Your Go-To Costco Grocery List
We love grocery shopping. Really.
We. love. it.
In fact, we consider it a sport.
Finding the very best quality products at the best prices is a small victory.
There are so many wonderful grocery shopping options today.
And, for those of us not so into grocery shopping… a plethora of delivery options.
But nothing beats Costco grocery prices on many everyday and specialty splurge items.
You’ll also find better quality in most cases. For example, organics.
And, if you’re willing to pay an average 20% higher price for the convenience of delivery… Costco grocery items are now available for delivery via Instacart in many areas.
Think you have to buy too much to enjoy the quality and savings?
Don’t be put off by the large warehouse sizes that go with many Costco grocery items. You’ll find consumable sizes only on this list.
While there are many quality products at phenomenal prices at Costco, some do come in sizes that may be impractical. So we’ve left those items out. For example, cheeses.
This list only includes exceptional deals
Based on any one or all of the following criteria:
- Highest-level of quality – Source, purity, grade.
- Incomparable value – The very best price as compared to other everyday retail sources.
- Regularly available – Not always consistently available at supermarkets and other retailers. But consistently available at Costco.
Top 20 Costco Grocery Items
1. Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
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Why We Like It:
The quality of this olive oil is excellent. And that’s confirmed through independent tests. This is important, as olive oil fraud is widespread today.
It’s USDA Certified Organic. And it’s cold extracted… retaining the delicate aroma and flavor of the oil.
The lovely mild and fruity notes make this oil great for marinades, salad dressings, and finishing.
The affordable price point also makes it an easy choice for everyday cooking at lower temperatures.
At just $13.99 for 2 liters, this delicious oil is only 19.9 cents per fluid ounce. Compare this to another quality oil, Lucini Premium Select Extra Virgin Olive Oil, at an average of $1.46 per ounce at mainline grocery stores like Albertsons.
Rich in antioxidants and monounsaturated fats, we say it’s a healthy steal!
2. Organic Maple Syrup
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Why We Like It:
A superstar Costco grocery item…
This is an organic, grade A, amber syrup with a rich, robust flavor.
At just $11.59 per liter, this sublime syrup comes in at only 34 cents per ounce. For comparison purposes, other organic, grade A, amber syrups like “O” Organics, run at around 54 cents per ounce.
We’ve not found a syrup that tastes better than this one.
It’s delicious on your typical pancakes and waffles. Try it on our Easy Brioche French Toast.
It’s also an amazing star ingredient in recipes like our Chile Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Maple Onion Sauce.
Chile Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Maple Onion Sauce. Click image for the recipe.
3. Himalayan Pink Salt
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Why We Like It:
We like Himalayan Pink Salt for its health benefits. It contains over 84 minerals and trace elements.
Milder in flavor than table salt, we like it for cooking and for finishing.
The price of this grinder and refill set is just $5.29, or 20 cents per ounce. Compare that to McCormick’s brand at an average of $2.99 for a 2.5-ounce container, or 60 cents per ounce.
This product is worth its salt and then some!
4. Whole Black Peppercorns
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Why We Like It:
These peppercorns are versatile enough for your grinder. They’re also great smashed, encrusting a good roast, like our Peppercorn Crusted Prime Rib with Red Wine Jus.
The price is fantastic at $4.99, or 35 cents per ounce.
Comparatively, whole black peppercorns by McCormick and others run at around $3.52 per ounce in mainstream grocery stores.
The Kirkland Signature brand is excellent quality at 10% of the price. And a regular Costco grocery item for us.
Peppercorn Crusted Prime Rib with Red Wine Jus. Click image for the recipe.
5. Pure Vanilla Extract
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Why We Like It:
If you’ve shopped for pure vanilla extract in your local supermarket lately, you know the price is out of sight!
The Kirkland brand of pure vanilla extract is $29.99 per 16-ounce bottle or $1.87 per ounce.
We know, that’s not cheap… but it’s less than 1/2 the price of McCormick Pure Vanilla extract at $3.97 per fluid ounce.
And it’s top quality. If you’re a baker, you want this Costco grocery product!
6. USDA Prime Beef
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Why We Like It:
The USDA grade shield represents less than 2% of the beef U.S. retail beef supply.
It’s the juiciest, most tender and flavorful beef available.
Costco consistently carries at least 2 of 4 cuts in its stores: tenderloin, New York, ribeye, and tri-tip.
Hand trimmed on the premises, fat and gristle are cut down to 1/4 inch in thickness. This ultimately saves you money. As the weight of the edible cut increases by 19-30% as compared to cuts in other markets.
You can also feel very confident in the freshness of this gourmet beef at Costco.
While not banned in the U.S., or required to be disclosed on the label… the practice of carbon monoxide spiking keeps meat looking bright red and fresh beyond the sell-by date.
Popular with many retailers, carbon monoxide spiking is not allowed at Costco.
As with all products, prime beef is most competitively priced at Costco.
For example, prime beef tenderloin ranges from $26.99 to $30.00 per pound in most markets.
As of the publication of this article, prime beef at Costco sells for $21.99 per pound.
We use prime beef tenderloin steaks from Costco grocery to prepare our perfect steakhouse style filet mignon.
How to Cook Steak: Steakhouse Style Filet Mignon. Click the image for the recipe.
7. Wild Cooked Red King Crab Legs + Claws
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Why We Like It:
Available year-round, this wild-caught crab is fully cooked and frozen at the peak of freshness.
Quick to prepare, it’s easy gourmet at its best. Just thaw the legs and claws overnight in your refrigerator for 8-12 hours. Then grill or steam them to rewarm.
Tender, sweet and rich… the freshness of this product really shines through.
Processed and cut in a BRC-certified facility to the highest QA standards, freshness is ensured.
Pacific Seafood has industry leading traceability systems to track harvest to market. It’s also a founding member and supporter of the NFI – Better Seafood Board for ethical industry practices.
The price is exceptional at $22.99 per pound.
8. Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon (Frozen)
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Why We Like It:
Wild-caught vs. farm-raised, this salmon has far greater health benefits. And it’s sustainable.
Boneless and vacuum-packed in individual portions, this salmon is perfect for weeknight quick-cook meals. Remove the vacuum pack and thaw, refrigerated, in an airtight container overnight.
The price point for this quality product cannot be beaten, at just $33 for 3 pounds. Comparatively, plan to pay roughly double that for similar quality fish from the USA in most markets.
9. Wild Alaskan Halibut (Frozen)
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Why We Like It:
We always choose wild-caught fish and seafood over farm raised. This halibut is no exception.
These hand-trimmed, center-cut portions are also individually-vacuum packed.
Boneless and skinless, you can quick-cook this halibut using any method you like.
Sauté, grill, bake or poach for a healthy weeknight meal.
As with all of our choices on this Costco grocery list, the pricing for this product is fantastic at $36 for 2 pounds.
10. Cooked Spiral Sliced Ham
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Why We Like It:
Like most everyone, we love a good Honeybaked Ham.
But we don’t love the price point.
At $7-10 per pound plus $15 shipping, these hams are expensive.
The Kirkland Signature brand spiral cut ham is every bit as good at just $1.89 per pound.
And it comes with an easy and flavorful glaze packet.
Fully cooked and pre-cut, all you need to do is warm this delicious ham and enjoy!
11. Organic Whole Chicken
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Why We Like It:
We always choose organic whenever possible.
Harvested, raised, and hatched in the USA, this quality Grade “A” chicken is organic, and a great deal. It’s on our Costco grocery list every time.
At $1.99 per pound, the price can’t be beaten!
12. Rotisserie Chicken
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Why We Like It:
If you know us, we’re all about an easy everyday gourmet lifestyle.
In fact, we wrote a free mini cookbook that’s 100% dedicated to store-bought rotisserie cookbook recipes.
So yes, we’re big fans of the prepared rotisserie chicken!
The Kirkland brand seasoned rotisserie chicken is THE best buy and quality in existence at just $4.99 per 3-pound chicken.
Grocery store chickens are much higher-priced. And little is known about the quality or whether they’re sourced from the USA.
Costco’s rotisserie chicken is a USDA Grade “A” product of the USA. Gluten-free, hormone and steroid-free, MSG-free… there are no preservatives, artificial flavors or colors.
It’s fully cooked on-site at your warehouse.
Perfect to add to salads, soups, casseroles, quesadillas, sandwiches, paired warm with a side… these chickens could not be easier.
Get your free cookbook now and enjoy easy, delicious recipes with storebought rotisserie chicken.
Click the image to get your free copy.
13. Organic Salted Butter
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Why We Like It:
This high-quality, USDA “AA” grade organic butter is excellent for baking and everyday use.
The price is very competitive at $4.90 per pound.
Similar grocery store brands average $6.70 per pound.
The Kirkland brand bundles 2 – 1 pound boxes, making it easy to freeze one and keep one in the fridge.
We use this product to make our easy compound butter recipes.
Click the image to get the recipes.
14. Kerrygold Irish Grassfed Butter
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Why We Like It:
European-style, grass-fed butter has superior quality and flavor.
But we also love it for its nutrition.
Kerrygold, in particular, is never treated with antibiotics or growth hormones. The cream it’s made from comes from a cooperative of Irish dairy farmers.
Free range cows feed on nutrient-rich, Irish pasture grass. Making it luckier. (Just kidding… about the lucky part.)
European Style Butters contain a higher butter fat content than American Style butters. The flavor profile is rich and creamy.
Easy to clarify, this style of butter is perfect for sauces and compound butters.
Many chefs think it produces superior baked goods. But there is some debate on whether American Style butter or European Style butter yields the best results.
One rule of thumb: if you’re using a recipe from your American Grandma and you love the results, stick with American Style butter because that is probably what she used.
Costco’s price, at $2.92 per 8-ounce bar is the best you’ll get anywhere. Costco’s bundle includes 4 bars.
15. Butter Croissants
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Why We Like Them:
These croissants are made with 100% real butter.
Excellent for entertaining, they’re delightful when warmed.
And at just $5.99 for 12 croissants, they’re ridiculously affordable.
We often substitute them for brioche bread in our Chocolate Hazelnut Bread Pudding with Easy Vanilla Sauce.
The result is mind-blowing!
Chocolate Hazelnut Bread Pudding with Easy Vanilla Sauce. Click the image to get the recipe.
16. Mini Tandori Naan Bread
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Why We Like Them:
These delicious mini flatbreads are wonderful for pocket sandwiches and quick pizzas.
Hand-stretched and tandoori-baked, this brand is made with real buttermilk and contains no artificial preservatives.
A 4-count package at the grocery store averages $3.99. At Costco, get 18 for just $5.59.
They freeze very well so don’t be afraid to buy a few extra to pull out on demand!
Easy Flatbread Pizza. Click the image to get the recipe.
17. Kirkland House Blend Coffee
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Why We Like It:
Roasted by Starbucks, fair trade, and uber-affordable… this is an excellent, medium-bodied coffee that you can grind in the warehouse or at home.
Get it for under 6 bucks per pound.
18. Whole Roasted Cashews
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Why We Like Them:
These whole cashews truly are premium quality. Extremely fresh with the right amount of salt.
The pricing is far more competitive than comparable brands like Planters at under $9 per pound.
19. Organic Frozen Berry Medley
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Why We Like It:
Great for smoothies, quick fruit sauces, or simply as an easy light treat… this berry blend is outstanding quality.
The fruit is organic and comes packed in (6) 8-ounce pouches for individual smoothies or smaller servings… keeping the rest of the fruit packaged well for freezer protection.
We also love it over oatmeal, salads, pancakes and french toast.
At just $9.49, this medley is a great deal.
Easy Brioche French Toast. Click image fo the recipe.
20. Kirkland Signature Wines
Image via Wine Enthusiast.
Why We Like Them:
Costco sources from premium appellations and vineyards for their Kirkland Signature wine.
The result: high-quality wine choices at a remarkable value.
We really like the Kirkland Signature 2016 Rosé (Côtes de Provence). And so does Wine Enthusiast… giving it 88 points and a “best buy” distinction.
At just $9 per bottle, you may want to grab a case!