12 Bulk Costco Buys That Make Stocking Up Worth It

Whether you’re loading up your pantry or stocking household goods, shopping in bulk can be a great way to save money amid rising grocery prices. Costco, in particular, is a popular chain that offers top-notch products at low per-unit prices, so you can stock up on essential items like food, cleaning products, paper goods, and more without sacrificing quality.

Here are 12 items to buy in bulk at Costco, plus tips for avoiding spoilage and waste when storing large quantities.

1. Nuts

Nuts are full of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and generally have a long shelf life. Costco offers great deals on loads of bulk nuts, including cashews, walnuts, mixed nuts, and more, and any are perfect for throwing into salads or topping desserts.

2. Seeds

Small but mighty, seeds are nutritional powerhouses. Kristen Lorenz, a registered dietitian and owner of Kristen Lorenz Nutrition, shops with nutrient-dense convenience in mind, and always stocks up on hemp or chia seeds at Costco.

Lorenz says whole grains, nuts, and seeds can lose omega-3 fats and vitamin E potency over time, and even dried herbs and spices lose antioxidant power and flavor after six to 12 months, especially if they’re exposed to heat or light. So, nuts and seeds can be bought in large quantities, but may need to be finished quicker than other bulk products.

3. Canned Fish

Shelf-stable, portable, and ready to eat, canned fish can be a convenient and affordable alternative to fresh. Lorenz often purchases Costco’s canned tuna and wild salmon.

4. Canned Beans

Beans are a great source of plant-based protein, are high in fiber, and contain essential vitamins and minerals—they also have a long shelf life. Load up on Costco’s black beans or garbanzo beans for blending into hummus or adding to salads or chili.

5. Frozen Berries

If you love berries but struggle to keep them fresh and want to enjoy them year-round, frozen berries are the answer. Costco's frozen wild blueberries are perfect for throwing into your breakfast smoothies and are sure to be the kickstart to your day.

6. Frozen Vegetables

Keeping bags of frozen veggies in your freezer is a good way to ensure you always have a nutritious meal at your fingertips. Costco offers plenty of frozen vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, and riced cauliflower, as well as veggie medleys.

7. Butter

If you do a lot of baking, you likely go through a lot of butter. Costco sells several types of butter, including the beloved Irish butter brand Kerrygold, for a great value. And if you don’t plan to use all that butter right away, you can also freeze it.

8. Olive Oil

Olive oil is one of the most popular cooking fats, and Costco offers a bang for your buck on this pantry staple. Pick up a few bottles of extra-virgin olive oil to have on hand for making salad dressings, cooking meat or fish, and drizzling over vegetables.

9. Unsweetened Applesauce

10. Paper Towels

Household items like paper towels are often a smart item to buy in bulk. If you haven’t made the switch to reusable paper towels, consider replenishing your supply at Costco. 

11. Toilet Paper

Toilet paper is a steal at Costco. Since it’s sold in large quantities, typically about 30 rolls per package, buying in bulk will also save you a few trips to the store.

12. Cleaning Supplies

Keep your home well-stocked with cleaning supplies thanks to the retail company, offering great value on products such as dishwasher detergent, multi-surface cleaners, and disinfecting wipes.

How to Avoid Spoilage and Waste When Buying in Bulk

Follow these rules to ensure you are fully benefiting from your large purchases.

Don’t Buy Everything in Bulk

While buying in bulk can be a great way to save money, there are some foods that should never be stored in bulk due to spoilage or safety concerns.

“To avoid spoilage when buying in bulk, steer clear of fresh produce with high water content, such as cucumbers, berries, and leafy greens,” Lorenz says. “Items like these don’t do well in bulk unless you plan to freeze or prep them immediately. I wouldn't discourage someone from buying oils, nuts, and whole grains with natural fats in bulk, but be mindful they can go rancid if stored improperly. This can not only be inconvenient, but costly as well.”

Make Sure You Aren't Overestimating

If you don’t normally eat a lot of granola, don’t assume you’ll start now just because you got a great deal. As Lorenz notes, one of the biggest mistakes people make when buying food in bulk is overestimating how much your family will eat before it spoils. Try to only purchase foods in bulk if you eat them regularly.

Follow Proper Storage Guidelines

You won’t save much money in the long run if you wind up wasting food due to expiration dates. Bulk packaging often isn’t airtight or pest-proof, so consider what you store your items in.

"Portioning bulk items into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags right away can help avoid spoilage and waste,” Lorenz says. “I know it's an extra step, but if you don't do it right away, you're less likely to do it at all. Label everything with the date and use a first-in, first-out system. If you have kids, keep healthy grab-and-go options at eye level so they're easily accessible to prevent forgotten pantry stock.”

And when it comes to spoilage, Lorenz says to trust your senses; strange odor, discoloration, texture changes, or visible mold are red flags.

“If something smells musty, rancid, or sour when it shouldn’t, toss it,” Lorenz says. “And if in doubt, don’t risk it—foodborne illness isn’t worth the savings.”