Shopping at Costco for One

Costco used to be associated with businesses or very large families. I remember when my family first joined (on the earlier side among people I know), friends and family would make fun of us because we had a family of four and bought huge packages of many items. As Costco became more popular and people recognized the benefits and savings of joining, it became more of a store for anyone. However, I still don’t think of it so much for a single person (and as I have mentioned in other posts, it has been suggested that friends or relatives share memberships ((Even More) Tips for Shopping at Costco). I was intrigued when I saw this article by a single woman who joined Costco based on seven items, which will be discussed below. She wrote that she buys many other items at Costco as well. 

Seven Items that Made the Membership Worth it for a Single Person 

1. Ninja Creami Deluxe

This appliance is used to make frozen desserts at home. According to the author, the Costco price enables savings compared to other retailers (surprise, surprise), on buying ice cream at grocery stores, and the deluxe version even though cheaper than the original with more functions. She writes that it creates smoother desserts than she can prepare in the blender and that she loves being able to create endless recipes.

I had never heard of this appliance but I would love to own one! I know I am not going to actually purchase one but it would be great to have. I have mentioned my “”smoothie phase” in high school. I also used the blender when I tried making banana “ice cream” after making it at a friend’s house. This appliance sounds great because I love ice cream and eat it several times each week. However, although I don’t buy the gourmet brands, it can still be expensive. In addition, there are few flavors that I like because I don’t like ice cream with too much “stuff” as it takes away from the ability to focus on the actual ice cream. If I made my own ice cream, I could create more simple variations.

2. Fairlife Core Power Chocolate Protein Shake

The author reports that these protein shakes are her favorite of the protein shakes she has tried, tasting a lot like chocolate milk. She reports that they are less expensive than at the grocery store.

I have not tried this drink but do buy the Fairlife chocolate protein milk (Product Review: Fairlife Nutrition Plan Chocolate Milk), which I think also tastes like chocolate milk rather than a typical protein drink. The author likes the lower price at Costco than at grocery stores ($3.25 vs $4.50/14-ounce bottle) but that still seems very expensive to me. 

3. Spindrift Sparkling Water

Another drink that makes the membership worth it for this single woman is this sparkling water. She explains that it helps her stay hydrated, as it is more appealing than plain water. Although more expensive than plain water, she writes that the cost of 76¢/can is  worth it for helping her drink enough.

I have mentioned that I don’t like seltzer. However, I know others really like it.

4. Crest 3D White Advanced Whitening Toothpaste

In addition to appliances and food, the author views toiletries as making the membership worth it. She points out that, although she would save on items like toilet paper and paper towels, she does not want to use the face. In contrast, these toothpaste tubes can be stored in bulk without taking up an overwhelming amount of space.

I can understand why, depending on the living situation of a single person, it may not be worth using storage space for huge packages of paper goods. Certainly, smaller items are easier to store.

5. Kirkland Signature Pecan Halves

Another item that the author buys that justifies her membership are these nuts. Apparently, they are significantly less expensive than at other stores and can stay fresh in the freezer for up to a year.

I have written about the high quality of the nuts at Costco (Product Review: Kirkland Signature Extra Fancy Unsalted Mixed Nuts); (Product Review: Kirkland Signature Super Extra-Large Peanuts)). I have also mentioned that they can be frozen (Best Costco Items to Freeze).

6. Pure Vanilla Extract

The article listed vanilla extract as another item that justifies the membership. Apparently, it is significantly less expensive than at other stores and provides strong vanilla flavor to baked goods and yogurt.

This vanilla has been mentioned before. I don’t bake enough (or at all) to buy it but for those who do, it seems like a great purchase. I never thought about adding it to yogurt. I used to enjoy vanilla yogurt until I started eating plain yogurt and then found the former too sweet. However, I can see that a drop or two of pure vanilla could be a good addition. (Of course, if adding a drop each time, the bottle would likely go bad…can vanilla go bad?…before getting through a few ounces!)

7. Fresh Additions Fully Cooked Chicken Breast Bites 

The final item that the author mentions is these 3.2-ounce pouches of chicken strips. She keeps them in the freezer and then reheats them for quick, convenient meals. 

Not for me but definitely sounds like a good purchase for a single person.

If you are a single member, what are the items that make the membership worth it for you?