I spend over $1,000 a month at Costco, and these are the pantry staples I always stock up on. Buying in bulk helps me save money while ensuring I have everything I need for quick, easy meals. You won’t find typical pantry items like sugar and flour on my list—buying them in bulk at Costco would be too much for my family of four to finish. Instead, I stick to pantry essentials with a long shelf life that we use often enough to never worry about them expiring before we can enjoy them.
Rao’s Marinara Sauce
Rao’s Marinara Sauce is hands down the best on the market. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re missing out! It can be pricey at regular grocery stores, but Costco’s bulk pricing makes it affordable. Pasta nights are a go-to in our house, and this sauce makes dinner feel homemade without the extra effort. My kids love it with spaghetti, and I also use it for quick homemade pizzas.
Organic Chicken Stock
I always buy organic chicken stock in bulk from Costco because they have the best prices. It’s nice to have on hand, so I never have to make a last-minute store run when a recipe calls for it. I use it in homemade soups my family loves, like chicken noodle, and it’s also perfect for stews. Since we go through it quickly, stocking up is a must.
Olive Oil
Costco’s bulk-sized olive oil is one of the best deals around. It’s high-quality, lasts for months, and is perfect for cooking, dressings, and marinades. I use it daily for roasting veggies, making homemade salad dressings, and drizzling over pasta. I only cook with olive oil—no corn or vegetable oil in my kitchen—so with a family of four, we go through a lot, making the large bottle a must.
Canned Tuna
Canned tuna is a pantry staple in my house, and Costco offers great prices when buying in bulk. It’s a convenient protein that’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, or mixing into pasta. My kids love tuna melts, making it an easy go-to lunch on busy days. With its long shelf life, it’s also a great emergency food to have on hand for unexpected situations, like the pandemic.
Tate’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
My kids—and my husband—can’t get enough of Tate’s Chocolate Chip Cookies! If you haven’t tried it yet, you need to. These thin, crispy cookies are incredibly addictive. I only buy them at Costco because they have the best prices. They make the perfect afternoon snack or an easy dessert when I don’t have time to bake from scratch.
Jasmine Rice
Costco has the best price on rice, and my family’s favorite is jasmine rice. Buying in bulk at Costco means I always have some on hand. It’s a staple for dinner, whether I’m making stir-fry, chicken curry, or a beef stew. My kids love it, so we go through it quickly!
Organic Quinoa
In my effort to add more protein and fiber to my family’s diet, quinoa has become a pantry staple. I always buy quinoa at Costco because it’s such a great price for organic quinoa. I’ve started mixing it with rice as an easy way to sneak extra nutrition into my kids’ meals.
Sardines
I always have sardines in my pantry, especially Season’s Sardines. They’re an affordable, protein packed with omega-3s. I love adding them to salads and pasta dishes, and they make a great emergency protein source when I need a quick and easy meal. Check out 21 Best Bulk Buys from Costco that Will Last You All Year (and Save You Money)
Organic Chicken Bone Broth
I recently started incorporating bone broth into my diet and love sipping it as a nutritious snack. It’s packed with protein and essential nutrients and makes a comforting, healthy addition to my routine. Buying it at a local grocery store costs nearly double, so I only stock up at Costco for the best value. Check out 26 Things I Never Pay Full Price at Costco
Coffee Beans
Buying coffee beans in bulk at Costco saves me money, and my go-to is Kirkland Colombian Supremo. My husband and I rely on coffee to power through busy mornings, so keeping fresh beans stocked is a must! Check out 25 Easy Costco Frozen Food Staples
Organic Diced Tomatoes
Organic diced tomatoes are a pantry staple at my house.The bulk packs at Costco mean I never run out, and they’re much cheaper than buying individual cans. I use them in stews and even in casseroles for an easy weeknight meal. Check out 17 Costco Meals Cheaper than Restaurant Take Out to Save You Money
Pasta
I always have to have pasta in my pantry. Costco’s bulk packs of pasta save me money and ensure I always have a meal option ready. With two kids who love spaghetti nights, we go through a lot of pasta, so stocking up is a must. Plus, it makes busy weeknight dinners so easy. Check out 24 Best Healthy Foods that I Only Buy at Costco Because It’s Cheaper
Chia Seeds
I recently discovered chia pudding, and now I’m hooked! I make it with coconut milk and enjoy it every morning for breakfast. Chia seeds are a superfood packed with fiber and omega-3s, making them a nutritious addition to my diet. I always buy chia seeds at Costco because they have the best price. Check out 10 Costco Shopping Mistakes that Waste Money for Couples and Small Families
Maple Syrup
Costco has the best price on maple syrup, costing far less than smaller grocery store versions. I love that it has a perfectly balanced flavor—not too strong, not too mild. We go through a moderate amount of maple syrup in our house, whether it’s for weekend pancake breakfasts or a drizzle over oatmeal, so a large bottle lasts a long time for us. Check out 15 Best Costco Breakfast Items for Busy Mornings
Goya Beans
As I incorporate more plant-based meals into our diet, canned beans have become a pantry essential. Costco carries a great selection of Goya beans at excellent prices. I often use them for hearty, protein-packed meals like burrito bowls and chili, which my family loves. Check out 24 Best Kirkland Products I Always Buy at Costco
Soy Sauce
Costco’s bulk-sized Kikoman soysauce bottles are an amazing value. I use it in stir-fries, marinades, and dipping sauces. It adds instant umami to dishes, and my family especially loves it in homemade fried rice or teriyaki chicken. Since it’s shelf-stable and lasts a long time, I never worry about running out. Check out 24 Best Costco Asian Food that You Need to Try
Organic Almond Milk
I use organic almond milk in my coffee every day, so buying it in bulk at Costco ensures I never run out—and I get the best price. Since the cartons have a long shelf life when unopened, I always keep a case stocked in the pantry. Check out 18 Easy Meals from Costco for When You’re Too Lazy to Cook
Organic Coconut Water
Instead of sugary drinks, I prefer organic coconut water. I keep it chilled for a refreshing, hydrating boost, and it’s packed with electrolytes—perfect for post-workout recovery. Costco’s bulk pricing makes it much more affordable than buying it elsewhere. Check out 23 Costco Items that are a Total Waste of Money for Small Households
Organic Quinoa and Brown Rice
I always keep a case of this organic quinoa and brown rice on hand. It’s a convenient, ready-to-cook blend that I quickly heat in the microwave. When I’m short on time and need rice fast, this is my go-to. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when I need to get dinner on the table quickly. Check out Costco vs Sam’s Club: 14 Major Differences You Should Know About
Kraft Mac & Cheese
My kids love Kraft Mac & Cheese, and buying it in bulk at Costco means I always have an easy, kid-friendly meal on hand. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when I need a quick side dish. I also always buy a case of Kraft Mac & Cheese cups because my kids like to make their own as a snack sometimes. Check out 19 Surprising Things You Can Buy at Costco
Dole Mixed Fruit Cups
My son loves these Dole Mixed fruit cups. The Costco bulk pack is a great deal, and since they’re shelf-stable, they’re perfect for school lunches or an easy grab-and-go snack. Check out My Kids Got the Flu and I was Glad I Stocked Up on These 22 Things from Costco
Applesauce
Applesauce is a pantry must-have and a healthy snack my kids love. I always keep a case on hand—it’s perfect for packing in lunches or grabbing as an easy, on-the-go snack. Costco carries a several varieties, from Kirkland-branded applesauce to GoGo Squeez for toddlers and larger portion options for bigger kids. Check out 27 Smart Costco Finds to Save You Time in the Kitchen (Cooking Shortcuts)