The 20 Groceries You Should Always Buy at Costco

Costco Wholesale is a favorite among shoppers nationwide thanks to their buy-in-bulk format and beloved Kirkland brand. But, depending on your circumstances, not everything from this retailer, which is the second most-popular grocer according to Dunnhumby’s second annual Retailer Preference Index (only falling short to cult-favorite, Trader Joe’s), is worth a purchase. For example, unless you’re buying for a party or a large, hungry family, some perishable items might not make sense to buy by-the-pound. But, no matter who you are, there are some items that are undoubtedly worth getting that yearly membership for. After vetting some tried-and-true Costco lovers, we’ve rounded up pantry and freezer staples you shouldn’t be purchasing anywhere else.

This article has been updated since its original publish date July 2019.

The price and amount of this chicken might seem alarming, but when broken down by the pound, buying meat at Costco is actually a great deal. And since you can easily freeze chicken, you don’t have to worry about your precious poultry going to waste. Another crowd favorite from Costco is the rotisserie chicken, which famously retails for just $5. This product became so popular, the company opened its own production facility just for the rotisserie chicken back in 2018.

Food Network staffers can't get enough of Costco's sheet cakes — and for good reason. Get a full sheet cake for a special event (one staffer even had it at her wedding!) or opt for a half-sheet for a smaller event. Either way, you'll ensure a delicious cake with an impressive frosting. While you can't order sheet cakes online, you can order the small, 10-inch cakes for more intimate gatherings.

A lot of shoppers praised the quality of Costco’s EVOO. And if you’re regularly dressing salads or using olive oil in your cooking, stocking up is probably a great option. Don’t be intimidated by the two-liter bottle. We recommend this handy oil dispenser to make portioning a breeze.