Costco might be known for bulk toilet paper and free samples, but let’s not overlook its real secret weapon: unbeatable deals on premium name-brand groceries. While most shoppers expect savings on store-brand basics, Costco goes above and beyond—offering gourmet staples and beloved household brands at prices that make your local supermarket look like a scam.
Imagine scoring rich, peppery organic olive oil that food critics rave about—at nearly half the price of boutique bottles. Or getting your hands on Kerrygold’s luxurious Irish butter for what amounts to a bakery’s wholesale rate. These aren’t off-brand knockoffs—they’re the real deal, and they’re hiding in plain sight at your nearest Costco.
It’s the kind of savvy shopping that doesn’t just stretch your grocery budget—it elevates your entire kitchen game. We’re talking about authentic Parmigiano Reggiano, aged 24 months and stamped with Italy’s seal of excellence. Rao’s marinara, the gold standard of jarred sauces, for less than you’d pay at a specialty store. And Bob’s Red Mill oats that make breakfast both affordable and nutritious.
Whether you’re meal-prepping like a pro or simply want to bring five-star flavor into weeknight dinners, these seven finds will change the way you shop. The prices? Shocking. The quality? Unmatched. And the bragging rights when you tell your foodie friends you paid how much for that imported cheese? Priceless.
So before you splurge at your local gourmet market or pay double for your favorites at a regular grocery chain, check out what Costco’s got on deck.
1. Kirkland Signature Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Celebrity chefs rave about this olive oil that costs a fraction of specialty store prices. The rich, golden liquid comes from organic olives pressed within hours of harvest, creating that perfect peppery finish food enthusiasts crave.
A 2-liter bottle typically sells for around $15.99, while the same quality and quantity elsewhere could set you back $40 or more. Consumer Reports consistently ranks it among the best olive oils regardless of price point.
Store it away from heat and light to preserve its robust flavor – perfect for everything from salad dressings to sautéing vegetables.
2. Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter
Baking enthusiasts know the secret to flaky pastries and rich cookies lies in quality butter. Kerrygold’s grass-fed butter creates that unmistakable golden color and creamy texture that elevates any recipe.
Costco offers this premium butter in multi-packs that slash the per-unit cost to nearly half what you’d pay at regular grocery stores. The distinctive gold foil wrapping protects four individually wrapped 8-ounce blocks, perfect for freezing extras.
Made from milk produced by cows grazing on Irish pastures, this butter contains naturally occurring beta-carotene that gives it that signature yellow hue.
3. San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes
Pizza night transforms when you stock these legendary Italian tomatoes in your pantry. Grown in the volcanic soil near Mount Vesuvius, San Marzano tomatoes offer a sweetness and low acidity that regular canned varieties simply can’t match.
Costco sells multi-packs of these culinary treasures for nearly 40% less than specialty food stores. Each can contains certified authentic tomatoes – look for the DOP seal guaranteeing they’re the real deal from Italy’s Sarnese-Nocerino area.
Professional chefs swear by these for creating restaurant-quality pasta sauces, and once you taste the difference, you’ll understand why they’re worth seeking out.
4. Parmigiano Reggiano Aged 24 Months
Forget those green canisters of processed cheese powder! Costco offers wheels of authentic Parmigiano Reggiano at prices that make cheese lovers do a double-take. The complex, nutty flavor develops over 24 months of aging in Italy under strict quality controls.
A massive wedge costs about $12.99 per pound at Costco, while specialty cheese shops charge upwards of $20-25 for the same product. Each piece comes with the distinctive pin-dot branding on the rind proving its authenticity.
Wrap unused portions in parchment paper then foil (never plastic wrap) and store in your refrigerator’s vegetable drawer for optimal freshness that lasts months.
5. Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce
Pasta night becomes restaurant-quality with this cult-favorite sauce that normally commands premium prices. The slow-simmered blend of Italian tomatoes, pure olive oil, and fresh basil creates that homemade taste without artificial ingredients or added sugars.
Costco sells two-packs of the 28-ounce jars for about $10.99 – nearly half what you’d pay buying individual jars elsewhere. Home cooks praise its versatility for everything from classic spaghetti to chicken parmesan.
Unlike most jarred sauces, Rao’s uses no tomato paste or water fillers, giving it that authentic thickness that clings perfectly to pasta. The small-batch cooking process preserves the bright, fresh flavor.
6. Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Spray
Health-conscious cooks treasure this cooking spray for its clean ingredients and high smoke point. Unlike other sprays containing propellants and chemicals, this one features 100% pure avocado oil with absolutely nothing else added.
Costco offers a two-pack of these premium sprays for roughly the same price as a single can elsewhere. With a smoke point of 500°F, it handles everything from high-heat searing to delicate baking without breaking down or adding unwanted flavors.
The non-aerosol spray mechanism delivers an even mist without chemical propellants, making it ideal for greasing pans, finishing roasted vegetables, or creating that perfect crust on grilled meats.
7. Bob’s Red Mill Organic Oats
Morning routines improve dramatically with these premium organic rolled oats that cost nearly 40% less at Costco. The distinctive red packaging contains whole grain oats processed in dedicated gluten-free facilities, perfect for health-conscious families.
A massive 4.5-pound bag sells for around $8.99 – comparable to what smaller specialty stores charge for just 1-2 pounds. These versatile oats work wonderfully for traditional oatmeal, homemade granola, or as a binding agent in meatloaf and veggie burgers.
Bob’s Red Mill maintains strict quality standards, with each batch tested to ensure purity and nutritional value. Their traditional stone-grinding process preserves more nutrients than conventional processing methods.
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