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Photo:Getty Images. EatingWell design.
Getty Images. EatingWell design.
Confession: I was 37 years and 1 month old the first time I ever stepped foot inside a Costco. Yes, I’ve written aboutbest anti-inflammatory snack at Costcoandtop Costco snack for better blood sugar—and have heard friends rave about it for years. Even still, I didn’t see the purpose of making the trip. This was especially true since I would have to ask acard-carrying member to escort me.
But on an evening in late June, three of my pals who are most passionate about Costco took me on my maiden voyage. As we toured through the appliances, produce section, freezer aisles, bakery and beyond, I started to realize what I had been missing. A lot of the items I adored and invested in smaller quantities of at the supermarket were available here for about 25% less than I’d pay at the supermarket. Sometimes, the savings were even greater.
It took just one 45-minute trip to convince me that I needed to get my own membership and start saving—yes, even as a single person. There are definitely items I still snag at Target or my regular grocery store. (There’s no universe in which I can finish 5 dozen eggs or 6 pounds of fresh mangoes before they go bad, and I’d prefer to not have to store 48 rolls of toilet paper in my townhome.) Still, buying the majority of myfrozen foods, pantry staples and drinks and even an appliance at Costco has already paid off in major savings.
Ahead, I’m revealing a handful of my Costco purchases that, in just two months, have added up to cost savings greater than the price of my membership.
10 Underrated Things to Buy at Costco for Under $15, According to a Food Writer
1. Ninja Creami Deluxe
I can’t be the only one who has had this appliance following them around on social media for months! After seeing all of the hundreds of creativeice cream and frozen yogurt recipevariations floating around my Instagram Explore page, I was strongly considering a Creami. But did Ireallyneed it if I already own a high-powered blender? Then I did the math of how much I’d spend on a pint of Ben & Jerry’s or Talenti; about $5.50 in my neck of the woods. Compare that to the $180 retail price for this appliance at Costco, and I’d only need to use it 33 times for the Creami to pay off. (By the way, Costco had such a great deal on theDeluxe Creamithat it was less than thesale price of the regular model, which has smaller mixing containers and 7 functions compared to the Deluxe’s 11.) The texture the Creami creates is far lighter and smoother than anything I’ve ever been able to make in my blender, and it’s a blast to tinker with the formula each time to feature new protein sources (like the protein shake below) and different fruits.
2. Fairlife Core Power Chocolate Protein Shake
I’ve been on a mission toeat more proteinthis year, and while I mostly rely onwhole foodsto do this,protein powder and protein shakeshave come in handy to help fill in the gaps. After sampling several brands and flavors, my all-time favorite is Fairlife’s line, and thechocolate flavorreminds me of the chocolate milk cartons I’d grab in the lunch line in grade school. At Costco, each 14-ounce bottle costs about $3.25, which is a bargain compared to the $4.50 they run at my supermarket. By the way, one of the easiest Creami creations I make often involves ½ cup of milk, 1 tablespoon of pudding mix, and 1 bottle of this 26-grams-strong protein shake. I use a frother to mix those ingredients well, freeze for 12 hours, then blend on “light ice cream.” Then it’s time to re-spin once, add any mix-ins (I love seasonal fruit or crumbledKodiak Bear Bites) and grab a cone.
3. Spindrift Sparkling Water
After reporting on wellness for 16 years, I know thathydrationis key for a sharp brain, healthy heart and muscles, stronger workouts, vibrant skin and beyond. But my motivation is low to sip on plain H2O. I’ve found that a bubbly, citrusy bevvy is far more inspiring, and a can of Spindrift enjoyed over ice has become my go-to desk drink. The ingredient list for each is refreshingly short: carbonated water and the juice from that fruit.Costco’s variety packcomes with 30 cans—a mix of lemon, lime and grapefruit—for just 76 cents each. That feels like a reasonable investment in inching closer to mywater intake goalsfor the day.
4. Crest 3D White Advanced Whitening Toothpaste
Yes, I know this isEatingWelland toothpaste isn’t something that you eat. Still, research has found that oral health is linked to everything fromgut healthto heart health, so I have a routine of flossing daily and brushing after each meal.Costco’s Crest multipackcomes with five 5.2-ounce tubes, which work out to a reasonable $3.59 each. Unlike big rolls of paper towels or toilet paper, this is one staple that’s a cinch to store in my bathroom, even when buying in bulk.
5. Kirkland Signature Pecan Halves
6. Pure Vanilla Extract
7. Fresh Additions Fully Cooked Chicken Breast Bites
Costco’srotisserie chickengets a lot of love, which is well-deserved. I’ve definitely purchased one, which made it a breeze to assemble my favorite bistro lunch boxes. During weeks when I have an unpredictable dinner agenda and just want a back-up plan I can store in the freezer, I turn to thesechicken breast stripsthat come in convenient 3.2-ounce pouches. For aChick-fil-Acopycat snack, I add a side of barbecue sauce and I’ve essentially re-created the grilled chicken nuggets from the fast-food chain for far less cash (each packet is $1.87, compared to the $6.15 I’d pay at the drive-thru). And for quick-fix dinners at the end of long days, I like to reheat a pouch to toss overUse-a-Spoon Chopped Salad.
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