounce is usually lower. If you won’t use them right away, store nuts in the freezer to extend freshness for up to a year.
Use Them (Nut Recipes):
5. Organic Chicken Stock
While homemade stock is incomparable, Costco’s Kirkland Organic Chicken Stock is a convenient and reliable alternative. It’s fat-free, USDA organic, gluten-free, and has a balanced flavor that works well in soups, sauces, and braises. Sold in multi-packs of resealable cartons, it’s an easy way to keep quality stock on hand.
Use It (Stock Recipes):
6. Bring Home The Bacon
Kirkland Signature bacon is an all-purpose, crowd-pleasing option. Available in regular, thick-cut, and reduced-sodium varieties, it cooks up crisp with a balanced meat-to-fat ratio and a mild hickory smoke. Packs are divided into smaller vacuum-sealed portions, so you can freeze extras and keep them for several months.
Use It (Bacon Recipes):
7. Genovese Basil Pesto
When fresh basil isn’t in season or I need a larger quantity, Kirkland’s Genovese basil pesto is one of the best commercial options I’ve tried. It’s flavorful and versatile—use it for pastas, sandwiches, compound butters, or to brighten quick weeknight meals. Leftover pesto freezes well in small portions.
8. Pure Vanilla Extract
For baking in bulk, Costco’s pure vanilla extract is a smart buy. The large bottle delivers a warm, rounded vanilla flavor at a much lower price per ounce than many grocery-store brands, making it economical for holiday baking and frequent use.
Use It (Vanilla Extract Recipes):
9. Kirkland Chocolate Chips (*Update/Swap)
I originally recommended Kirkland’s hazelnut spread, but that product appears to be discontinued in some areas. In its place, Kirkland Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips are a dependable pantry staple. They come in a large resealable bag (great for holiday baking) and perform well in cookies, brownies, and other desserts. I portion the chips into smaller bags for storage and convenience.
Tip: Measure 12-ounce portions and vacuum-seal or freeze them so you can grab a standard amount when a recipe calls for it.
10. (Almost) All of the Oils
Costco is a great place to buy oils in bulk. Kirkland offers extra-virgin olive oil, regular olive oil, vegetable oil in multi-quart packs (handy for deep frying), and other specialty oils like avocado. These larger containers provide substantial savings, but be mindful of the quantity: delicate, fruitier oils can lose their character once opened, so buy large bottles only if you’ll use them within a reasonable timeframe.
Use It (Deep Fried Recipes):
What’s on your Costco shopping list? Tell me your “Best Things to Buy at Costco” for grocery staples in the comments below!