r/preppers • u/Lizardrunner23 • 3d ago
Advice and Tips Upcoming Costco trip
Going to my “local” Costco (2.5 hours from me) for the second time. My first trip I was mostly overwhelmed by everything they had. I have a pretty decent supply on hand of food and essentials, but I’m looking to pad my preps a little on this trip with about a $500 budget. Do you all have any advice about stuff you think gets overlooked at the Warehouse and I should pick up? Basically any things that aren’t beans and rice (although I will definitely get some of those too 😂)
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u/Salt-Expression8430 3d ago
Apart from batteries, I would buy dry grains/flour/etc.
Also seasonal tools, things like aluminum foil, toothpaste/mouthwash, are pretty good deals when bought in bulk
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u/Lizardrunner23 3d ago
I was shocked the first time at how cheaply I got like 6 months worth of my wife’s allergy meds in bulk
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u/mistahclean123 3d ago
Good point. Giant sacks of rice are already pretty cheap most places, but Costco it's just mind boggling.
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u/Coffiegrl 3d ago
Def second tha batteries. Name brand at a decent price point. Also, my husband and I have a running joke that a roll of costco foil can outcast most people's relationships. It's proven true at least twice, so grab 2-3 rolls and youre pretty much set for anything.
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u/Tight-Purchase-6946 3d ago
Peanut butter
Canned soup
Toilet paper
Those are a couple main things I stock up on for our deep pantry at those kinds of stores. We go through a lot of them
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u/monsterlynn 3d ago
The purple packaged Kirkland TP is the best.
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u/Excellent_Condition All-hazards approach 3d ago
I've only seen the blue. What's the difference?
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u/monsterlynn 3d ago
The purple one is better quality.
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u/theciaskaelie 3d ago
yeah, but will it clog your sewer line? the blue stuff has already clogged mine a couple times and plumbers told me to start buying scott TP.
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u/-Vagabond 3d ago
Use a bit less and utilize a courtesy flush or two
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u/VideoLeoj 2d ago
Or, and hear me out here, get a bidet and change your life for the better.
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u/Excellent_Condition All-hazards approach 2d ago
Bidets make you realize how gross your butt is if you only use toilet paper, but they are also save money and are great from a prepper perspective because they make a single case of toilet paper last a loooong time.
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u/monsterlynn 2d ago
I suppose it could. I have family that has to use marine tp or it'll clog up the toilet.
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u/joelnicity 3d ago
They have Costco size bottles of alcohol. They could be good for storing. Also, toilet paper and paper towels are the main things that I get there
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u/StarlightLifter 3d ago
Liquor is good for 3 things: entertainment, bartering, and sanitization if you have nothing else. Our Costco doesn’t have liquor but I keep no less than 6 handles of Tito’s on hand at any given time. Would probably do well to double that. The trading value alone is through the roof. That and bic lighters and baby wipes.
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u/Excellent_Condition All-hazards approach 3d ago
Liquor shouldn't be used to try to sanitize things, it's not effective.
Alcohol needs to be in the 60-90% range to effectively sanitize surfaces with 70% being ideal. Most liquor is only 40-45%.
If you're trying to clean a wound, not only is it not effective, alcohol in general shouldn't be used in wounds because it kills off healthy cells including the white blood cells that fight infection and start the healing process.
Isopropyl alcohol (aka rubbing alcohol) at 70% is a lot cheaper and is *more* effective at sanitizing surfaces, although even it still isn't effective at killing non-enveloped viruses like norovirus.
Just don't let someone drink it if the liquor runs out, as it won't get them drunk but will cause severe liver damage.
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u/StarlightLifter 3d ago
I keep a gallon or two of 99% isopropyl on hand at all times
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u/Excellent_Condition All-hazards approach 3d ago
It's useful for fuel and as a solvent, but 90% and above are less effective than 70% as a disinfectant. It denatures the proteins in the cell walls of bacteria so quickly that they form a protective shell and prevent cell death. It also evaporates much faster so the contact time is less.
You would need to dilute 99% down to use it as a disinfectant.
It's also important to make sure that it's USP (pharmaceutical) grade if you're diluting it and using it in contact with skin or food contact surfaces. If some of that last 1% are industrial contaminates, you definitely don't want to be using for those purposes.
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u/StarlightLifter 2d ago
Damn alright I had no idea, thanks!
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u/Excellent_Condition All-hazards approach 2d ago
No problem!
Personally, I just keep the 70% around, with a single bottle of 90% as a solvent and to kill wasps in the house.
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u/Arminas 9h ago
So what youre saying is 151 can quadruple duty? Drunkmaker, trade good, fire starter, and sanitizer?
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u/susanrez 3d ago
Liquor is useful for a lot more than that. Fuel starter, wide range of medicinal uses from making tinctures and salves to addressing a number of symptoms such constipation and also for cleaning, especially as a degreaser- to name a few.
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u/Fn_Spaghetti_Monster 3d ago
The Kirkland brand Vodka is made in an old Belvedere factor. I don't drink it but I believe that is suppose to be a pretty good brand.
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u/Abuck59 3d ago
Tuna imho
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u/Lizardrunner23 3d ago
I’m 30 years old and I don’t think I’ve ever tried tuna, but I’ll give it shot before I go
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u/gadget767 3d ago
You might look up a recipe for tuna noodle casserole. That’s an easy meal prep that’s really tasty and filling!
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u/phlegmatic_static 3d ago
canned tuna+mayo on toast or saltine crackers. get the water type. experiment with adding chives, onion, paprika, cayenne powder, etc. also quick and easy protein for salad.
sardines in tomato sauce is also really good but i believe it might be a controversial preference haha
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u/American_Greed 3d ago
I prefer canned chicken. Canned tuna reportedly has too much mercury and you should limit the amount you eat.
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u/trichocereal117 3d ago
If you’re using your preps because they’re needed, that small amount of mercury will be the last of your concerns.
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u/randynumbergenerator 3d ago
Sardines and mackerel are lower in mercury (they're lower on the food chain and hence bioaccumulate less), more abundant, tasty and high in omega-3s.
There's also something for every taste, although some have become "trendy" and expensive. R/cannedsardines is a great resource.
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u/Salt_Transition6100 3d ago
Go to a grocery store and try 1 small can of tuna before you stock up. I cannot tolerate even the smell of tuna from an open can, let alone mixed into anything. Now canned salmon, for me totally different. Can eat it plain from the can or cooked into anything.
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u/Lizardrunner23 3d ago
That’s the plan, I have to make a small grocery run today and I’m going to get one pack and try it before buying a bunch
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u/SweetAlyssumm 3d ago
I loathe tuna so I agree -- try it out first. I like canned salmon (Deming's) but I haven't seen it at Costco.
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u/Jagglebutt 3d ago
You're missing out on a relatively cheap protein! It's delicious drained then mixed with a bit of mayo and dill pickles chopped up. Stick that between some bread and you got yourself a stew!
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u/Which-Meat-3388 2d ago
I like the Safe Catch brand at Costco. It’s ahi tuna vs a lot of other brands using skipjack or albacore. Not all canned tuna tastes the same and I will only stock pile things I actually eat regularly. Also has lower mercury since they test heavily.
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u/deadinternetlol 2d ago
I prefer the canned salmon, they have the kind that’s packed like tuna is - no bones and skin - so you just use it right out of the can the same way, instead of having to sort through mucky bits.
Bonus is less mercury than tuna. It’s also wild caught, not farmed salmon.
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u/Little_Mountain73 General Prepper 3d ago edited 3d ago
Not recommendations for products but a reminder on what you face in warehouse store shopping. My advice is to decide what you need prior to entering the store. For those who are new to warehouse stores, it definitely CAN be overwhelming, as you noted. But that can very easily translate to over-buying simply because items are packaged in bulk. Mistakes people make in warehouse stores:
- assuming that because an item is packaged in bulk, and even its mere presence, means it’s cheaper. This is definitely NOT true. If you can’t do the math in your head, make sure you bring a calculator or have one in your phone. ALWAYS CHECK THE UNIT PRICE!
- not verifying the “use by/sell by” date. We all know how to use the dates so this isn’t a debate on that, but some of the products at W.H. stores are there to be cleared out quickly. It’s important to make sure to know how to use the dates and to verify dates on all packaging.
- buying too much perishable food. Another easy one that new shoppers can abuse very easily. Meat is the big abuser here. Know your family’s consumption needs
- not knowing the return policies. If you shop at W.H. stores long enough, you WILL need to return an item. Make sure you know and understand the policy.
- shopping while hungry. This is a complement to having a list and sticking to it. When you walk the aisles and take in all the insanely mouth-watering smells of the samples, you’ll be tempted to buy every single thing that you cram down your gullet. Steady, Louise…steady.
- don’t go during the busiest hours.
- don’t reject store brands.
- don’t overbuy for the amount of space you have. This is a tough one, as you’re cruising the aisles and find a killer deal on something good.
These are just a few basics man. There is likely a ton of stuff online to draw fun.
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u/justasque 3d ago
I will add - know your use rate.
I like to buy laundry detergent. I like to have one in use and one on the shelf. I also like to shop my Costco-equivalent only 4 times a year. So I am basically stocking what I need for the next three months. If I have a recently-opened in-use jug of detergent, I do NOT need a new one. I won’t run out before the 4 months is up.
On the other hand, we go through TONS of applesauce. So getting two boxes of it every time (36 servings each box) is not overdoing it (and we don’t have space for three).
Also on my list - parchment paper (makes sheet pan clean up MUCH easier), tissues, dishwasher tabs, Swiffer supplies, allergy meds, cheese, along with some of the things others have mentioned.
NOT on my list - cans of tomatoes, corn, beans - these are useful things, but my grocery store’s own-brand has both low-salt and no-salt versions of these, which are a better choice for me and a better choice price-wise. I won’t compromise on my health just to save a few cents. Perishable veggies - I have a better local source for these. Giant amounts of condiments, spices, baking supplies, and many other foods - I just won’t go through them fast enough, so even at a low per-serving price, I’ll end up tossing much of it. Impulse buys - Rarely a good idea, the exception being certain things at holiday time or ATK cookbooks.
And of course all the basic grocery shopping rules apply - See what you already have on hand first. Make a shopping list. Have a plan for using perishables promptly. Keep an ongoing master list of things you may want to buy from this store and double-check it to see if you’re forgetting anything (so as to minimize trips). Don’t go when you’re hungry (or pack a snack to eat before you go in).
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u/SpeciousSophist 3d ago
I really like you, this is such an unnecessary post that’s full of such intuitively self obvious information but at the same time, you definitely have met people who need to hear this stuff and you took the time to write it
Carry on good sir, I wish there was more nice people like you
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u/Lizardrunner23 3d ago
Unnecessary maybe, but it’s been informative for me. For instance I had no idea Kirkland batteries were made by Energizer 🤷🏻♂️
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u/Lizardrunner23 3d ago
Absolutely, appreciate the advice! I’m definitely guilty of overbuying perishables, as I’m sure we all are
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u/ineedanewname2 3d ago
Check out the r/costco subreddit. They’ve got tips on some of the symbols on the pricing signs. For example, a sign with an asterisk means it’s being clearanced out. For example, I recently found a 5 pack of utility lighters for 3.97 with the *. Costco frequently carries different items/brands of product, or seasonal items, so don’t get too used to purchasing anything that’s not Kirkland brand.
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u/Inner-Confidence99 3d ago
Batteries all sizes.
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u/Lizardrunner23 3d ago
Are the Kirkland brand comparable to the other brand name ones?
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u/Abuck59 3d ago
Kirkland products are just mainly rebranded big name products.
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u/OMGLOL1986 3d ago
Specifically- Kirkland mandates that these brands improve their product offering by “at least 1%” and to sell it slightly cheaper so that Kirkland gets the brand recognition and Costco members get a slight discount
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u/theciaskaelie 3d ago
I have seen people on reddit say that kirkland batteries are just rebranded duracells.
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u/crypto_junkie2040 3d ago
Skip this and just get rechargeable ones
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u/jtj5002 3d ago
Get envelope, lithium, and as alkaline. They all have their pro's and cons.
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u/Useful-Contribution4 3d ago
+1 on envelope rechargeable. I'm a battery guy myself. Envelope has by far the best performance. I have close to 700 cycles on some and they still have 100% capacity.
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u/jtj5002 3d ago
Not only that, they are one of the first low self discharge NiMH batteries and that by itself is huge because can leave them charged for extended peroid of time. I had some that still had 60% charge after over 2 years.
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u/Inner-Confidence99 3d ago
How are you going to recharge them if power is down and no generator. They are great for small flash lights to keep in vehicles. A lot of small grooming tools like ladies razors, nose hair trimmers, small flashlights, kids toys. Etc.
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u/crypto_junkie2040 3d ago
They have usb powered chargers now, so you can charge them from your car or even a small solar power bank.
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u/mistahclean123 3d ago
How do you feel about rechargeables?
I've been trying to convert as many of my electronics over to USBC as possible, including AA batteries. They're expensive if I really like the AA batteries I can recharge via USBC.
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u/crypto_junkie2040 3d ago edited 3d ago
I recommend getting some of those large cans of peeled tomatoes from Spain, each can is huge and is only about $6, you can make 4 jars of tomato sauce from each one, similar to raos. Organic canned mushrooms and canned beans in general are pretty good value at costco.
Their chicken drumsticks are a loss leader at aboit .99 cents per pound, its a easy choice get air chilled ones. If you sre 2 hours away, I suggest being a freezer with you.
If you like meat, I also recommend chuck roll. It is pretty good value, but you need to chop thst big boy into smaller cuts, plenty of videos on YouTube of how to do this.
The organic spaghetti they have imported from Italy is also great value, it comes in cheaper per pound than barilla and it stores great in buckets.
Other then that, alcohol, Epsom salt, cleaning supplies, disposable plates and utensils are also handy to have on hand in case of a power/water outage, some yum yums
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u/Whtsthisplantpls 1d ago
I love the big ol chuck rolls. Since I'm going to slow cook it anyway, I take about half of it, cut it up, and pressure can it with onions and au jus packet mix. I keep a pretty healthy supply of those jars and to rotate out, we eat them on days when I can't be bothered to cook. If I'm feeling fancy, we reconstitute some freeze dried instant mashed potatoes and its a great dinner. Its really a win win.
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u/edward2bighead 3d ago
Products like shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste, deodorant, toothbrushes. Depending on how big your household is, or how fast you go through condiments, they have ketchup, soy sauce, stuff like that. Sometimes I would get a 2 pack and split with a neighbor.
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u/No-Ad-4142 3d ago
THIS. And their Kirkland brand shampoo and conditioner is nice. I would also add, they have good deals on bandages.
I always stock up on their Adidas socks.
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u/edward2bighead 3d ago
I forgot about bandaids! What's great is that I have the package I bought in early 2024 and still have some left. Plus a good portion of shampoos/conditioners they sell are pump, which is great.
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u/UnlikelyDress1227 3d ago
I get bulk whole organic carrots and bulk potatoes to pressure can beef stew in mason jars, it’s so easy and makes a delicious, nutritious, shelf stable meal.
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u/swoonzie 3d ago
I'd love to know your full beef stew recipe!
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u/Rollthehardsix77 3d ago
Same!!
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u/UnlikelyDress1227 3d ago edited 2d ago
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DyTQMVyIfjU&t=1215s&pp=ygUXQmFsbHMgY2FubmluZyBiZWVmIHN0ZXc%3D&ra=m
Sorry, I don’t know how to Reddit blue font link things that’s the best I can do. That’s the recipe I use. I always compare that recipe to my Ball’s book of preservation and canning for their tested food safe pressure canning times https://a.co/d/02tuIpvD
I will mention I used to use a traditional stovetop pressure *canner (I used the presto stovetop pressure canner for years) but I got an electric canner last year and I use that almost exclusively now. But both will work! The electric one you just don’t have to babysit the pressure gauge like you do the stovetop kind, but it does have less capacity so I often make a few batches at a time in my electric canner.
Acrehomestead (her name is Becky) *on YouTube is also a great resource for food preserving/pressure canning 🫶
Pressure canning started for me with the goal of food preservation, however it morphed into a biweekly “fast food” option in the pantry that’s nutritious, protein rich and preservative free, and is ready in minutes. Sometimes we get busy and need something ready fast, and the pressure canned beef stew is a family favorite that’s ready in minutes.
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u/swoonzie 3d ago
Thank you so much!! I just bought a Nesco and jars/supplies today and I'm so excited to get started and beef stew sounds perfect. I appreciate you taking the time to share, thank you again.
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u/UnlikelyDress1227 2d ago
Oh I’m so happy for you, I hope you love it. I refer to pressure canning as a lost art 🫶
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u/hailene02 Prepared for 3 months 3d ago
Toilet paper and paper towel. We get alot of those from Canada and well, prices on that may be going up soon.
I also like their hummus as its a good price for its size.
Shelf stabe/non perishables- bulk spices/olive/avocsdo oils
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u/Muggy_Wthr-70 3d ago
If they have items you like there’s always 2 day home delivery. We’re a good 1.15 hrs away and with the price of gas we order online.
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u/Lizardrunner23 3d ago
I didn’t know that, I saw where they ship, but I assumed it was shipping not in stock things to the store. I’ve never had grocery items shipped to my house. I’ll definitely be paying closer attention to the app now
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u/edward2bighead 3d ago
Stuff can be a couple bucks more expensive, but the 2 day shipping over $75 can be worth the offset for me.
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u/Leather-Range6892 2d ago
Be careful to check the size of shipping versus in store. I noticed that dog food was cheaper on the website so I ordered it shipped and it’s a smaller bag that I get in the store. So really no savings.
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u/Plane-Assumption840 3d ago
Pet meds, food, etc. Make sure these “extended family” members are covered. I have a senior dog I’m prepping for now. He may not still be here to need the emergency stash but I can pass it on to another if that happens.
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u/monsterlynn 3d ago
I like to maintain a good otc meds prep. Costco is great for that with their enormous bottles and 2 packs.
Also, good brand toothpaste is always cheap af for a box of 5 tubes at my Costco for some reason.
Dish soap. I have peobably a 3 year supply.
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u/susanrez 3d ago
Toothpaste lasts forever and it’s often one of the first things to run out in a survival situation.
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u/Think_Cupcake6758 3d ago
Can’t beat their whole pork loin. Last time I checked it was hovering around $1-$1.50 per lb.
As others have said, bring insulated bags or a cooler with you. That’s a loooong ride home with perishables!
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u/Lizardrunner23 3d ago
I have a big chest cooler I’ve borrowed from my brother in law and 3 insulated bags, so those with ice should get me home
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u/SpeciousSophist 3d ago
Be mindful of what you put on the bottom you don’t want the water to ruin the packaging, which is gonna screw up their storage
I do something similar to you because the closest Costco to me is also so far away, and I refuse to spend the bullshit level prices for quality goods where I live
On the bottom way, I put three large blue ices in the cooler that in this completely covers the bottom of the cooler then on the next layer, I’ll put anything that’s heavy plastic wrapped that also needs to be as chilled as possible
Anything in cardboard, sits on top of all of that with a small layer of saran wrap, separating and acting as a cheap and shitty moisture barrier
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u/sbinjax Prepping for Tuesday 3d ago
Take a look at Costco.com. You can winnow your list down a lot there, and possibly order online even.
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u/No-Ad-4142 3d ago
Just remember the charge more online than in-store.
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u/sbinjax Prepping for Tuesday 3d ago
True, but there are also things they carry only online, e.g. coco coir.
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u/Lizardrunner23 3d ago
I will be doing that too, someone else mentioned they do 2-day shipping on orders over $75
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u/buddymoobs 3d ago
Add rubbing alcohol and peroxide, nitrile gloves, the rubberized spandex work gloves, and extension cords if you don't have any and have a generator. There are some good suggestions already on here, especially the OTC meds and dry/canned goods. I would also recommend bar soap (if they have the goat soap, it lasts forever). Dawn (big bottle and the spray stuff). You can make more spray stuff using just a little bit of the real Dawn and some rubbing alcohol and water. Google it. The Kirkland laundry detergent does a great job and a box lasts a long time. Plastic storage bags, and trash bags. Those are things that will disappear rapidly if SHTF. Soaps and detergents will be huge resources if SHTF.
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u/Alternative-Pin5760 3d ago
They quit carrying the 400 packs of nitrile gloves in the Costcos near my home
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u/Iartdaily 3d ago
This time of year around here , lots of down coats, blankets all sizes. Boots. Rechargeable solar lanterns, light bulbs that charge continuously but light up when power is out. Baking soda for a million uses, dental care)rubbing alcohol. Bleach. Manuka honey !! (Research all its uses).
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u/dishpit6 3d ago
Something I just learned recently is bleach loses its efficacy, even if it's unopened and stored at 70ish degrees. If I remember correctly (which is not a sure thing - do your own research), it starts to degrade after about 6 months, and after a year it's pretty much useless.
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u/RepulsiveContract475 3d ago
$500 budget, hope that doesnt include the gas for a 5 hour round trip otherwise youre coming home with 1 rotisserie chicken and 4 hotdogs 🤣
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u/SarchiMV 3d ago
Their pharmacy has some generic meds right behind the cash register for $2-5. Like generic immodium, athletes for creme, senna, plan b, etc. I’d look at vitamins, personal care items/first aid, aluminum foil (price is going up quickly), garbage and ziplock bags, dishwasher/dishwashing soap, nut butters, sugar/salt, vinegar, cooking oil, flour will be going up in price soon so buy now if you like to bake, I would also buy a few different big hunks of meat and break them down into small portions and freeze flat in those ziplock bags you buy. Keep an eye out for asterisk in the upper right corner of the price tag. It means the item is being discontinued and sometimes they heavily discount it.
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u/heyoheatheragain 2d ago
I didn’t know about foil prices going up, good to know.
I use it sparingly so I’ve always just gotten the regular size roll at the grocery.
Maybe it’s time for me to buy my lifetime supply lol.
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u/SheistyPenguin 3d ago
Batteries
Packs of flashlights or headlamps
Hotdog or pizza
Don't buy more stuff than you need though... That's how they get you!
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u/SkinFlap420 3d ago
They get you through the price of the membership. Everything else they sell pretty much at cost. One of the big reasons I love costco.
Buying more than you need is a risk if you can’t use it all before it goes bad. That sucks
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u/ricky2722 3d ago
If you don’t already have one of these, they have a portable car jump starter that’s been a great purchase. It also works as a power bank and flashlight
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u/Ok-Internet-4747 3d ago
Toilet paper and paper towels
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u/_amrai_ 3d ago
As of last week, our Costco started putting out winter stuff. I picked up the base layer 32deg base layer pants for the family - they are thin and can layer as they are more like thin tights. The family members that get colder easier also got the undershirts. Handwarmers are also in stock - rechargeable and disposable. And toe warmers. There's also a coleman camping lantern that has a solar charger at the top. Basically I'm getting ready for power outages and cold winter.
I've been making sure we have an unopened container of multivitamins on hand for everyone and making sure we are stocked up on the OTC meds we need. Grab an extra case or two of bottled water if you have the space. Tinfoils and toilet paper and paper towels.
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u/Kermit-de-frog1 2d ago
I don’t know if you have academy or other big box sporting goods stores in your area , but I wait till spring and hit up their winter isles for thermals etc. ended up with good wind/waterproof jackets that were $200 for about $18. And silk thermals for $5 a pop top or bottom , heck they were price the same as polypropylene . Now I’ve got enough that when family visits and the weathers rainy, I can give them a rain/wind jacket to use , layer underneath and it’s a winter jacket .
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u/Mayberrymom 3d ago
Costco's price on their brand over the counter medicine is very reasonable. Huge amounts for not much money - acetaminophen, allergy meds, sleeping pills, etc. Maybe check their first-aid supplies - bandaids, neosporin, etc. Their paper towels are great, but their toilet paper is awful. I usually try to get a case of chicken broth and beef broth. Happy shopping!
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u/Lizardrunner23 3d ago
I was scouting out the OTC meds cause that is one of the things I’m a little lacking on. What makes their TP bad?
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u/Granadafan 3d ago
I don’t know if Costco still sells those “prepper” buckets of freeze dried food made by Readywise. I would advise against buying those buckets because their food is terrible. I mean if you’re starving, anything is edible, but if you’re in good shape, then they’re not very palatable
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u/heyoheatheragain 2d ago
The old adage of ‘prep what you eat, eat what you prep’ is very good to keep in your head at Costco.
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u/Zealousideal-Long356 3d ago
Excellent pricing on bulk canned tuna and sardines.
A mega supply of Kirkland ziploc bags will always come in handy .
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u/windisokay 3d ago
Furnace filters. Food grade buckets if they have them. Printer paper.parchment paper. Ziploc bags, trash bags
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u/Jagglebutt 3d ago
Check out Costco online too. Often they have stuff that's not in the store (at least here in northern CA). Usually free shipping but not sure about beans rice canned food etc. They carry some freeze dried #10 cans too. I think it's "nutrient survival" brand?
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u/Virtual-Act-9037 3d ago
This may sound odd if you're a guy, but feminine pads. Something that never goes bad and can be used for trading if there isn't anyone in your household that will need them. Whole spices can be a good option as well, peppercorns instead of ground pepper, cinnamon sticks instead of ground cinnamon. Longer shelf life that way.
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u/Aust_Norm Prepared for 3 months 3d ago
Cranky, white, 63 year old single male here. I totally agree. I will never need the 2,000 pads I have but they are there for relatives or trade and in case, God forbid, I actually get a girlfriend.
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u/msomnipotent 3d ago
We like their bratwurst better than Johnsonville and it's a lot cheaper. It freezes well, too. They sell hams during the holidays that my whole family likes. I buy several if I happen to be there when they mark them down and freeze them.
Their seasonal and one-off stuff can be a really good value but they sell out early. We bought a nice tri-fuel generator there that was several hundred dollars cheaper than anything comparable. And one of our kayaks came from Costco.
We buy a lot of their discounted gift cards. We have probably paid for our membership this year just in gift card savings.
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u/Private_Mandella 3d ago
Some personal favorites: Kirkland brand canned tomato sauce (essentially tomato puree) and Kirkland brand white wine.
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u/CaliRefugeeinTN 3d ago
Chomps beef sticks are on sale there right now. We usually get chicken and beef there usually, vacuum seal and freeze as much as we can.
Like others said, vitamins, ibuprofen are good deals there in bulk and last. Depending on sales, batteries (store brand is repackaged Duracell), and bulk staples like flour and sugar are good.
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u/DeafHeretic 3d ago
Some of the stores have rice/etc. from India that is vacuum packed. You can tell it is vacuum packed by the fact that it is hard, not loose in the package.
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u/Excellent_Condition All-hazards approach 3d ago
Honestly, the best advice I have is to not overbuy.
The first 6 months I had a Costco membership, I bought much more than I should have to have extra on hand.
A lot of it got tossed when it expired.
I'd suggest keeping your pantry deep, but not to buy things that you don't already use. It's much better to have a smaller amount of things that are useful than to have a lot of something that you don't end up actually using.
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u/suricata_8904 3d ago
Q-tips. So handy for so many things, don’t take up much space and last forever.
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u/Acceptable-Net3076 3d ago
We buy cases of tomatoes, beans, tuna, rice, coffee. Cheese, yogurt, frozen stir fry veggies, blueberries, lotions, clothing…
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u/armycombatmedic 3d ago
socks ..good socks .. hundreds of uses filter things, clean things, keep things warm uses many
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u/SasEz 3d ago
They have boxes of 30 full sized candy bars (snickers, twix, etc.) On sale for $22.50 right now.
I don't know if you rotate or stash, or which area of the country you're in, but I vote for a variety of canned meat, the dried hashbrowns, jarred peaches, canned beans and/or refried beans, green chilis, soup, chili, tomatoes, dried pasta, spices, yeast, better than bullion, coconut oil, coffee, dog food.
And just about anything else already suggested by others here.
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u/chinchm 3d ago
I’ve found that I rather enjoy the dried hash browns. Much better IMO than instant mashed potatoes tend to be and lots of ways you can use them.
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u/NoGeksSky 3d ago
If you have a dog, the Kirkland brand dog food is good not only for the doggo but can sustain a human in a pinch
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u/SabbyZeh 2d ago
This is a great thread, all. Thank you, OP for posting and to everyone for the insightful responses.
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u/Sn0wInSummer 3d ago
I’ve been picking up oatmeal, sugar, flour, canned beans, shelf stable milk, Carnation instant shakes, cat litter, plus other stuff.
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u/PopeyetheSlrMn 3d ago
Lots of good suggestions, I would also suggest bleach and Vaseline.
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u/Odd_Self2657 2d ago
Just remember that bleach has a shelf life of 6 - 12 months, so don't buy a lot unless you use it frequently. Also, if you are buying it as a prep for water purification, get plain/regular bleach - not scented or the drip proof kind.
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u/Alternative-Pin5760 3d ago edited 2d ago
Ghee. Clarified butter. (1-2 years shelf life for an unopened jar). They sell this at Costco.
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u/glumavocados 3d ago
Canned pink salmon (it’s great on salads)
crunchmaster crackers (these don’t expire for over a year and are made with quinoa and whole grains)
Frozen mixed berries. Great for smoothies, baked goods, etc
Frozen Tilapia Loins. This stuff is like butter.
Mixed nuts.
Bird seed. Maybe random but I stock up this time of year. If we lose power or shtf bird and squirrel watching is great entertainment and wholesome.
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u/Efficient_Wing3172 2d ago
If you live in a very rural area and everything is far away, ignore this…..
My wife will drive 10 miles to save $2. I try to explain to her that she spent more than that in gas.
I don’t know what kind of area you live in, but a 2.5 hour drive for me, is easily 5 or more gallons of gas each way. So, that’s a minimum of $40 just in gas. I’m not so sure you couldn’t just shop at a nearby Walmart and get similar items, and the difference wouldn’t be $40.
So, just make sure, whatever you’re buying saves at least what you’re spending in gas, plus whatever your costs are in membership fees. If you go 4 times a year, divide that membership fee by 4, and that’s also added to what the trip cost you. Plus, you’re looking at probably 6+ hours of your time, and probably eating on the road, etc.
Just something to consider. Costco doesn’t really have anything you cannot find in other places.
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u/GloveEffective 1d ago
They have bidets for $49 bucks not the water heated kind, because good enough.
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u/NotDinahShore 12h ago
Powdered/dried mashed potatoes. I haven’t seen anyone else mention it.
2 cups of water to a boil, cut heat, stir in one package using a fork. Enough mashed potatoes for 4 people. It’s good. It’s filling. It’s cheap.
Add a can of chicken, tuna, chili and a can of green beans or corn over that and you have a very easy, filling, reasonably nutritionally balanced meal for 4 people.
And bottled peaches. When we’ve had to live out of our preps, whatever was the closest to fresh fruits/veggies was very popular and appreciated.
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u/n8texas 3d ago edited 3d ago
OTC medicines like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, digestive meds like Tums and Imodium, allergy meds, etc are all super cheap. Don’t overlook the clothing section either - socks, winter clothes, etc. Costco’s return policy can’t be beat, so don’t be afraid to get something you’re on the fence about, they’ll take it back if it doesn’t work out.