I only Shop for 2, but Buying in Bulk Saves Me Money. Here Are 10 Things I Always Get at Costco.

Why It Matters

Bulk purchasing at Costco delivers measurable per‑unit savings, enabling tight‑budget households to maintain quality and variety. This reinforces the competitive edge of membership‑based warehouse retailers in a price‑sensitive market.

Key Takeaways

• Bulk staples cut grocery bills for two-person households
• Kirkland toilet paper 30 rolls for $25 beats supermarket prices
• 24‑count eggs cost $4.83 versus $6.23 national average
• Detergents and pantry items offer significant per‑unit savings
• Seasonal and novelty items add variety without high costs

Pulse Analysis

Warehouse clubs like Costco have become a strategic anchor for cost‑conscious consumers, especially those managing a small household. By aggregating demand across millions of members, Costco can negotiate lower supplier prices and pass those savings onto shoppers in the form of larger pack sizes. For a duo, the per‑unit math often favors bulk: a dozen eggs that once topped $6 at grocery chains now costs under $5, while a 30‑roll pack of Kirkland toilet paper runs about $25, translating to a fraction of the price per roll compared with conventional retailers. This pricing structure not only stretches budgets but also reduces the frequency of shopping trips, saving time and ancillary expenses.

The categories highlighted—paper goods, dairy, detergents, and pantry staples—illustrate where bulk buying yields the highest return on investment. Paper products, traditionally a high‑margin item, see steep discounts when purchased in multi‑roll packs, directly benefiting households with specific preferences, such as softer, hypoallergenic options. Similarly, bulk detergents and dishwasher pods lower the cost per load, a critical factor for families aiming to keep utility expenses in check. Even protein‑rich foods like Brami pasta and specialty canned tuna provide nutritional value without the premium price tag associated with niche health foods, reinforcing the notion that bulk doesn’t have to mean bland.

Beyond pure economics, Costco’s model supports flexibility and experimentation. Seasonal novelty items, limited‑time snacks, and protein‑enhanced products allow shoppers to diversify their diet without incurring the typical price spikes of specialty stores. This blend of savings and variety encourages repeat membership and fosters a perception of value that extends beyond the checkout aisle. As inflation pressures persist, the appeal of bulk purchasing for small households is likely to grow, positioning Costco and similar clubs as essential players in the evolving retail landscape.

I only shop for 2, but buying in bulk saves me money. Here are 10 things I always get at Costco.

By Rebecca Kaplan · 2026‑02‑10

Food and household staples are some of the things I buy in bulk at Costco.

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I've been a Costco shopper for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I often went there with my parents on the weekends to buy bulk food items, books, clothing, and Barbie dolls — and of course, enjoy a $1.50 hot‑dog and soda combo for lunch.

Now, as an adult, I shop there for bulk staples for my household of two. These are the 10 items that always make it into my shopping cart.

• Items like eggs, chicken nuggets, canned tuna, and white bread always make it into my cart.

• I always stock up on staples like toilet paper, laundry detergent, and dishwasher detergent.

• I'm a longtime Costco shopper who buys items in bulk for my household of two.

Prices may vary by location.

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Kirkland Signature toilet paper is a must.

Paper goods can be expensive at my local supermarket, but at Costco, I find they're a great deal. Although I pay a little more to buy name‑brand paper towels, I do purchase Kirkland Signature toilet paper. As a household of two people with stomach issues, we're picky about what toilet paper we buy. However, I think the Kirkland Signature version is comparable to the Angel Soft brand. During my most recent trip, I paid $25 for 30 rolls.

Eggs are a great deal at Costco.

When the average price for a dozen eggs rose to a record‑high $6.23 in early 2025, I turned to Costco for more cost‑effective options. Now, I typically buy the 24‑count of large white eggs for $4.83 and use them for breakfast, a snack, and a key ingredient when baking.

I always stock up on laundry detergent.

Another one of my Costco staples is laundry detergent. The warehouse carries a variety of brands, including sensitive‑skin options, which I prefer. During this trip, I grabbed a container of Tide Free and Gentle Pods.

Dishwasher detergent is a steal, too.

I also stock up on dishwasher detergent at Costco, which is typically stocked in both liquid and pod forms. I grabbed the Cascade Complete pods, which were on sale for $14, which I thought was a great deal.

Chicken nuggets always land a spot in my cart.

As a picky eater, I eat chicken nuggets several times a week. I like to make the Dino Buddies version in the toaster oven and have them with a side of rice or pasta.

My husband loves the Kirkland Signature canned tuna.

My husband loves canned tuna and says that the Kirkland Signature albacore solid white version is better than other brands he's had. He eats it as a sandwich mixed with mayonnaise or on its own with crackers.

I always search the aisles for fun drinks.

Drinks are another item that usually come home with me. For my husband, it's typically Gatorade to replenish his electrolytes after working out, playing softball, or doing jiu‑jitsu. On this trip, I got a great deal on Starburst‑flavored Sparkling Ice (on sale for $13) to help wash down a new liquid medication I'm on.

White bread is another item I like to buy in bulk.

I eat a peanut‑butter sandwich almost every day for lunch, so you can imagine how quickly we go through bread. Costco carries Pepperidge Farm white bread as a two‑pack, so I always grab that — especially because the cost for two loaves ($6.37) is similar to what I've seen for one at other supermarkets.

I love looking for novelty and seasonal items.

Some of my shopping is dependent on what's currently available seasonally, or what novelty items are in stock. On this shopping trip, I grabbed the Reese's‑inspired One‑brand protein bars. My husband tries to consume as much protein as possible and loves Reese's, so these were a quick yes.

Brami protein pasta is delicious.

Costco carries Brami protein pasta in bulk, which is a huge win for me. This is the best‑tasting protein pasta we've tried, and its consistency is actually pretty similar to regular pasta. I like to put some tomato sauce on it for another easy way to increase our protein and fiber intake.