<figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/6989fc23e1ba468a96ababd3?format=jpeg" height="3850" width="5133" alt="A full trunk of groceries in a hatchback car."><figcaption>Food and household staples are some of the things I buy in bulk at Costco.<p class="copyright">Rebecca Kaplan</p></figcaption></figure><ul class="summary-list"><li>I'm a <a target="" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-items-from-costco-executive-member-2025-3" data-autoaffiliated="false">longtime Costco shopper</a> who buys items in bulk for my household of two.</li><li>I always stock up on staples like toilet paper, laundry detergent, and dishwasher detergent.</li><li>Items like eggs, chicken nuggets, canned tuna, and white bread always make it into my cart.</li></ul><p>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 <a target="" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/barbie-dolls-history-evolution-photos">Barbie dolls</a> — and of course, enjoy a $1.50 hot dog and soda combination for lunch.</p><p>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.</p><p><em>Prices may vary by location.</em></p><div id="slideshow"><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">Kirkland Signature toilet paper is a must.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/6989f074d3c7faef0ecde332?format=jpeg" height="3639" width="4852" charset="" alt="Packages of Kirkland Signature toilet paper on display at Costco."><figcaption><p class="copyright">Rebecca Kaplan</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Paper goods can be expensive at my local supermarket, but at Costco, I find they're a great deal.</p><p>Although I pay a little more to buy name-brand paper towels, I do purchase Kirkland Signature toilet paper.</p><p>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.</p><p>During my most recent trip, I paid $25 for 30 rolls.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">Eggs are a great deal at Costco.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/69866767e1ba468a96ab9f33?format=jpeg" height="3799" width="5065" charset="" alt="Cartons of Kirkland Signature cage-free eggs on display at Costco."><figcaption><p class="copyright">Rebecca Kaplan</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>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.</p><p>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.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">I always stock up on laundry detergent.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/6989f04fe1ba468a96abaaaaformat=jpeg" height="3511" width="4681" charset="" alt="Containers of Tide Pods on display at Costco."><figcaption><p class="copyright">Rebecca Kaplan</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Another one of my Costco staples is <a target="" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reference/how-much-laundry-detergent-to-use">laundry detergent</a>. The warehouse carries a variety of brands, including sensitive skin options, which I prefer.</p><p>During this trip, I grabbed a container of Tide Free and Gentle Pods.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">Dishwasher detergent is a steal, too.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/6986635ad3c7faef0ecdd71d?format=jpeg" height="4284" width="5712" charset="" alt="Buckets of Cascade Complete detergent pods on display at Costco."><figcaption><p class="copyright">Rebecca Kaplan</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>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.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">My husband loves the Kirkland Signature canned tuna.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/6989f212e1ba468a96abaad8?format=jpeg" height="3684" width="4911" charset="" alt="Boxes of Kirkland Signature Albacore tuna on display at Costco."><figcaption><p class="copyright">Rebecca Kaplan</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>My husband loves <a target="" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-canned-tuna-to-buy-grocery-store-review-photos">canned tuna</a> and says that the Kirkland Signature albacore solid white version is better than other brands he's had. He eats it on a sandwich mixed with mayonnaise or on its own with crackers.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">Chicken nuggets always land a spot in my cart.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/6989f1b8d3c7faef0ecde34d?format=jpeg" height="3109" width="4145" charset="" alt="Boxes of Dino Buddies nuggets in a freezer case at Costco."><figcaption><p class="copyright">Rebecca Kaplan</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>As a picky eater, I eat <a target="" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-chicken-nuggets-from-grocery-store-review-2023-5">chicken nuggets</a> 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.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">I love looking for novelty and seasonal items.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/6989f5b6d3c7faef0ecde3c3?format=jpeg" height="3217" width="4290" charset="" alt="Boxes of One protein bars, which are made with Reese's peanut butter, on display at Costco."><figcaption><p class="copyright">Rebecca Kaplan</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>Some of my shopping is dependent on what's currently available seasonally, or what novelty items are in stock.</p><p>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 <em>loves</em> Reese's, so these were a quick yes.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">White bread is another item I like to buy in bulk.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/6989f399d3c7faef0ecde389?format=jpeg" height="3077" width="4102" charset="" alt="Loaves of Pepperidge Farm white bread on shelves at Costco."><figcaption><p class="copyright">Rebecca Kaplan</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>I eat a peanut butter sandwich almost every day for lunch, so you can imagine how quickly we go through bread.</p><p>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.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">I always search the aisles for fun drinks.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/6989f2a9d3c7faef0ecde36e?format=jpeg" height="3268" width="4358" charset="" alt="Packages of Ice Starburst-flavored sparkling drinks on display at Costco."><figcaption><p class="copyright">Rebecca Kaplan</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>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.</p><p>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.</p></div></div><div class="slide"><div class="slide-title">Brami protein pasta is delicious.</div><div class="slide-image"><figure><img src="https://i.insider.com/6989f5cce1ba468a96abab39?format=jpeg" height="2758" width="3677" charset="" alt="Boxes of Brami protein pasta on display at Costco."><figcaption><p class="copyright">Rebecca Kaplan</p></figcaption></figure></div><div class="slide-content"><p>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.</p><p>I like to put some tomato sauce on it for another easy way to increase our protein and fiber intake.</p><p><strong>Curious to know what other shoppers put in their carts? Check out our other </strong><a target="_self" rel="" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/costco-diaries"><strong><u>Costco diaries</u></strong></a><strong> here.</strong></p><p><em>This story was originally published on February 10, 2026, and most recently updated on September 22, 2026.</em></p></div></div></div><div class="read-original">Read the original article on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/costco-shopping-for-two-people-save-money-2026-9">Business Insider</a></div>
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