10 Essential Items to Buy at Costco vs. Your Local Grocery Store
I’ve been meal prepping for a while now, and I’ve found that shopping smart is just as important as cooking well. I’ve settled into a routine that involves splitting my shopping between Costco and my regular grocery store. It’s saved me time and money, and I’ve learned what to buy where.
Costco Staples
There are some items that I always buy at Costco, and they’re usually the ones that are hard to find in smaller quantities or are just cheaper in bulk. For example, I buy my rice, quinoa, and canned goods there – a 20-pound bag of rice costs around $15, which works out to $0.75 per pound. I also pick up my nuts and dried fruits at Costco, as they’re often $5-10 cheaper per pound than at my local grocery store.
- Olive oil: a 2-liter bottle costs around $20, which is roughly $10 per liter
- Spices: I buy my spices in bulk and they last me for months – a 1-pound container of cumin costs $10
- Coffee: if you drink a lot of coffee, buying it in bulk at Costco can save you around $5 per pound
Grocery Store Favorites
There are some items that I prefer to buy at my local grocery store, usually because I only need a small quantity or they’re perishable. For example, I buy my fresh produce, meat, and dairy products at the grocery store. I’ve found that the quality is usually better and I can buy exactly what I need, rather than having to buy in bulk.
- Fresh herbs: I only need a small amount for most recipes, so I buy them at the grocery store for around $2 per bunch
- Bread: I like to buy my bread fresh, so I pick it up at the grocery store for around $3 per loaf
- Eggs: I buy my eggs by the dozen at the grocery store for around $2 per dozen
Tips and Tricks
I’ve learned a few things about shopping at Costco and my local grocery store that have helped me save time and money. For example, I try to go to Costco early in the morning, when the shelves are fully stocked and the crowds are smaller. I also make a list before I go, so I don’t end up buying things I don’t need. At the grocery store, I try to shop the perimeter of the store first, where the fresh produce and meat are, and then work my way in to the packaged goods.
If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen space, I’ve been eyeing some prints from Printsofprint on Etsy – they do abstract landscapes and some fantasy-style art that’s actually really different.
What do you use for your meal prep shopping – do you have any favorite stores or tips to share?
Leave a comment