Shopping for a family of four can be a balancing act. We now have an infant and a toddler and, personally, I never thought we’d be a Costco family. However, some things just make sense to buy in bulk. The warehouse giant has become a lifesaver for our family of four. It helps us save money, minimizes waste, and cuts down on trips to the store. Here are some of the best things we buy in bulk at Costco.
1. Toilet Paper
Toilet paper is something everyone in the house uses and it tends to run out fast with a larger family. You can save a lot of money by opting for Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand. It’s just as durable and soft as the leading brands. Typically, an entire package lasts our family of four for about a month and a half or longer.
2. Paper Towels
We go through paper towels like crazy. There always seems to be some kind of mess that needs to be cleaned up or hands that need to be wiped off. Whatever you’re using them for, the Kirkland brand is another good buy. This brand rivals the top paper towel companies on the shelf. When you buy them in bulk, the pack can last up to two months at a time.
3. Laundry Detergent
Doing laundry for four people seems like a full-time job sometimes. Costco has large containers of detergent that can handle 160+ loads of laundry. If you prefer powder or pods, Costco has that too. In the long-run, it will help you save money per load.
4. Chicken Breasts
Costco’s chicken breasts are great when you have a family. They come in a bulk package and are great for meal-prepping because they are packaged in manageable portions. On top of that, Costco gets its meat from the United States and boasts that everything is hormone-free.
5. Ground Beef
Again, Costco’s meat quality is fantastic and ground beef is often a staple for larger families. It is sold at a competitive price and, while it isn’t pre-portioned, you can separate it into gallon bags when you get home. This makes it easy to have some budget-friendly and quick meals like spaghetti or tacos on hand.
6. Pasta
Pasta is typically a very affordable meal and its ideal for feeding a family of four. You can grab some of the bulk pasta options from Costco. Having a large amount on hand will ensure that you always have a quick, easy meal to make.
7. Canned Tomatoes
Speaking of pantry essentials, canned tomatoes are a must. You can use these in a variety of recipes, including soups, sauces, and chili. Costco offers bulk packs of canned tomatoes that help ensure you always have some on hand. You can make large batches of sauces or other things and freeze them for later, which offers a convenient weekday meal.
8. Snacks for Kids
You always need snacks on hand when you have little ones. In fact, they’re likely to eat more snacks than they eat real food. Costco offers a wide variety of kid-friendly snacks in bulk. You can get anything from fruit snacks and crackers to granola bars and trail mix. Buying them in bulk will not only help you save money, but it will ensure that you’re never out of snacks (which is a nightmare, trust me).
9. Eggs
Costco offers a package of five dozen eggs. If you bake a lot or you tend to eat eggs at breakfast time, this is a great buy. Of course, buying them in bulk will cut the cost per unit and, when stored correctly, they can last a long time.
10. Oatmeal
While we are on the topic of breakfast, oatmeal is another great thing to buy in bulk from Costco. They have large bags of oatmeal that can help you get stocked up. You can use the oats for regular oatmeal, cookies, or homemade granola bars. Whatever you use it for, oatmeal can be a great thing to have on hand and it’s nutritious.
11. Frozen Vegetables
Getting frozen vegetables in bulk from Costco is another good buy. They last for a long time and will help reduce food waste. You can just pull out what you are going to use for a certain meal. Costco’s great resealable bags make it easy to get it back in the freezer after you’ve gotten what you need too.
12. Milk and Dairy Alternatives
Another thing you can get in bulk at Costco is milk and dairy alternatives. They even sell shelf-stable versions of these so that you can stock up. Buying these in bulk helps ensure that you won’t run out of your favorite milk or milk alternative during the week.
Bulk Up At Costco
For families of four, shopping in bulk at Costco can be an effective way to save money and reduce waste in your home. We love stocking up on these 12 essentials and it has helped us streamline our shopping trips. There are a few other things we normally pick up, like diapers and wipes, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. From toilet paper to frozen vegetables, Costco has plenty of bulk options that cater to both your budget and your family’s needs.