Additional Coverage:
- I’ve had a Costco executive membership for nearly a decade. There are 10 purchases I swear by every time I shop. (businessinsider.com)
Costco Confessions: A Decade of Executive Membership and Family Favorites
For nearly ten years, I’ve been navigating the wide aisles of Costco with an executive membership, and let me tell you, my love affair with this warehouse wonderland is still going strong, even with a couple of kids in tow. Where else can you stock up on a season’s worth of clothes, a week’s worth of groceries, every household staple imaginable, and grab a ready-to-eat pizza big enough to silence even the hungriest teenagers?
That $130-a-year executive membership isn’t just for show. The 2% back on all purchases (hello, annual check!)
and early store access are pretty sweet perks. But let’s be real, those benefits wouldn’t mean a thing without quality products at prices that make sense.
And after countless shopping trips, I’m here to spill the beans on the items that consistently earn their spot in my cart.
Kirkland Signature Lean Ground Beef: The Weeknight Warrior
Ground beef is a non-negotiable in our household, and Costco makes it incredibly easy to keep a steady supply. I’m a big fan of the five individually packaged 1-pound frozen logs. They’re a breeze to store and stay perfectly fresh until it’s time to thaw and get cooking.
Kirkland Signature Organic Marinara Sauce: A Family-Sized Solution
You’ll almost always find a three-pack of Kirkland Signature organic marinara sauce in my cart. Each generous 2-pound jar is enough for two family meals when paired with ground beef and pasta (I often grab the Garofalo organic pasta variety pack from Costco, too!).
One of my go-to uses? Simmering it with leftover pot roast in the crockpot for a super easy ragù.
Organic Cosmic Crisp Apples: Our Crispy, Sweet Addiction
My kids are apple fiends, eating them almost daily, so Costco’s large bags of organic Cosmic Crisp apples are a fantastic value. We love them because they stay crisp longer than other varieties, and their perfect balance of sweet and tart is a winner.
Premade Mashed Potatoes: Weeknight Win, Special-Occasion Feel
Mashed potatoes aren’t rocket science, but they do take time and dirty more dishes than I care to tackle on a weeknight. That’s why I always grab some sort of premade mashed potatoes from Costco’s prepared food section.
Recently, I snagged a package of Reser’s Fine Foods Main St. Bistro restaurant-style mashed potatoes – a bonus being that it comes with two individually wrapped containers, so I can use one now and freeze the other for later.
Kirkland Signature Lightly Breaded Chicken-Breast Chunks: Nugget Nirvana
Costco’s private-label lightly breaded chicken chunks are a lifesaver for weekend lunches. They taste just like the frozen nuggets from bigger brands but at a fraction of the cost. A quick spin in the air fryer, following the package directions, gives us perfectly golden brown chicken every time.
Oikos Triple Zero Greek Yogurt: Protein Powerhouse
Yogurt is a go-to healthy snack for us, and buying in bulk at Costco ensures there’s always a stash in the fridge. Each Oikos Triple Zero Greek yogurt cup packs a whopping 15 grams of protein, without any added sugars or artificial sweeteners. The variety pack keeps everyone happy with their favorite flavor.
Granola: The Crunch Factor
Granola adds that satisfying crunch to so many things – yogurt, smoothie bowls, even ice cream! Costco offers a fantastic selection of family-sized options. On my last trip, I scored a 34-ounce bag of Purely Elizabeth salty-sweet granola for a steal at $8 (that’s $3 off!).
Kirkland Signature Hummus Cups: Portable Protein Perfection
These Kirkland Signature hummus cups are a rock-solid, portable snack. They’re loaded with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. I love pairing them with fresh veggies like baby carrots and cucumber slices, or some pretzel chips and pita bread – all conveniently available at Costco, of course.
Costco’s Coffee Selection: Brewing Up Big Savings
Costco’s coffee aisle is seriously impressive, featuring everything from local roasters to international brands and their own private-label options (including K-cups and Nespresso pods). With coffee prices on the rise, I still find amazing value when I buy beans in bulk here.
My recent score? A 2 ½-pound bag of Kirkland Signature House Blend for under $20.
Kirkland Signature Pistachios: “Open-Ups” for Salty Cravings
Costco’s variety of roasted and raw nuts in bulk is fantastic. My kids are particularly fond of pistachios, or “open-ups” as my 4-year-old adorably calls them. These roasted nuts hit the spot when a salty craving strikes, offering a healthier, protein- and healthy-fat-packed alternative to a bag of chips.