Recommended Purchases for New Members

My family has been loyal members of Costco for so long that I can’t even imagine not being a member. I recently wrote about the decision to join Costco or not (Costco: To Join or Not to Join?). I forget that the first visit could be an overwhelming experience for some. I found an article with suggestions of items for new members to buy and figured I’d shared them here with some thoughts and then add some others that I think should be on the “must buy” list. I tried to limit my suggestions to the more general items that I think would appeal to many rather than my more demographic specific kosher foods. 

Recommendations for New Members

1. Food Court Items 

One suggestion for new members is to make meals out of the food court items. They can be eaten in the store or taken out. 

Given how popular many of the items are at the food court (Costco Food Court Suggestions); (Food Court Items Offered in 2025)), it is not a surprise that new members would be encouraged to try the items. 

2. Freezer

Although most of the recommended items are foods, the article suggests that new members purchase an extra freezer at Costco. The extra storage space is very helpful for storing the large quantities of items sold at Costco. 

I fully support buying an extra freezer (whether at Costco itself or another store) before joining. When I was growing up, (even before we were Costco members), we had an extra freezer in the garage. It was mostly filled with grocery items on large sales (e.g., ice cream), breads and pastries from a distribution center (I miss the Entenmann’s warehouse!), and bagels we brought home from New York after visiting family). Then, after we joined Costco, it was filled with items from there (e.g., spinach pancakes; cinnamon rolls). I can’t even imagine not having the extra space and it definitely helps that so many items freeze well (Best Costco Items to Freeze)).

3. Rotisserie Chicken

Another convenient meal suggestion is the rotisserie chicken.

Like the food court items, it is not a surprise that this popular item would be on the list. It is a classic Costco item (The “Cult” of Costco: How Costco Builds and Maintains Loyalty); (More Costco Facts)).

4. Fresh Grapes (and other produce)

New members are encouraged to buy fresh produce at Costco. Members claim that it is fresher and higher quality than at other stores. 

I have written before about the variation in the quality of the Costco produce (Recommended Costco Produce); (Produce at Costco: To Buy or Not To Buy)) as well as about complaints that it has decreased in quality. Therefore, I think it is difficult to suggest it as a whole category. I was interested to see that grapes were specifically mentioned. They are probably one of the few fruits I don’t think I’ve ever tried from there. Being picky about grapes, I have always preferred to buy them in smaller quantities from grocery stores so that I can taste them (Recommended Costco Produce) and because I find they don’t last too long, even when stored in the fridge. 

5. Bakery Goodies

When it comes to the bakery, the suggestion is to buy whatever looks good because it is likely to taste good too. 

As with the produce, I think it can be very hard to lump whole departments together. However, although people obviously differ with respect to which bakery items they would suggest (To Buy or Not to Buy From the Bakery (Part 1 of 2): (Advice from a Professional)); (To Buy or Not to Buy From the Bakery (Part 2 of 2): Advice From a Bakery Employee))), people know what they want to try. It is helpful for new members to know that the bakery is good overall.

6. Contact Lenses and glasses 

Another non edible recommendation are the items from the optical department. New members with poor vision are encouraged to take advantage of the savings on contact lenses and glasses. 

I highly agree with this suggestion. I have given high praise to the optical department (Costco optical:my experience); (Costco Optical: Updated from recent experience)). As someone who has worn both glasses and contacts for decades, I have saved a substantial amount of money by buying them at Costco.

7. Kerrygold Butter

A recommended purchase for bakers is the Kerrygold butter.

I don’t bake and don’t use much butter but I have read very positive reviews of this butter. 

8. Organic Spinach

Another produce item specifically mentioned is the organic spinach. In addition to being a good value, it is recommended because it stays fresh for a long time.

I don’t buy greens at Costco but if I did, I would buy this spinach. My main complaint about fresh greens is how quickly they get soggy, leading to a lot of waste. Therefore, it helps to know that it lasts a long time. It actually might make sense to freeze the spinach and then use it in recipes. 

9. Frozen Lasagna

New members looking for another convenient meal are encouraged to buy the Kirkland Signature Frozen lasagna. 

I wouldn’t eat this but if I did not have the restrictions, it is helpful to know that the store brand items are high quality. New members may view them as low quality due to the association with other stores brands and be reluctant to try them. If there are both name brands and Kirkland items for the same or similar products, people new to Costco may be hesitant to buy large amounts of an unknown brand. It helps new members to know that Kirkland Signature items are worth purchasing.

10. Thick-Cut Bacon

Members suggest that new members consider buying the bacon at Costco due to the high quality and good value.

Not for me but again, all recommendations are helpful for new members.

11. Fresh Meat

New members are encouraged to buy fresh meat at Costco. Current members appreciate the prices and the quality of a range of meats offered.

I don’t buy meat at Costco but, again, I think it is helpful for new members to learn that the quality is likely high.

12. Costco Alcohol

The only beverage on the suggestion list for new members is alcohol. Members alert new members to the low prices and high quality of a range of alcoholic beverages.

I don’t drink but I have written about the alcohol (Facts About the Alcohol at Costco); (Alcohol at Costco (Part 1 of 2)); (Alcohol at Costco (Part 2 of 2)) and would tell new members to check out the department.

13. Olive Oil

New members are urged to buy olive oil at Costco, which members say has a good selection. 

I was actually surprised to see this item on the list rather than the large Kirkland Signature olive oil that appears on other lists of recommended products (Kirkland Items: Which to Buy and Which to Skip?) It seems awfully specific to mention specialized olive oil on a list for new members. 

14. Frozen Dumplings

The final item on the list of suggestions for new members are the Ajinomoto’ Japanese style gyoza. They are praised for both the wrapping and the filling. 

I wouldn’t eat these but it is helpful to learn about specific items. I initially thought it seemed odd to highlight very specific items (as I commented with the olive oil). However, it makes sense in some cases. Some items (e.g., bakery; produce) are more prominent in the store. In contrast, it is the items that take up far less space (e.g., a specific brand of dumplings) that are actually probably more helpful for new members to learn about. Anyone saying they just joined Costco and are looking for recommendations are likely to be told about the good court, the chickens, and the bakery.  They are less likely to be told about more specific items, regardless of how good they are.

Items I would add as recommendations for new members 

1. Kirkland Signature Organic Peanut Butter

I know that there are differences between natural and processed peanut butter and they may appeal to different people. However, among those who prefer natural peanut butter, many may be loyal to brand. With the availability of name brands (e.g., Teddie) in Costco, they may be hesitant to try the store brand. I’d highly suggest that they do because it is excellent (Product Review:Kirkland organic creamy peanut butter).

2. Kirkland Signature Almond Butter

I would urge new members to try the store brand almond butter for similar reasons to the peanut butter. In addition, because almond butter is less common than peanut butter, some may be reluctant to try it. As much as I love peanut butter, almond butter provides a good alternative/variation (Product Review: Kirkland almond butter).

3. Kirkland Signature Super Premium Organic Vanilla Ice cream

An opportunity to use that new freezer! For those not yet familiar with Kirkland items, buying two full gallons of vanilla ice cream (Product Review: Kirkland Super Premium Vanilla Ice Cream) might seem “risky”. The ice cream takes up a lot of space, is limited to vanilla (although really good vanilla is absolutely delicious and often the best way to assess the quality of a brand, many people insist on candy-filled ice cream), and seems expensive (it is actually a great deal for the amount and quality). Therefore, it is worth highlighting the item for new members. 

4. Kirkland Signature/Nature’s Path Organic Ancient Grains Granola 

Having the brand name on the label along with Kirkland Signature probably helps anyone reluctant to try “store brand” granola. However, I can imagine that “ancient grains” may be a turn off for some as they may sound too healthy or dry. I would definitely tell everyone to try this granola (Product Review: Kirkland Ancient Grains granola).

5. Fairlife Chocolate Nutrition Plan

It seems like every time I go to Costco, there are more nutrition drinks (maybe I need to add them as a “strong section” (“Strong” and “weak” sections of Costco). I have tried several. Different drinks have different nutrients and vary in their purposes. However, I’d encourage new members to take a look at this Fairlife milk due to the value, great taste (especially for a shelf stable milk), and high protein content. It may seem like either more expensive YooHoo or another variety of Boost/Ensure but it is excellent (Product Review: Fairlife Nutrition Plan Chocolate Milk).

6. Watermelon 

Among the many high quality produce items, I would emphasize the watermelons (Product Review: Watermelons). Watermelons are obviously very big and some may not want to bother with them. However, they are worth the hassle as they are priced well, high quality, and very consistent during the summer months.

7. Kirkland Signature Organic Greek Yogurt

Costco sells a variety of yogurt options (“Strong” and “weak” sections of Costco). With so many options, including name brands, the store brand may be overlooked as yogurt is an item to which people are often brand loyal and store brands are not always great quality. However, is definitely recommend trying to Kirkland yogurt (Product Review: Kirkland Organic Greek Yogurt).

8. Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon

Lox is definitely much more common now than it was in the past. I used to only hear about it or see it in Jewish delis or at Jewish-hosted events. Now I see it on menus, in many stores, and eaten by non-Jewish individuals. I view it as an item that one needs to be careful buying because it should be thin-sliced, salted properly, and very fresh. Therefore, I’d assume that name brands are superior to store brands.  Costco sells a surprising variety of lox (“Strong” and “weak” sections of Costco). I can’t remember when or why my family started eating the Kirkland lox but I’m glad we did. I’d actually recommend the Kirkland brand for the price and taste (Product Review:Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon).

9. Kirkland Signature Frozen Atlantic Salmon

Although I was very used to eating canned tuna and salmon, I was initially a little skeptical of frozen fish. I still prefer fresh fish but this frozen salmon is very good and convenient to have around (Product Review: Kirkland frozen Atlantic salmon). My only hesitation is that it is pretty expensive.

10. Eggs

I don’t think that new members would need to be told to consider buying the eggs at Costco. However, I decided to add them to the list because new members may not be used to even thinking about buying eggs at Costco in fear of buying too many. With the increasing egg prices, I’d recommend buying them at Costco. Although they are nothing special, they do last longer than I often expect and extras can be used for baking or hard boiling.

Do you agree with the above recommendations for new members? What else would you recommend?