I'm a Food Editor—Here Are the 11 Essentials I ALWAYS Buy at Costco

Whether it’s oils and nuts or premium frozen goods that simplify weekday dinners, these are the essentials I consistently pick up at Costco.

Reviewed by Registered Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S.

I've been a loyal Costco customer for many years. Because I frequent the store so regularly, one day an employee approached me and suggested upgrading to an executive membership. Were it not for the fact that my spouse insists on buying his own dark, leafy greens elsewhere, I'd likely buy everything we need at Costco alone.

However, there are specific components that I consistently purchase from Costco. These items not only boast superior quality but also come with affordable prices. While some might be marginally pricier than those found elsewhere, their additional expense can often justify themselves since this ensures ample supply over time. Whether stocking up on essential cooking basics such as olive oil and almonds or keeping stocks of frozen goods to prevent resorting to costly restaurant meals during hectic evenings, my kitchen shelves overflow with preferred selections sourced exclusively through them. Below lies an enumeration of these personal top picks.

Related: 12 Overlooked Items to Purchase at Costco, Say Food Specialists

1. Oils

Premium oils often come with a steep cost. Therefore, I opt for big containers of avocado oil and extra-virgin olive oil. olive oil I transfer them into more petite, attractive containers and display them on my countertop to avoid having oversized plastic bottles around. The larger ones I store in my pantry to maintain their freshness. Typically, I purchase the 2-liter sizes. During my last shopping trip, these cost me $21.99 for avocado oil and $26.39 for extra-virgin olive oil—prices that amounted to roughly half what I’d pay for equivalent quantities elsewhere.

2. Nuts

My household goes through many nuts. My spouse often incorporates them walnuts He adds almonds and pecans to his oatmeal and chia pudding, and we enjoy snacking on pistachios, cashews, and assorted nuts. I purchase these from Costco since our family consumes such quantities, not to mention their excellent deals. For instance, you can buy a 3-pound bag of walnuts for around $12, or opt for two-and-a-half pounds of mixed nuts priced at approximately $15; both offers are quite hard to top price-wise. To keep everything fresh, I divide the nuts into big mason jars and store extras in the freezer until needed, ensuring freshness lasts beyond just one week.

Related: What Occurs to Your Body If You Consume Nuts Daily

3. Frozen Pot Stickers

My family loves potstickers and dumplings, which also happen to be an excellent choice for a speedy meal. Several years back, I began saving extra rice in a reusable freezer bag, gradually building up more each time we had leftovers from our dinners. Nowadays, I utilize this saved rice to prepare fried rice, often serving it alongside the potstickers—this dish has become one of our go-tos, appearing on our menu at least twice per month. While I’ve tried nearly all the brands available at Costco, my top picks remain Bibigo and Ling Ling because these options include their own dipping sauces within separate packets. Soups Stir-fries that include potstickers are equally delightful. My daughter occasionally prepares them for breakfast, and I have prepared some, placing them in a Thermos for her to enjoy at lunchtime too.

4. Rao's Marinara Sauce

Apologies to Bove's, I adore your meatballs, however Rao's marinara stands unmatched. It also made it to the top of our list. marinara sauce taste test !) You won’t find a better deal on its price at Costco either! When planning a Costco visit during the weekend, I usually head there first before going to the usual supermarket, just in case they run out of stock and I have to wait for my next shopping trip. Last time, I overlooked getting my jars of Rao’s and was quite surprised by the higher prices at the regular store. At Costco, you can buy a two-pack of 28-ounce jars for around $12; meanwhile, a single 24-ounce jar costs over $8 at my nearby grocery store.

Related: The Top Lesser-Known Pasta Sauce That a Food Editor Recommends

5. Cheese

We absolutely adore cheese at our place and consume quite a bit of it. Additionally, since most types of cheese remain fresh for an extended period, I don’t stress about them spoiling when purchasing bigger portions from Costco. Despite any rumors you might have come across, cheese It’s incredibly nutritious and offers several notable health advantages. We consistently choose Cabot SeriouslySharp Cheddar cheese for preference; additionally, we stock up on containers of Kirkland Feta and Parmigiano-Reggiano. During pizza nights, we also pick up fresh mozzarella. For hosting gatherings, we tend to select an array of premium cheeses. Their selection includes exceptional handcrafted varieties such as Humboldt Fog alongside products from Vermont Creamery and Jasper Hill Farm.

Related: The 4 Cheeses You Should Definitely Purchase at Costco, Says a Food Editor

6. Organic Berries

Regardless of the time of year, the cost of organic berries at Costco tends to be more economical compared to regular supermarkets. You can typically find organic blueberries and raspberries there, and occasionally strawberries and blackberries as well.

7. Chilled Fruits and Vegetables

If you've got extra room in your freezer and frequently whip up smoothies, it’s tough to find a better deal than Costco's frozen fruits. They offer an extensive range, which is great for those who enjoy mixing things up. And Frozen fruits and veggies may actually be more nutritious. These options taste better than fresh because they are frozen at their prime ripeness. We have started enjoying frozen cherries and mango pieces as snacks (the latter being one of my go-to desserts during pregnancy). Additionally, I purchase frozen mixed vegetables and broccoli. Nearly all of Costco’s frozen offerings are organic, which might be important to some people.

8. Frozen Fish

I found out that I consume more fish when it’s stored in my freezer. The quality of frozen fish is excellent; much of what you consider fresh from the seafood section has been previously frozen as well (make sure to check the label next time). Wild-caught salmon and cod are the types I usually purchase. Some of my go-to recipes for these include Miso-Maple Salmon and Almond-&-Lemon-Crusted Fish with Spinach .

Related: What Occurs to Your System When You Consume Salmon?

9. Kalamata Olives

I'm partially Lebanese and often prepare many Middle Eastern-style dishes, such as falafel or mujadara Accompanied by a large Greek salad, another favorite breakfast choice for my daughter consists of kale, feta, and olive tacos. Often, I fill her bento box with what I refer to as "Lebanese girl snacks." These include olives, feta cheese, hummus paired with cucumbers, carrots, and either crackers or naan bread dippers. This routine means we consume many Kalamata olives; thus, purchasing them in bulk jars proves practical. Additionally, these olives come preserved in brine, which serves well as an alternative ingredient to vinegar when making salad dressings.

10. Chia Seeds

My spouse and child are big fans of chia pudding I prepare a few servings for each of them on Sundays, and they can customize their breakfast as desired in the morning. For Lila, I typically include a dash of milk, some berries, maple syrup, and occasionally a touch of cocoa powder. Dan prefers adding extra milk, along with granola or muesli and fresh fruit. Chia seeds offer numerous health advantages—primarily because they are rich in fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids.

11. Oats

Our household consumes a significant amount of oats! My spouse prepares oatmeal several times each week, and during warmer weather, I batch-make muesli. Additionally, baking with oats is something we enjoy doing. oatmeal cookies and oat bread , too.

Related: What Occurs to Your System When You Consume Oatmeal Daily?

Read the initial article on GudangMovies21