Professional chefs are trained to think in bulk. In restaurant kitchens, buying large quantities helps control costs while maintaining quality. That same strategy often carries over into chefs’ home kitchens, where smart bulk buying can lead to major savings.
Many chefs say they rely on Costco for exactly this reason. While the membership-based retailer is known for oversized packages, chefs point out that not every bulk buy is worth it. The key is knowing which products truly offer value. From premium pantry staples to everyday essentials, these six chef-approved Costco buys consistently deliver quality while keeping grocery bills in check.
Food cost consultant Emily Norton explained, “The smartest Costco purchases are items with long shelf life or flexible uses. Chefs think in terms of waste reduction as much as savings.”
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Overview: Chef-Recommended Costco Buys at a Glance
| Product Category | Why Chefs Recommend It |
|---|---|
| Canned Tuna | Premium brand at half the usual price |
| Dish Soap | Long-lasting everyday essential |
| Steak | Lower cost per pound when buying whole cuts |
| Tequila | High-end bottle at a reduced price |
| Olive Oil | Two liters for the price of one elsewhere |
| Rotisserie Chicken | Ready-to-use protein at a low cost |
How Bulk Buying Keeps Food Affordable?
In restaurant kitchens, bulk purchasing is essential to staying profitable. Ordering larger quantities lowers the cost per unit, allowing chefs to serve high-quality food without raising menu prices.
Nutrition-focused chef Laura Bennett added, “Buying high-quality staples in bulk often improves home cooking because people feel more confident using better ingredients generously.”
That same logic applies at home. While not every household needs restaurant-sized quantities, chefs say certain items make sense to buy in larger formats. Costco’s pricing model allows shoppers to access premium products that might otherwise feel out of reach, especially when compared to specialty grocers or brand websites.
Chef and restaurateur Traci des Jardins explained, “Once you understand what you actually use regularly, Costco becomes a smart place to shop, not an overwhelming one.”
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The Costco Items Chefs Say Are Worth It
Fishwife Albacore Tuna in Spicy Olive Oil
Among Costco’s many canned tuna options, chef Caroline Glover, a Food & Wine Best New Chef, singles out Fishwife.
“I’m so excited that Costco is carrying one of my favorite brands,” Glover said. She added, “We usually always have a tuna salad in the fridge, but it’s also one of my go-to ingredients for veggie salads and dressings.”
At Costco, a three-pack costs about $15, compared with roughly $32 for the same pack on Fishwife’s website.
Dish Soap
Not every Costco buy is about food. Chef Jon Shook says household staples are where Costco really shines.
“I love going to Costco,” he said, pointing to everyday items like dish soap.
Costco’s large-format options, including Kirkland-brand refills, allow shoppers to replenish dispensers for months at a fraction of the usual cost. Fellow chef Keith Luce echoed the sentiment, noting that these types of purchases eliminate frequent restocking trips.
Steak and Whole Cuts of Meat
Buying whole cuts instead of individual portions is one of the biggest money-saving strategies chefs recommend.
Chef Viet Pham said, “Items I love buying in bulk from Costco are whole primals such as rib eyes or New York strip steaks.”
Purchasing whole cuts and portioning them at home can save several dollars per pound. Freezing individual steaks ensures nothing goes to waste while keeping high-quality protein on hand.
Cascahuín Plata 48% Tequila
For premium spirits, Costco can offer unexpected value. Chef Traci des Jardins said she keeps an eye out for quality tequila, including Cascahuín.
She noted, “If you go frequently, there are some amazing finds.”
Shoppers have reported finding the bottle for around $70, often about $15 less than typical online prices. When unavailable, Costco’s Kirkland tequila offers an even more budget-friendly option.
Terra Delyssa Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
High-quality olive oil is a kitchen essential for chefs, and Costco occasionally delivers standout options.
Des Jardins said, “There are also quite good olive oils available from time to time.”
She recently found Terra Delyssa Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil at Costco, where two one-liter bottles sell for about $20, roughly the price of a single bottle elsewhere.
Kirkland Signature Rotisserie Chicken
Few Costco items are as iconic as the Kirkland Signature rotisserie chicken. Chef Brady Williams said he buys one nearly every visit.
“We usually pick at it, make sandwiches for school lunch, or use it for other dishes,” he said.
At around $6 per bird, it serves as a versatile protein for multiple meals, from soups to casseroles.
What Shoppers Can Learn From Chefs?
Chefs emphasize that Costco savings come from intention, not impulse. The biggest benefit comes from buying items you already use regularly or can easily freeze or store.
For families and frequent home cooks, following chef recommendations can reduce grocery costs without sacrificing quality. These strategies also help minimize food waste, a growing concern for both households and the environment.
Final Thought
Costco’s value is not just about size. According to chefs, it is about access to quality ingredients at prices that make sense. When shoppers approach the warehouse with a plan, Costco can become a powerful tool for saving money while cooking better meals at home.
As food prices continue to rise, these chef-approved buys offer a practical roadmap for stretching grocery budgets without lowering standards.
FAQs
Do I need to buy everything in bulk at Costco?
No, chefs recommend buying only items you use regularly.
Is Costco meat cheaper than grocery stores?
Often yes, especially when buying whole cuts.
Are Costco private-label products reliable?
Many chefs say Kirkland products offer strong value.
Does Costco carry premium brands?
Yes, but availability can vary by location.
Is a Costco membership worth it for one person?
It can be if you focus on shelf-stable and freezer-friendly items.
