- Costco is ideal for stocking long-lasting, nutrient-dense staples like oats and olive oil.
- Editors recommend pantry essentials like canned tuna, chia seeds and hemp hearts for easy meals.
- Costco also shines on quality deals, from organic balsamic vinegar to high-end champagne.
Whether you just received a membership as a holiday present or you invested in yourself just in time for new year meal-prepping, we’re guessing you clicked on this article because you’re a new Costco member. If you’re unsure where to start, don’t worry: we have some experts that are eager to share their favorite deals and products from the warehouse.
And by experts, we mean EatingWell’s editorial team of Costco enthusiasts, of course! Our editors and dietitians compiled their seven favorite Costco finds that you should definitely snag on your first visit. Trust us; you’ll be grabbing these items every time you visit because you won’t be able to get enough.
1. Chia Seeds
Costco. Getty Images. EatingWell design.
$14.99 per 3-pound bag
Stocking up on dry goods is a perfect way to utilize your Costco membership to its fullest potential. Start with chia seeds, the omega-3-rich seeds that our editors love running to the wholesaler for.
“It’s such a great deal, and they last forever,” our assistant general manager Penelope Wall shares, and our senior nutrition editor Jessica Ball, M.S., RD, agrees.
Eating more chia seeds means adding a gut-healthy, heart-healthy ingredient into your routine. So go snag some seeds and try out high-fiber recipes like our Strawberry Chia Pudding or our Quinoa & Chia Oatmeal Mix to reap the benefits every morning.
2. Hemp Hearts
Costco. Getty Images. EatingWell design.
$14.74 per 32-ounce bag
On a similar note, Wall also loves buying hemp hearts at Costco. Hemp hearts (or hemp seeds) are antioxidant-packed seeds that are entirely underrated and can last for years in your pantry, making them an ideal ingredient to buy in bulk. They’re a nutritious plant-based protein that may help lower inflammation in the body when eaten regularly.
There’s so many ways to add hemp hearts to your meals. We love including hemp seeds in homemade protein powder, or blending them up in a smoothie, like in this Anti-Inflammatory Lemon-Blueberry Smoothie.
3. Canned Tuna
Costco. Getty Images. EatingWell design.
$19.85 per 8-count, 7-ounce cans
Tinned fish is trendy for a reason. It’s not just a protein powerhouse; it’s loaded with omega-3-fatty acids for a brain-healthy, heart-friendly bite. That’s one of the reasons why Ball always has canned tuna on hand.
“I love all of their canned products because they’re easy to keep stocked without worrying about them going bad,” Ball explains, noting tuna to be a prime example. She also loves to have canned tomatoes, beans and sardines on standby for simple pantry dinners.
Registered dietitian and editor Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD, shares that she also loves stocking up on canned tuna because it makes for “such an easy, quick meal.” Put it to the test by trying our editor-loved 10-Minute Tuna Melt for lunch or dinner.
4. Olive Oil
Costco. Getty Images. EatingWell design.
$34.04 per 2-liter bottle
Lachtrupp also swears by Costco’s olive oil. It’s another pantry staple that you’re going to use up before it goes bad, and the warehouse offers a great deal in bulk.
Consuming olive oil regularly may reduce your risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer, dementia and osteoporosis. This is because it’s packed with essential nutrients like healthy fats, polyphenols and vitamins E and K. Use it in homemade salad dressings, drizzle it on some hummus or use it for roasted veggies, like we do in this five-star Simple Roasted Zucchini & Squash.
5. Oats
Costco. Getty Images. EatingWell design.
$7.99 per 10-pound bag
If you love starting your morning with overnight oats, we don’t blame you. That’s why buying oats at Costco is key. Buying oats in bulk will last you months, so always having the simple, fiber-packed ingredient on hand will make your mornings easier.
Ball particularly loves having oats at the ready so she can make some of her favorite high-fiber recipes. From meal-prepped oatmeal and baked oats to homemade protein bars and snacks, oats are a versatile base that tastes amazing while being nutritious—it’s a win-win-win!
6. Balsamic Vinegar
Costco. Getty Images. EatingWell design.
$16.79 per 1-liter bottle
Lachtrupp is a fan of grabbing some Kirkland Signature Organic Balsamic Vinegar whenever she’s making a Costco run. Per the dietitian, it’s “great quality at a really good price.”
Balsamic vinegar isn’t just a caprese salad staple—although, it’s entirely needed for the summery dish. It can also be an elevating ingredient in salad dressings, protein marinades (like in our Balsamic Pork Tenderloin or Balsamic Marinated Chicken) or roasted veggies.
7. Wine
Costco. Getty Images. EatingWell design.
$55 per 750-milliliter bottle
We know it’s Dry January, but if you’re looking for a bottle for future gatherings—Super Bowl, Valentine’s Day, a post-Dry January celebration—then it’s a good time to grab wine on your first Costco trip. Our news editor Leah Goggins recommends going for Veuve Clicquot, which is a sommelier-recommended, higher-end champagne worth cracking open.
“Costco has the best price I’ve ever found on Veuve, and it’s such an easy gift that works for most occasions,” Goggins shares. Alcohol should be consumed in moderation, so this bottle is best saved for a special occasion when you want something celebratory but crowd-pleasing.
Note: The above listed prices may vary depending on Costco location.
