Even chefs with Michelin-level skills and truffle oil in their veins can't resist a a lifetime supply of eggs, butcher-quality ribeyes and these other top items to buy at Costco

18 Best Items to Buy at Costco, According to Professional Chefs


Salmon
Whether fresh or frozen, salmon is a Costco standout. Ashworth goes for the fresh Atlantic salmon, which typically runs about $12 per pound. “It’s affordable for everyone and comes both skin-on and skinless,” she says. Plus, Costco’s farmed salmon is sustainably sourced, so it’s a win for your dinner table and the planet. “Over the years, I’ve seen the quality get better and better,” she adds. “It’s really promising—and makes it easier when I need to cook for a group without spending a fortune.”
Meanwhile, Littley swears by the frozen wild-caught salmon. “They’re individually portioned and great quality,” he says. “Perfect for quick, healthy meals.” Each bag typically includes six to eight vacuum-sealed fillets, making it easy to grab just what you need without defrosting the whole pack. Stored properly, they’ll last up to six months in the freezer without losing flavor or texture.

Chicken thighs
Ashworth swears by chicken thighs for a quick air-fryer dinner. “People think they don’t have time to cook, but chicken thighs beg to differ,” she says. They’re smaller and juicier than breasts, cook fast and come individually flash-frozen in Costco’s bulk bags, so you get the bulk savings without the hassle of repackaging a bulk bag. A win for busy people and last-minute cooks alike.
Littley also thinks the Kirkland organic thighs are among the best items to buy at Costco, praising them for their versatility. “They’re very flavorful and versatile—great in curries, on the grill or just thrown in a pan with some garlic,” he says.

Parmigiano Reggiano
This isn’t just any Parmesan. This is the real, aged, Italian deal—the kind that comes in blocks. Usually sold in 1- to 3-pound blocks for $12 to $15 per pound, “it’s authentic yet cheaper than specialty stores,” Littley says, “and it adds incredible flavor.”
While Costco also sells a grated version, the pros recommend buying it whole for maximum flavor. Shave it over risottos, grate it into soups, or sprinkle it on roasted veggies; it’s a kitchen workhorse. Bonus: It keeps remarkably well—up to nine months unopened, and two months after opening if tightly sealed and stored in the fridge.
Pro tip: Shave your Parmesan instead of grating it … unless you enjoy scrubbing cheese dust out of your grater for the next week.

Quinoa and couscous
Bougie grains in bulk size? Yes, please! Since DeLoach cooks for so many health-minded clients, he’s all about these high-protein, high-fiber carbs—and not just for their nutritional qualities. “Quinoa and couscous are so easy to prep, and they’re great for meal planning,” he says. Also, let’s be honest: Saying you “whipped up some couscous with roasted vegetables and a balsamic reduction” sounds much better than saying you “made some mac and cheese,” even though they take about the same amount of time.
DeLoach also raves about Costco’s convenience and bulk savings when making these sorts of dishes. “I love Costco because it’s got all my staples—grains, beans, seasoning—in one place, and it’s such good value,” he says. “It keeps me and my clients on track nutritionally without breaking the bank.”

Avocado oil
This isn’t just influencer hype—avocado oil earns its spot in serious kitchens. It’s Ashworth’s go-to cooking oil for its high smoke point (ideal for frying, sauteéing and searing) and its heart-healthy fats. But the real win? Costco’s price, which is why it earns a spot on her list of the best items to buy at Costco. “It’s very affordable at Costco, unlike at other stores, where a bottle can feel like a luxury item,” she says. A hefty 67.6-ounce bottle runs around $24 ($0.37/oz), compared to $34 at Kroger ($0.50/oz).
Even if avocado oil is your everyday cooking oil, this bottle will last for months. Just store it in a cool, dark place, and it’ll stay fresh for up to eight months after opening. Whether you’re searing a steak or channeling your inner Top Chef, this oil delivers pro-level performance without the premium price.

Ribeye steaks
“If I’m in a rush but want to impress, it’s ribeyes all the way,” Ashworth says of this Costco pick. “Prime-cut ribeyes are the easiest and quickest meal to serve up, so they’re always in my cart.”
Costco’s USDA Prime ribeyes are thick-cut, well-marbled and packed with flavor—the kind of steakhouse-quality beef you’d expect to find at a butcher. At around $14 to $17 per pound (depending on your location), they’re a serious deal compared to specialty markets, where prime cuts can run $25 or more per pound.
The Coscto catch? You’re usually buying a multipack, often four to six hefty steaks at once, which can feel like a splurge. But that’s where your freezer comes in! Wrap each steak individually in plastic wrap and foil, or vacuum-seal them, and you’ll have a ready-to-go stash for future date nights or dinner guests.

Baguettes
For a guy who trains athletes and builds balanced meals, DeLoach still believes in the magic of good bread, especially when it’s Costco’s French-style baguettes. The double loaves are baked fresh daily at Costco and sold in the bakery section. Plus, they’re made with European-style flour, which tends to be lower in gluten and easier to digest for some people. “They’re a great option for clients who want to enjoy bread without feeling weighed down,” he says.
And unlike many specialty breads made with imported flour, these won’t cost you a fortune. The quality rivals what you’d find at a bakery or European grocer, but at a fraction of the price. They run about $5 for two 24-ounce loaves.
Pro tip: While you certainly can eat them fresh out of the bag, they’re even better after a few minutes in the oven to get that golden, crackly crust and warm, pillowy center. And they’re perfect for sandwiches, soups or tearing off a hunk and pretending you’re in Paris.

Organic power greens and spinach
Clark trained in Italy but makes healthy eating fun and accessible. Her secret weapon? Costco’s giant clamshells of power greens and spinach. “It’s convenient, fresh and packed with nutrients,” she says. “I love having these on hand for quick salads, omelets and stir-fries. It’s super versatile, and it comes in a generous size.” She’s not kidding—each clamshell holds a full pound of organic greens, which is more than double what most grocery stores offer. That makes it a smart buy for families, meal preppers or anyone trying to sneak in more veggies without constantly running to the store.
Pro tip: Clark recommends using them up within a week for peak freshness but says you can also freeze extras for smoothies, stir-fries or hiding in pasta when your kid refuses to eat anything green. Just toss the greens into a freezer bag and use them straight from the freezer.

Street tacos
Calderone caters everything from high-end corporate galas to Pride events with three hours’ notice (true story). “As a caterer, last-minute changes are a part of life, and Costco delivers—literally and figuratively,” she says. One of her go-to picks for feeding a crowd fast? The Costco-prepared street taco kit. “It feeds the whole family for under $20, and everyone loves them, even picky eaters,” she says. Even better, no one has to fight over who’s chopping onions because everything is ready to go.
Each kit (found in the prepared foods section) comes with seasoned grilled chicken, corn tortillas, shredded cheese, cabbage slaw, cilantro-lime crema, and salsa. It’s designed to serve six to eight people, and there’s no prep involved—just heat and serve. Depending on the location and season, you may also find taco kits with tempura shrimp, barbacoa or carnitas.
This is something Calderone uses for family parties, busy weeknights or last-minute backyard get-togethers with friends.

Canned drinks
Whether it’s sparkling water, sodas, juice boxes or more adult beverages like hard seltzer, Costco keeps Calderone’s coolers full and her guests hydrated. As a caterer, she’s often racing against the clock, and Costco consistently—and literally—delivers.
“I just placed a last-minute order with Costco for a big event, and they came through again,” she says. “Their delivery is fast—sometimes within hours—and their canned drinks are always in stock and a better deal than most vendors.”
From name-brand sodas to organic juice boxes and LaCroix-style seltzers, the variety is wide, the quality solid and the pricing hard to beat. When time is tight and she needs to stock up without paying a premium, Costco is her go-to. “It’s one less thing to stress about,” she says. “And that’s saying something in catering.”

Eggs
Eggs are the Swiss Army knives of proteins—scramble them, bake with them, hard-boil and forget about them until the fridge smells weird. “I always get the huge packs at Costco, not like the 24-count but the ones that come in a giant stack,” Ashworth says. “It’s just so easy, and you can buy them in extreme bulk!”
Costco offers a range of egg options, from organic to cage-free to conventional, and even with rising grocery prices, they stay weirdly cheap. A 24-pack in the New York suburbs recently clocked in around $5.79, roughly $2 to $6 cheaper than at many grocery stores. And when you’re buying dozens every week, whether for clients or your family, those savings really add up.
Plus, the packaging is fridge-friendly. Affordable, versatile and space-efficient—what more could you want from a protein?
Better Than Bouillon paste
This flavor-packed paste is a cult favorite for a reason, and Littley is one of its biggest fans. “It saves me so much time,” he says. “I use it to punch up everything from soups to sauces, grains, marinades—you name it.” He keeps it stocked both at home and at work.
The brand is actually called Better Than Bouillon because it really is way better than the bouillon cubes or salty pastes you’ve used in the past. It’s not exclusive to Costco, but the warehouse sells jumbo 16-ounce jars—double the size of standard grocery-store containers—for around $7.99. That’s a major savings compared to $5 to $6 for the smaller 8-ounce jars you’ll find elsewhere (about $0.50 per ounce at Costco vs. up to $0.75 per ounce at regular stores).
Just one spoonful of the concentrated paste can transform plain rice into something risotto-adjacent or bring instant depth to a weeknight chili. And because it comes in so many varieties—chicken, beef, vegetable, roasted garlic and more—you can easily match it to whatever you’re cooking. “It’s one of the best Costco items for adding richness without making your own stock,” says Littley. Translation: Your food will taste like you cooked all day … without actually having to cook all day.

Protein powder
Protein powder is Clark’s secret weapon for staying full, energized and on track with healthy eating. “I use it daily in my morning smoothies—it’s such an easy way to fuel my body,” she says. Costco’s massive tubs offer serious value, especially for high-quality brands made with clean ingredients and no artificial sweeteners.
Depending on the brand, a 4- to 5-pound container can cost $35 to $50 at Costco—compared to $60-plus for the same size at other retailers. That’s roughly 60 to 75 servings, which means you’re paying less than $1 per scoop. Clark says it lasts her well over a month, even with daily use, making this purchase absolutely worth it. So whether you’re blending it into oatmeal, baking with it or shaking it up post-workout, this is one of those Costco must-haves that keeps both your body and your grocery budget strong.

Pantry staples
You know what’s more annoying than running out of salt mid-dinner? Nothing. That’s why DeLoach stocks up on the essentials at Costco. “It’s efficient, affordable, and saves me a last-minute run to the store,” he says.
Costco sells pantry staples in supersized containers that last forever. A 3-pound box of kosher salt, for example, can ring in under $3, which is less than a tiny container at most grocery stores. You’ll also find black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder in generous shakers for a fraction of the price per ounce. Even better, Costco carries a variety of salts, from iodized to pink Himalayan to flaky sea salt, all with different nutrients and flavor profiles, which can add an easy twist to any recipe. (Try chocolate chip cookies with flaky sea salt on top—it will change your life!) “It’s an easy and affordable way to upgrade your cooking,” DeLoach says.
And while garlic powder isn’t the sexiest seasoning, it does save dinner on a weekly basis. “It’s one of those things you don’t appreciate until you run out—so I make sure I don’t!” he says.

Kirkland Signature organic chicken stock
Of all the best items to buy at Costco, DeLoach says this one tops his list. “The flavor is clean, and the price is amazing,” he says. “It’s my secret weapon for building flavor into soups, grains or sauces, without spending hours boiling bones.”
This Kirkland product comes in a six-pack of 32-ounce cartons for around $11 to $12. (That’s about $0.06 per ounce, way cheaper than most organic options at regular grocery stores.) It’s also shelf-stable before opening and made with simple, recognizable ingredients—no MSG, artificial flavors or mystery additives—so it delivers a rich, savory flavor without the funky aftertaste some boxed broths have. This means you can always have broth on hand for soups, risottos or that one moment each winter when you think you’re getting sick and must drink broth dramatically. (Just me?)
Once opened, each carton lasts about seven to 10 days in the fridge. But thanks to the resealable top and smaller size, you’re more likely to use it up before it turns into a forgotten science experiment.

Kirkland Signature vanilla almond milk
Clark swears by Costco’s Kirkland Signature Organic Vanilla Almond Milk, and once you try it, you’ll get why. “It’s a must-have in my kitchen,” she says. “I use it in everything—smoothies, baking, coffee, you name it.”
What sets this one apart? The flavor. It’s subtly sweet without being sugary; unlike many dairy-free milks, this one has no added sugar. Clark says it also has a rich, creamy texture that blends beautifully into recipes, and it doesn’t have the chalky aftertaste that some nondairy milks can have. “It has a clean ingredient list and tastes great, and buying it at Costco saves me a ton,” she adds.
Each shelf-stable pack includes six 32-ounce cartons (192 ounces total), usually for under $12, making it a budget-friendly, long-lasting staple. No refrigeration is needed until you open a carton, and the unopened boxes typically have a shelf life of six to 12 months. So no fridge Tetris and no risk of it going bad before you get through it.

Canned black beans
You might not think much about a can of black beans, but DeLoach does. “They’re one of the most versatile, affordable, and nutritious pantry staples you can keep on hand,” he says. Costco sells them in bulk—typically an eight-pack of 15-ounce cans—for around $8 or $9, which works out to about $1 per can. While Walmart sells black beans for $0.92 a can, the Costco variety is organic and a better quality.
On the fence about beans in bulk? DeLoach points out the fiber and protein punch they deliver—perfect for fueling his personal-training clients or just keeping dinner from being another sad plate of noodles. Bonus: They’re shelf-stable, so you can totally forget you have them until the exact moment they save dinner.
“I use them constantly, for my clients and for myself,” DeLoach says.

Kirkland Signature organic old-fashioned oats
Clark swears by these Kirkland organic oats for everything from baked oats to smoothies to grinding into homemade oat flour. “They’re clean and versatile, and they’re a pantry staple in my kitchen,” she says.
The oats come in a massive 10-pound bag for around $10 to $12—just $0.07 per ounce. That’s a steal compared to stores like Kroger, where a smaller 18-ounce container of organic oats costs $3.97, or $0.20 per ounce. “I love that I can get a big bag for a great price,” Clark says. “It makes healthy baking a lot more accessible.”
They’re certified organic, with no additives or preservatives, and shelf-stable for over a year, so you don’t have to worry about using them up quickly. For anyone who eats oats on the regular, it’s a low-cost, high-impact staple worth stocking up on.
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At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. For this piece on the best items to buy at Costco, Charlotte Hilton Andersen tapped her experience as a longtime journalist, frequent contributor to Reader’s Digest and regular Costco shopper. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- Donovan DeLoach, private chef, nutritionist and personal trainer; in-person interview, June 10, 2025
- Geneviève Germaine Ashworth, professional chef, author of two bestselling cookbooks and contestant on MasterChef Season 13; phone interview, June 5, 2025
- Laura Calderone, chef and owner of Relish Catering; email interview, June 5, 2025
- Dennis Littley, chef and recipe expert at Ask Chef Dennis; email interview, June 4, 2025
- Shawna Clark, chef and founder of Healthy Foodie Girl; email interview, June 2, 2025