13 Costco Grocery Items Frugal Shoppers Always Buy

With grocery prices rising, shopping smart at Costco can help stretch your budget. These are the grocery items frugal shoppers repeatedly reach for; the ones that offer solid value and actually get used.

If you want to make the most of your Costco membership, these buys make everyday meals cheaper without sacrificing quality.

1. Rolled Oats

The Kirkland brand is a smart buy if you go through oats regularly for breakfast or baking and is cheaper per ounce than most grocery store options. A bowl of oatmeal costs pennies per serving and is filling, too.

At my Costco, a 160-ounce bag is only $7.99, which is just $0.05 per ounce.

2. Meat

Whether buying ground beef in bulk, stocking up on chicken thighs, or grabbing a value pack of pork chops, the price per pound at Costco is usually better than what you’d find at traditional grocery stores.

A little prep at home, like freezing smaller portions or marinating a few cuts ahead of time, can go a long way.

3. Vanilla Extract

At my Costco, a 16-ounce bottle of vanilla extract is just $9.99, which is much cheaper than the 1-ounce McCormick bottle sold at Walmart for $4.87. That’s $4.87 per ounce for McCormick compared to just $0.62 per ounce at Costco; that’s a huge savings!

The bottle at Costco might look big, but keep in mind that properly stored vanilla extract can last a long time.

4. Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is one of those staples that always seems to disappear fast, especially if you’re packing lunches or doing any baking.

I love the Kirkland brand organic peanut butter, which might be a little more than other types Costco offers, but is the cheapest organic peanut butter I’ve found.

5. Cooking Oils

Whether you use olive, avocado, or coconut oil, buying in bulk cuts down on the cost per use. You’ll find both name brands and Kirkland options, and either way, it’s a practical pantry investment if you cook most of your meals at home.

6. Bread

Costco sells many breads in two-packs, which works great if you freeze one right away. From sandwich loaves to sprouted grain options, the prices are usually better than what you’d get for the same quality at the supermarket.

7. Coffee

Costco’s bulk coffee can save you a noticeable amount of money over time. Whether you prefer ground, whole bean, or K-Cups, Costco’s coffee prices are hard to beat.

If you’re worried about using the coffee before it goes bad, you can freeze some to keep it fresh longer. Stocking up means fewer store runs and less temptation to overspend at Starbucks.

8. Kirkland Brand Treats

Kirkland treats often rival pricier name brands and some even taste better as well. They’re good to keep around when you need something sweet that won’t break the bank. The caramel s’mores clusters are so tasty!

9. Canned Chicken

Frugal shoppers know that canned chicken is one of the cheapest proteins you can buy. Use it in soups, casseroles, or in salads. With a long shelf life and budget-friendly price, it’s a staple you should always have stocked in your pantry.

10. Frozen Fruit

Costco’s big bags of frozen fruit are a good buy if you make smoothies or just want something easy to toss into yogurt or oatmeal. The quality is solid, and you’re paying less per ounce than those tiny grocery store bags.

11. Rotisserie Chicken

At $5, Costco’s rotisserie chicken has a cult following for a reason. Depending on how many people you’re feeding, you can stretch one rotisserie chicken into multiple meals, especially if you shred it and use it in a casserole or soup.

12. Rice

Rice is one of those pantry staples that is a must if you’re trying to stretch every dollar you have.

Whether making stir-fries, burrito bowls, or just a simple side dish, having a big bag of rice on hand means fewer grocery runs and more budget-friendly meals.

13. Pizza

For just $10, you can get a huge cheese or pepperoni pizza at Costco’s food court. It’s much cheaper than taking your family to a restaurant or ordering from pricey pizza chains.

It’s also great for get-togethers and birthday parties because you can feed a lot of people for cheap. Costco also offers take-and-bake pizzas, which are inexpensive.