13 Best Produce Items To Stock Up On At Costco

Blueberries

Blueberries are a staple breakfast choice in our household, earning prime placement on the refrigerator shelf. The large container, usually located in the refrigerated produce section near the prepared foods and fresh produce, holds some of the juiciest and sweetest blueberries we've ever tasted. True to Costco's reputation, these blueberries are also impressively large—among the biggest we've encountered. Unlike some other stores where the berries at the bottom of the clamshell are often squished and damaged, this container is not overpacked. As a result, every berry is fresh and tasty, which we truly value. Over more than a decade of purchasing blueberries from Costco, we've only had to discard one or two berries at most.

They are available in an 18-ounce container for about $7.50 for the regular variety, and just under $13 for the same size of organic blueberries. While the packaging doesn't always specify the exact origin of the berries, they are generally sourced from the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Chile, Peru, Argentina, or Uruguay.

Mandarin oranges

This 5-pound bag of mandarin oranges from Costco is packed with fruit and can last for weeks. They are easy to carry and make an excellent snack, making them a great choice for bulk purchases. We always keep them stocked in our home. The oranges come in a handy mesh bag that allows for air circulation while they are stored in the produce section. You can use them to brighten up coleslaw or whip up a refreshing glass of orange juice. However, our favorite way to enjoy mandarin oranges is simply peeling them and savoring the segments as a snack. Buying in bulk is a smart approach for juicing, as it takes about four average-sized oranges to yield just one cup of juice.

The 5-pound bag is priced at around $8, which breaks down to approximately $1.50 per pound. These oranges are sourced from various locations, including the U.S., Morocco, Uruguay, Mexico, Australia, South Africa, Israel, Spain, Chile, and Peru. While you may not know the exact origin of each batch or bag, the quality remains consistently high.

Bananas

The cost of bananas at Costco makes them an excellent buy in the produce aisle. Just remember that bananas can ripen quickly, so it's a good idea to have plans to consume them (or whip up some delicious banana bread) before they start to brown. We enjoy bananas frequently, so they are a staple for us during our Costco trips, and we seldom end up with overripe bananas. Since every household is unique, the great price on bananas may not justify the risk of food waste for everyone, but that’s a consideration no matter where you purchase them.

While bananas aren't always available for delivery, we've consistently found them in-store. Costco also offers organic bananas, which are slightly pricier than their conventionally grown counterparts. However, at under $1 per pound, both options are a good deal, so we choose based on which bunches look the freshest. Since they come in large 3-pound clusters, it's wise to select bananas with a hint of green on their skins. They will continue to ripen at home, extending the shelf life of your purchase.

Bell peppers

The incredible prices on red, yellow, and orange bell peppers at the warehouse store make them a must-have for vegetable lovers. You can find mixed packs of these vibrant varieties for about half the cost compared to other retailers. A six-pack is priced at under $8, while a single bell pepper typically exceeds $1.50 at other grocery stores. They are also delightfully crisp, making them perfect for enjoying raw as a snack or incorporating into stir-fries, casseroles, and other dishes.

Due to their versatility and health benefits, bell peppers are an excellent purchase for a wide range of recipes. If you’re looking for something smaller, consider the mini peppers, which come in a 1.5-pound package for less than $6. While they are great for snacking, their size makes them unsuitable for recipes like stuffed peppers. For those who enjoy stuffed peppers, Costco offers a delicious pre-made version that’s one of our favorites among their ready-to-eat options. Overall, any chance to buy and savor fresh bell peppers at Costco is definitely worth seizing!

Grapes

Another fantastic find at Costco is the 3-pound bag of grapes. They are typically at least a dollar cheaper than other retailers for the same quantity, and often even more. While you’ll need to consume a significant amount to justify the price, these grapes are consistently high-quality and bursting with fresh flavor. Our tip for maximizing the bag's value and preventing them from becoming mushy is to divide them into smaller storage containers once we get home. This way, the grapes at the bottom won’t get squished.

You can choose between red seedless grapes or green seedless grapes for just under $7. However, the warehouse doesn’t offer a mixed bag like some other stores do. The black seedless grapes are slightly over $1 more for the same 3-pound package, but they aren’t always available at Costco. When we do find them, we always opt for a clamshell, as they strike a perfect balance between sweet and tart. They tend to be a bit smaller than other grape varieties, especially the green grapes, which are quite large when purchased at Costco.

Potatoes

Purchasing potatoes in bulk at Costco is a breeze, and luckily, they have a long shelf life when stored properly. Be sure to place them in a well-ventilated area and container. Some bags are sealed, which is not ideal for preventing spoilage, so you might want to transfer them to a different container once you get home. The primary advantage of buying potatoes at Costco is their affordable prices, along with their impressive longevity.

All potato varieties are great, but we particularly love the sweet potatoes. A 6.5-pound bag is priced at about $1 per pound, while a 10-pound bag of white potatoes costs around $6.50, and gold potatoes are just $1 more. Small creamer potatoes cook quickly, but they tend to be a bit more expensive than the other types. All potato options are cost-effective, especially considering their long shelf life in the pantry, but sweet potatoes stand out for their exceptional flavor and nutritional benefits.

Baby carrots

If your household consumes a lot of carrots like ours, the 5-pound bag from Costco is an ideal choice. Priced at $7, it offers a competitive price per pound compared to bags of baby carrots at other grocery stores. Plus, buying in bulk reduces the number of trips to the store, which is why we always make a point to pick these up in the produce section at Costco. They come in a thin plastic bag similar to what you find at other grocery stores, which isn’t particularly impressive, so we always transfer them to a sturdier, sealable container once we get home.

While Costco may not have as many varieties as other retailers—so don’t expect to find tricolor or organic carrots—these are perfect for anyone who enjoys classic baby carrots. One tip we've picked up over the years is to portion the baby carrots into airtight containers as soon as we get home. This helps maintain their freshness, prevents them from becoming slimy, and makes it easier to grab a healthy snack on the go.

Salad mixes

Costco offers a wide range of salad mixes, including spring greens and pre-made salads. This variety is what makes the warehouse a top choice for salad lovers. You can opt for individual green ingredients like spinach or romaine hearts, typically priced around $5 for a bulk purchase. Most of these come in 1-pound containers, so be prepared to enjoy several salads if you stock up. While spinach and similar greens will reduce in volume when cooked, a 1-pound container still provides a substantial amount. These individual produce items can also be incorporated into other dishes, such as quiches or casseroles, but the real standout in the produce section is the selection of salad kits.

One of my personal favorites is the sweet kale salad kit, which we make sure to grab at least once a month during our Costco trips. This kit includes kale, sliced Brussels sprouts, cranberries, nuts, and poppyseed dressing. A single purchase contains two kits for about $8, providing enough salad for our family to enjoy at least four lunches or dinners throughout the week. The salad kits come with all the necessary ingredients in one convenient package, making them a go-to option when we're short on time. We don’t have to worry about finding recipes or running around the store to gather everything — it’s all included.

Tomatoes

One of the standout features of purchasing tomatoes at Costco is the extensive variety available. The warehouse offers a broad selection of smaller tomatoes, including gourmet and specialty varieties, as well as tomatoes on the vine. All of these options are consistently high-quality, flavorful, and conveniently sold in bulk. Prices range from $5.50 to over $8.00, depending on the type and size of the tomatoes. The smallest package contains 1.65 pounds of vine-ripened tomatoes, known for their exceptional sweetness. These are not commonly found in all stores, making the bulk purchase at Costco a more economical choice. The largest option is a 4-pound pack of greenhouse-grown tomatoes on the vine, which can be used as they are or incorporated into various recipes, including sauces.

However, one limitation at Costco is the limited availability of large tomatoes. You won't typically find large beefsteak tomatoes, which are perfect for slicing, but the vine-ripened variety can serve as a substitute in some dishes. Small grape tomatoes may be too firm unless peeled, which isn't the most practical method for preparing this ingredient.

Apples

Monitor the apple selection at Costco to snag the best prices, as both the variety and cost can vary. While their prices are consistently competitive, purchasing bulk apples during a significant sale can lead to savings of 50% or more compared to other retailers.

Depending on the variety, apples are available in 3-pound or 4-pound bags, with bulk prices ranging from $6.50 to $9.35. Considering that similar types can cost up to $1.50 each, buying in bulk at Costco is a smart choice for households that love apples.

Apples are a fruit that can last quite a while when stored properly. They can remain fresh for several weeks if kept in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, which helps minimize moisture and shields them from sunlight that can accelerate ripening and spoilage. Given that they are sold in large quantities, proper storage is essential to maintain their freshness and crispness, maximizing the value of your purchase.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms can enhance a wide range of dishes, making bulk purchases a great choice. At Costco, a 24-ounce container of large white mushrooms is priced at just $4.20, while a slightly smaller 20-ounce container at another grocery store costs $5.50. Crimini mushrooms are a bit pricier for the same size, but their organic status may appeal to some shoppers. Unfortunately, Costco does not offer sliced mushrooms in the produce section, so you might need to prepare them yourself for certain recipes.

Costco also features competitive prices on gourmet options like chanterelles. We were pleasantly surprised to find wild mushrooms at a bulk warehouse, not only due to the price but also the variety available. However, these gourmet mushrooms are significantly more expensive, priced at over $16 for a 16-ounce container. When searching at other stores, you may struggle to find them in anything other than dried form.

Pumpkin

This produce is seasonal and more suitable for decoration than consumption. However, considering the steep prices of pumpkins at garden centers and charming pumpkin patches, you might want to consider bringing one of these large specimens home for your budget-friendly jack-o-lantern. They are sourced from farms across the United States, so while you may not be directly supporting a local farm as you would at a fall festival, you can still feel good knowing your purchase benefits U.S. farmers.

The size and weight of the pumpkins can vary, but they all share a uniform price of $8. Most are classified as jumbo and are significantly larger than what you might find at other grocery stores. Just remember, these large pumpkins are ideal for decoration rather than for eating. While the seeds can be a tasty roasted snack, these are not the type of pumpkins that have a lot of flesh for baking pies. Luckily, Costco also offers some impressive and enormous pumpkin pies during the fall season, along with canned pumpkin for those who prefer to make their own desserts.

Unlike other stores that often display pumpkins outside or near the entrance, Costco features a large bin of these autumn favorites right in the produce section.

Rambutan

One of the more unique items on our list is the spiky rambutan. If you haven't experienced this sweet fruit from Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and Ecuador, you should definitely consider adding it to your shopping list. While it is native to certain regions of Southeast Asia, it is also cultivated in other areas with similar climates. The exterior features soft hairs resembling spikes, which you must navigate to access the sweet, white flesh inside. Rambutan can be somewhat hard to find, but Costco offers a generous bulk package for $9.35, containing 1.5 pounds of fruit.

The mere presence of this fruit at Costco makes it a must-try when the opportunity arises. If you locate a store that stocks rambutan, an 8-ounce container usually retails for about $6.50. The only drawback of purchasing in bulk is that if you don't enjoy it, you'll be left with a sizable amount. However, trust us — you'll adore the tender, sweet fruit hidden beneath the spiky red shell. Plus, they add a delightful visual appeal when displayed in a bowl on a communal table.