11 Costco must-haves revealed by a food editor—you’ll wish you knew sooner!
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Aubrey Razon
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Costco isn’t just shopping — it’s a treasure hunt for amazing finds and unbeatable value. But with so much to choose from, how do you know what’s truly worth it?
A food editor’s insider picks might just change your next trip!
Carolyn Malcoun, EatingWell's Associate Editorial Director, is not just any shopper; she's a Costco connoisseur with years of experience navigating its vast selection.
With a background in journalism and culinary arts, Carolyn has honed her ability to spot the best products that combine quality, taste, and affordability.
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Today, she's sharing her top 11 Costco finds that have become staples in her kitchen. Let's dive into this exclusive list and discover why these items deserve a spot in your cart.
In the realm of cooking, oils are the unsung heroes, providing the base for countless recipes. Carolyn swears by Costco's large bottles of avocado and extra-virgin olive oil.
Not only do they offer a superior taste, but the price point is unbeatable.
She suggests decanting them into smaller bottles for everyday use, keeping your kitchen stylish and your oils fresh.
Nuts are a versatile and healthy addition to any diet, and Costco's selection is second to none.
Whether you're adding them to oatmeal, enjoying them as a snack, or using them in recipes, the bulk sizes and prices at Costco make it the go-to place for stocking up on these protein-packed treats.
For those nights when time is of the essence, frozen potstickers from Costco come to the rescue.
They're a family favorite for Carolyn, who pairs them with homemade fried rice for a satisfying meal.
With brands like Bibigo and Ling Ling, complete with sauce packets, these potstickers are a convenient and tasty option.
A good marinara sauce is the heart of many Italian dishes, and Rao's is a brand that stands out.
Costco offers it at a price that can't be beaten, making it a smart buy for anyone looking to add some authentic Italian flavor to their meals without breaking the bank.
Cheese lovers, rejoice! Costco's cheese selection ranges from everyday staples like Cheddar and feta to artisan options for special occasions.
With its long shelf life and nutritional benefits, cheese is a must-have for any household, and Costco's variety and pricing make it the ideal place to indulge your cheesy cravings.
Berries are a sweet and healthy treat, and Costco's organic options are both affordable and delicious.
Whether you're adding them to your morning cereal or enjoying them as a snack, Costco's berries are a smart choice for anyone looking to add more fruit to their diet.
Image source: Costco.
Frozen produce often retains more nutrients than fresh, and Costco's selection of organic frozen fruits and vegetables is perfect for smoothies, snacking, or cooking.
With a variety of options available, you can enjoy the taste of summer all year long.
Image source: Costco.
Having frozen fish on hand encourages healthier eating habits, and Costco's wild-caught salmon and cod are as delicious as they are convenient.
With recipes like Miso-Maple Salmon and Almond-&-Lemon-Crusted Fish with Spinach, you can have a gourmet meal any night of the week.
Image source: Tassos.
For those who love Mediterranean flavors, Costco's large jars of Kalamata olives are a must.
They're perfect for adding to salads, snacks, and meals, and the brine can even be used as a flavorful salad dressing alternative.
Image source: Costco.
Chia seeds are a superfood that's easy to incorporate into your diet, and Costco's bulk sizes make it simple to keep these fiber, protein, and omega-3-rich seeds on hand.
Whether you're making chia pudding or adding them to baked goods, they're a healthy and versatile ingredient.
Image source: One Degree Organic Foods.
A staple in many households, oats are a heart-healthy way to start the day.
Costco's selection ensures you'll never run out, whether you're making oatmeal, muesli, cookies, or bread.
Carolyn Malcoun's list of Costco must-haves is a testament to the store's ability to offer high-quality products at prices that make sense for consumers.
From pantry staples to quick meal solutions, these 11 items are not just purchases; they're investments in a lifestyle of good eating and smart shopping.
So next time you're pushing that oversized cart through the Costco warehouse, keep this list handy and stock up on these editor-approved favorites. Your taste buds—and your wallet—will thank you.
Now, we'd love to hear from you, our GrayVine community! What are your go-to Costco finds? Do you have any secret tips for navigating the warehouse deals?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Remember, sharing is caring, especially when it comes to the joys of savvy shopping!
A food editor’s insider picks might just change your next trip!
Carolyn Malcoun, EatingWell's Associate Editorial Director, is not just any shopper; she's a Costco connoisseur with years of experience navigating its vast selection.
With a background in journalism and culinary arts, Carolyn has honed her ability to spot the best products that combine quality, taste, and affordability.
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Carolyn Malcoun, Associate Editorial Director at EatingWell, regularly purchases specific grocery items from Costco. Image source: Maria Lin Kim/Unsplash.
Today, she's sharing her top 11 Costco finds that have become staples in her kitchen. Let's dive into this exclusive list and discover why these items deserve a spot in your cart.
1. Oils: The Foundation of Flavor
In the realm of cooking, oils are the unsung heroes, providing the base for countless recipes. Carolyn swears by Costco's large bottles of avocado and extra-virgin olive oil.
Not only do they offer a superior taste, but the price point is unbeatable.
She suggests decanting them into smaller bottles for everyday use, keeping your kitchen stylish and your oils fresh.
2. Nuts: A Nutritional Powerhouse
Nuts are a versatile and healthy addition to any diet, and Costco's selection is second to none.
Whether you're adding them to oatmeal, enjoying them as a snack, or using them in recipes, the bulk sizes and prices at Costco make it the go-to place for stocking up on these protein-packed treats.
3. Frozen Potstickers: A Quick and Delicious Meal
For those nights when time is of the essence, frozen potstickers from Costco come to the rescue.
They're a family favorite for Carolyn, who pairs them with homemade fried rice for a satisfying meal.
With brands like Bibigo and Ling Ling, complete with sauce packets, these potstickers are a convenient and tasty option.
4. Rao’s Marinara Sauce: The Secret to Italian Night
A good marinara sauce is the heart of many Italian dishes, and Rao's is a brand that stands out.
Costco offers it at a price that can't be beaten, making it a smart buy for anyone looking to add some authentic Italian flavor to their meals without breaking the bank.
5. Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Cheese lovers, rejoice! Costco's cheese selection ranges from everyday staples like Cheddar and feta to artisan options for special occasions.
With its long shelf life and nutritional benefits, cheese is a must-have for any household, and Costco's variety and pricing make it the ideal place to indulge your cheesy cravings.
6. Organic Berries: A Sweet Deal
Berries are a sweet and healthy treat, and Costco's organic options are both affordable and delicious.
Whether you're adding them to your morning cereal or enjoying them as a snack, Costco's berries are a smart choice for anyone looking to add more fruit to their diet.
7. Frozen Fruit & Veggies: Peak Freshness Year-Round
Image source: Costco.
Frozen produce often retains more nutrients than fresh, and Costco's selection of organic frozen fruits and vegetables is perfect for smoothies, snacking, or cooking.
With a variety of options available, you can enjoy the taste of summer all year long.
8. Frozen Fish: The Catch of the Day, Every Day
Image source: Costco.
Having frozen fish on hand encourages healthier eating habits, and Costco's wild-caught salmon and cod are as delicious as they are convenient.
With recipes like Miso-Maple Salmon and Almond-&-Lemon-Crusted Fish with Spinach, you can have a gourmet meal any night of the week.
9. Kalamata Olives: A Mediterranean Staple
Image source: Tassos.
For those who love Mediterranean flavors, Costco's large jars of Kalamata olives are a must.
They're perfect for adding to salads, snacks, and meals, and the brine can even be used as a flavorful salad dressing alternative.
10. Chia Seeds: Packed with Benefits
Image source: Costco.
Chia seeds are a superfood that's easy to incorporate into your diet, and Costco's bulk sizes make it simple to keep these fiber, protein, and omega-3-rich seeds on hand.
Whether you're making chia pudding or adding them to baked goods, they're a healthy and versatile ingredient.
11. Oats: The Breakfast of Champions
Image source: One Degree Organic Foods.
A staple in many households, oats are a heart-healthy way to start the day.
Costco's selection ensures you'll never run out, whether you're making oatmeal, muesli, cookies, or bread.
Carolyn Malcoun's list of Costco must-haves is a testament to the store's ability to offer high-quality products at prices that make sense for consumers.
From pantry staples to quick meal solutions, these 11 items are not just purchases; they're investments in a lifestyle of good eating and smart shopping.
So next time you're pushing that oversized cart through the Costco warehouse, keep this list handy and stock up on these editor-approved favorites. Your taste buds—and your wallet—will thank you.
Key Takeaways
- Carolyn Malcoun, Associate Editorial Director at EatingWell, regularly purchases specific grocery items from Costco due to their high quality and reasonable prices.
- Staples such as oils, nuts, and Rao's marinara sauce are preferred for their cost-effectiveness, and are often bought in larger quantities to avoid frequent restocking.
- Frozen goods, including fruit and vegetables, pot stickers, and fish, are valued for their convenience in making nutritious meals easy to prepare on busy nights.
- Malcoun also recommends purchasing cheese, organic berries, Kalamata olives, chia seeds, and oats from Costco, highlighting their nutritional benefits and the ability to buy in bulk for household consumption.
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Remember, sharing is caring, especially when it comes to the joys of savvy shopping!