Living

The 10 Items Always in My Costco Cart

story by JACLYN VORAN
best costco items"
best costco items

For many parents, Costco is a haven for bulk grocery shopping, especially because it includes all the food and snacks that kids just can’t get enough of. What some people may not know is that Costco is so much more than samples and bulk foods, with everything from household necessities like toilet paper and paper towels to baby products like diapers and wipes—they’re Costco’s own Kirkland brand, which I’ve found to be our favorite diaper brand yet.

For Costco newcomers, the warehouse-style shopping can be seriously overwhelming. That’s why we’re sharing 10 of the Costco items always in our carts, from diapers to desserts.

Baby Products

Kirkland Diapers

Costco’s Kirkland brand diapers are less expensive than most other brands, and after two kids prone to blowouts, I can confirm these diapers can hold up when it comes to quality. After trying many different brands, Kirkland diapers are our family’s clear winners. Pro-tip: size up for nighttime extra absorbency once the baby is sleeping through the night.

Kirkland baby wipes are another editor favorite because of their fragrance-free softness (made with Tenecel). They’re also super-stretchy and durable, so they work beyond diaper changes like cleaning up spills and wiping messy hands.

Costco Kirkland brand diapers

Easy Meals

Frozen Lasagna

Having an easy, frozen meal on hand is one of our favorite meal planning hacks, and Costco’s Italian sausage and beef lasagna is always in our freezer. This meat and cheese lasagna is a crowd-pleaser for both parents and kids. It does take an hour to bake though, so be sure to plan accordingly.

costso lasagna

Rotisserie Chicken

Another favorite meal planning hack: rotisserie chicken. Seriously, is there anything rotisserie chicken can’t do? Serve it up in bite-sized chunks for baby-led weaning, slice it onto sandwiches for lunch, or mix it into pasta or cheese quesadillas for easy, protein-packed dinners for parents and older kids.

costco rotisserie chicken

Sweet Kale Salad

Costco’s premade sweet kale salad is the perfect side to accompany any meal or to eat as a meal by itself—just add some salmon or chicken for a little protein. With this salad, you’ll never worry about lettuce and veggies going bad before you have a chance to eat them again. Yes, it’s that good.

costco sweet kale

Mom and Kid-Approved Snacks

Whisps

If your kids love chips as much as mine, Whisps are a great answer to that. They’re a high-protein, low-carb, and gluten-free alternative to other crunchy snacks that don’t keep little tummy’s full. Bonus: they’re great toppings for premade or homemade salads.

costco whisps snack

Mini Babybel Cheese

I can’t keep enough of these mini Babybel cheeses in my pantry. They’re the perfect protein-filled snack for kids and parents, with no artificial growth hormones, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

costco babybel cheese

Vermont Beef & Pork Sticks

Vermont Beef & Pork Sticks are another snack that both parent and kid love in our house. These are a great source of protein, making them a healthy snack option to help keep your little one full. Plus they’re low in sugar and carbs and made with antibiotic-free beef and pork.

costco beef & pork sticks

Treats

Oh My S’mores! Bark

This delicious milk chocolate bark with mini marshmallows and honey graham crackers is a reason in itself to join Costco. Break it into bite-sized pieces for just the right amount of chocolate to treat yourself or your kid(s).

costco smores bark

Mom Stuff

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

These hydration multiplier packets are great for any parent, but especially for breastfeeding or pregnant mamas who are trying to stay hydrated. It is a non-GMO electrolyte powder mix that provides the same hydration as 2-3 bottles of water, along with important electrolytes and five essential vitamins.

costco liquid iv

Vital Proteins Collagen Powder

Collagen has become a popular supplement thanks to its many beauty and health benefits. It’s actually found naturally in our bodies, but as we age, we can produce less, which is where supplements come into play. Vital Proteins Unflavored Collagen Peptides are great to dissolve into coffee or even in water. I haven’t found a better price than Costco’s.

costco collagen peptides