We're having loyal Costco shoppers share their grocery lists with us. Here are their favorite things to buy there.
- Insider has had 23 Costco shoppers share the items they frequently buy from the popular chain.
- Certain staple ingredients — like vanilla extract, rice, and coffee — are worth buying in bulk.
People across the country have signed up for a Costco membership to take advantage of the wholesale chain's discounts and bulk buys.
But from nutritionists to chefs to athletes, everyone has a unique shopping list.
Insider has had 23 dedicated shoppers share what they snag on their Costco runs — here's what they said:
Abigail Abesamis Demarest has shopped at Costco for over 10 years and likes to buy certain ingredients in bulk
She uses these frozen-berry blends in her smoothies
Using frozen berries instead of ice makes smoothies cold and refreshing without watering them down.
This 4-pound bag of fruit comes with raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries.
Demarest will often pair it with almond butter, almond milk, chia seeds, and cacao powder for a morning drink.
Buying salmon in bulk can be cheaper in the long run
Costco sells huge slabs of Atlantic salmon.
Demarest will often pair baked fillets with brown rice and veggies, like spinach or broccoli.
This large piece can be divided into several servings, and you can freeze leftover fillets to make them last longer.
These prepackaged Starbucks frappuccinos are an easy, on-the-go coffee option
These Starbucks frappuccinos are tasty, and buying them in bulk makes sense.
Demarest will often wait to snag these until there's a manufacturer's coupon to make them even cheaper.
Read Abigail Abesamis Demarest's full Costco shopping list: I've shopped at Costco for over 10 years. Here are the 15 products I always buy in bulk.
Solo shopper Alicia Diaz lives in New York with 2 roommates but finds ways to make her Costco membership worth it
This 5-pack of Crest 3D White toothpaste can last Diaz and her roommates months
Although one person can finish a normal tube of toothpaste in just a couple of months, the Crest 3D White bulk pack can last for six to eight months, even when shared.
Diaz said that since she shares a bathroom, it's more cost-effective to buy this toiletry in bulk.
These Kirkland Signature leggings are one of Diaz's favorite buys
These comfy leggings come in several colors.
Diaz bought these leggings on a whim and was blown away, picking up three more the next time.
As a Lululemon fan, she said this cheaper Costco alternative is comparable to the name brand.
These individually portioned packets of Yakisoba make for an easy dinner
Frozen and portioned meals are great Costco buys for solo shoppers since they have a much longer shelf life.
Each box of Yakisoba contains six packets of noodles mixed with sauce and an array of stir-fry vegetables.
Diaz will often finish cooking the noodles in a pan with chicken.
Read Alicia Diaz's full Costco shopping list: I'm a solo shopper at Costco. Here are the 15 things I always buy that make my membership worth it.
Lisa Tanner feeds her family of 12 by buying items in bulk at the wholesale chain
These packages of Orville Redenbacher's popcorn kernels make for a cheap and delicious snack
This 8-pound jug of kernels will last Tanner about a month.
She'll usually prepare two large batches multiple times a week as a ready snack for her 10 kids, popping the kernels with oil in a pan over medium heat.
You can eat as is or add your choice of toppings, like butter and salt.
Rice is a versatile and inexpensive side dish
Tanner also grabs a 25-pound bag of Thai Hom Mali jasmine rice.
She often prepares it in the Instant Pot to serve alongside meals like hamburger bowls, fried rice, and casserole.
Kirkland Signature sliced ham is a great deal and can work in a number of meals
She also buys two-packs of uncured extra-lean ham.
Although ham works great in sandwiches, Tanner will also add this ingredient to dishes like fried rice, quesadillas, scrambled eggs, and baked potatoes.
Read Lisa Tanner's full Costco shopping list: I'm a mom of 10 who's shopped at Costco for almost 20 years. Here are 20 things I always buy in bulk.
Tara Zeller drives 4 hours and spends $413 US on each trip
This FoodSaver has saved Zeller hundreds of dollars and makes her big hauls worth it
Zeller uses the FoodSaver to make sure her frozen food lasts longer and doesn't get freezer burn, in turn saving her up to hundreds of dollars since she can preserve her bulk buys.
Simply portion the food into your ideal serving, then seal and store it in the freezer for easy future meals.
These packs of souvlaki make for an easy dinner protein
These Greek-style souvlaki skewers are available in chicken or pork flavors.
Zeller will often grill some of the skewers and pair them with a side salad for dinner, then freeze the rest to whip up at a later date.
This shopper also picks up this large jug of Kirkland Signature maple syrup
Costco sells large bottles of pure, organic maple syrup.
The breakfast staple works great on top of pancakes, waffles, and French toast, plus it'll last for a while.
Read Tara Zeller's full Costco shopping list: I drive 4 hours and spend $500 for every Costco trip. Here are 16 things I always stock up on.
Majed Kassis runs the popular @CostcoBuys Instagram account, which has over 460,000 followers
Costco sells premade street-taco kits that are easy to assemble
These ready-made kits come with taco essentials — 12 flour tortillas, chicken, cheese, lime slices, salsa, and cilantro-lime crema.
Each pack can feed about three to four people.
They're a hit among Kassis' family and ideal for when you don't want to cook.
These cinnamon pull-a-parts make for a delicious dessert or breakfast
Found in Costco's bakery section, these cinnamon treats are a delicious buy.
Each pack of 12 comes topped with tasty cream-cheese icing.
Kassis pops them in the microwave for 20 seconds to warm them up and make them melty.
Just Bare's breaded chicken-breast chunks are a hit among kids and adults alike
Kassis compared a 4-pound bag of these boneless chicken bites to Chick-fil-A's nuggets.
She said they turn out wonderfully crispy in the air fryer and work well as protein on a salad.
Read Majed Kassis' full Costco shopping list: I run a Costco fan account with over 390,000 followers. Here are 12 of my favorite recent purchases.
Nutritionist Candace Nelson buys certain foods in bulk to whip up simple, wholesome dishes
Mandarins are an easy snack and chock-full of vitamin C
Nelson will place a handful of mandarins in the fruit bowl each morning to set out as a snack.
The easy-peel fruit is a great source of vitamin C and can last for several weeks in the fridge.
Kirkland Signature mixed-nut butter doesn't contain any added sugar or salt
This wholesome mixed-nut butter combines almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and flax seeds to make a delicious spread that you can add to snacks or meals.
Nuts are a great, wholesome source of fats — a food group that should ideally make up 30% of your daily calories.
Particularly, omega-3 fatty acids found in many nuts and seeds are good for heart health.
Snag a 2-pack of Dave's Killer Bread at Costco
With both 5 grams of fiber and protein per serving, Dave's Killer Bread is great for sandwiches and toast.
Nelson will often toast the bread and top it with nut butter and sliced bananas.
Read Candace Nelson's full Costco shopping list: I'm a nutritionist who shops at Costco for 2. Here are 15 things I always buy in bulk.
Salma Hamze shops at Costco for just her and her mom
This shopper buys this bulk tub of Folgers' classic roast to make drip coffee
This 51-ounce tub of ground coffee lasts a while.
Hamze uses it to make drip coffee, though it can also be brewed with a machine or French press.
Costco sells large bags of these white-cheddar Hippeas
A bulk-sized bag of Hippeas — organic chickpea puffs — costs just $6.99.
Hamze buys two bags at a time and enjoys this snack as a replacement for potato chips.
Taylor Farms' salad kits make lunch or dinner easy
These premade salad kits come with everything you need for a tasty serving of veggies, including dressing and toppings.
The Mediterranean salad kit is Hamze's favorite.
Read Salma Hamze's full Costco shopping list: I shop at Costco for my family of 2. Here are 10 things I always stock up on.
Dana Engelbert drives 3 hours — 140 miles roundtrip — to buy these items in bulk
Kirkland Signature organic apple-sauce pouches are a great snack for kids
Engelbert buys these apple-sauce pouches as a wholesome snack for her kids.
Coming in a large box of 24 pouches, they are organic, gluten-free, and added-sugar-free.
Costco sells packs of hand-pulled rotisserie chicken breast
The wholesale chain's rotisserie chicken is a beloved staple, but Engelbert often picks up this pack of hand-pulled breast instead.
It's a versatile meat option that you can add to salads, enchiladas, and more.
Combat seasonal stuffiness with these bulk packs of allergy pills and nasal sprays
You can snag bulk packs of allergy pills and nasal spray from name brands — like Zyrtec and Flonase — at Costco.
Just make sure to check the expiration date and use them in time.
Read Dana Engelbert's full Costco shopping list: I drive 3 hours to shop at Costco. Here are 21 things that make the 140-mile trip worth it.
Gemma Acheampong's a Ghanaian track-and-field Olympian and semi-professional athlete who shops at Costco
This athlete opts for Kirkland Signature frozen salmon
Each 3-pound bag of Atlantic salmon contains individually wrapped pieces of fish.
Acheampong said she used to buy fresh salmon, but realized she would end up freezing most of it and started buying these packs instead.
She'll often bake a fillet with a marinade and serve it with vegetables for an easy meal.
Grapes are quite affordable at Costco
Costco sells 4-pound packages of green and black seedless grapes.
Acheampong will often freeze them to enjoy as a crisp, refreshing snack during the summer months.
The grocery chain also sells green tea in bulk
Green tea is naturally caffeinated and rich in antioxidants.
Acheampong may drink between three to four cups of tea every day, so she grabs these bulk packs of 100 bags from Costco.
Read Gemma Acheampong's full Costco shopping list: I'm an Olympian and semi-professional athlete. Here are 16 things I always buy at Costco for myself.
Lizzy Briskin is a trained chef who likes to buy certain staple ingredients in bulk
Pure vanilla extract is a great deal at Costco
Pure vanilla extract can be a pricey ingredient, but Costco shoppers can snag a 16-ounce bottle.
You can use vanilla in a variety of baked goods and breakfasts, from cookies and cakes to French toast and pancakes.
Sauerkraut is a great source of probiotics
Chock-full of natural probiotics to keep your gut healthy, sauerkraut can make a delicious addition to sandwiches or salads.
Plus the ingredient, which comes in a 50-ounce container, can last for months sealed in the fridge.
Costco sells large bags of quinoa for a reasonable price
A wholesome staple to keep in your kitchen, quinoa is full of plant-based protein and fiber.
Although the trendy grain can be quite pricey at other stores, you can snag a bag that's over 4 pounds at Costco.
Pair the ingredient with protein and veggies for dinner or use it to bulk up a salad.
Read Lizzy Briskin's full Costco shopping list: I'm a chef who shops at Costco. Here are my 12 favorite things to buy.
Costco shopper Jordan Kuntz lives on the road full-time in a 27-foot RV
Rao's marinara sauce is a delicious, high-quality option
This shopper thinks Rao's red sauce is worth the higher price tag, and even celebrity chef Ina Garten has given this jarred option her seal of approval.
You can find a great deal on packs of two 28-ounce jars at Costco.
Add this sauce to a variety of pasta dishes or meat entrées.
Canned salmon is a great staple that doesn't need to be refrigerated
Canned salmon is a convenient source of protein that doesn't need to be refrigerated, so it's perfect for camping or road trips.
Kuntz drains the ingredient and serves it with mayo, onion, jalapeño, salt, and lemon juice.
Seeds of Change's microwavable quinoa-and-brown-rice packs make for an easy side
This microwavable pack of grains is wholesome and ready in just 90 seconds.
Add it as a side with a protein-heavy dinner or use it as the base for a rice bowl.
Read Jordan Kuntz's full Costco shopping list: I live on the road full-time in a 27-foot RV. Here are the 15 things I always buy at Costco.
Olivia Yi runs the recipe blog Costco Kitchen for over 35,000 Instagram followers
Pesto is a tasty ingredient that you can add to a variety of plates
Yi wrote that Costco's pesto — made with Genovese basil and pine nuts — is one of the best store-bought options.
You can sauté veggies and meat in it or add a few spoonfuls to a bowl of pasta.
Plus this ingredient works well both hot and cold.
Kerrygold's pure Irish butter is a quality staple
Available in both salted and unsalted options, this high-quality butter is worth the higher price tag, according to the shopper.
This rich and creamy butter works well slathered on bread or used in decadent dishes.
You can freeze Parmigiano Reggiano to make it last longer
Kirkland Signature Parmigiano Reggiano is aged over 24 months and boasts nutty and salty undertones.
You can add it to pasta dishes or cheese plates then toss the leftover rinds into soup.
To boost the ingredient's shelf life, Yi cuts the cheese into chunks and freezes what she won't use right away.
Read Olivia Yi's full Costco shopping list: I create easy Costco recipes for over 33,000 followers. Here are 15 of my favorite things to buy.
Personal trainer Rachel MacPherson shops for her family of 6 at Costco
POM's whole-grain tortillas are a versatile carb
Costco sells packs of POM's tortillas, which come with 15 whole-grain shells.
This wholesome ingredient can serve as the base for a number of meals, like wraps, homemade enchiladas, and quesadillas.
Snag top sirloin steak at a reasonable price
Costco sells high-quality meat for fair prices, like this lean top sirloin.
MacPherson uses it to make steakhouse-style salads and will sometimes enjoy leftovers as a side for scrambled eggs.
Salsa is great to have on hand to add to a variety of dishes
Garden Fresh's salsa sports a lively flavor profile that works with a number of dishes, like omelets, nachos, and baked potatoes.
MacPherson also recommended pairing it with Kirkland Signature tortilla chips.
Read Rachel MacPherson's full Costco shopping list: I'm a personal trainer who shops for a family of 6 at Costco. Here are 21 things I always stock up on.
Chelsea Schnyer's a bartender who shops at the chain for her bar on wheels
Cranberry juice is a popular cocktail ingredient
Schnyer grabs this Ocean Spray cranberry juice from Costco to make cocktails and mocktails, like the Tropical Vodka Cran.
You can grab a pack of two 96-ounce bottles.
This shopper always picks up limes at Costco
Limes are a common ingredient in many cocktails, from the base of a margarita to the garnish on a Long Island iced tea.
So Schnyer makes sure to grab at least three of these bags each trip.
These infused ice cubes are a fun drink addition
These Herb and Lou's infused ice cubes are the perfect addition to an old fashioned that won't water it down.
Each box comes with 12 ice cubes.
Read Chelsea Schnyer's full Costco shopping list: I'm a bartender who shops at Costco. Here are 12 things I always buy for my bar on wheels.
Solo shopper Savannah J. Frierson aims to spend under $50 on each Costco run
These affordable croissants are massive
Frierson said these croissants may have been the reason she got a Costco membership in the first place.
They're massive, fluffy, and buttery, making for a great breakfast or sandwich base.
You can buy a pack of 12.
Make dinner easy with Kirkland stuffed bell peppers
Costco sells stuffed peppers with ground beef and rice.
Simply pop these in the oven and serve alongside dinner rolls for an easy weeknight meal.
Kirkland Signature thick-sliced bacon can last a while
This pack of bacon is separated into two 1 1/2- pound portions, so you can freeze one while you use the other.
Fry up a few strips to serve alongside eggs or add a few pieces to a BLT.
Read Savannah J. Frierson's full Costco shopping list: I'm a solo shopper at Costco who tries to stick to a $50 budget. Here are 14 things I love to buy.
Gabriella Sorrento said she lost 40 pounds with the help of these Costco swaps
Plantain chips are an easy snack
Sorrento said that instead of cutting out snacks on her weight-loss journey, she found ones that work with her lifestyle, like Barnana's organic plantain chips.
They're both salty and crunchy.
For a versatile spread, snag Good Foods avocado mash
Packed with healthy fats, this avocado dip is great for snacking or adding to a sandwich.
It pairs well with tortilla chips or veggies.
Siete tortilla chips are grain-free and tasty
This grain-free swap for normal tortilla chips is made with just cassava flour, avocado oil, coconut flour, chia seeds, and salt.
You can pair it with salsa or guacamole for an easy snack.
Read Gabriella Sorrento's full Costco shopping list: I lost 40 pounds. Here are 12 Costco products that helped me lose the weight and keep it off.
Elizabeth Blasi also said she lost 40 pounds by following the keto diet and buying some Costco staples
Kirkland Signature almond flour is a keto staple
You can grab a 3-pound bag of almond flour at Costco.
Blasi wrote that the ingredient was one of the reasons she was able to "sustain a strict keto diet for an extended period."
It's versatile and can be used as a flour substitute in baking or as breading in savory dishes.
Blasi uses coconut oil in a lot of her cooking
The keto diet is chock-full of healthy fats, so coconut oil is a helpful staple to cook with since it has a smoke point of 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
She said she'd use the ingredient to make fat bombs, which can increase your macros and satisfy a sweet tooth.
Canned chicken is versatile and high in protein
Chicken is a versatile source of protein to keep on hand. Blasi would use it in homemade pizza crust or in "avocado boats."
Read Elizabeth Blasi's full Costco shopping list: I lost 40 pounds in a year on the keto diet. Here are my 12 favorite Costco buys that helped me meet my goals.
Alana Al-Hatlani is a baker and her boyfriend is a chef — so they snag several foods from the wholesale chain
Prosciutto is available for a good price at Costco
Al-Hatlani said they often use the salty, cured pork as a replacement for bacon in several meals, like pasta or eggs Benedict.
Shoppers can snag the meat from the chain in two 6-ounce packs.
This shopper likes to snack on Theo's organic double-chocolate cookie bites
Perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth, these dark-chocolate-covered cookie-dough bites are crunchy and tasty without being overly sugary.
You can snag a 21-ounce bag at Costco.
Mama Lil's spicy pickled peppers are a versatile ingredient and offer a kick of flavor
These Hungarian "Goathorn" peppers are soaked in a sweet brine of vinegar, sugar, garlic, maple syrup, fennel seed, and salt.
They're vinegary but not too salty, making them a great addition to foods like pizza or biscuits.
Read Alana Al-Hatlani's full Costco shopping list: I'm a professional baker and my boyfriend is a chef. Here are 13 of our favorite things to buy at Costco.
Culinary judge Meredith Ochs prepares for the holidays by getting her essentials from the warehouse
Fresh Ocean Spray cranberries are perfect to bake with
Ochs loves fresh produce so she gets excited when the 2-pound bags of Ocean Spray cranberries hit store shelves.
She grabs two and freezes one since they keep beautifully in the freezer. She can then bake cranberry-crumb cake any time of year.
POM Wonderful pomegranates can dress up dining tables and elegant dishes
To Ochs, fresh pomegranates are beautiful both inside and out. Their blush skin is part of autumn's palette, and their round shape makes them look like natural ornaments.
Inside, pomegranates are packed with juicy arils that add a ruby-red color and tart flavor to salads, dips, and desserts.
To eat, score the peel with a knife and gently break them up by hand in a big bowl of water. The ready-to-eat arils will sink to the bottom.
Kirkland Signature praline pecans are a good addition to breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes
Kirkland Signature praline pecans are a Costco favorite. Ochs buys them during the holidays to add sweetness and crunch to a variety of dishes.
Pecans have a distinct buttery, slightly woody taste that's enhanced by the sugary praline coating.
She likes to crumble them over a Thanksgiving sweet-potato casserole, toss them into salads with goat cheese, and top pancakes with them for a decadent breakfast. They're also great on a cheese plate.
Read Meredith Ochs' full shopping list: I'm a culinary judge who shops at Costco for the holidays. Here are 10 things I recommend buying.
Veronica Thatcher has worked at Costco for over 17 years so she knows the best things to get for her family
The Crazy Cuizine Mandarin orange chicken is delicious
Crazy Cuizine Mandarin-orange chicken is a family favorite on Thatcher's menu twice a month. Each pack contains lightly battered chicken breast and rib meat and a sweet and tangy orange sauce.
This meal is great for a quick and easy dinner in less than 20 minutes.
Each box contains 4 pounds of chicken with two packets of orange sauce.
Mission Carb Balance tortillas are great for tacos and wraps
Mission Carb Balance tortillas are one of Thatcher's favorite products and are versatile enough for mini pizzas, wraps, and countless other meals.
They contain 4 grams of net carbs and 0 grams of sugar per serving.
Read Veronica Thatcher's full shopping list: I work at Costco and spend $100 a week there to feed my family of 4. Here are 10 things we love to buy.
Pro baker Molly Allen grabs her staple ingredients from the chain
Allen goes through a lot of butter at home
Most of Allen's baked goods, especially cookies, start with several sticks of butter.
She always uses unsalted butter for baking, and she can grab a big package at Costco for less money than if she bought smaller ones at the grocery store.
A pack of Kirkland Signature unsalted butter comes with four 1-pound boxes.
Allen uses the Kirkland Signature semisweet chocolate chips in a variety of ways
You can't make chocolate-chip cookies without this key ingredient.
Allen will melt it and dip cookies, pretzel rods, and marshmallows in it for a fun, flavorful twist.
She picks up a 4 1/2-pound bag of Kirkland Signature semisweet chocolate chips.
Read Molly Allen's full shopping list: I'm a professional baker. Here are 9 staple ingredients I recommend stocking up on at Costco.
Janice Costa has curated a shopping list for people who hate cooking
The Fresh Additions individually portioned, cooked chicken breast is great for salads
Costa said the Fresh Additions pre-grilled chicken is a great ingredient to keep around to throw on top of bagged salad greens, put on a sandwich, or just heat and eat on its own.
She thinks it makes portion control easy and keeps a few packages in the fridge and freezes the rest.
The Happy Village organic frozen dark cherries are a great dessert
For Costa, frozen fruit is a late-night snack that's almost as good as ice cream.
Full of antioxidants, dark cherries are her favorite. She eats them right out of the bag but they're also good on top of yogurt or salads or in a smoothie.
She's also experimented with baking them into crescent rolls for a quick, simple dessert.
Costa dislikes fish but loves the benefits of omega-3s fatty acids
Costa isn't a fan of fish but her doctor has recommended having it several times a week.
The Pure Alaska Omega salmon oil is a great compromise since it gives her the nutritional benefits of omega-3 fatty acids — like improved heart health and reduced inflammation — without making her house smell like fish.
Read Janice Costa's full shopping list: I shop for just myself at Costco and hate cooking. Here are 15 things I love to buy there.
Solo shopper Karlin Krishnaswami looks for as many essentials as she can find
Red's keto-friendly Egg'wiches with turkey sausage hit the spot
Krishnaswami is a big fan of Red's keto-friendly quick and easy Egg'wiches. They take just over a minute and a half to microwave and taste great with Frank's RedHot sauce. One Egg'wich usually keeps her full until morning snack time, though she sometimes supplements it with toast or a smoothie.
She recommends taking the cheese off before you cook the Egg'which. If you microwave it without doing so, she's found the cheese will melt off.
Precooked meals from Costco save the day
Whether they're made in-house by Costco employees or one of the many brands in the refrigerated cases, you don't need to be a family of four to benefit from buying the warehouse's prepared meals.
Krishnaswami buys meals for herself and makes a list of the use- or freeze-by dates and hangs it on her fridge. Then, she removes a portion or two for the fridge and portions out the rest for the freezer.
This way, she doesn't have to thaw more food than she wants while saving time.
Read Karlin Krishnaswami's full shopping list: I shop for just myself at Costco and stick to a budget. Here are 15 things I love to buy and how I use them.