If you’re a middle-class shopper, it’s time to talk about these must-have Costco products!
Costco is one of the most popular retailers in the United States and is well-known for offering lots of products in bulk. However, not everything needs to be purchased in large quantities. If you live on a middle-class budget like me and you have some money to spare, I recommend you check out a few products.
Some of them are tasty, others are useful, and all of them will make your life easier. The best part is their affordability. Let’s not keep this intro any longer, because we all want to save money, get what we want, and move on with our lives. So without further ado, here are the must-have Costco products for a middle-class shopper!
1. Granola bars
We all need food to survive, and if you’re looking for healthy and delicious treats and meals, you should visit our favorite retailer. There are lots of granola bars you could try, and they’re nutritious and great on the go. Moreover, you can get them in bulk for a great price and store them in your pantry for a couple of months.
A big box of granola bars will cost no more than $10 and will last you a couple of weeks. You can split them with other members of the family and enjoy a quick and tasty snack that will also give you an energy boost.
2. Whole-grain rolled oats
Another must-have Costco product is whole-grain rolled oats. This is a staple for anyone who wants to have a healthy lifestyle. Besides using oats to make divine oatmeal, you can also use this grain for homemade granola bars, protein pancakes, yogurt parfaits, no-bake cookies, and so many other meals.
I love Kirkland Signature rolled oats, and nothing can beat the price or taste of this one. If you order this item online, you could get 10 pounds for only $9.99, which is $1 per pound. That’s a great deal, but make sure you consume it before it goes bad.
If you don’t believe me when I say it’s a must-have Costco product, here’s something that might convince you: grocery store generic brands offer whole-grain rolled oats at around $2 to $3 a pound, which can quickly add up, especially if you’re on a budget.
3. Home espresso machine
If you can’t wake up until you’ve had your beloved cup of java in the morning, I have the perfect must-have Costco product for you: a home espresso machine. I know that coffee made by your favorite barista tastes like heaven on Earth, but that will cut a hole in your budget sooner or later.
You can cut back on those cafe runs and make excellent coffee at home with an espresso machine from this retailer. You can find machines that fit every type of budget, and even if they feel a bit more expensive at first, they’ll help you save money in the long run.
4. Laundry pods
Laundry pods are an excellent option for those who don’t like using liquid laundry detergent on their clothing. However, they’re a little pricier compared to other types of detergents, but that’s not a problem if you know where to shop. These items are shockingly inexpensive at this retailer, as well as practical and efficient.
This must-have Costco product is perfect for those who don’t want to spend more time than needed doing laundry. Just put one pod in the machine, and you’ll have clean clothes that smell amazing. No measuring, no messing about.
If you want to save money, go to Costco and get the Free & Gentle Tide Pods for $34.99. Walmart carries the same item for $48.05, but saving is always a smart idea, and you could get something else instead, such as a $5 rotisserie chicken for healthy meals, hotdogs, and other tasty treats.
5. Febreze
If you have any weird odors in your home, this is a must-have Costco product for you: Febreze. You can quickly revitalize and get rid of smells from furniture, textiles, and living areas. You can get this product for $19.95 at Walmart (down from $26.75), but if you want to save some money, you can go to Costco and get the same thing for $18.49.
You should always compare costs and quantities when purchasing anything, whether it’s air fresheners, food, or cleaning supplies. That way, you’ll get the best deals possible.
6. Toilet paper
You can laugh, but I’m very picky with my toilet paper. I used to think that it didn’t matter how cheap it was since it went down the toilet anyway. However, the cheaper it is, the thinner the fabric is, so you’ll end up using more of it faster.
And this is where my favorite retailer comes into play. Similar to paper towels, toilet paper is made to last, so getting it in bulk from Costco is a fantastic idea. For instance, Charmin Ultra Strong Bath Tissue costs no more than $30 for 30 rolls of two-ply tissue.
7. Home appliances
We continue with these must-have Costco products, and this time we have to talk about home appliances. This retailer offers an excellent assortment of reasonably priced, high-quality household appliances, so you should make the best of it.
Moreover, they also have an extended warranty and a generous return policy, which are too good to pass up. Of course, you can get the same appliances elsewhere, such as from Amazon or Walmart, but they will be way pricier.
8. Snacks
Snacks are must-have Costco products, and that’s because they’re delicious and affordable. One of my favorites is the Kirkland Signature Microwave Popcorn, which is $17 and comes in 44 bags. Perfect for those movie nights or for when I crave something salty and crunchy.
If you prefer something better for your brain health and muscles, you could get Nature’s Garden Organic Trail Mix Snack Packs for only $15, and your pantry will be filled with delicious treats you can enjoy any time of the day.
9. Paper towels
Paper goods, like paper towels, are ideal for buying in bulk because they are long-lasting and necessary for everyday use. Since they’re so convenient for cleaning and you run out of them pretty fast, you probably don’t want to spend a fortune on them.
The Kirkland Signature Paper Towels are available at Costco for $22.99 for 12 rolls. If you shop around, BJ’s has Bounty Select-A-Size Paper Towels for $24.49, which is more expensive but still includes 12 rolls. In this case, I’d have to say it’s a must-have Costco product. At least in my household, because we’re all about saving money.
10. Ramen and canned soups
Fast, ready-to-eat meals are essential in busy homes. You have a range of alternatives at Costco, from quick ramen to canned soups, and they’ll quickly put your stomach at peace while also providing enough nutrients. Many of these products are inexpensive and have a lengthy shelf life, so they’re must-have Costco products.
For instance, for only $20, you can get an 18-count container of Nongshim Shin Ramyun Noodle Soup. Moreover, you can spend $16 on eight cans of Campbell’s Simple Chicken Noodle Soup. Keep in mind that they’re rich in sodium and not as healthy as homemade soup, but they’re way healthier compared to fried and greasy foods.
If you love eating ramen and you’d like to have a cute ramen bowl that keeps your dish warm and is microwave-safe, check out this gorgeous one from Amazon!
Do you know any other must-have Costco products? Let us know in the comments below, because we’re always looking for new things to get. If you have a hard time carrying groceries, here’s a great cart for you! If you enjoyed reading this article and you’d like to check out something else from Brainy Savings, here’s a good post for you: Fix it or Toss it? 5 Items Worth Repairing Over Replacing