Costco is known for its bulk shopping, but it also offers products suitable for smaller families, because they last longer. If you are part of a small family, or you live alone, maybe buying in bulk is not the best idea. If you buy too much of something, it could happen that some product is not eaten quickly enough, and there is a risk that it will end up in the trash, because it passed its expiration date.
I know that Costco is designed to buy boxes of 40 sausages or 10 pounds packs of coffee, but maybe you’re not going to be able to spend everything ahead of time. But it may surprise you that this supermarket chain can also be useful for anyone looking for a smart way to manage your household budget, regardless of the size of their family, or even if you live by yourself.
Costco items are worth buying for small families
But hey, there are other food products that survive the time and are not going to get rotten. Because, in times like these with high inflation and sky-high prices, you can’t afford to waste food or money.
Prioritize items that will make a lot of dishes, not matter if you have you invest a little more time preparing them: you can save money by cooking larger badges of food and freezing them, and unfreezing them as you go needing them along the time.
Bath tissue
Toilet paper is something you will always need at home. No matter the size of your family, it’s always going to be needed because, come on, we’re all humans, and we need to go to the bathroom. And if you buy it in large quantities, you can save a lot of money instead of buying it in small quantities.
Save some extra bucks by selecting Kirkland Signature’s tissue paper, instead of other famous brands. So, do not hesitate into purchasing larger packs of this product, because it can last long and you will take advantage of the bulk shopping.
Oatmeal
Oats are another of those time-resistant foods that withstand inclement weather and can solve breakfasts or even be ingredients for interesting and creative dishes such as vegetarian burgers, breads, and cookies.
If you’re a fan of this breakfast staple, Costco sells a massive variety pack – 52 packs to be exact – of Quaker Oats Instant Oatmeal for $10.99. The same item costs nearly $20 at other supermarkets.
Peanut butter
Nothing like a good PBJ breakfast or snack sandwich: Peanut butter and jelly, what a marriage they are. I think about that combination of salty and sweet flavors, and it transports me back to my grandma Martha’s house in Wisconsin, where she always made them for me.
Peanut butter is time-resistant and will not spoil, so you can buy it in large quantities without problems. The famous Skippy brand sells its box of 32 squeeze packs of 1.15 oz (43.47 g) each at Costco for only $9.99. A practical solution to carry in your lunch box at the office or for your kid to take to school.
Coffee K-Cups
If you are one of those who prefer a coffee always made in the same way, without risking adding too much water or making it excessively strong, K-Cups are the solution: you will always get exactly the same cup of coffee, the same quality, color, smell, and taste. They are products that, due to the way they are packaged, have an extremely long lifespan, so you can buy them in large quantities without any fear.
For example, at Costco you can find the Starbucks Dark French Roast K-Cup, 72-count box, for only $44.99, a price of $0.62 per cup of coffee. With notes of dark caramel and sweet smoke, the intense and roasty flavor of Starbucks French Roast coffee is as dark as our dark roasts get, but will never be excessively strong.
Deodorants
Deodorants are always needed in the family. Everyone, from the first to the last at home, needs to use it daily. We all want to make a godo impression and that starts, of course, with personal hygiene. That’s why, you always must have a good stock of deodorants at home, so it is convenient for you to buy them in bulk, such as the packs offered by Costco.
For example, you can purchase the Dove Advanced Care antiperspirant deodorant stick, 2.6 oz, 4-pack, for only $17.49. Or the Degree Men UltraClear+ antiperspirant deodorant, 2.7 oz, 5-count, discounted for only $15.99. You can check also the Old Spice Pure Sport High Endurance deodorant, 2.4 oz, 5-count, for only $10.99. Such great deals, aren’t they?!
Breakfast bars
At Costco, you won’t have a difficulty finding large snack boxes, and that includes the breakfast bars, which have an extensive variety in flavors and sizes. If you are the type of person who prefers a practical and easy breakfast, without that many complications, one of these nutritious bars is ideal.
Buying them in bulk at Costco can stock you up for the whole month, or even longer, because they are not going to get spoiled. For example, at a local supermarket you can get packs of six or twelve Quaker Chewy Variety Bars, but at Costco they sell a pack of 60 units for $11.99, so each bar costs you $0.19.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is considered one of the healthiest oils in the world, and is the basis of the famous Mediterranean Diet that nutritionists, dietitians, and sports coaches around the world are recommending.
In addition, pure oils, the best quality ones, have a lifespan of up to 3 years, so you can buy them in large quantities without problems, they will last and you will consume them in totality. Of course, Costco has a version of this oil from their house brand Kirkland Signature: a 3-liter two pack costs only $39.99, less than $6.6 per liter! Almost a gift.