Grocery bills are one of the most expensive costs for many American households after mortgage. And with inflation, grocery prices have increased by 1.9% in the past year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) December 2025 report.
That’s why many people are shopping at Costco not only to save money but also to beat inflation. GOBankingRates spoke to professional chefs who frequent Costco to buy groceries for their own families and prep clients’ meals. Here are five chef-approved Costco grocery items that help stretch your budget further.
Rotisserie Chicken
- Price: $5.66
At $5.66, Costco’s rotisserie chicken is a no-brainer. It’s one of the easiest ways to save money on protein. It’s already cooked, requires no prep time and you can use it across multiple meals.
“A rotisserie chicken is one of the best cost-per-meal moves in the store,” said Kyle Taylor, founder of He Cooks. “You get ready-to-eat protein for night one and then leftovers become chicken salad, tacos, fried rice, soups or pasta. Plus, the carcass can be simmered to make stock, turning scraps into a whole second round of meals.”
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Kirkland Signature Frozen Mixed Vegetables
- Price: $11.68
If you’ve been buying fresh produce and most of the time some ends up in the trash because of spoilage, consider frozen mixed vegetables from Costco. “Frozen vegetables are the cheat code for low-waste cooking,” Taylor said. “They’re already prepped, last forever and turn into fast dinners: stir-fries, soups, pasta and sheet-pan meals.”
Bulk Cooking Oils
- Price: $14.99 to $33.49
Cooking oils are a staple in most households and buying them in small bottles can quietly drive up grocery costs. Purchasing oils in bulk can lower your costs, especially if you cook daily or meal prep.
“Whatever oils you prefer to cook with, I recommend cooking from their selection of bulk oils,” said Chuck Hayworth, chef and chief operating officer at The Resort Chef. “They’re the far more economical choice for those who prefer to do their own cooking from home or bulk family meal prep. It’s even half the price for double the grocery equivalent on some oils.”
Wraps and Food Storage
- Price: varies
Parchment papers, plastic wraps and storage containers can be costly if you buy them individually. If you regularly bake or meal prep, purchasing wraps and containers in bulk can help you save a lot.
“I recommend for those who regularly bake their own pastries to purchase parchment paper in bulk from Costco,” Hayworth said. “You can also find glass meal prep containers at great pricing oftentimes in a bulk box. Compared to individual packs, you are saving up to twenty percent at minimum by purchasing at Costco.”
Flours of All Types
- Price: $16.49 to $56.99
Flour is a core ingredient for anyone who bakes or cooks from scratch and specialty flours can be expensive at regular stores. Buying larger bags makes homemade cooking far more affordable.
“If you’re in search of all-purpose gluten-free, almond or even organic bread flour for your favorite sourdough recipe, Costco can’t be beat,” Hayworth added. “My estimate on the low end is a 15% savings from standard grocery pricing in savings by buying in bulk from Costco.”
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Chef-Approved Costco Grocery Items To Beat Inflation
