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Confession: I was 37 years and 1 month old the first time I ever stepped foot inside a Costco. Yes, I’ve written about best anti-inflammatory snack at Costco, the top Costco snack for better blood sugar and the #1 trick to save money at Costco—and have heard friends rave about it for years. Even still, I didn’t see the purpose of making the trip. This was especially true since I would have to ask a card-carrying member to escort me.
But on an evening in late June, three of my pals who are most passionate about Costco took me on my maiden voyage. As we toured through the appliances, produce section, freezer aisles, bakery and beyond, I started to realize what I had been missing. A lot of the items I adored and invested in smaller quantities of at the supermarket were available here for about 25% less than I’d pay at the supermarket. Sometimes, the savings were even greater.
It took just one 45-minute trip to convince me that I needed to get my own membership and start saving—yes, even as a single person. There are definitely items I still snag at Target or my regular grocery store. (There’s no universe in which I can finish 5 dozen eggs or 6 pounds of fresh mangoes before they go bad, and I’d prefer to not have to store 48 rolls of toilet paper in my townhome.) Still, buying the majority of my frozen foods, pantry staples and drinks and even an appliance at Costco has already paid off in major savings.
Ahead, I’m revealing a handful of my Costco purchases that, in just two months, have added up to cost savings greater than the price of my membership.
1. Ninja Creami Deluxe
I can’t be the only one who has had this appliance following them around on social media for months! After seeing all of the hundreds of creative ice cream and frozen yogurt recipe variations floating around my Instagram Explore page, I was strongly considering a Creami. But did I really need it if I already own a high-powered blender? Then I did the math of how much I’d spend on a pint of Ben & Jerry’s or Talenti; about $5.50 in my neck of the woods. Compare that to the $180 retail price for this appliance at Costco, and I’d only need to use it 33 times for the Creami to pay off. (By the way, Costco had such a great deal on the Deluxe Creami that it was less than the sale price of the regular model, which has smaller mixing containers and 7 functions compared to the Deluxe’s 11.) The texture the Creami creates is far lighter and smoother than anything I’ve ever been able to make in my blender, and it’s a blast to tinker with the formula each time to feature new protein sources (like the protein shake below) and different fruits.
2. Fairlife Core Power Chocolate Protein Shake
I’ve been on a mission to eat more protein this year, and while I mostly rely on whole foods to do this, protein powder and protein shakes have come in handy to help fill in the gaps. After sampling several brands and flavors, my all-time favorite is Fairlife’s line, and the chocolate flavor reminds me of the chocolate milk cartons I’d grab in the lunch line in grade school. At Costco, each 14-ounce bottle costs about $3.25, which is a bargain compared to the $4.50 they run at my supermarket. By the way, one of the easiest Creami creations I make often involves ½ cup of milk, 1 tablespoon of pudding mix, and 1 bottle of this 26-grams-strong protein shake. I use a frother to mix those ingredients well, freeze for 12 hours, then blend on “light ice cream.” Then it’s time to re-spin once, add any mix-ins (I love seasonal fruit or crumbled Kodiak Bear Bites) and grab a cone.
3. Spindrift Sparkling Water
After reporting on wellness for 16 years, I know that hydration is key for a sharp brain, healthy heart and muscles, stronger workouts, vibrant skin and beyond. But my motivation is low to sip on plain H2O. I’ve found that a bubbly, citrusy bevvy is far more inspiring, and a can of Spindrift enjoyed over ice has become my go-to desk drink. The ingredient list for each is refreshingly short: carbonated water and the juice from that fruit. Costco’s variety pack comes with 30 cans—a mix of lemon, lime and grapefruit—for just 76 cents each. That feels like a reasonable investment in inching closer to my water intake goals for the day.
4. Crest 3D White Advanced Whitening Toothpaste
Yes, I know this is EatingWell and toothpaste isn’t something that you eat. Still, research has found that oral health is linked to everything from gut health to heart health, so I have a routine of flossing daily and brushing after each meal. Costco’s Crest multipack comes with five 5.2-ounce tubes, which work out to a reasonable $3.59 each. Unlike big rolls of paper towels or toilet paper, this is one staple that’s a cinch to store in my bathroom, even when buying in bulk.
5. Kirkland Signature Pecan Halves
Packed with healthy fats and fiber, pecans are a staple in my diet for snacking, stirring into Greek yogurt and oatmeal and for incorporating into recipes savory (Apple and Pecan Stuffed Butternut Squash) and sweet (Pecan Pie Dip with Crunchy Pie-Crust Dippers). The moment I spied the 2-pound bag of pecan halves hanging out in the pantry section, I figured I’d probably add a bag to my cart to refresh my stock. As I walked closer and noticed the $13.79 price, I had zero second thoughts about snagging a bag. As a single person, I swear by keeping my nuts in the freezer, where they stay fresh for up to a year … if they last that long.
6. Pure Vanilla Extract
As proven by the 35-year-old homemade vanilla Ina Garten chose as one of her “favorite things” in a 2020 kitchen tour, vanilla extract can last forever. While I start my own DIY batch, allowing vanilla bean pods to soak in bourbon, I’m relying on Costco’s budget-friendly version to use in my baked goods, yogurt and pancakes. It clocks in at less than $12 for 16 ounces, and lends such rich flavor to every dish.
7. Fresh Additions Fully Cooked Chicken Breast Bites
Costco’s rotisserie chicken gets a lot of love, which is well-deserved. I’ve definitely purchased one, which made it a breeze to assemble one of my favorite meal-prep lunches: Buffalo-Style Bistro Lunch Box. During weeks when I have an unpredictable dinner agenda and just want a back-up plan I can store in the freezer, I turn to these chicken breast strips that come in convenient 3.2-ounce pouches. For a Chick-fil-A copycat snack, I add a side of barbecue sauce and I’ve essentially re-created the grilled chicken nuggets from the fast-food chain for far less cash (each packet is $1.87, compared to the $6.15 I’d pay at the drive-thru). And for quick-fix dinners at the end of long days, I like to reheat a pouch to toss over Use-a-Spoon Chopped Salad or add to a Tabbouleh, Hummus & Pita Plate.