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2022-05-14 10:48:34 By : Mr. Maopo Huang

People across the country have signed up for a Costco membership to take advantage of the wholesale chain's discounts and bulk buys. 

But from nutritionists to chefs to athletes, everyone has a unique shopping list.  

Insider has had 18 dedicated shoppers share what they snag on their Costco runs — here's what they said:

Frozen berries make smoothies refreshingly cold. Abigail Abesamis Demarest

Using frozen berries instead of ice makes smoothies cold and refreshing without watering them down.

This 4-pound bag of fruit costs $9.99 and comes with raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. 

Demarest will often pair it with almond butter, almond milk, chia seeds, and cacao powder for a morning drink.

Salmon fillets freeze well. Abigail Abesamis Demarest

Costco sells huge slabs of Atlantic salmon for $9.99 a pound. 

Demarest will often pair baked fillets with brown rice and veggies, like spinach or broccoli. 

This large piece can be divided into several servings, and you can freeze leftover fillets to make them last longer.

These Starbucks frappuccinos are a great price at Costco. Abigail Abesamis Demarest

These Starbucks frappuccinos are tasty, and buying them in bulk makes each bottle come out to just $1.27.

Demarest will often wait to snag these until there's a manufacturer's coupon to make them even cheaper. 

Read Abigail Abesamis Demarest's full Costco shopping list: I've shopped at Costco for over 10 years. Here are the 15 products I always buy in bulk.

Each tubes comes out to about $2. Alicia Diaz

This package of Crest 3D White toothpaste costs $10 for five tubes.

Although one person can finish a normal tube of toothpaste — which can cost upward of $3 — in just a couple of months, this bulk pack comes out to $2 a tube and can last for six to eight months, even when sharing.

Diaz said that since she shares a bathroom, it's more cost-effective to buy this toiletry in bulk.

These comfy leggings come in several colors and cost $17.

Diaz bought these leggings on a whim and was blown away, picking up three more the next time.

As a Lululemon fan, she said this cheaper Costco alternative is comparable to the name brand. 

These Yakisoba packets are ready after just minutes in the microwave. Alicia Diaz for Insider

Frozen and portioned meals are great Costco buys for solo shoppers since they have a much longer shelf life.

Each box of Yakisoba costs $12.90 and contains six packets of noodles mixed with sauce and an array of stir-fry vegetables.

Diaz will often finish cooking the noodles in a pan with chicken.

Read Alicia Diaz's full Costco shopping list: I'm a solo shopper at Costco. Here are the 15 things I always buy that make my membership worth it.

Popcorn is a customizable snack. Lisa Tanner

This 8-pound jug of kernels costs $11.49 and will last Tanner about a month. 

She'll usually prepare two large batches multiple times a week as a ready snack for her 10 kids, popping the kernels with oil in a pan over medium heat.

You can eat as is or add your choice of toppings, like butter and salt. 

You can make rice in the Instant Pot. Lisa Tanner

Tanner snags this Thai Hom Mali jasmine rice and often prepares it in the Instant Pot to serve alongside meals like hamburger bowls, fried rice, and casserole.

Each pack of sliced ham costs under $10 at Costco. Lisa Tanner

Although ham works great in sandwiches, Tanner will also add this ingredient to dishes like fried rice, quesadillas, scrambled eggs, and baked potatoes. 

Each two-pack of uncured, extra-lean ham costs $9.79.

Read Lisa Tanner's full Costco shopping list: I'm a mom of 10 who's shopped at Costco for almost 20 years. Here are 20 things I always buy in bulk.

The FoodSaver helps preserve frozen foods. Tara Zeller

An appliance that vacuum seals food in plastic, the FoodSaver costs $149.99 at Costco.

Zeller uses it to make sure her frozen food lasts longer and doesn't get freezer burn, in turn saving her up to hundreds of dollars since she can preserve her bulk buys.

Simply portion the food into your ideal serving, then seal and store it in the freezer for easy future meals.

You can cook these souvlaki skewers on the grill. Tara Zeller

Available in chicken or pork, these Greek-style souvlaki skewers cost $16.99 and $14.49, respectively.

Zeller will often grill some of the skewers and pair them with a side salad for dinner, then freeze the rest to whip up at a later date.

This large jug of maple syrup can last for a while. Tara Zeller

Costco sells large bottles of pure, organic maple syrup for just $8.99. 

The breakfast staple works great on top of pancakes, waffles, and French toast, plus it'll last for a while. 

Read Tara Zeller's full Costco shopping list: I drive 4 hours and spend $500 for every Costco trip. Here are 16 things I always stock up on.

These Costco taco kits serve three to four people. Majed Kassis

These ready-made kits cost $4.99 a pound and come with taco essentials — 12 flour tortillas, chicken, cheese, lime slices, salsa, and cilantro-lime crema.

Each pack can feed about three to four people.

They're a hit among Kassis' family and ideal for when you don't want to cook.

Costco's cinnamon buns taste great when warmed. Majed Kassis

Found in Costco's bakery section, these cinnamon treats are a delicious buy. 

Each pack of 12 costs $6.99 and comes topped with tasty cream-cheese icing. 

Kassis pops them in the microwave for 20 seconds to warm them up and make them melty.

These chicken nuggets came out great in the air fryer. Majed Kassis

Kassis compared these boneless chicken bites to Chick-fil-A's nuggets. 

She said they turn out wonderfully crispy in the air fryer and work well as protein on a salad. 

Read Majed Kassis' full Costco shopping list: I run a Costco fan account with over 390,000 followers. Here are 12 of my favorite recent purchases.

Mandarins can last for a while in the fridge. Candace Nelson

Nelson will place a handful of mandarins in the fruit bowl each morning to set out as a snack. 

The easy-peel fruit is a great source of vitamin C and can last for several weeks in the fridge. 

Mixed-nut butter is a great source of healthy fats. Candace Nelson

This wholesome mixed-nut butter combines almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and flax seeds to make a delicious spread that you can add to snacks or meals.

Nuts are a great, wholesome source of fats — a food group that should ideally make up 30% of your daily calories.

Particularly, omega-3 fatty acids found in many nuts and seeds are good for heart health.

You can make several meals with Dave's Killer Bread. Candace Nelson

With both 5 grams of fiber and protein per serving, Dave's Killer Bread is great for sandwiches and toast. 

Nelson will often toast the bread and top it with nut butter and sliced bananas. 

Read Candace Nelson's full Costco shopping list: I'm a nutritionist who shops at Costco for 2. Here are 15 things I always buy in bulk.

This large package of coffee can last a while. Salma Hamze

This 51-ounce tub of ground coffee costs $9.99 and lasts a while.

Hamze uses it to make drip coffee, though it can also be brewed with a machine or French press.

Each bulk bag of Hippeas costs about $7. Salma Hamze

A bulk-sized bag of Hippeas — organic chickpea puffs — costs just $6.99.

Hamze buys two bags at a time and enjoys this snack as a replacement for potato chips.

The Mediterranean salad kit is a good option. Salma Hamze

These premade salad kits come with everything you need for a tasty serving of veggies, including dressing and toppings. 

The Mediterranean salad kit costs $5.99 and is Hamze's favorite.

Read Salma Hamze's full Costco shopping list: I shop at Costco for my family of 2. Here are 10 things I always stock up on.

Each box of Kirkland's applesauce comes with 24 pouches. Dana Engelbert

Engelbert buys these apple-sauce pouches as a wholesome snack for her kids.

Coming in a large box of 24 pouches, they are organic, gluten-free, and added-sugar-free.

This pulled chicken breast is great for quick meals. Dana Engelbert

The wholesale chain's rotisserie chicken is a beloved staple, but Engelbert often picks up this pack of hand-pulled breast instead. 

It's a versatile meat option that you can add to salads, enchiladas, and more.  

You can stock up on allergy medication at Costco. Dana Engelbert

You can snag bulk packs of allergy pills and nasal spray from name brands — like Zyrtec and Flonase — at Costco.

Just make sure to check the expiration date and use them in time.

Read Dana Engelbert's full Costco shopping list: I drive 3 hours to shop at Costco. Here are 21 things that make the 140-mile trip worth it.

Each bag of frozen salmon is 3 pounds. Gemma Acheampong

Each 3-pound bag of Atlantic salmon contains individually wrapped pieces of fish and costs $26.

Acheampong said she used to buy fresh salmon, but realized she would end up freezing most of it and started buying these packs instead. 

She'll often bake a fillet with a marinade and serve it with vegetables for an easy meal.

You can freeze grapes for a quick, refreshing snack. Gemma Acheampong

Costco sells 4-pound packages of green and black seedless grapes for about $9 apiece. 

Acheampong will often freeze them to enjoy as a crisp, refreshing snack during the summer months. 

Green tea is rich in antioxidants. Gemma Acheampong

Green tea is naturally caffeinated and rich in antioxidants.

Acheampong may drink between three to four cups of tea every day, so she grabs these bulk packs of 100 bags from Costco. 

Each box costs just under $14.

Read Gemma Acheampong's full Costco shopping list: I'm an Olympian and semi-professional athlete. Here are 16 things I always buy at Costco for myself.

Vanilla extract can be a bit pricey. Lizzy Briskin

Pure vanilla extract can be a pricey ingredient, but Costco shoppers can snag a 16-ounce bottle for just $15.99.

You can use vanilla in a variety of baked goods and breakfasts, from cookies and cakes to French toast and pancakes.

Sauerkraut can add a tangy kick to sandwiches. Lizzy Briskin

Chock-full of natural probiotics to keep your gut healthy, sauerkraut can make a delicious addition to sandwiches or salads.

Plus the ingredient can last for months sealed in the fridge.

Snag a 50-ounce container of sauerkraut for $8.69 — a fraction of what it costs at other grocery stores.

Quinoa is a trendy grain. Lizzy Briskin

A wholesome staple to keep in your kitchen, quinoa is full of plant-based protein and fiber.

Although the trendy grain can be quite pricey at other stores, you can snag a bag that's over 4 pounds for just $9.59 at Costco. 

Pair the ingredient with protein and veggies for dinner or use it to bulk up a salad.

Read Lizzy Briskin's full Costco shopping list: I'm a chef who shops at Costco. Here are my 12 favorite things to buy.

Rao's sauce is a good jarred option. Jordan Kuntz

This shopper thinks Rao's red sauce is worth the higher price tag, and even celebrity chef Ina Garten has given this jarred option her seal of approval.

You can find a great deal at Costco — two 28-ounce jars sell for just $10.79.

Add this sauce to a variety of pasta dishes or meat entrées. 

Canned salmon is cheaper than the fresh alternative. Jordan Kuntz

Canned salmon is a convenient source of protein that doesn't need to be refrigerated, so it's perfect for camping or road trips.

Kuntz drains the ingredient and serves it with mayo, onion, jalapeño, salt, and lemon juice.

These pouches of quinoa and rice are ready in 90 seconds. Jordan Kuntz

This microwavable pack of grains is wholesome and ready in just 90 seconds.

Add it as a side with a protein-heavy dinner or use it as the base for a rice bowl.

A pack of six costs $10.79.

Read Jordan Kuntz's full Costco shopping list: I live on the road full-time in a 27-foot RV. Here are the 15 things I always buy at Costco.

Pesto is great on pasta. Olivia Yi

Yi wrote that Costco's pesto — made with Genovese basil and pine nuts — is one of the best store-bought options.

You can sauté veggies and meat in it or add a few spoonfuls to a bowl of pasta. 

Plus this ingredient works well both hot and cold. 

Available in both salted and unsalted options, this high-quality butter is worth the higher price tag, according to the shopper. 

This rich and creamy butter works well slathered on bread or used in decadent dishes. 

Parmigiano Reggiano is great on several pasta dishes. Olivia Yi

Kirkland's Parmigiano Reggiano is aged over 24 months and boasts nutty and salty undertones.

You can add it to pasta dishes or cheese plates then toss the leftover rinds into soup. 

To boost the ingredient's shelf life, Yi cuts the cheese into chunks and freezes what she won't use right away.

Read Olivia Yi's full Costco shopping list: I create easy Costco recipes for over 33,000 followers. Here are 15 of my favorite things to buy.

POM's whole-grain tortillas are a great base for several meals. Rachel MacPherson

Costco sells packs of POM's tortillas, which come with 15 whole-grain shells.

This wholesome ingredient can serve as the base for a number of meals, like wraps, homemade enchiladas, and quesadillas. 

Sirloin is a lean cut of steak. Rachel MacPherson

Costco sells high-quality meat for fair prices, like this lean top sirloin.

MacPherson uses it to make steakhouse-style salads and will sometimes enjoy leftovers as a side for scrambled eggs.

Salsa is a flavorful dip. Rachel MacPherson

Garden Fresh's salsa sports a lively flavor profile that works with a number of dishes, like omelets, nachos, and baked potatoes.

MacPherson also recommended pairing it with Kirkland's tortilla chips. 

Read Rachel MacPherson's full Costco shopping list: I'm a personal trainer who shops for a family of 6 at Costco. Here are 21 things I always stock up on.

Schnyer grabs this Ocean Spray cranberry juice from Costco to make cocktails and mocktails, like the Tropical Vodka Cran.

A pack of two 96-ounce bottles costs about $8.

Limes are a versatile and fresh ingredient. Chelsea Schnyer

Limes are a common ingredient in many cocktails, from the base of a margarita to the garnish on a Long Island iced tea.

So Schnyer makes sure to grab at least three of these bags each trip.

A bag of 20 medium-sized limes sells for $5.

These infused ice cubes are an interesting buy. Chelsea Schnyer

These Herb and Lou's infused ice cubes are the perfect addition to an old fashioned that won't water it down. 

Read Chelsea Schnyer's full Costco shopping list: I'm a bartender who shops at Costco. Here are 12 things I always buy for my bar on wheels.

This pack of croissants costs $5. Savannah J. Frierson

Frierson said these croissants may have been the reason she got a Costco membership in the first place.

They're massive, fluffy, and buttery, making for a great breakfast or sandwich base. 

This 12-pack of pastries costs just $5.

Simply pop these stuffed bell peppers in the oven. Savannah J. Frierson

Costco sells stuffed peppers for $4.29 a pound. 

Simply pop these in the oven and serve alongside dinner rolls for an easy weeknight meal. 

Kirkland's thick-sliced bacon comes in two packs. Savannah J. Frierson

At just $13.59, this pack of bacon is separated into two 1 1/2- pound portions, so you can freeze one while you use the other. 

Fry up a few strips to serve alongside eggs or add a few pieces to a tasty BLT. 

Read Savannah J. Frierson's full Costco shopping list: I'm a solo shopper at Costco who tries to stick to a $50 budget. Here are 14 things I love to buy.

Sorrento said that instead of cutting out snacks on her weight-loss journey, she found ones that work with her lifestyle, like Barnana's organic plantain chips. 

They're both salty and crunchy.

Packed with healthy fats, this avocado dip is great for snacking or adding to a sandwich. 

It pairs well with tortilla chips or veggies for dunking.

This grain-free swap for normal tortilla chips is made with just cassava flour, avocado oil, coconut flour, chia seeds, and salt.

You can pair it with salsa or guacamole for an easy and delicious snack.

Read Gabriella Sorrento's full Costco shopping list: I lost 40 pounds. Here are 12 Costco products that helped me lose the weight and keep it off.

You can grab a 3-pound bag of almond flour for $11.59.

Blasi wrote that the ingredient was one of the reasons she was able to "sustain a strict keto diet for an extended period."

It's versatile and can be used as a flour substitute in baking or as breading in savory dishes. 

The keto diet is chock-full of healthy fats, so coconut oil is a helpful staple to cook with since it has a smoke point of 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

She said she'd use the ingredient to make fat bombs, which both increase your macros and satisfy a sweet tooth.

Chicken is a versatile source of protein to keep on hand. 

Blasi would use it in homemade pizza crust or in "avocado boats."

Read Elizabeth Blasi's full Costco shopping list: I lost 40 pounds in a year on the keto diet. Here are my 12 favorite Costco buys that helped me meet my goals.

Al-Hatlani said they often use the salty, cured pork as a replacement for bacon in several meals, like pasta or eggs Benedict.

Although prosciutto can be expensive at other stores, shoppers can snag the meat from the chain in two 6-ounce packs for $11.29.

Perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth, these dark-chocolate-covered cookie-dough bites are crunchy and tasty without being overly sugary.

You can snag a 21-ounce bag for $17.40.

These Hungarian "Goathorn" peppers are soaked in a sweet brine of vinegar, sugar, garlic, maple syrup, fennel seed, and salt.

They're vinegary but not too salty, making them a great addition to foods like pizza or biscuits.

Read Alana Al-Hatlani's full Costco shopping list: I'm a professional baker and my boyfriend is a chef. Here are 13 of our favorite things to buy at Costco.