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12. How a college student like me shop at Costco

I'll start with some disclaimers. I eat a lot especially since I go to the gym three to four times a week. Furthermore, I am living with three roommates that are also willing to split the expenses of groceries four ways for some items. This arrangement might work very differently depending on how many people you live with, your food habits (both in terms of taste and quantity), and how often you can access a car to go to Costco. I spend quite a bit of money on food in general, not only because I eat quite a bit, but also I am willing to shell out for more expensive food while eating out less.

When I was in high school, my dad would always take me to Costco and tell me what to buy. Sometimes I wasn't particularly in the mood to go there, but my dad also wanted someone to talk, to, and those trips became fond memories. I loved going to Costco because initially it is the only place that doesn't sell seafood for exorbitant prices near the campus. But as time went on, I discovered that there are more things I could save a lot of money on. This list wouldn't be stocked every time, especially protein. Without further ado, here is a (non-exhaustive) list of things I would get at Costco: (KS denotes Kirkland Signature)

Protein

  • Salmon (fresh steelhead or KS Farmed Atlantic Salmon). Great for inviting guests over.
  • New York Strip Steak. Also great for inviting guests over.
  • Chicken Thighs
  • Atlantic Cod

Fruits and Vegetables

Vegetables

  • Sweet white onions
  • Bell peppers
  • Mushrooms
  • Tomatoes
  • Canned Tomatoes

Fruits

  • 5 lb Mandarin Oranges
  • Zespri Golden Kiwis

Dairy and Cooking Oils

  • KS Butter
  • KS Shredded Parmigiano Reggiano (DOP)
  • KS Vegetable Oil
  • KS Italian Olive Oil

Cooking Ingredients

  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Garlic salt/powder
  • Matcha Powder

Household Items

  • Tramontina 2-piece Stainless Steel Frying Pan (large & small for $30)
  • Ziploc Bag Set
  • Plastic Wrap
  • Laundry Detergent
  • Dishwasher Detergent
  • Dish Soap

Staples

  • Rice (usually from Southeast Asia)
  • Pasta (mostly spaghetti)

Toiletries

  • Toothpaste / Mouthwash
  • Razor Blades
  • Electric Toothbrush Brush Heads

Sweet Snacks

  • Godiva Belgian Chocolate Ganache Hearts

Dinner After

  • Costco Pizza
  • Rotisserie Chicken

For a lot of the cooking ingredients, I would head over to the local Asian grocery store to find them. Sometimes when I need things in small quantities, usually for myself, or for Asian foods that I can't find at Costco, I will head over to Asian grocery shops. I usually spend $300-400 a month on food, which I admit isn't particularly cheap, but I think I get a good price for what I like to eat.