Why We Love Costco: A Foodie’s Dream
Let’s be honest: who doesn’t love Costco? You walk in needing a dozen eggs, and two hours later, you’re pushing a cart the size of a small car, stocked with organic avocados, enough pasta to last a lifetime, and a kayak. But along with the bulk savings, Costco has something magical for foodies on a budget.
First, there’s the quality. Costco is where you can get grass-fed beef, wild-caught salmon, and organic produce without your wallet filing for bankruptcy. Even the store brand, Kirkland, feels fancy enough to pass off as gourmet—but at a price that lets you sleep at night.
Then, of course, there are the samples. We’ve all taken a lap around the store just to taste what’s cooking. It’s practically a free lunch, and we’re not ashamed to admit we’ve gone back for seconds (okay, thirds).
Costco’s secret is in its power to make you feel like you’re saving money, even when you’re splurging. So yes, we love Costco!
Costco Shopping Tips for Foodies
- Buy staples. Stock up on pantry items—foods that won’t expire anytime soon are the perfect thing to purchase at Costco. Think rice, beans, canned foods, pasta, cooking oils, etc. If you have space to store them, it’s much more cost-effective to buy these items in bulk.
- Choose wisely. The key to an economical Costco shopping trip is not overdoing it and being sure you’ll consume everything you buy. Select items that will be eaten quickly or that you can freeze away to extend shelf life. For example, when you buy bread or milk at Costco, you'll get at least two or three of each item. Plan to freeze one carton of milk and one loaf of bread for later.
- Use your perishables first. If you bought a large quantity of a certain vegetable, make a dish that centers on it. Plan a salad that uses your fresh vegetables soon after your shopping trip. Onions, carrots, and potatoes will keep longer than lettuce. If you bought shredded cheese, freeze half of it to ensure it won’t spoil.
- Batch cook. Once you’ve stocked up on Costco items, plan to make large quantities of your favorite recipes. For example, if you bought lentils and have extra onions, try making a double or triple batch of your favorite lentil recipe. Freeze the leftovers for another time.
- Trade with your neighbors. Split large packages or trade food items with your neighbors. For instance, Ethan bought a huge bag of apples, and Lucy had extra tortillas, so they swapped. Sharing is a great way to avoid waste.
- Get creative. Use up your ingredients in a variety of recipes. If you buy yogurt at Costco, use it for more than just breakfast. Add it to smoothies, or incorporate it into recipes that call for yogurt.