13 Costco Items I Wish I’d Started Buying Sooner

How many times have you discovered something amazing at Costco and immediately thought, "I can't believe I waited this long to try this?" It's a bittersweet moment, realizing you've been overpaying elsewhere or going without when the solution was right there in the warehouse. That's when you unlock the true value of your membership.

If so, this list is designed for you. These are products that consistently surprise people with quality and value.

Here are my 13 favorite Costco finds that I wish I'd discovered years ago.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

Price: $19.99

I've sweated, melting chocolate over a double boiler, because I was sure scratch-made brownies were better than any boxed mix. This mix consistently delivers a delicious, fudgy texture with an enviable crackly top. Plus, you have melted chocolate chips scattered throughout.

Whether I'm bringing a dessert to a party or need a quick after-dinner treat, these deliver. You get six full batches for around $20.

Price: $24.62

I typically skip frozen fish, but these wild Alaskan salmon burgers are a major exception. Made from whole salmon fillets, they cook up quickly and taste great. Plus, each patty packs 20 grams of heart-healthy, omega-3-rich protein.

You can serve them on buns, over rice and veggies, or with a salad. Sometimes the freezer aisle holds lovely surprises.

Price: $44.99

Remember those tiny bottles of balsamic vinegar for ridiculous prices? This Kirkland version is sold at a great price, and it's made by the Italian company Acetum.

I use it in salad dressing (mixed with red wine vinegar) and almost every marinade. If I'm in a hurry, I sometimes pour balsamic vinegar on meat I plan to use later, and then add salt and spices when I'm ready to cook.

Price: $11.34

Quality vanilla extract is one of those small pleasures that enhances life in surprising ways. It's easy to overspend on a subpar product, but this one is excellent.

It's made from real imported vanilla beans and adds a rich caramel flavor and floral aroma. I don't bake as much as I used to, but I love it in cookies, muffins, and waffles when I do.

Price: $9.64

I like having frozen blueberries in the freezer, and I used to pay more for a small bag of puny little berries. These berries are larger than other brands I've tried and are a great deal for three pounds.

Plus, unlike fresh berries that wrinkle and lose flavor quickly, these stay fresh because they are frozen at peak ripeness. I use them for smoothies, muffins, and snacking.

Price: $18.19

These aren't the typical overprocessed nuggets you might expect to find in the freezer section. They're tasty chunks of chicken breast with a well-seasoned, light, crispy breading.

They're fully cooked and antibiotic-free, making them a reasonably healthy and high-protein option when you're in a rush. I like them on a salad or in a stir fry for a homemade version of sweet and spicy chicken. Four pounds gives me multiple meals.

Price: $14.99

The fact that maple syrup is the sap of a maple tree is one of life's wonders. It's a delicious sweetener that's also a whole food, with small amounts of calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

You get almost 34 ounces for about $15, which is a great way to stretch your grocery budget. Most people eat it with pancakes, but it's great in tea, marinades, over roasted veggies, or anywhere you want a hint of sweetness.

Price: $74.99

I try to make sure my bedding is made of natural fibers like cotton. I used to scour the bedding aisle at Marshalls or Ross for a discounted, all-cotton sheet set, but Costco solved that.

These Kirkland sheets are made from California pima cotton. The 680 thread count is luxurious, soft, and breathable. Plus, it has reinforced elastic corners that grip the mattress and stay put all night.

Price: $18.99

I'm trying to eat more fish, and convenience and taste are big factors in that, but this brand of tuna costs $18 for a pack of four at my local Walmart. At Costco, you get six cans for about $19.

If you haven't tried this brand yet, it's not the shredded brown fish you usually see. These are solid chunks of pole and line-caught albacore tuna.

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Price: $27.99

Many health professionals say that olive oil is a good choice. I really love it in my homemade salad dressing, but it's expensive.

This two-liter bottle of genuine first-cold-pressed Italian olive oil is a great deal. Especially since it comes with full traceability from the grove to the bottle. It tastes every bit as good as oils costing twice as much.

Price: $17.99

Nothing makes me happier than when something I love to eat is also good for me. I recently learned that pistachios are rich in prebiotic fiber, which promotes healthy gut bacteria.

This 3-pound bag puts healthy snacking in my price range. These are U.S. Extra #1 grade nuts, dry roasted with no added oils. I wish I'd discovered this bulk option years ago instead of convincing myself I didn't need pistachios.

Price: $18.49

Is grass-fed butter better? I can't answer that, but I can tell you I love the golden hue and rich flavor of this butter. It makes the smaller packages of grass-fed butter I used to buy look absurdly expensive.

I keep this four-pack handy for toast, baking, and even making ghee at a fraction of store-bought prices. I also love the Kirkland Signature Grass-Fed Butter from New Zealand.

Price: $11.34

I admit to dreaming of planting basil to create pesto fresh from my garden. Outside of that, this is an excellent alternative.

This 22-ounce jar is made with 100% Italian DOP Genovese basil and my favorite bottled pesto. Use it for pasta, flatbreads, to add flair to soups or sandwiches, or to give new life to chicken. It's amazing what you can do with good ingredients on hand.

These discoveries allow you to stock up on high-quality staples and save money on essentials without sacrificing quality. Did you know that many Kirkland Signature products are made by the same manufacturers as the name brands you've been paying premium prices for?

By buying select items from Costco, you aren't settling for less. You're getting the same quality at a better price point. Sometimes the best-kept secret is hiding in plain sight.

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