Grocery prices are still up, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting a 1.9% increase in the past year (as of December 2023). That’s why savvy shoppers – including professional chefs – are turning to wholesale retailers like Costco to stretch their budgets. Here are five items that chefs recommend for saving money on groceries:
Rotisserie Chicken: The $5.66 Meal Hack
Costco’s rotisserie chicken is a standout deal at just $5.66. It’s pre-cooked, requiring zero prep time, and incredibly versatile.
“A rotisserie chicken is one of the best cost-per-meal moves in the store,” says Kyle Taylor, founder of He Cooks. “You get ready-to-eat protein for night one, then leftovers become chicken salad, tacos, fried rice, soups, or pasta. Plus, the carcass can be simmered into stock, turning scraps into another full meal.”
This highlights a key trend: maximizing a single ingredient across multiple meals to reduce waste and lower costs.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: The Low-Waste Solution
Fresh produce can spoil quickly, leading to wasted money. Costco’s Kirkland Signature frozen mixed vegetables ($11.68) solve this.
Taylor points out, “Frozen vegetables are the cheat code for low-waste cooking. They’re already prepped, last forever, and turn into fast dinners: stir-fries, soups, pasta, or sheet-pan meals.”
This emphasizes a growing consumer habit: prioritizing convenience and minimizing food waste to reduce expenses.
Bulk Cooking Oils: A Quiet Savings Opportunity
Small bottles of cooking oil add up fast. Buying in bulk at Costco ($14.99 to $33.49) can significantly lower costs, especially for frequent cooks.
Chuck Hayworth, chef and COO at The Resort Chef, explains, “Buying oils in bulk is far more economical for daily cooking or family meal prep. It’s even half the price for double the equivalent at some grocery stores.”
This speaks to a broader trend: consumers seeking long-term savings by purchasing staples in larger quantities.
Wraps and Food Storage: The Hidden Costs
Parchment paper, plastic wrap, and storage containers are often overlooked expenses. Costco’s bulk options (price varies) can save money for bakers and meal preppers.
Hayworth recommends, “If you bake regularly, buy parchment paper in bulk from Costco. Glass meal prep containers are also cheaper in bulk – up to 20% savings compared to individual packs.”
This illustrates how small, recurring costs can add up, making bulk purchases worthwhile.
Flour: The Baking Essential
Specialty flours can be expensive. Costco’s larger bags ($16.49 to $56.99) make homemade cooking more affordable.
Hayworth adds, “Costco can’t be beat for all-purpose, gluten-free, almond, or organic bread flour. My estimate is at least a 15% savings over standard grocery pricing.”
This highlights how consumers are turning to home cooking as a way to control food costs in an inflationary environment.
In conclusion, Costco’s bulk options on staples like rotisserie chicken, frozen vegetables, cooking oils, wraps, and flour offer significant savings for cooks. By prioritizing convenience, reducing waste, and buying in bulk, shoppers can beat inflation at the grocery store.
