12 Costco Staples That Are Always Worth Stocking Up

Some Costco buys earn their place in the pantry not just for price, but for practicality. The best staples are the ones you reach for again and again, ingredients that save time, stretch meals, and stay fresh for months. Think olive oil that improves every dish, butter that freezes beautifully, and canned beans that turn leftovers into dinner. These are the quiet workhorses of any kitchen, and Costco’s bulk versions deliver both quality and value that last well beyond the checkout line.

1. Nuts (raw or roasted)

Nuts are one of those pantry items that pay rent: long shelf life, concentrated calories, and multiple uses. Buy mixed nuts, almonds, or walnuts in bulk at Costco and portion them into smaller bags for snacks, baking, or salad toppers. Store them in the fridge if you won’t use them fast to prevent rancidity. They’re nutrient-dense, travel well for lunches or hikes, and work equally well in sweet and savory dishes, so the per-ounce savings add up quickly.

2. Olive Oil (extra virgin)

A quality extra virgin olive oil from a large-format bottle gives you both cost savings and consistent performance in the kitchen. Use the main bottle for cooking and transfer a smaller amount into a darker cruet for daily use to protect it from light and heat. Check the harvest or best-by information if available; store in a cool, dark place. Good oil elevates dressings, sautés, and finishing touches, making it a smart bulk buy that improves everyday meals.

3. Frozen Vegetables

Frozen vegetables are convenient and nutritious in one package. Flash-freezing locks in vitamins and texture, so you can keep brussels sprouts, mixed medleys, or peas on hand year-round without spoilage. They’re perfect for quick stir-fries, soups, or as simple sides. Buying large bags at Costco means you can portion and refreeze small servings, reducing waste. They also help stretch meals when fresh produce runs low, and they cook quickly, which saves time on busy weeknights.

4. Canned Beans

Canned beans are a foundational, shelf-stable protein and fiber source. Stock up on black beans, chickpeas, or cannellini in bulk and rinse them before use to reduce sodium. They speed up weeknight dinners, tossed into salads, blended into hummus, or used in chilis and stews. Because beans are inexpensive per serving, they’re ideal for feeding families or stretching emergency meals. Keep a rotation so you use older cans first, and note BPA-free labeling if that’s a concern for you.

5. Butter

Butter is a kitchen workhorse, essential for baking, finishing sauces, and adding flavor to vegetables and proteins. Costco’s larger packs give you better unit pricing, and butter freezes well in its original wrapper for months. For daily use, keep a smaller portion in the fridge and replenish from the freezer when needed. Unsalted for baking, salted for table use, and a block for grating or melting yield more flexibility. A good-quality butter noticeably upgrades simple dishes.

6. Unsweetened Applesauce

Unsweetened applesauce is a versatile, shelf-stable item with uses from baking to snacks. It’s a healthier swap for oil in many quick breads and muffins, and it’s a tidy addition to kids’ lunches. Because Costco sells it in larger jars or multipacks, you’ll save per pouch while having a ready ingredient for breakfasts or barbecue sides. Store in a cool pantry and move opened jars to the fridge. The unsweetened version keeps added sugars low while preserving natural apple flavor.

7. Paper Towels

Paper towels are one of those low-drama essentials that justify the bulk buy. Costco’s larger rolls mean fewer runs to the store and lower cost per sheet. They’re useful beyond spills: use them for straining, wrapping herbs, or lining baking trays in a pinch. Store them in a dry place to keep them fluffy, and consider splitting rolls or gifting extras to car trunks or emergency kits. For many households, stocking up on paper towels cuts frequent household shopping trips in half.

8. Toilet Paper

Toilet paper is a predictable, high-turnover household item where bulk purchases pay dividends. Buying higher-quality rolls in bulk reduces the frequency of restocking and offers comfort benefits overnight or during long visits. Keep a small stock rotation so you don’t run out, and store boxes in a dry, ventilated space. Economies of scale mean you often get a better price and softer product for less when you buy at Costco, making it one of those staples that truly earns its place in the pantry.

9. Canned Fish (tuna or salmon)

Canned tuna and salmon are shelf-stable proteins that are quick to use and nutritionally dense. Bulk tins or pouches at Costco offer a better price per ounce, and they’re useful for salads, sandwiches, pasta, and emergency food supplies. Choose options packed in water for lower fat, or oil for richer flavor. Look for labels indicating sustainability if that matters to you. Canned fish stores well and provides a rapid source of omega-3s and protein without the need for refrigeration until opened.

10. Grains Like Rice or Quinoa

Buying rice, quinoa, or other whole grains in larger bags yields big per-serving savings and reduces packaging waste. Store grains in airtight containers in a cool, dry spot to extend shelf life and guard against pantry pests. Bulk grains let you batch-cook and freeze portions, making meal prep easier and cost-effective. Grains also serve as a reliable base for bowls, stir-fries, and sides, so keeping a large supply on hand supports variety and flexibility in weekly menus.

11. Pasta or Dry Goods

Pasta in bulk is a kitchen staple for good reason: long shelf life, quick cooking, and universal appeal. Costco-sized boxes provide savings and allow you to stock up on different shapes for sauces and bakes. Dry goods like flour, sugar, or oats also benefit from bulk purchasing; keep them in sealed containers to maintain freshness and prevent infestation. When you buy these pantry basics in larger quantities, you’re less likely to run out mid-recipe and more likely to save over time.

12. Honey or Maple Syrup

Sweeteners like honey and pure maple syrup are pantry essentials, where buying a larger container at Costco delivers both value and convenience. Honey stores almost indefinitely in a sealed container, while maple syrup keeps best refrigerated after opening. These sweeteners are great for baking, glazing, cocktails, or finishing bowls and cereals. Buying in bulk reduces cost per serving and ensures you always have a natural sweetener on hand, which makes them practical staples for everyday cooking and special recipes.