This article was originally published on Kueez
Stores like Costco are very popular throughout the United States. People love that you can buy so many items in bulk at great prices from this store. From large volumes of laundry detergent to large packs of coffee pods, there are so many things you can buy at this store, but you have to know when it is actually a good deal. We have found the best and worst bargains from Costco so that you won't waste your money. Continue reading to find out about the best deals.
1. Buy: Quaker Oatmeal Variety Boxes
If you love to have oatmeal for breakfast but feel like you run out of it often, you should be buying it in bulk at one of the wholesale stores.
When you buy it in bulk you are saving about $10 compared to buying smaller amounts more often.
2. Don't Buy: Condiments
Although condiments do not expire quickly, these giant bottles do take up much-needed fridge space.
The giant-sized bottles that you can buy at the store are only necessary for large parties and barbeques.
3. Buy: Healthy Organic Snacks
When you think of healthy foods, you probably associate them with higher prices. Surprisingly, Costco has some healthy bite-sized options at affordable prices.
These Aussie Bites are filled with healthy ingredients, and they are only $12 for a pack of 32. You can have snacks for at least two weeks.
4. Don't Buy: Salsa
These giant salsa jars that you can buy at Costco are great when you are hosting a large group of people, but for everyday use, we recommend purchasing the regular-sized jar.
If you have one of these jars and don't finish it within a few days of opening, you will end up wasting money because salsa does not have a long shelf life.
5. Buy: Cashews
At the grocery store, buying large jars of nuts can be very costly. This is another product that can be added to a healthy diet if they are affordable.
The Costco bulk nuts are a great buy and easy on your wallet. Also, they can be kept for a long time without the flavor being affected.
6. Don't Buy: Toothpaste
Many grocery stores offer points programs that get you coupons and discounts on products from time to time like toothpaste.
Instead of having a stockpile of toothpaste, you can get a good deal on it at the grocery store instead.
7. Buy: Variety Snack Boxes
When you were in school you probably remember how convenient these were to throw in your backpack for lunch.
The large boxes of individual-sized chip bags are excellent to keep in the house for a quick snack on the go.
8. Don't Buy: Spices
Unfortunately, spices lose their taste over time. When you buy spices in bulk, and they do not get used, they go to waste.
It is better to purchase only the basics such as salt, pepper, and spices you use daily, and then buy other species for specific recipes.
9. Buy: Kirkland Vitamins
When you buy vitamins at the drug store, the price is usually marked up. You can even check the unit price to see how much you are being overcharged at stores like Walgreens and CVS.
Kirkland brand vitamins have the same ingredients as the name brands but they cost much less. Also they come in larger quantities, so you don't have to make as many trips to the store.
10. Don't Buy: Tissues
If you are someone who has allergies or catches a cold, you will understand the importance of quality tissues for your nose.
Unlike the quality brands, bulk tissues are rough on the skin and can easily cause irritation. It is better to invest a few extra dollars on soft tissues if you use them often.
11. Buy: Batteries
As many people know, batteries are not cheap, but they are not something that needs to be purchased often.
It is better to buy the bulk option so you have many on hand whenever you need them. Also, when you go to Costco, the Kirkland brand batteries are made by Durrecell, but they cost a little less.
12. Don't Buy: Soda
It is easy to assume that soda would be less expensive in bulk packs, but it is the same price as the grocery store.
Packs of soda are the most common item to be discounted at the grocery store, so you might just get a better deal when you are doing your regular food shop.
13. Buy: Milk
If you are someone with a big family that goes through a lot of milk, it will be worth is to purchase this milk from Costco.
Some people advise against it because of the size and not being able to finish it. It could be a good money saver for your large milk-loving family.
14. Don't Buy: Hair Or Body Soaps
Like soda, soaps and shampoos are common products that are on sale at the grocery or drug store. Therefore, it is better to buy them there because they have good prices and a wide selection.
Instead of buying them in bulk you can just keep an eye out for deals at your local store.
15. Buy: Coffee Pods
There are many people who advise against using the single use coffee pods because of the wasted plastic, but we understand the convince of making a sing cup of coffee.
Sometime the pods can be very costly, so if you have a machine compatible with the Costco pods, this is something you might want to buy to save money. You will get way more for what you are paying.
16. Don't Buy: Detergent
Although it might seem obvious to buy detergent in large quantities, you might actually be wasting your money.
About six months after you open detergent, it loses its pungency and it is not as effective on clothing. So, this would only be effective if you have a large family thag needs multiple loads of laundry to be done regularly.
17. Buy: Rotisserie Chicken
The rotisserie chicken from Costco is a fan favorite because of the taste, and it is only $4.99! It can also feed a whole family which is a great bargain.
People are so obsessed with this chicken that the store sells about 157,000 chickens per day.
18. Don't Buy: Fresh Fruits And Vegetables
Buying fruits and vegetables in large quantities is a good idea when you have a family that goes through them quickly. Otherwise, the quality is not as good as some grocery stores, and they go bad quickly.
If you are looking to purchase in-season fruit, the grocery store might have a better deal for you. Also there is the option to buy organic fruits and vegetables at the local grocery store.
19. Buy: Plastic Wrap
Buying plastic wrap in bulk actually makes a lot of sense. If you have the storage space for it, it is worth the buy.
Not only are you saving money, but these are easier to use compared to the small rolls of cling wrap you usually find at the store.
20. Don't Buy: Kirkland Beer
Beer is not something you want to buy in a generic brand. While the price may be appealing you will instantly regret it once you taste the cheap beer.
Instead, stick to what you know because you won't get the same taste from a low quality beer. It is even worth it to spend a little more on craft beer to support small businesses, and get a better tasting drink.
21. Buy: Vanilla Extract
Although some people prefer to bake with fresh vanilla beans, this is a good option for those who don't have a vanilla extract preference. When you buy it at the store, it usually comes in small bottles that run out quickly.
Vanilla extract does not lose flavor over time, so it is something you can keep in the pantry for a long time. This is definitely worth buying at a whole sale store rather than the grocery store.
22. Don't Buy: Books
It is hard to miss the long table of books in the middle of Costco. At first, you might assume that they would have the best prices, but the books do not apply to the bulk discount.
You can actually find better deals on books on Amazon or going to a second hand bookstore. There are much better deals, so skip this table when you walk through Costco.
23. Buy: Breakfast Cereal
Buying breakfast cereal in larger quantities has many benefits. First, the regular size boxes don't last long if you are someone who eats cereal regularly. Also, you won't find the same deals on cereal at the store.
These boxes are especially helpful when you have a big family that likes the same kind of cereal. Then, no one will be fighting about fifnishing the box after two days.
24. Don't Buy: Ground Coffee
Like the coffee pods, it might be logical to buy ground coffee in bulk, but we advise against it. Once ground coffee beans are exposed to air, they start to lose their flavor and strength.
Instead buy smaller amounts that you can finish. You don't want to waste money on a coffee that won't tast good after a while. Sometimes it is more important to only buy what you absolutely need.
25. Buy: Tires
Tires are not cheap, and when you need new tires, you have to pay for the service as well as the tires. Costco tires come at a discounted price and you get high quality service for free.
Why spend hundreds of dollars when you could go to Costco and get the same thing with quality service.
26. Buy: Toilet Paper
When you have bills to pay, it is important to try an save money whenever possible. Instead of going for the small pack of four-ply toilet paper, purchase the bulk pack from a wholesale store.
The quality is average, but you will save a ton of money and have a toilet paper supply that will last you months.
27. Buy: Peanut Butter
Unless you or someone you live with has a peanuts allergy, peanut butter is a staple in most households. Peanut butter can be used in so many different ways, so it is worth it to buy in bulk.
You will never run out, and it takes a long time for this product to go bad. This is one of the best ways to save some money when grocery shopping.
28. Buy: Olive Oil
Olive oil is another staple that is used in almost every household on a regular basis; some people use it everyday. It is definitely worth buy these jugs of olive oil at Costco.
Besides saving money, the Costco brand olive oil is actually high quality and can be used for many different things in the kitchen. You can even use olive oil in DIY skin and hair treatments.
29. Buy: Maple Syrup
When you want to buy pure maple syrup, you are stuck paying the price because it is not cheap. Most syrups are made with artificial flavoring and lots of sugar.
The Kirkland brand syrup is not only a great deal, but the flavor is actually quite tasty. You will end up paying half the price you would see at the grocery store.
30. Buy: Raw Cookie Dough
Something that is not widely known is that you can buy boxes of raw pastries from Costco to take home and bake yourself. You just have to go to the bakery counter and ask.
This saves you a ton of money. When you buy a regular pack of precut raw cookie dough from the store, it is usually $7.99, but when you get it from the Costco bakery, it is 120 fresh cookies for $22.99!
31. Buy: Bagels
While people from New York and New Jersey nmight argue who has the best bagels, Costco is also in that competition. They are also available in large quantities for a price that can't be beat.
They are sold in packs of two, so all you have to do is pick the two flavors you like and you are set for breakfast or lunch for a while. They can also be frozen and reheated to make them last longer.
32. Buy: Kirkland Almond Milk
Unlike regular dairy milk, almond milk has a much longer shelf life. It is a great substitute for those who have issues with dairy, and it is a healthier alternative.
Some brands of almond milk can be a bit pricey, so it is a good deal when you buy it from Costco. You will save money and have a delicious almond milk for your coffees, smoothies, and cereals.
33. Buy: Tahini
This is for all the people who love to cook and make their own hummus. Tahini is one of the key ingredients for making hummus and it can be used to make a multitude of other dressings and food.
Pure tehini can be very expensive, and the the Costco brand is pure sesame paste. You will save money and have a quality product!
34. Buy: Frozen Fruit
Frozen fruit is something that can be used in a multitude of ways, and it doesn't go bad like fresh fruit. You can make smoothies and fruit ice creams with frozen fruit that are healthy and tasty.
The bulk packs at wholesale stores come in resealable bags so they stay fresh and you can stock up without worrying about having to use them right away.
35. Buy: Gas
You might be surprised by this one, but many Costco stores have their own gas stations. It is worth the $60 per year membership if you are someone who has to fill up the tank often.
The gas is cheaper than many big name gas stations. Gas is very expensive, and it is something you will definitely want to save money on.
36. Don't Buy: Luggage
Despite the inticing low prices, buying luggage from discount stores like Walmart should be avoided. It is important to invest in quality luggage that won't break during travel.
Even if you do not want to spend hundreds of dollars on luggage there are ways to get high-quality luggage at a discounted price. Before you go to Costco, check stores like TJ Maxx, Nordstrom Rack, and Marshall's that have the quality brands names at a reduced price.
37. Don't Buy: Meat And Fish
When you are looking to eat fresh meat, poultry, or fish, this is not the place to shop. Customers have complained about the quality of their products in this section, and it would be worth it to spend the extra money on quality products.
Also, the treatment of these animals is deplorable. It is hard to support a company that raises these animals in horrible conditions.
38. Buy: Pantry Items
Things like cereal, chips, and other snacks should definitely be bought in bulk especially if they come in boxes with individual packs.
You will save so much money and have a stocked pantry for a long time. Also, the individual packs do not get stale, so you don't have to worry about wasting your money if you buy large amounts at once.
39. Don't Buy: Generic Brand Vitamins
While some generic brands like Kirkland have reliable supplements and vitamins, that is not the case for all generic brands.
It was discovered that the generic brands at Walmart contained ingredients that weren't identified on the label, or some of the ingredients on the label weren't in the supplement. It is better, in this case, to buy them somewhere else or buy the brand name.
40. Buy: Brand Name Razors
Brand name razors can be very expensive especially for women because of the pink tax. When you go to the drug store, you would be surprised by how expensive disposable razors are these days.
If you really love your brand name razor, you should buy them at Costco. You can find your favorite brands for 50% less than the price at the drug store.