Costco

2

Replies

  • BillMcKay1
    BillMcKay1 Posts: 315 Member
    The Kirkland products are about the best "no name" products out there. I prefer them to many name brands. They have some really great Salmon and Whitefish burgers, as well as great prices on fresh and frozen meat and shellfish.
  • pinkshiningstar
    pinkshiningstar Posts: 141 Member
    Aquawave wrote: »

    Hint: If a price ends in $.97 it is on clearance, usually a pretty good deal, and a chance to stock the freezer!

    Also, if there is a "*" on the sign, it means it's an item they will no longer be carrying - you'll want to stock up if it's a favorite!
  • sammyliftsandeats
    sammyliftsandeats Posts: 2,421 Member
    If you know anyone who is a member, ask them to get you a Costco cash card. Then you can shop there without a membership for the first time. See what goods you would consider purchasing in the future, and let that decide if you are going to get a membership or not.

    If you get a $50 cash card and end up buying $70 worth of goods - you would just pay the difference.
  • Amazon_Who
    Amazon_Who Posts: 1,092 Member
    We get a lot there. Need to get some of the Kirkland coconut water soon!
  • Tedebearduff
    Tedebearduff Posts: 1,155 Member
    ydyms wrote: »
    Hi all! Just wondering which healthy foods/products some of you find in Costco that is worthwhile purchasing. I'm trying to figure out if I should become a member...
    Thanks!!

    Everything?

    I buy most of my stuff from Costco,

    Eggs
    Egg whites
    Talipia
    Cod
    Chicken
    Steak
    veggies
    Frozen fruit
    Oils
    Spices
    clothing...

  • MiaisMIAinMiami
    MiaisMIAinMiami Posts: 196 Member
    The medicine savings alone (generic Zyrtec and lactase) probably pay for our membership alone. However, I only go when I need these things because Costcos in North Jersey are just a mad house and I can't. I don't mind going in Pennsylvania though when I visit; it's much less intense.
  • SuzySunshine99
    SuzySunshine99 Posts: 2,989 Member
    Sweet kale salad (I eat this every day)
    Rotisserie chicken
    Organic ground beef
    Frozen salmon filets
    Apple gouda chicken sausage
    Cheese
    Wine (Kirkland brand of any wine is cheap but high-quality!)
    So much more....

    As far as non-food, they have great prices on paper products and cleaning supplies.

    And, you do not have to be a family to benefit. If you have a little freezer/storage space, it's a great deal for a single person as well.
  • JenSD6
    JenSD6 Posts: 454 Member
    It's just two of us, so we have to be a little careful of the quantity/size things come in. But for things like toilet paper and dog food, it's great. Costco's Kirkland brand is usually very good quality, too. I buy and freeze what I can such as hamburger meat, or buy things like their frozen fish loins. We've bought a lot of clothing there over the years, as well as small appliances and housewares. Heck, we even just bought a grooming table for our dog from their online store. Oh, and tires, car batteries, and windshield wipers.
  • dym123
    dym123 Posts: 1,670 Member
    edited July 2016
    10lb bag of chicken breasts, frozen organic broccoli, protein powder, grass fed beef, eggs, turkey burgers, almond butter, coffee, when they have my favorite in stock. I'm single with no kids, but do a monthly trip to Costco to stock up. Find great stuff for my dog also. Cheaper than Petco or Petsmart and USA made.

    Got my new Costco booklet in the mail today. Best day ever
  • VegasFit
    VegasFit Posts: 1,232 Member
    I live by myself and I am there once a week. I buy most of my fruit and meat there, vitamins, paper products, chia, flax, coconut oil, almonds. They have good deals on protein powders and protein bars, workout clothing, socks, sometimes athletic shoes. I also get my dogs treats, toys and beds there. If it's an appliance like a vacuum, coffee maker, etc., I always check there first as your membership is your warranty and you can't beat their gas prices.
  • Ricksh1000
    Ricksh1000 Posts: 88 Member
    One word:

    Salmon Burgers!


    ;)
  • enterdanger
    enterdanger Posts: 2,447 Member
    I got to BJ's wholesale since that's much closer, but same idea. I get great avocados cheap from ours. I also get all our paper products, 5lb bags of apples, produce, their deli is dirt cheap, cat food...the only things I refuse to buy there are soda and cereal. It's just never a good deal. The grocery has lower prices on those things.
  • ccrdragon
    ccrdragon Posts: 3,374 Member
    I don't think I have ever gotten out of the local Costco for less than a C-note - anything that we can buy in bulk we buy and just fill in stuff from the grocery store.
  • CorneliusPhoton
    CorneliusPhoton Posts: 965 Member
    I've spent in the $600s in one trip.
  • EddieHaskell97
    EddieHaskell97 Posts: 2,227 Member
    I buy so much from Costo they'll probably put a "Kirkland" tattoo on my @$$.
  • MamaFunky
    MamaFunky Posts: 735 Member
    ccrdragon wrote: »
    I don't think I have ever gotten out of the local Costco for less than a C-note - anything that we can buy in bulk we buy and just fill in stuff from the grocery store.

    I agree. My husband and I are always shocked when we can get out of there for under $100. lol.
  • thezombiejessi
    thezombiejessi Posts: 7 Member
    They have great deals on protein powders, health products, and bulk frozen fruits and veggies. I love how inexpensive and various their home goods are. I'm going to school and teach my son from home, the prices and deals you can get on office supplies are worth it. I have an executive membership and spend a minimum of $6,000 a year or more so the membership pays itself with rebates. P.S. I buy almond milk there since you get a lot and it goes quick here at my house.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    Tofu though I hear Asian markets are cheaper. Seaweed salad. Avocados. Raspberries. Pineapples. Sweet kale salad. Green beans. Red bell peppers. Cherry tomato medley. Romaine lettuce. Rotisserie chicken. Salmon. Eggs. Dietz & Watson deli meat without preservatives. Guacamole. Hummus. Cheese. Premier protein shakes.

    Ya, in general Asian markets are the place to go for Asian groceries. Anyone who does a lot of Asian cooking and is remotely near Quincy, MA should check out Kan Man http://www.kammanfoods.com/quincy/en/

    Incredible selection! Great prices! Friendly employees who speak English and can help you find things!
  • SuzySunshine99
    SuzySunshine99 Posts: 2,989 Member
    ccrdragon wrote: »
    I don't think I have ever gotten out of the local Costco for less than a C-note - anything that we can buy in bulk we buy and just fill in stuff from the grocery store.

    I just have to keep telling myself that I'd be spending more at the grocery store, but in smaller increments. You have to get over the register shock.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    I belong to BJs, but only because I have a discounted membership via my mother's membership. I cook for my OH 3-4 times per week and many of the items come in quantities that are just too big for me. Their prices are great for stuff I do use, but their selection of my staples is very small.

    OTOH, they are the cheapest place for gas in my mother's town, where I am weekly.
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    MamaFunky wrote: »
    ccrdragon wrote: »
    I don't think I have ever gotten out of the local Costco for less than a C-note - anything that we can buy in bulk we buy and just fill in stuff from the grocery store.

    I agree. My husband and I are always shocked when we can get out of there for under $100. lol.

    Back in the 80s we called it the "Hundred Dollar Club". Now it's the "Two Hundred Dollar Club". :lol:

    I have a Sam's Club membership for work, too, since Costco doesn't take Master Card and that's what our corporate card is. I have to say that as diehard a Costco fan I've been for over 30 years I'm slowly changing my loyalties to Sam's. I even pay extra for their Plus membership. One of the perks is that you can get in the store at 7am! No crowds, no lines, it's awesome! You also get cash back on what you spend and between what I buy for myself and what I buy for work it more than pays for the extra cost. Their women's clothing selection is better, too. Costco's has been getting smaller and smaller for years and they rarely carry pants under a size 6, anyway.

    Sam's seems to have a better selection of many things. You can also buy some in smaller quantities. Their bakery selection is a little better and they still carry the regular bagged salads. We eat salad almost every night with dinner. My husband won't eat things like Spring Mix and I really hate paying $3+ for a tiny bag of Dole salad at Safeway when I can get the giant bag for around $2 at Sam's.

    I still like Costco's meat and fruit selection better, and their dog food is a fabulous deal, so I will probably always shop at both.
  • MiamiSeoul
    MiamiSeoul Posts: 1,809 Member
    Yes! Family of four here.

    All fruits & veggies especially Romaine, grape tomatoes, avocados, spinach, strawberries & grapes.

    We also always buy their sliced extra lean ham and oven roasted turkey; chicken & salmon burgers, frozen chicken & rotisserie chicken, bread, spices, quinoa, canned salmon, tuna & sardines. They also have good prices on dog & cat food.

    Found these "healthy" snacks:
    Edamame health mix
    Snap pea "chips"
    Parmesan cheese "chips"
    Large bags of raw, unsalted almonds & cashews

    We went for the upgraded membership (black card) & depending on your annual spending, you can "earn" enough to make your membership free - in fact, they cut us a check! I will say I've heard Aldi has good prices on fruits & veggies. They're relatively new to South Florida and I haven't tried them yet.
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    MiamiSeoul wrote: »
    Yes! Family of four here.

    All fruits & veggies especially Romaine, grape tomatoes, avocados, spinach, strawberries & grapes.

    We also always buy their sliced extra lean ham and oven roasted turkey; chicken & salmon burgers, frozen chicken & rotisserie chicken, bread, spices, quinoa, canned salmon, tuna & sardines. They also have good prices on dog & cat food.

    Found these "healthy" snacks:
    Edamame health mix
    Snap pea "chips"
    Parmesan cheese "chips"
    Large bags of raw, unsalted almonds & cashews

    We went for the upgraded membership (black card) & depending on your annual spending, you can "earn" enough to make your membership free - in fact, they cut us a check! I will say I've heard Aldi has good prices on fruits & veggies. They're relatively new to South Florida and I haven't tried them yet.

    Those parmesan crisps are to die for! I bought a box a few weeks ago to put on salads because I feel like croutons are a waste of calories. OMG! I started eating them right out of the box as a snack and bought another box when I went back last weekend.
  • fanceegirl75
    fanceegirl75 Posts: 620 Member
    Honestly you cannot go wrong with a Costco membership. We are there once a week.
  • questionfear
    questionfear Posts: 527 Member
    The medicine savings alone (generic Zyrtec and lactase) probably pay for our membership alone. However, I only go when I need these things because Costcos in North Jersey are just a mad house and I can't. I don't mind going in Pennsylvania though when I visit; it's much less intense.

    Oh man you couldn't pay me to set foot in a North Jersey Costco. I've been in the Edison one and that was a madhouse. Personally I love Bridgewater either when they open or on a friday evening. You can easily shop in peace, and the lines aren't insane.
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    Avocados. Always avocados. :smiley:
    In season fruits, too - apples in fall/winter, and peaches, berries, grapes, etc in summer.
    Cheese sticks.
    Pork tenderloin.
    Can't beat their rotisserie chickens - taste great, they're what - 5 bucks? - and I can get several family meals out of one bird.
    Butter.
    Eggs (before we had our own chickens, anyway).
    Peets Coffee - the BEST!
  • sgt1372
    sgt1372 Posts: 3,997 Member
    If you live by yourself not worthwhile.

    Not necessarily so.

    I live alone and buy what I know I'll consume in quantity at Costco. This includes all the meat that I can freeze and dry goods like TP, paper towels and canned goods. Of course, it helps that I live in a 5 bdrm house and have more than enough room to store the stuff in, which would be a problem for a single living in a small apt.
  • sgt1372
    sgt1372 Posts: 3,997 Member
    edited July 2016
    rsclause wrote: »
    A rotisserie chicken the size of a turkey is $5 bucks, we eat it for dinner and cut up the rest for sandwiches.

    Most of their roasted chickens are about 3lbs, which comes out to around $1.67 cooked which can often be cheaper than buying a raw whole chicken. I think they treat the roasted chicken like their $1.50 hot dog/soda deal. It's a loss leader that keeps people coming back.

    I can often get chicken whole or parts for 99 cents/lb but, when I'm lazy and don't want to roast my own, I'll buy 2 of roasted chickens, cut them into pieces -- breasts, legs and wings -- and freeze them and then make chicken broth out of the left over bones.

    Currently have 4 quarts of chicken broth that I made in the frig and usually use it all up before it spoils. Could can the broth but I generally don't need to do that because I make lots of soups that make use of it.


  • MiamiSeoul
    MiamiSeoul Posts: 1,809 Member
    SueInAz wrote: »
    MiamiSeoul wrote: »
    Yes! Family of four here.

    All fruits & veggies especially Romaine, grape tomatoes, avocados, spinach, strawberries & grapes.

    We also always buy their sliced extra lean ham and oven roasted turkey; chicken & salmon burgers, frozen chicken & rotisserie chicken, bread, spices, quinoa, canned salmon, tuna & sardines. They also have good prices on dog & cat food.

    Found these "healthy" snacks:
    Edamame health mix
    Snap pea "chips"
    Parmesan cheese "chips"
    Large bags of raw, unsalted almonds & cashews

    We went for the upgraded membership (black card) & depending on your annual spending, you can "earn" enough to make your membership free - in fact, they cut us a check! I will say I've heard Aldi has good prices on fruits & veggies. They're relatively new to South Florida and I haven't tried them yet.

    Those parmesan crisps are to die for! I bought a box a few weeks ago to put on salads because I feel like croutons are a waste of calories. OMG! I started eating them right out of the box as a snack and bought another box when I went back last weekend.

    I've finally given in and bought those little snack baggies. I've weighed & counted out my snacks & have a bunch bagged & ready to go, otherwise . . . those little buggers are dangerous - SO GOOD!
  • kellyiris6
    kellyiris6 Posts: 69 Member
    I love Costcos! I get the big slab of salmon, cut it into 8 servings, freeze them. So easy to just grab one from the freezer for dinner and cook it. Their berries are great, I just got blueberries in a huge pack for like $3 or $4. Their avocados are great, but I think they are more expensive during this time. They have edamame spaghetti is really good. And if you have a dog, their dog food is really good quality and cheap! ($26 for a huge bag)