Just joined Costco -what are the good bargains?

[Pooeverywhere]

I have four hungry messy children, one who is still in nappies, two hungry dogs, and a sporty dh. So lots of food and lots of washing.

They all have big appetites, and I've come to the realisation that buying in bulk is probably a good idea.
Are there things I should look out for especially? Dont know where to start really.
Are nappies and wipes a good idea, at the moment I get them from Lidl. Would I be saving anything getting them at Costco?
Thanks in advance.

I find often that things are the same price as supermarket but for much bigger packs so you are getting more. E.g. Dettox spray 750ml x3 pack for same as 500ml x2 bottles. I buy tinned tomatoes (branded), tinned salmon/sardines, pasta (garolfo brand which is lovely) massive multipack bags of crisps etc. cleaning products, tomato purée, bottled water, mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, washing powder, soap, shower gel. I try to buy only brands and products that I would buy anyway to make them real bargains and use my ocado on the go phone app to check prices. On my first big shop I checked the prices against ocado and found I had saved over £100 having spent £120, so I think it really worth it if you watch what you are spending. However, the cheap Birkenstocks, havaianas and yummy cakes can negate your savings if you are not careful! My dad swears the wine is much cheaper like for like than supermarket offers but I've not really looked into it. I've also had some good bargains on things I wanted to buy for the house - a Dualit toaster that I wanted was about £30 cheaper than the nearest onlne price I could find and I bought a new printer last year for only £30 when ours broke. Again, it depends what you would have bought anyway and whether they have something you want at the right time but my experience had been brilliant. We use my dad's membership when we visit him but I think that the savings we've made would make it really worthwhile having our own.

I agree with pesto. It's not always cheaper, but for quality products, it is good value. I do my main shop there, I go at least twice a month. Cleaning products are best stocked up when the offers come round, and you can do that with water too. Ideally you really need lots of storage space at home!

I don't buy herbs and spices there, because even dried, they are better fresh, I don't really want herbs sitting around for months. Though the saffron is good if you get through a lot of it. Their chicken kievs are nice, and their spicy chicken goujon things.

I don't know if ALL Costcos do it, but ours (reading) has a fish stall once a month, usually the last weekend. Really excellent quality fish, things like monkfish, king crab claws, etc. Some Costcos stock Jalepeno bagels, which are delicious.

I also buy books for the kids, usually get a set a month, box sets of up to ten books for around £10, bargain! Also good for adult hardbacks, recipe books, etc.

I hate Costco but also LOVE it . It's great for lunchbox supplies, paper goods, dishwasher and laundry detergent, yogurt, butter, eggs, peanut butter, cereal, juice, baking supplies, meat, smoked salmon, frozen shrimp, frozen fruit for smoothies, rice, pasta, underwear and socks for the DCs.... Produce can be hit or miss so always check it carefully before buying and be prepared to eat it all up quickly before it perishes. I still shop at the ordinary supermarket as well but it's entirely possible to do ALL your shopping there if you're organized (take DH to wheel a second cart around and repackage and freeze stuff when you get home) are prepared to eat broccoli every night to use up the giant bags you will get there and things so that nothing goes to waste. Have fun!

• meant to add there is a lot of junk food there too...and in very large quantities. RESIST the temptation .

Their Kirkland black bin bags (100 on a big roll) are brilliant, really strong. I hate being ripped off in the supermarkets with their measly equivalents.

Also big tubs of black peppercorns, much cheaper.

Wine and champagne are good value.

I also get a big box of Walkers crisps - it's so nice to eat crisps that have not been handled (and broken) by about 5 people before you eat them!

Agree you have to watch what you get as not everything is automatically a good deal

We get;

Loo rolls (we normally infact base our next Costco shop on when we run out of their massive packs!)
Tinned toms/passata sauce
Massive jugs of rice
The meat section is great quality and value, I split it all out and freeze
Washing powder
Bin bags

The massive birthday cakes are brilliant value and the cafe is great too :)

I don't think the wine & champagne are that good on price tbh, which ones have you seen Annettecurtain?

Quick hijack, any one know how much the sandwich platters are? Sorry OP

You have WINE and champagne in Costco in the UK!!!!!!!!! .

You have red velvet CAKES in costco in the US!